EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The California State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently contributed funding to support the installation of a water collection and storage system on the Canada de los Osos Ecological Reserve — a vital enhancement for wildlife on the nearly 5,800-acre preserve in Santa Clara County.
Owned by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Canada de los Osos Ecological Reserve was designated an ecological reserve in 2003. Since then, the reserve has been the site of numerous habitat restoration projects aimed at improving conditions for wildlife. In 2017, the NWTF helped fund a native grass seeding project on approximately seven acres of the reserve, contributing to the larger effort of habitat improvement.
Now, the California State Chapter is once again making a lasting impact for wildlife — this time through the installation of a wildlife water system. The system will collect and store rainwater to ensure consistent water access for wildlife in an area where natural water sources are scarce, especially during California’s dry seasons.
The reserve is home to a mosaic of habitats, including grasslands, oak and montane woodlands, riparian corridors and wetlands. These habitats support a wide range of species, such as wild turkeys, mountain lions, black-tailed deer, wild pigs, California quail, Neotropical migratory songbirds, and raptors like golden and bald eagles.
The water system will serve as a critical resource for these species, particularly during dry months when surface water is limited. Access to reliable water supports daily survival needs — from hydration and thermoregulation to habitat use and movement patterns — contributing to overall wildlife health and habitat utilization.
In addition to its ecological value, the project supports the reserve’s outreach and mentorship efforts. By improving wildlife habitat, projects like this support wildlife and create sustainable opportunities for outdoor recreation. The nonprofit Friends of the Canada de los Osos hosts a limited number of mentored youth hunts annually on the reserve, including hunts for wild turkey, deer and wild pig. They also provide youth fishing opportunities, helping connect the next generation to wildlife, conservation and the outdoors.
“It is so rewarding to continue a partnership with such a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers from the Friends of the Canada de los Osos,” said Krista Modlin, NWTF district biologist for California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. “Their work continues to create high quality habitat and to introduce the next generation of outdoorsmen and women.”
Across the West, the NWTF and its dedicated volunteers continue to address water needs in arid landscapes. In Idaho, Joe Foster and other volunteers are using innovative water boxes to help planted trees survive in dry environments, ensuring reforestation efforts are successful in challenging conditions. In Arizona, NWTF volunteers like Roy Crain and others have worked to install trick tanks on public lands across the state. These manmade water catchment systems collect rainwater and reduce evaporation, providing critical water sources for wildlife where natural availability is limited.
This latest project underscores the NWTF’s commitment to addressing critical resource needs on the landscape while fostering the next generation of conservationists. By ensuring water availability in this arid region and supporting youth hunting and fishing opportunities, the NWTF and its partners are building a more resilient future for wildlife and for the traditions that connect us to the land.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
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