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Places We Protect

Torrance Ranch Preserve

Nevada

Amargosa toads
Amargosa toads The Torrance Ranch Preserve provides vital habitat for the Amargosa toad. © Len Warren/TNC

We've been working to improve habitat at Torrance Ranch for more than a decade. Explore this incredible protected place.

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Overview

Description

The Torrance Ranch Preserve was acquired by The Nature Conservancy in 1999 and is the Conservancy’s first restoration project in the Oasis Valley. The goal of restoration at this site is to re-create a functioning ecosystem in an area that had been affected by over 100 years of human activity.

The restoration approach developed at Torrance Ranch has been successful in attracting local and migratory birds and in supporting native amphibians, fishes and thriving native plant communities. The work being done here has become a model for how to create and sustain wetland habitats and is being implemented at additional sites in the Oasis Valley including the Parker Ranch, the Spicer property, Crystal Springs complex and others.

As the natural communities recover at TNC’s Torrance Ranch Preserve and other locations along the Amargosa River, they are becoming a unique destination in southern Nevada – a place of natural beauty and diversity for animals and people alike.

How can I be a part of what is next?
Learn more about our work in Nevada, making a contribution, or volunteering.  If you have more questions, you can call our office at 775.322.4990.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Hours

Torrance Ranch Preserve is open from dawn until dusk daily.

Highlights

Explore the boardwalk, see restored Amargosa toad habitat and native fish pools, learn about our work via interpretive signage .

Explore our work in this region

As the natural communities recover at TNC’s Torrance Ranch Preserve and other locations along the Amargosa River such as Ash Meadows, they are becoming unique destinations in Southern Nevada. Providing a rare combination of cooling shade and water in the Mojave Desert, they are places of natural beauty and diversity for animals and people alike.

Amargosa toad habitat, consisting of small ponds and standing pools, is spread throughout this property. Please do not disturb these areas. Torrance Ranch Preserve is open from dawn 'til dusk daily.

Things to do:

  • Picnic
  • Walk Trails – Sturdy shoes advised
  • Observe and enjoy nature
  • Pay attention to caution signs and avoid swampy areas
  • Pack out any trash you brought with you
  • Keep an eye out for snakes during the warmer months and avoid any contact with them - let them remain where they are.
  • Keep dogs on leash and clean up after them
  • Take only pictures – leave only footprints

Please No:

  • Smoking due to extreme fire risk!
  • Lighting of fires or use of fireworks
  • Camping or overnight stays in vehicles
  • Motor vehicles outside of parking area
  • Hunting or discharge of firearms
  • Dumping of waste
  • Disturbing of nesting birds
  • Collection of plant or animal materials
  • Firewood collection