Pockets of Land Need Protection

While I agree with Elisabeth M. Brown that the two large swaths of our dwindling Orange County coastline and its immediate inland areas must be preserved, I also feel that pockets within the sphere of influence of our local cities should be preserved (“Reserve Will Make a Difference in Preserving Native Wildlife,” Orange County Voices, April 28).

The 57-acre hillside directly below our hilltop condominium complex is one such fragment worth preserving. It’s covered with those low-growing fragrant shrubs of which Brown speaks. It is home to much wildlife: a small herd of deer, rabbits and mice, raccoons and possums, even the elusive bobcat. The hillside is home to quail, who nest under the protection of low shrubs, and at least one pair of road runners, that unique bird of the arid deserts. The tall eucalyptus trees are resting places for ravens, even the migratory golden eagle. From the large red-tail hawk to the gentle dove and small song birds, this hillside area is home.

I’ve lived atop these hills since the late 1960s, and the erosion of urban development I’ve seen fastened onto our hillsides and flatlands has been relentless.

Can’t we leave fragments of breathing space for our wildlife? Yes. The big reserves Brown speaks of are vitally necessary, but so are fragments in and among developments. Our city councils should plan and implement the purchase of these vital fragments, or we’ll find ourselves living in concrete cities, relegating to the history books the wilderness we once enjoyed.

GINNIE RYDER

Laguna Niguel