Gift of Land Adds Vital Connectivity at The Nature Conservancy’s Randall Preserve

The Nature Conservancy is pleased to announce the generous donation of six parcels of land from Richard Hennig of Laramie, Wyoming, in memory of his grandparents, Lawrence and Elsie Brown, and his parents, Arden and Mary Hennig. This contribution provides important habitat along the Caliente Creek and connects to The Nature Conservancy’s Frank and Joan Randall Preserve further enriching the ecological value of the region.

Richard Hennig and his partner, Karen Saunders, expressed their joy in being able to contribute to the magnificent Randall Preserve. "Karen and I are very pleased to contribute this land to the Randall Preserve in honor of my grandparents and parents," said Richard Hennig. "We hope that this donation will provide a lasting recognition of my family's legacy and support the important work of The Nature Conservancy in preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Caliente region."

This region is an important link in a wildlife corridor that spans not just California but the entire west coast of North America from Mexico to Alaska. The Randall Preserve is a critical lifeline for hundreds of species, including some of California’s most iconic like the black bear, mountain lion, bobcat and endangered California condor.

The donation honors the legacy of the Browns, who purchased the Caliente Store and surrounding properties in 1944, and the Hennigs, their daughter and son-in-law, who joined them in operating the Caliente General Store for over three decades, and who raised their two children in Caliente.

In 1980, the Hennigs remodeled the store building for lease to the US Postal Service, which continues to serve as the local Post Office. Richard's sister, Merry Davis of Bakersfield, along with her late husband, Kern County Deputy Sheriff Garry Davis, managed the Post Office property for the family for many years until their retirement in 2020.

The town of Caliente, once a thriving community, now primarily consists of the local Post Office, which remains a landmark of historical significance, and a small core of dedicated, full-time residents. This donation not only conserves vital habitat but also highlights the rich history of the area.

The Nature Conservancy remains committed to preserving and protecting the natural world, and this generous gift from Richard Hennig is a significant step towards achieving that mission. The Randall Preserve continues to be a beacon of environmental stewardship thanks to the support of donors like Hennig.

Visit Randall Preserve for more information about The Nature Conservancy and the preserve.