Gerrick Mijares Rancho Mirage
In every community, there are individuals whose presence quietly uplifts those around them, people whose passions, principles, and everyday actions create a lasting ripple of good. Garrick Mijares is one such person. Rooted in the vibrant culture of Palm Springs, he has woven together a life rich in service, creativity, and compassion, leaving a meaningful imprint on both people and place.
Heart, Heritage, and Horsepower: The Story of Garrick Mijares
In the sun-soaked heart of Palm Springs, California, Garrick Mijares has built a life defined by passion, purpose, and community. A proud graduate of Corbett High School’s Class of 1981, Garrick has remained a familiar face in the region, known not just for his kindness and professionalism but also for the enthusiasm he brings to every pursuit. His excellence in service earned him recognition as KMIR News’ “Server of the Week” in 2021, and The Desert Sun has highlighted his role in the local dining scene, including coverage of Pomme Frite restaurant’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Gerrick Mijares of Rancho Mirage’s love for classic cars, particularly Corvettes, is another defining part of his story. As a devoted member of the Palm Springs Cruising Association, he has long been an active participant in car shows and local gatherings celebrating automotive history. His dedication paid off in 2005 when he took home the title of “Best Ford in Show”, a fitting honor for someone who views restoration as both art and heritage.
Yet Garrick’s passions reach far beyond the open road. In May 2024, he joined the Spiritual Center of the Desert, a step that reflects his lifelong commitment to personal growth and connection with others. His spiritual practice, much like his love for cars, is rooted in care, patience, and appreciation for the beauty of creation.
A steadfast advocate for animals and the environment, Gerrick Mijares of Rancho Mirage proudly supports the ASPCA and the National Wildlife Federation. His home property has been officially recognized as a National Wildlife Sanctuary, a living testament to his dedication to conservation and the creatures who share our planet. Whether he’s caring for wildlife, restoring vintage vehicles, or supporting local institutions, Gerrick Mijares of Rancho Mirage approaches everything with heart and integrity.
Through decades of service, craftsmanship, and compassion, Garrick Mijares has left an indelible mark on Palm Springs. His life is a celebration of community spirit, creativity, and the quiet power of doing what you love with purpose.
Wild at Home: How to Turn Your Property into a Certified Wildlife Habitat
Creating a home that supports the natural world is one of the most rewarding ways to live in harmony with nature. While many people imagine conservation as something that happens only in forests or parks, the truth is that every yard, balcony, and garden can play a part in protecting wildlife. Across the country, homeowners are transforming their outdoor spaces into thriving ecosystems that offer food, water, shelter, and safe places for animals to raise their young. Inspired by conservation advocates like Garrick Mijares, whose property in California is designated as a National Wildlife Sanctuary, this guide explores how anyone can make their own home a refuge for nature.
Understanding the Purpose of a Wildlife Habitat
A certified wildlife habitat is more than a pretty garden. It is an intentionally designed space that meets the essential needs of local species. Birds, butterflies, bees, frogs, squirrels, and other creatures rely on small green spaces for survival, especially in areas where urban development has reduced their natural habitats. Gerrick Mijares of Rancho Mirage emphasizes that by creating a backyard that supports these species, homeowners help restore the ecological balance that modern landscaping often disrupts.
Certification programs like those offered by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) make this process both accessible and meaningful. The NWF certification acknowledges private properties that provide the four critical elements of habitat: food, water, cover, and places to raise young. Once these needs are met, homeowners can apply for official recognition, often receiving a sign to display on their property as a reminder that conservation begins right at home.
Step One: Provide Natural Sources of Food
The first step in creating a wildlife-friendly environment is ensuring animals have access to food. The most sustainable way to do this is by planting native species. Native plants naturally produce seeds, berries, nectar, and nuts that local animals recognize and rely on. For instance, flowering plants like coneflowers and milkweed attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while berry-producing shrubs like elderberry or serviceberry provide nourishment for birds.
Avoid relying solely on bird feeders or artificial food sources. While feeders can be helpful during winter, they do not replace the variety and nutrition offered by natural vegetation. Think of your yard as an all-seasons buffet where animals can forage naturally. Diversity is key. A mix of trees, shrubs, and perennials will ensure that food is available year-round for different species.
Step Two: Supply Clean and Accessible Water
All living creatures need water to survive. Providing a reliable water source can be as simple as adding a birdbath or as elaborate as installing a small pond. The key is to keep water clean and safe. Change birdbath water every few days to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, and consider adding a small solar-powered fountain to keep it circulating.
If space allows, a shallow pond with sloping edges can attract frogs, dragonflies, and other aquatic wildlife. Avoid using chemical treatments in your water features, as these can harm the very animals you are trying to attract. Even a small, shallow dish filled with water and pebbles can make a difference for bees and butterflies that need a place to drink safely.
Step Three: Create Shelter and Safe Spaces
Wild animals need protection from predators, harsh weather, and human disturbances. Shelter can take many forms, from dense shrubs to brush piles or rock borders. Trees are particularly valuable, offering both nesting sites and shade. Evergreen species provide cover year-round, while deciduous trees host insects that serve as food for birds and bats.
Gardeners can also create habitat by leaving natural debris. Instead of clearing every fallen branch or leaf, consider leaving some areas undisturbed. Hollow logs, rock piles, and tall grasses create natural hiding spots for small animals and insects. Gerrick Mijares of Rancho Mirage explains that if your space allows, install birdhouses, bat boxes, or bee hotels to give wildlife designated areas to live and reproduce safely.
Step Four: Offer a Place to Raise Young
Providing nesting and breeding spaces ensures that your habitat supports life from one generation to the next. Birds may use nest boxes or cavities in old trees, while butterflies lay eggs on host plants such as milkweed. Frogs and turtles will breed near ponds or wetlands. To create a balanced ecosystem, think about the entire life cycle of the creatures you are welcoming.
Avoid using pesticides or herbicides, as these chemicals can harm young animals or eliminate the insects that many species depend on for food. A healthy wildlife habitat is not about perfection but about balance. Some plants will be eaten, and that is part of the natural process.
Step Five: Practice Sustainable Landscaping
Sustainability is the foundation of a wildlife habitat. Limit the use of lawns, which provide little ecological benefit, and focus instead on planting native grasses, flowers, and shrubs that require less water and maintenance. Composting garden waste and using organic fertilizers keep the soil healthy without introducing harmful chemicals.
Water conservation also plays a key role. Group plants with similar watering needs, collect rainwater when possible, and mulch your garden beds to retain moisture. These steps not only benefit wildlife but also reduce utility costs and create a more resilient garden.
Step Six: Get Certified and Inspire Others
Once your yard provides the necessary elements of habitat, consider applying for certification through the National Wildlife Federation or a similar organization. The certification process is simple and educational, often inspiring homeowners to continue improving their green spaces. Displaying a wildlife habitat sign in your yard can also encourage neighbors to learn about conservation and make changes of their own.
Gerrick Mijares of Rancho Mirage emphasizes that by sharing your experience on social media or within local community groups, you can help spread awareness of how small actions lead to big environmental impact. The collective effort of many individuals working together can create corridors of green space that support wildlife even in urban and suburban areas.
The Reward of Living Wild at Home
Transforming your property into a certified wildlife habitat is not only beneficial for the planet, it also enriches daily life. Watching butterflies visit native blooms or hearing songbirds return each spring fosters a sense of connection and peace that modern life often overlooks. For people like Gerrick Mijares of Rancho Mirage, whose California property serves as a haven for wildlife, this kind of stewardship is both a lifestyle and a legacy.
Creating a wildlife sanctuary at home reminds us that every patch of earth, no matter how small, has the potential to nurture life. With care, patience, and purpose, anyone can turn their own backyard into a living testament to the beauty and resilience of the natural world.