OKIHI
“Okihi” comes from the Chumash language, meaning “Can-Do.”
Restoration, Education, Recreation
What is Okihi?
Okihi is an educational riverfront oasis, a sanctuary where learning and tranquility coexist, enriching our community and sowing seeds of knowledge, wellness and appreciation for nature, ensuring the well-being of generations to come.
Educating the youth about the local ecosystem and spending time with the animals.
What we are doing
White Wolf Wellness has a 5-year plan to restore the 13.7-acre property to a mindful retreat space with outdoor education programs. Imagine a mindful retreat space where you can come for an educational program, attend a yoga class, walk the labyrinth, go for a hike, pet a goat or read a book in a hammock along the river edge! We will have day-use, camping and retreat options available. All this centered around sustainable water and land management practices. Practices that balance native and edible plants to restore healthy habitats for all our animal friends.
A mother and daughter volunteering and replanting wildflowers at Okihi.
How you can help
Your support is creating change locally, that reshapes healthier and more vibrant communities throughout the Central Valley. Become a member, volunteer or donate. We offer volunteer and member access days every Thu - Sat from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. This is the best way to get to know us and catch the vision of the work we are collectively doing.
Damage to one of the buildings on the property before we took over.
How we found it
Neglected, Burned, Dangerous
Since the 1940’s Okihi had been a thriving camp for young people to experience the outdoors. When the camp closed in 2010 it was destroyed by vandals, fire, off-roading, and neglect. It was dangerous for the community to access the land in this state. There was crime, trash, stolen vehicles, and even a cock fighting ring established on the land!
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Thank you to the VAH Foundation for all their support. Over 3 years they have contributed $60,000 to help make improvements at Okihi. They currently are funding GroundWorks, Okihi’s first outdoor educational program for the public. Starting in winter 2023, you are invited to come learn about composting, water sequestering, rotational grazing and wild and edible gardens.
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Our first state grant is going to fund the program Pathways; Taking Education Outside.
this program is designed to bring children out into nature and teach them first hand, about the evolving ecosystem along the Kern River. From summer to fall, winter into spring together we will explore how seasons affect our environment and all those who live within it.
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We want to thank all 4 Rotary Clubs in Bakersfield for pitching in $12,000 to create the first trail right alongside the river at Okihi.
Unfortunately we were about 80% completed when we were hit with flooding that was stronger that we anticipated. Our trail which was designed to be water permeable, wasn’t strong enough for the rushing river and was completely destroyed. At least we will have the memories?