Will an actual Wildlife & Conservation Center be built?

Yes. The Antelope Valley Wildlife & Conservation Center (AVWCC) is a long-term vision that we fully intend to bring to life. We are currently working with the City of Lancaster to explore potential opportunities and partnerships that could help make a permanent location possible. While we are still in the planning and fundraising stages, every partnership, volunteer, donor, and supporter brings us one step closer to opening our doors.

Why did you choose Lancaster instead of Palmdale?

Our founder Dr. Aubray McPherson believes Lancaster's expansive open spaces provide a unique opportunity for thoughtfully planned wildlife education and conservation experiences. Our vision is to create a destination that serves Lancaster residents while welcoming visitors from across the Antelope Valley, Southern California, and beyond.

Our goal is not to compete with neighboring cities, but rather to create a regional destination that benefits the entire Antelope Valley.

Is the Antelope Valley Wildlife & Conservation Center owned by the City of Lancaster?

No. The Antelope Valley Wildlife & Conservation Center (AVWCC) is not owned or operated by the City of Lancaster. The organization is a private nonprofit initiative established by WJN Holdings, with the goal of creating a lasting community resource focused on wildlife conservation, environmental education, scientific research, and family experiences.

While we are actively seeking to build a strong partnership with the City of Lancaster and other public and private organizations, AVWCC will remain independently governed. Our vision is to work collaboratively with local government, schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community members to create a destination that benefits the entire Antelope Valley, its residents, and beyond.

What is WJN Holdings?

WJN Holdings is a privately owned holding company that develops, owns, manages, and supports a diverse portfolio of organizations, projects, and business ventures. Its interests include both for-profit businesses and mission-driven nonprofit initiatives, with a focus on creating sustainable organizations that positively impact the communities they serve.

As the founding organization of the Antelope Valley Wildlife & Conservation Center, WJN Holdings provides strategic planning, administrative oversight, business development, financial management, and long-term organizational support. Its role is to help establish a strong operational foundation while allowing AVWCC to fulfill its mission as an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation, education, research, and community engagement.

Through partnerships with local governments, educational institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community members, WJN Holdings is committed to helping develop projects that promote economic growth, educational opportunities, environmental stewardship, and long-term community investment.

Are you planning to partner with local businesses?

Absolutely.

Community partnerships are a cornerstone of our vision. We are currently developing sponsorship opportunities for local businesses, corporations, foundations, and community organizations that want to help support conservation, education, research, and family programming.

These partnerships may include exhibit sponsorships, educational programs, scholarships, community events, fundraising initiatives, and other collaborative opportunities that benefit both the community and participating organizations.

Additional sponsorship information will be released as our fundraising program is finalized.

Do we have to be a business in Lancaster to become a partner to this experience?

Absolutely not. 

Partners are joining us from all over the world to make this experience possible. Our goal to is bring together a diverse community to help build deeper and stronger connects. 

Is AVWCC a nonprofit organization?

We are currently registered in the State of California as a Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation. Our goal is to obtain our 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status within the next six months.

As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to reinvest resources into conservation, education, research, and community programming that benefits future generations.

What are your long-term goals?

We have developed a five-year strategic plan focused on establishing a permanent Wildlife & Conservation Center dedicated to:

• Wildlife conservation

• Environmental education

• Scientific research

• Native plant and aquatic conservation

• Family recreation

• Community engagement

• Youth leadership opportunities

A major component of this vision includes partnering with local school districts, colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to create educational opportunities that inspire future generations to become environmental stewards.

What happens while the physical center is being built?

There's plenty to explore before our physical campus opens.

During the planning and development process, AVWCC will continue expanding its digital offerings through our Virtual Wildlife Experience, allowing families to learn about local wildlife, conservation, and environmental stewardship from anywhere.

Visitors can also look forward to:

• Interactive virtual zoo experiences

• Junior Ranger Adventures and downloadable activity sheets

• Wildlife education for children and families

• Premium educational content

• Conservation articles and videos

• Scholarships and youth educational opportunities

• Community outreach programs

• Volunteer opportunities

• Fundraising campaigns

• Online merchandise that supports our mission

Our goal is to ensure that learning and conservation begin today—not years from now.

How will AVWCC benefit families?

Everything we do is designed with families in mind. 

We believe conservation begins by creating meaningful experiences that bring people together. Through educational programs, family activities, wildlife encounters, seasonal events, and community partnerships, we hope to help children develop a lifelong appreciation for nature while creating lasting memories with those they love.

Our vision extends beyond conservation. We want AVWCC to become a place where families can unplug, learn together, explore the outdoors, and build traditions that are passed down for generations, while keeping it affordable as we know many families are struggling with financial insecurities. 

With the support of our partners, volunteers, sponsors, and community members, we hope to create wholesome experiences that inspire curiosity, strengthen family connections, and celebrate the incredible natural heritage of the Antelope Valley.

How can I help?

There are many ways to become part of this vision:

• Become a Founding Partner

• Volunteer your time and talents

• Sponsor an exhibit or educational program

• Donate to support our mission

• Participate in community fundraising events

• Shop our future online merchandise store

• Share our mission with family and friends

• Follow our progress on social media

Every contribution, whether it's your time, your expertise, or your financial support, helps move us closer to creating a destination that will educate, inspire, and serve the Antelope Valley for generations to come.

Together, we're building more than a wildlife and conservation center, we're building a legacy. 🌿