This 20,114 acre preserve was established in 1985 to protect critical habitat for the survival of the federally threatened Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard.  Many other sensitive species have undergone dramatic population declines due to habitat loss in this fragile desert environment.

The preserve is managed cooperatively between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the Center for Natural Lands Management.  The Thousand Palms Oasis Visitor Center is open daily during regular business hours, except in the summer when it is closed.  The preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset.