Neighbors Rally to Save 22-Acre Wildlife Haven as Trustee Considers Sale to Developer

A 22-acre stretch of land in Palm Springs—long cherished by neighbors as a refuge for local wildlife—has become the center of a heated debate after news broke that the trustee overseeing the property is considering selling it to a housing developer.

The land, formerly owned by Kenneth and Madelyn Hinsvark, was transferred to a trustee following Madelyn's passing a year ago. Neighbors say the property was divided roughly into two key areas: four acres used directly by the family, and a larger adjoining section where Madelyn often spent time enjoying the untouched desert landscape. They describe the land as a peaceful vantage point where wildlife roamed freely.

Residents say the land has become an informal wildlife sanctuary—one they believe the Hinsvarks intended to preserve. Dozens of neighbors have since joined together to protect what they describe as a vital wildlife corridor.

Elizabeth Matzner, a neighbor and now the public face of the preservation effort, says the property isn’t just open space—it’s a lifeline for desert species that have relied on this safe passage for generations.

“I’m constantly walking up there. A lot of things live here,” Matzner said. “This is a really precious wildlife corridor. These generations of animals learned that this was a safe space. Everyone has footage: the bobcats, the bighorn sheep. We’re not against housing, but you don’t put housing in a wildlife corridor.”

According to neighbors, the Hinsvarks were passionate nature lovers. Their trust reportedly endowed several causes, with the largest portion directed to Desert Paws. Those who spoke with Madeline in her final years say she was adamant about protecting the land.

“She cared deeply about this place and the animals,” said longtime neighbor Mad Gabriel. “She told me, ‘It will not be used as long as I’m alive.’ I supported her. I still do. I can’t understand why the trustee would ever want to sell this to developers.”

Gabriel emphasized that community concerns aren’t about traffic, noise, or property values—issues often raised in development disputes. “What we're objecting to is the loss of the animals,” she said. “Why sell it to a developer? Why not get the same price—or better—by selling it to neighbors who want to keep it natural?”

Matzner plans to bring the issue before the Palm Springs City Council, seeking clarity on whether development can move forward and what level of environmental review would be required. The city responded in a statement, saying only that it is “too soon to determine what level of review will be required.”

For now, the future of the property remains uncertain, but the community’s determination is clear: they will fight to ensure that the land—and the wildlife that depend on it—are not lost to development.