Not only does the CVMSHCP protect 27 species of plants and animals that are threatened or facing extinction, including the Desert Tortoise, Peninsular bighorn sheep, and Desert Pupfish but it also safeguards natural wonders in the Coachella Valley such as Whitewater Canyon, the link between Joshua Tree National Park and the Indio Hills, and opportunities for new trails. These protected wonders are now be part of a growing system of open space, parks, trails and reserves