Wildlands has established the Antelope Valley Conservation Bank located in the northern portion of the Antelope Valley in Kern County to permanently protect a population of western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) and its habitat. The Bank is approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). On September 22, 2020, the California Fish and Game Commission determined that listing western Joshua tree as threatened or endangered under the California Endangered Species Act may be warranted, commencing a one-year status review of the species. The western Joshua tree is currently protected as a candidate for listing.

In addition to providing Joshua tree mitigation, the Bank also provides offsite compensatory mitigation for stream habitat and may potentially serve as mitigation for other special-status species, as warranted. Establishment of the Bank permanently protects a biologically rich area with approximately 21,000 western Joshua trees and nearly 10 acres of stream habitat. A Bank expansion currently underway adds 320 acres with over 30,000 more western Joshua trees proposed for permanent protection.