Jane Garrison: Animal Advocate, Humanitarian, and Environmental Leader

Jane Garrison is a passionate animal advocate, humanitarian, and environmentalist whose work has spanned continents and transformed lives-both human and animal.

Her lifelong commitment to ethical action and conservation has positioned her as a respected voice in animal protection and land preservation for several decades.

Jane is the Founder and Executive Director of Oswit Land Trust, a nonprofit based in Palm Springs.

Her environmental work began with a grassroots campaign in 2016 to save Oswit Canyon from development.

She mobilized community support, gathered over 4,000 petition signatures, and successfully lobbied the city to rezone the canyon as an environmentally sensitive area.

By 2020, the canyon was permanently protected through public fundraising and grant acquisition.

This effort launched one of Southern California’s most active and hard-hitting land trusts.

Oswit Land Trust has now protected over 10,000 acres from destruction.

Her environmental leadership has earned widespread recognition, including:
– The Green Citizen Award from the City of Palm Springs
– Humanitarian of the Year by the United Nations Association (2020)
– Green Citizen of the Year by the City of Palm Springs (April 2020)
– Human Rights Commission Service Award (February 2021)
– Named one of the 10 Most Influential People in the Coachella Valley by the Palm Springs
Chamber of Commerce (2023)
– Honored by Palm Springs Life Magazine in 2023 as one of three “Women Who Lead,”
celebrated at a luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton attended by over 200 people

Talks

• Session B: Balancing Growth: The Environmental Impact of Land Use, Infrastructure, and Corporate Distribution Centers