One of the guiding principles for the planning of The Canyons is to respect the natural topography, maintain as much as possible the natural drainages and stands of Gambel oak and cottonwood trees. Many of these drainages link to natural drainages around the new Reuter Hess Reservoir, connecting The Canyons to thousands of acres of additional protected open space. This continuity of open space will not only help maintain the aesthetic value of the community, it will also preserve the habitat and corridors of existing wildlife.