“I’m a ranger for a 680-acre parcel of gorgeous land”
I moved here a few years ago to experience the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert. When an opportunity to help preserve these beautiful lands appeared, I became a Mojave Desert Land Trust volunteer and Community Lands Ranger. I have a 680-acre parcel of gorgeous land that I am privileged to monitor. It has some heavily used areas, and some quite isolated areas. I love to run the trails and view nature in all its splendor, and help others to enjoy it as well. I help others understand why restrictions on pets and off-trail activities exist, and how they can help us preserve this land and its wildlife.
Here’s why you should become a volunteer ranger
The Mojave Desert Land Trust manages 7,000 acres of pristine desert in the Morongo Basin. Community Lands Rangers are integral to helping protect those lands. The same qualities that make the Morongo Basin such an appealing place for humans to live — the wide open vistas, starry nights, and scenic landscape — make it an ideal habitat for all sorts of wildlife. In fact, the entire region is crisscrossed by wildlife linkages — natural highways that animals like bobcats, mule deer, and tortoises use to move across the land.
Action alert! Developers want to build a new city on protected land
The Paradise Valley project would add thousands of homes next to Joshua Tree National Park. This pristine wildlife corridor is no place for a new city.
How I fell in love with my job
I’ve heard countless stories of how people fall in love with the desert at first sight. That’s fantastic. But the truth is, it wasn’t like that for me. I wasn’t thinking that I would work in conservation for the rest of my life. AmeriCorps NCCC Gold 2 renewed my appreciation for the work I do. Together, we fell in love with the area. We learned to appreciate the fresh air and the views.
AmeriCorps NCCC Gold 2: Three months in the Mojave
The statistics are amazing — 969 feet of irrigation installed, 674 signs posted, 2,300 seeds sown, 9.5 tons of waste removed. How did 11 people achieve so much in such a short time?
In conversation with Geary Hund, Executive Director
Geary Hund has been appointed executive director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust. He brings with him an exemplary background in this field, from his work as California Desert and Monuments Program Director for the Wilderness Society to his most recent position as senior wildlife biologist for US Fish and Wildlife.
A new public garden is growing in Joshua Tree
You can probably name 10 animals. But can you name 10 native plants? If not, then this desert demonstration garden is for you. A former parking lot at MDLT’s headquarters is being transformed into a native plant interpretive garden that will be open and accessible to public. The plans for the space include 10 themed gardens with interpretative signage and water-wise irrigation, seating areas, and a meeting space.