Observing life at one of the Mojave Desert’s vital springs
At first glance, this natural spring might seem like nothing but rocks and bushes but once you are out among the never-ending brown, you start to notice what’s in the blur. Against the browns, colors stand out. The green of the creosote pops, the yellow flowers of the brittlebush are much brighter, the vibrant pink of the sandmat stretches out across the sand.
Got Milkweed?
Monarch caterpillars must feed on milkweed in order to develop into adult butterflies, and the plants impart natural toxins that protect both caterpillar and butterfly from predators. Read on for an intimate look at a fascinating native plant.
Fire damage at a Mojave oasis
In March 2022, the Heritage Fire breached Palisades Ranch, burning 34 acres of this special wildlife haven. At least 300 mature trees burned in the fire and 10% of the riparian habitat was affected. In recent decades, the former agricultural fields at the property had become overgrown with invasive species including perennial pepperweed, which seriously impacted the native plant population and helped fuel the fire’s spread.