But numerous other speakers argued the state has no time to waste in listing the species as threatened as the state faces warmer temperatures and more extreme droughts and fires, all of which can hurt the trees. Kelly Herbinson, executive director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, said Joshua trees are a “keystone” species of…
Just last month, the Trust for Public Land donated 1,440 acres to the Mojave Desert Land Trust. The Caliente Creek property, which is ”bound by the Piute Mountains on the East and the Sierra Nevada and Scodie Mountains on the North,” will not only be protected and restored but will also provide space for scientific research…
Holding true to a vision to restore and protect biologically and culturally sensitive lands that span 24.5 million acres in the California desert is a noble mission. Inspiring others to become just as excited about the cause and actually learn more about the desert is just as vital. The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) succeeds on both…
The science surrounding the iconic western Joshua tree is grim. The tree’s suitable habitat is expected to decline substantially by 2100 due to climate change, especially in the southern portions of its range — meaning the Joshua tree would largely be unable to survive in its namesake park by the end of this century. Identifying…
As the Elk Fire raged in Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree National Park, local environmental activists gathered Thursday, May 26, for a rally to support protections for the western Joshua Tree, a species that biologists say is threatened by rising temperatures, development and fires. The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the state Fish and Game…
A group of more than 100 people gathered for a rally at the Mojave Desert Land Trust headquarters to garner support for placing the western Joshua tree on the state’s list of endangered and threatened species. Speakers at Thursday’s event in Joshua Tree discussed the threats to the iconic plant and the importance of the…
A “glampsite,” or glamor campsite, development known as Flamingo 640 is proposed in the high desert north of Yucca Valley. This project has created a stir among environment and wildlife protection groups, along with residents who already feel besieged by the recent additions of hundreds of short-term rentals throughout the area. A music venue and…
A fast-moving fire in Oro Grande earlier this year burned more than 30 acres in a conservation area along the Mojave River where endangered and threatened species are known to live, according to a nonprofit. The Mojave Desert Land Trust reported more than 300 trees were also lost in the “protected wildlife haven” known as…
Seeds are vital to life on earth. Much of the food humans and animals eat, the fabric we wear and use daily, and the plants that keep our landscapes beautiful and healthy, are created from seeds. Seeds are also the foundation for restoring plant communities and habitat. In California’s Mojave Desert region, invasive species, wildfire,…
Inspired by the diverse landscape of the California desert, Kwong and her team used native plants and edible herbs chosen for their therapeutic properties. With organically shaped garden beds that morph into hidden seating, the garden features peaceful walking paths and shade trees to mitigate the desert heat, inviting guests to rest and reflect. The garden also features…
