Joshua Tree National Park received some good news in August thanks to an announcement by the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) that it had “purchased 40 acres of pristine desert within Joshua Tree National Park. The acquisition lies in an area where MDLT is helping preserve the border of the National Park.”
Desert Sun According to Geary Hund, executive director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, a conservation group that buys land to protect it from harmful development, there are no available land parcels that could be regarded as an equitable trade for the land planned for the proposed Paradise Valley development. Hunt said even when species enjoy…
I’m a student who has lived in the Coachella Valley for my whole life, but only recently had the opportunity to visit and explore one of the Mojave Desert’s most beautiful yet little known places known as the Chuckwalla Bench. Chuckwalla Bench is part of the California Desert National Conservation Lands — public lands that are scattered throughout the southeastern corner of California.
Recent articles in this newspaper have spoken about Rock Springs Ranch, located in the Juniper Flats area south of Apple Valley.
The highlight of the stories was the acquisition of the ranch by the Mojave Desert Land Trust, which intends to preserve its natural resources and introduce public access and educational opportunities.
This was a great accomplishment for local conservation. During the past several years, I developed interest in the history of Rock Springs Ranch and surrounding areas within Juniper Flats, a wonderful nearby area to hike and explore.
The iconic Joshua Tree has been around for two million years but its future is uncertain with scientists warning that it could disappear by the end of the century.
Since the study inception, we have added several macroplots beyond the park boundary, of which one was used for this study, a site on land owned by Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) 5 km north of the park, which contains transition zone vegetation and is similar in climate to the West Entrance macro-plot. Here, we focus on the subset of 14 macro-plots containing Joshua trees.
Other scientists funded by the nonprofit Mojave Desert Land Trust used molecular isotopes and temperature readings to conclude that, contrary to what the Cadiz geologist claimed, the spring is fed by an aquifer connected to wellfield water that would be used by the company.
Twelve years after being founded, the Mojave Desert Land Trust, or MDLT, has stepped into a leading role in California desert conservation. The nonprofit’s recent annual report illustrates the scale of its acquisition and stewardship work, the speed at which its plant conservation program is growing, and its dedication to sound policy and public engagement.
Sandwiched between Apple Valley’s desert floor and the forested San Bernardino Mountains, Rock Springs Ranch boasts pristine desert, panoramic views, riparian areas, oddly formed boulders, three natural springs and caves where ancient artifacts have been found.
MDLT officials say the purchase strengthens the status of the protected Juniper Flats.
Architect Ron Radziner of Marmol Radziner has joined the Mojave Desert Land Trust board of directors. In addition to having owned a family home in the high desert for many years, Radziner’s firm is known for its extensive work on projects in the region, such as the restoration of Richard Neutra’s Kaufmann House in Palm Springs, as well as forays into prefab home construction in the desert.