This post was originally published on this siteAn intimate look at a fascinating native plant. Most people know how important milkweed is to monarch butterflies — their 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. Many other insects depend on…
This post was originally published on this sitePerennial pepperweed, an invasive plant, grew densely in the understory here. It most likely did not die in the fire as the root systems are probably still intact. Photo: Stuart Davis/Mojave Desert Land Trust In March, the Heritage Fire breached Palisades Ranch, burning 34 acres of this special wildlife…
This post was originally published on this sitePrairie falcons rely on special nesting sites that are under threat. The Mojave Desert Land Trust has launched a new conservation program to help tackle the problem in the California desert. By Jessica Graybill, Social Media Manager A prairie falcon brings lunch to their offspring. Photo: Steve Ishii The Mojave…
This post was originally published on this siteBirdwatching interns with the Women In Science Discovering Our Mojave program have closed a gap in the data about avian species in Mojave Trails National Monument. (L-R) Interns Giselle Sandoval, Ali Kalinowski, and Leah Thomas. Photo: Mary Cook-Rhyne By Mary Cook-Rhyne, MDLT Education Coordinator and Women in Science…
This post was originally published on this siteThe desert tortoise population is in steep decline — in some areas, the population has decreased by 90%. Each year the Mojave Desert Land Trust heads out to areas of critical tortoise habitat looking for signs of hope for this threatened species. Heading out to the Black Hills to see…
This post was originally published on this siteInterns with the Women In Science Discovering Our Mojave program spent a year studying night sky quality. Their findings provide a new baseline of data about the Mojave Desert. The Milky Way over Mojave Trails National Monument. Photo: Global Eyes Media By Mary Cook-Rhyne, Education Coordinator, Mojave Desert Land Trust Between…
This post was originally published on this siteThe night sky over the Sheephole Valley Wilderness Area in Mojave Trails National Monument — May 2021 By Lauren Alba, Women In Science Discovering Our Mojave intern After graduating from UCLA with a degree in Environmental Studies and Geography, I am driven to be an advocate for the environment, to help cultivate…
This post was originally published on this sitePhoto: Global Eyes Media Research by WISDOM interns help us understand the quality and the importance of the Mojave Desert’s dark night skies. Last fall a cohort of three college women began monitoring the night sky quality in the western portion of Mojave Trails National Monument. Their research will…
This post was originally published on this siteHow to identify native and non-native seedlings popping up in the high desert this summer A yellow carpet of native chinchweed (Pectis papposa) near MDLT’s Quail Mountain property in Joshua Tree. Text and photos by Madena Asbell, Director of Plant Conservation Programs, Mojave Desert Land Trust If you live in the…
This post was originally published on this site Corina Godoy felt she had a calling to work in conservation. Along the way, she didn’t see many people who looked like her. Undeterred and embracing her passion, she forged ahead, knowing that she would have to clear her own path. Corvallis, OR (2018): My third internship but…
