HD Daily News: Mojave Desert Seed Bank expansion offers insurance policy against state seed shortages, threats
Joshua Tree - A $3.19 million expansion of the Mojave Desert Seed Bank in support of California's 30x30 initiative is poised to help conservationists tackle the urgent need for native seed to conserve the California deserts' unique biodiversity. The California Wildlife Conservation Board grant was awarded on May 25.
Desert ecosystems make up approximately one quarter of the state and suffer from significant drought, severe weather, and precipitous loss of habitat and wildlife. Seed banking has been identified as key to ensuring the survival of our state’s ecosystems by making seed available for the restoration and enhancement of rare, threatened and culturally important species’ habitats. Seed banking also plays an important role in long-term conservation as the state aims to protect 30% of California’s land and water by 2030.
Yet the region needs more resources to build capacity and collaboration.
“Seed banks are a crucial tool for the conservation and management of ecosystems and the preservation of regional biodiversity, helping us safeguard our flora against species extinction and restore habitats and ecosystems with genetically-appropriate, source-identified seed. This project will expand MDLT's seed bank program and allow us, along with our partners, to better address the region's seed needs and the growing threats caused by climate change and habitat loss,” said Madena Asbell, Director of Plant Conservation Programs at the Mojave Desert Land Trust.