It’s the ground underfoot that land trusts know best. The sentient ways of old forests and brooding mountains; the salt tang of tidal marshes and sagebrush reaches of open rangeland. Compared to these tangible places, the idea that we should protect something as intangible as darkness can seem abstract. What is darkness, after all, but the absence of light? And, in a light-saturated world where 80% of North Americans can no longer see the Milky Way, does darkness still serve its age-old purpose? Those are questions that land trusts, no less than scientists or philosophers, may well consider.

The Outdoor Classroom Project has provided a collaborative space for local community partners to teach programs to VYES students. The school recently partnered with educators from Mojave Desert Land Trust for an in-depth environmental studies program and Joshua Tree National Park for a fourth-grade outdoor education program.

Last Friday night, the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) hosted an enlightening event focused on responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and the importance of respecting the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem. Speaking to a modest gathering, Randy Banis, President of Friends of Jawbone and Friends of El Mirage, and Yanina Aldao Galvan, MDLT Lands Project Coordinator, delivered valuable insights.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust Fall Native Plant sale is happening today – and chances are if you are reading this after 10AM you might be too late. Each season’s native plant sale seems to grow in size and popularity, selling out fast as residents grab up beautiful native species that are easier to grow and maintain here in the desert.

Native plants are resilient in hot weather, requiring less watering and maintenance once they are established in the ground. Thriving from things that we have in abundance – like full year round sun, and surviving hot, dry years – even if they need a little help getting established at first.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust is holding its largest-ever native plant sale in Joshua Tree.

On Saturday, about 4,000 plants will be on sale, representingover 65 species, which are drought tolerant and well adapted to the Mojave Desert’s climate and soil, according to event organizers. New species on sale this year include bigberry manzanita, cattail, chuparosa, Palmer’s penstemon, southern goldenrod, and yerba mansa.

The death of longtime California Senator Dianne Feinstein, 90, on Thursday night, prompted a response from state, federal and San Bernardino County officials.

Feinstein, who planned to retire at the end of her term after facing concerns about her health and calls to resign, died at her home in Washington, D.C., according to her office.

Feinstein served as the U.S. Senator for California for 31 years.