The California desert is home to over 2,000 species of native plants, comprising over 30% of California’s diverse flora. Native plants are a critical part of a sensitive desert ecosystem, providing food and shelter for wildlife and cleaning our air and water through soil stabilization and carbon sequestration. The goal of MDLT’s Plant Conservation Program is to protect and preserve the desert’s unique and diverse flora through seed banking, plant restoration, and research.
Native plant restoration
Through our restoration nursery, MDLT is preserving habitat and protecting wildlife linkages by growing native plants to restore damaged ecosystems.
Our nursery facilities include an 1,800 square foot greenhouse, 9,000 square feet of shaded growing space, and 1,500 square feet of growing area for seed increase production. We can grow plant material for projects according to contract specifications. Services include site-specific seed collection, seed bulking, and contract growing of container plants. Read about our restoration work with Wind Wolves Preserve.
The Mojave Desert Seed Bank
The Mojave Desert Seed Bank safeguards the genetic diversity of the desert’s flora and serves as an insurance policy for the region in case of catastrophic natural events. This repository of seeds and spores from native flora throughout the Mojave Desert ecoregion serves as an ex-situ conservation tool for use in restoration, education, and research.
Growing plants for the community
MDLT’s Native Plant Restoration Nursery grows genetically appropriate plant material for use in habitat restoration and landscaping. Since 2016, the nursery has grown over 100,000 native plants for restoration projects and for our annual native plant sales.
The Mojave Desert Discovery Garden
MDLT’s Mojave Desert Discovery Garden is an educational space demonstrating the importance of native plants and their many uses. We hope the garden will inspire residents and visitors alike to embrace the unique beauty and diversity of our native flora and incorporate sustainable landscaping materials and techniques in their own gardens.
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Desert gardening
One of the most enchanting things about the Mojave Desert is our variety of wildlife. Landscaping with native plants is a great way to support the desert’s rich biodiversity. Native plants are well-adapted to this climate and soil, making them a low-maintenance way to improve your outdoor spaces.
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Anatomy of a superbloom
A superbloom is loosely defined as a rare occurrence in which an abundance of desert wildflowers blossom at the same time. They rely on many unpredictable factors in order to come alive, a wet winter being just one contributor to this incredible botanical event. Learn what sets the stage for superblooms and how to witness this phenomenon responsibly.
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Got milkweed?
Most folks 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. That alone is amazing, but the plant has other unique features that are pretty remarkable. Take an intimate look at this fascinating native plant.
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Know your desert pollinators
Native plants in the Mojave Desert are visited by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. These pollinators are vital to our ecosystem. But they need our help.
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Get weeding!
Seeing splashes of bright green amidst our sandy washes might seem like a sight for sore eyes, but not all greenery is beneficial to the desert. If invasive species are left unchecked, they can run rampant over the landscape, harming ecosystems and the animals who rely on native flora for food. Learn how to identify invasive plants in the desert.
