A newly convened coalition of experts and land managers are coming together to tackle Joshua tree conservation priorities, threats from a changing climate, and increased wildfire activity. The coalition was initiated by the Mojave Desert Land Trust and funded by California’s Wildlife Conservation Board to address the need for swift action and strong partnerships in combating threats to the declining keystone species.   

On Saturday, May 18th, the Mojave Desert Land Trust joined local leaders and United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to discuss legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler and Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. to establish Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust announced all-round conservation wins for the California desert in its 2023 Annual Report and outlined bold action to preserve two of the California desert’s most iconic species in the years ahead.  

Using its multifaceted conservation approach, MDLT permanently protected 6,385 acres of ecologically significant habitat, cleared several tons of trash, made 52 new seed collections, grew over 15,000 native plants for a Salton Sea restoration project, and delivered educational programs to nearly 1,000 young people.

Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. have sent a joint letter to President Biden urging him to use the Antiquities Act to designate the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument. Senator Padilla also introduced and Representative Ruiz re-introduced legislation in support of this same goal. 

The Mojave Desert Land Trust has revised its executive leadership structure to meet the evolving needs of the organization. After over two years serving as Joint Executive Director, Kelly Herbinson has been appointed Executive Director. Joint Executive Director Cody Hanford has taken on the role of Deputy Executive Director and Chief Conservation Officer.

A former parking lot at the Mojave Desert Land Trust headquarters has been transformed into a vibrant interpretive public garden. A ribbon-cutting took place on December 8, marking the official opening of the Mojave Desert Discovery Garden in Joshua Tree.

A new film released for the Morongo Basin’s Desert-Wise Landscape Tour gives native plant enthusiasts a closer look inside the Mojave Desert Land Trust’s work to protect seeds and grow native plants.

Directed by the Morongo Basin Conservation Association with major funding by the Mojave Water Agency, the film features new footage of the Trust’s work and interviews with Madena Asbell, Director of Plant Conservation Programs, Lenna Pettersson, Nursery Manager, and Nikol Elaine, a volunteer.

Senator Dianne Feinstein died on September 28, 2023 at the age of 90. She served as the US Senator for California for 31 years.

“The Mojave Desert Land Trust is greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein. Today, the California desert has lost one of its greatest champions. Senator Feinstein’s steadfast and inspirational leadership led to the protection of the California desert’s most important archeological and scientific wonders, world-renowned views and recreational opportunities, and critical habitat and water sources. She helped shape California desert conservation on a landscape scale to forever support the natural connectivity of the region’s unique flora and fauna. She will be greatly missed but her legacy lives on in the growing community that is working to preserve the desert for future generations,” said Joint Executive Directors Cody Hanford and Kelly Herbinson.

The Chuckwalla National Monument Establishment and Joshua Tree National Park Expansion Act of 2023 is being introduced to federal legislators by Representative Raul Ruiz (CA-25).

The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) joins Representative Ruiz, elected officials, Tribal and community leaders, and local residents in calling on President Biden to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument in the Colorado Desert and expand Joshua Tree National Park.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) owns approximately 560 acres within the burn zone of the York Fire in Mojave National Preserve. MDLT is closely monitoring the situation as it develops and working with the authorities and our partner organizations. We will assess the fire’s impact to MDLT properties once the area has been declared safe. These lands were acquired due to their significant habitat value and with the intention of conveyance to the National Park Service at a future date.  

The western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) is being granted permanent legislative protection thanks to the passage of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act. The statute was passed as part of California’s budget agreement on June 27 and is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom imminently. It will go into effect immediately upon signing.

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 approved on May 25.