#The ecological significance of desert wildflowers

[dipnots]

The Hidden Beauty of Desert Wildflowers: A Rare and Ephemeral Delight

One of the most striking is the annual display of wildflowers in desert regions. These flowers, although small and delicate, are able to survive and thrive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. They provide an explosion of color and life in a seemingly barren landscape and are a rare and ephemeral delight. Desert wildflowers have adapted to survive in the arid environment by developing…

[ecomamagreencleanscottsdale]

Why the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ Should Be Your Next Nature Escape

If you're seeking a serene retreat into nature, look no further than the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, just a short drive from Scottsdale. This stunning 55-acre garden is home to over 50,000 desert plants from around the world, with a special focus on the unique flora of the Sonoran Desert. Established in 1939, the garden serves as a living museum dedicated to conservation, education, and the beauty of desert ecosystems. Here’s why the Desert Botanical Garden should be at the top of your list for your next nature escape.

A Unique Collection of Desert Flora

The Desert Botanical Garden showcases an impressive array of plant species that thrive in arid conditions. From towering saguaro cacti to vibrant wildflowers and intricate succulents, visitors can explore a diverse collection that highlights the adaptability and beauty of desert life. The garden features five thematic trails that guide you through various habitats, each offering a different perspective on how plants have evolved to survive in harsh climates.The Cactus Garden Trail is particularly popular, featuring an extensive collection of cacti from around the globe. Here, you can marvel at the unique shapes and sizes of these resilient plants. The Wildflower Loop Trail is another highlight, especially in spring when it bursts into color with blooming wildflowers. Each trail is designed to educate visitors about the ecological significance of these plants while providing an enjoyable walking experience.

Educational Opportunities

One of the standout features of the Desert Botanical Garden is its commitment to education. The garden offers a variety of programs and workshops aimed at all ages. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, there’s something for everyone.

Workshops and Lectures: Throughout the year, experts lead workshops covering topics such as desert landscaping, plant care, and sustainable gardening practices. These sessions provide valuable insights into how to cultivate your own desert garden at home.

Guided Tours: For those who prefer a more structured experience, guided tours are available that delve into specific themes or areas within the garden. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating facts about plant life and conservation efforts.

Family Programs: The garden offers family-friendly activities designed to engage children with nature through hands-on learning experiences. These programs encourage kids to explore and appreciate their environment while having fun.

Seasonal Events and Exhibits

The Desert Botanical Garden is alive with activity throughout the year, hosting a variety of seasonal events and special exhibits that enhance your visit:

Las Noches de las Luminarias: This enchanting holiday event transforms the garden into a winter wonderland with thousands of luminarias lighting up the paths. Enjoy live music while strolling through this magical setting.

Music in the Garden: During select evenings, visitors can enjoy live music performances set against the stunning backdrop of desert flora. Genres range from jazz to classical, providing a unique cultural experience.

Special Exhibits: The garden frequently hosts temporary exhibits that highlight specific themes or artists, offering fresh experiences with each visit. These exhibits often incorporate art installations that complement the natural beauty of the garden.

These events not only enhance your visit but also foster a sense of community among attendees, making it a great place for socializing and enjoying nature together.

Photography Opportunities

For photography enthusiasts, the Desert Botanical Garden is nothing short of paradise. The interplay of light and shadow across various plant species creates striking visual opportunities throughout the day. Golden hour—just before sunset—offers particularly breathtaking scenes as sunlight filters through towering cacti and blooming wildflowers. Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, you’ll find countless subjects to capture here.The garden's diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for creative expression. From close-ups of intricate flowers to wide-angle shots showcasing sweeping vistas, every corner offers something new to explore through your lens.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

Conveniently located within Papago Park, just minutes from downtown Scottsdale and Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden is easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The garden is open year-round with extended hours during special events and seasonal exhibits. Admission fees are reasonable, with discounts available for students and seniors. Additionally, memberships offer benefits such as free admission throughout the year and discounts on classes and events. For those traveling with children or individuals with mobility challenges, facilities are designed to ensure everyone can enjoy their visit comfortably. The trails are stroller-friendly in many areas, allowing families to explore without difficulty.

Dining Options

After exploring the beauty of desert flora, take advantage of dining options available within the garden premises. The café offers fresh, locally sourced dishes inspired by regional flavors. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a leisurely meal amidst nature, dining at the garden provides an opportunity to relax while soaking in your surroundings.

Conservation Efforts

A visit to the Desert Botanical Garden goes beyond mere enjoyment; it also supports vital conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered desert plants and habitats. The garden actively participates in research initiatives focused on preserving native species and educating visitors about sustainable practices that can be implemented at home.By visiting this beautiful space, you contribute to these important efforts while gaining insight into how you can help protect our planet's natural resources.

Perfect for All Ages

The Desert Botanical Garden is not just for adults; it’s an ideal destination for families as well. Children will love exploring the vibrant colors and unique shapes of desert plants while participating in interactive exhibits designed just for them. The family programs offered throughout the year provide engaging activities that foster curiosity about nature.Moreover, special events such as Dog Days at the Garden, where visitors can bring their pets along for a day of exploration, make it an inclusive environment for everyone looking to enjoy nature together.

A Cultural Experience

In addition to its botanical wonders, the Desert Botanical Garden serves as a cultural hub that celebrates Arizona's rich heritage. Through art installations and community events that highlight local artists and traditions, visitors can immerse themselves in the cultural fabric of the region while enjoying its natural beauty.

If you’re searching for a serene escape into nature that combines beauty, education, and community engagement, look no further than the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix—just minutes from Scottsdale. With its stunning landscapes, diverse plant collections, engaging programs, and commitment to conservation, this botanical haven offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're wandering along its scenic trails or attending one of its many events, you'll leave feeling inspired by Arizona's rich natural heritage. Make sure this gem is on your itinerary during your next visit; it's an adventure you won't want to miss!

[tahomawhisperingwind]

Apache Practices for Guided Nature Experiences

Image generated by the author

Embracing Nature: The Apache Way of Guided Experiences

Imagine standing on the edge of a vast desert, where the sun kisses the horizon and a gentle wind carries whispers of ancient stories. Each rustle of leaves, each call of a distant bird, speaks of wisdom that has been passed down through generations. This is the essence of Apache practices—a deep-rooted connection to nature that transcends time and invites us to immerse ourselves in the environment. In a world increasingly detached from the natural world, the Apache way offers a path back to understanding and reverence for our surroundings.

Introduction to Nature-Based Learning

The Apache people, indigenous to the arid landscapes of the Southwestern United States, possess an enduring bond with their environment. Their relationship with nature is not merely transactional; it is profound, spiritual, and steeped in a history that reverberates through the very soil beneath their feet. Guided nature experiences—where participants walk alongside Apache guides—offer an opportunity to engage with this wisdom, transforming the act of being in nature into a lesson in mindfulness and respect.

As participants embark on these nature-based journeys, they are not just observing; they are awakening their senses to the world around them. The scent of sagebrush fills the air, the vibrant hues of wildflowers paint the landscape, and the symphony of crickets and birds forms a backdrop to the teachings of the Apache. Every element of nature is imbued with significance, waiting to be discovered through the eyes of those who have walked this land for centuries.

Apache Practices: A Journey of Discovery

Walking alongside an Apache guide is akin to stepping into a living classroom, where the lessons of the land unfold with each deliberate step. Participants learn to observe the intricate details of the natural world—how the sunlight filters through the leaves, how the wind bends the tall grasses, and how the rhythms of life pulse through the land. This practice of heightened awareness encourages a sense of mindfulness, where each interaction becomes a profound lesson.

Take, for instance, the humble juniper tree. To an Apache guide, it is not just a tree; it is a source of nourishment, medicine, and shelter. The bark can be used to weave baskets, the berries provide sustenance, and the scent of its wood can purify the air in ceremonies. Through these teachings, participants begin to understand the interconnectedness of all living things, recognizing that every element of nature plays a role in the intricate web of life.

Historical Context of Apache Ecological Knowledge

The Apache's ecological knowledge is not a relic of the past; it is a living testament to resilience and adaptation. For centuries, this knowledge has evolved as a means of survival, allowing the Apache to thrive in a challenging landscape. The arrival of European settlers brought disruption, yet the Apache people have maintained their cultural practices, weaving their historical understanding into contemporary guided nature experiences.

Consider the historical significance of the Apache’s relationship with the land. In the face of colonization and cultural erosion, they adapted their teachings, ensuring that future generations would inherit not only their survival techniques but also the rich tapestry of their identity. Today, these teachings are shared with those who seek to reconnect with nature, offering a glimpse into a worldview that emphasizes stewardship and respect.

Cultural Significance: A Tapestry of Stories

Apache culture embodies a deep respect for nature, viewing it as a living entity deserving of care and reverence. Every experience in the wilderness is an opportunity to connect with both the land and the community, fostering a sense of stewardship. This cultural significance is often conveyed through storytelling, where narratives bridge the gap between past and present.

One such story is that of a young warrior named Nova. As a child, Nova was restless, seeking adventure beyond the familiar hills. One day, he wandered deeper into the forest than ever before, where he encountered a wise old coyote. The coyote taught him to listen—to the rustling leaves, the flowing streams, and the whispers of the wind. Through this journey, Nova discovered the interconnectedness of all living things, learning that harmony with nature was essential for survival.

This story, like many others in Apache tradition, serves as a powerful reminder of the lessons embedded in nature. It teaches that understanding our environment is not just about survival; it is about nurturing relationships and honoring the land.

Examples and Expert Insights: Voices of the Earth

The integration of Apache storytelling, ecological knowledge, and ceremonial practices into guided outdoor experiences has garnered attention from experts in the field. Dr. James A. Riding In, a scholar of indigenous studies, emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and the need to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into modern conservation efforts. Meanwhile, Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, highlights how indigenous practices can inform sustainable living in contemporary society.

Through guided nature experiences, participants are invited to engage with the land on multiple levels. They might learn about local plants, participate in traditional ceremonies, or practice mindfulness techniques that deepen their connection to the earth. These experiences are not just educational; they are transformative, encouraging individuals to become active stewards of the environment.

Practical Applications: Immersion in the Natural World

Apache wisdom offers practical applications for those seeking to deepen their connection to nature. Immersion in the natural world—whether through hiking, foraging, or simply sitting in silence—can reveal profound insights. Storytelling, sensory engagement, and acts of stewardship become gateways to a more meaningful relationship with the environment.

Participants are encouraged to engage their senses: to feel the texture of the earth beneath their feet, to listen to the symphony of sounds around them, and to inhale the rich aromas of the wild. Such practices not only cultivate mindfulness but also foster a sense of belonging to something greater than oneself.

Modern Relevance: A Call to Reconnect

In today's fast-paced world, where technology often overshadows our connection to the earth, the relevance of Apache practices is more poignant than ever. As people grapple with issues of disconnection and environmental degradation, the principles of mindfulness, respect for the environment, and community connection offer a pathway to restoration.

Imagine a world where individuals actively engage with their surroundings, where the stories of the land are shared, and where acts of stewardship are commonplace. Apache teachings remind us that our relationship with nature is not merely a privilege; it is a responsibility that must be embraced.

Conclusion: A Journey of Environmental Stewardship

As we conclude our exploration of Apache practices for guided nature experiences, we are left with a powerful reminder of our place within the natural world. The teachings of the Apache invite us to engage actively with our surroundings, to listen to the stories of the earth, and to embody the principles of respect and care.

Just as Nova learned to listen to the whispers of the wind, we too must attune our ears and hearts to the lessons that nature offers. In doing so, we may find not just a connection to the land, but a deeper understanding of ourselves and our role as caretakers of this planet we call home.

In the words of an Apache elder, "The earth is not just where we live; it is who we are." As we embark on our journeys, let us carry this truth with us, fostering a lasting connection with nature that transcends generations.

Glossary of Apache Terminology

Ná'ée'séé: Dawn, symbolizing new beginnings.

Kóshaa'ee: Eagle, representing vision and power.

Further Exploration

As you reflect on the teachings of the Apache, consider exploring deeper questions about traditional storytelling, sustainable living, and the relevance of indigenous practices in contemporary life. Join our community by subscribing to "Nature's Pulse," a newsletter dedicated to insights on reconnecting with nature and fostering environmental stewardship. Together, let us embark on a journey that honors the wisdom of the past while nurturing the future of our planet.

About Black Hawk Visions

Black Hawk Visions preserves and shares timeless Apache wisdom through digital media. Inspired by Tahoma Whispering Wind, we offer eBooks, online courses, and newsletters that blend traditional knowledge with modern learning. Explore nature connection, survival skills, and inner growth at Black Hawk Visions.

AI Disclosure: AI was used for content ideation, spelling and grammar checks, and some modification of this article.

About Black Hawk Visions: We preserve and share timeless Apache wisdom through digital media. Explore nature connection, survival skills, and inner growth at Black Hawk Visions.

[nathanielwyrick]

Signal Fire Arts: Talking Knots

I am very excited and honored to have been juried into a Signal Fire Artist Residency/Retreat happening this May! Signal Fire runs public-lands-based backcountry trips and residencies for artists It’s a wonderful chance to think, read, and write about my art practice and work in the Four Corners Ecogregion / Pueblo, Diné, and Apache territories in Northern New Mexico.

TALKING KNOTS: SW BACKPACKING

May 17-23, 2020 Location: Four Corners Ecogregion / Pueblo, Diné, and Apache territories

Guides: Amy Harwood and Anna Ialeggio

The Pueblo Revolt was one of the largest Native American uprisings in North America and its significance lives on. Led by Popé, a Tewa religious leader from Ohkay Owingeh, the pueblo people summoned their combined strength in August 1680 to drive the Spanish occupiers from the province. Freedom from Spanish colonial rule was ultimately short-lived, but this victory was an important turning point for the self-preservation of pueblo culture and language, and still resonates today in the social structures of Northern New Mexico.

Traveling through the Jemez Mountains of NW New Mexico, we’ll center the legacy of the Pueblo Revolt as we immerse ourselves in the deep social and ecological histories of a complex place: not as a linear set of events, but as an entangled field that is still unfolding. This trip combines short but challenging backpacking segments with periods of rest and stillness in the diverse mesas and canyons of the Jemez region. Rolling ponderosa forests open onto the vast grasslands of a collapsed volcano. It is a place of hot springs, wildflowers, and hoodoo rock formations. Evidence of ancestral and contemporary Puebloan culture abounds even in the back-country, with thousands of un-excavated archaeological sites throughout the area. Troubling aspects of the military-industrial complex are present as well, from the nuclear testing areas of Los Alamos, to the oil derricks and abandoned mines studding the public lands of the high desert.

Our group of artists will share a week together, immersed in and responding to this ecological and cultural landscape. Site visits and readings will offer entry points for interpretation and exploration. This “walking residency” is not focused on creative production per se, although we will offer time for reflection and discuss ways to incorporate the experience into our various practices.

[josephkitchen0]

Why We Need to Protect Native Pollinator Habitat

Doug Ottinger – Regardless of whether we live a rural lifestyle, an urban one, or something in between, our existence, and continuance of the world as we know it, is dependent on an ecosystem of small insect pollinators and native pollinator habitat that most people rarely notice. Approximately 30 to 35 percent of the food crops in this world depend on pollination by insects. It is estimated that almost 90 percent of all wild plants in the world are dependent on some sort of insect pollination. When many of us think of pollinators, we automatically think of the common European honey bee, Apis mellifera. While honey bees have become one of the main pollinators of domesticated food crops, they make up only a small portion of the bee species and other insect pollinators in the world. Worldwide there are some 20,000 species of wild bees. The North American continent is home to almost 4,000 of these species. Multiple species of pollinating insects are actually necessary for our ecosystem to flourish. When any of these species become extinct, we have lost an entire linking piece in our earth’s ecology.

Why are Multiple Species of Pollinators so Important?

Not all plants can be effectively pollinated by the same types of insects. We often think of honey bees buzzing around apple blossoms in the spring, as our one and only source of insect pollination. Nothing could be further from fact. Prior to the European honey bee being introduced to the Western world, native bees and other insects were prevalent and effective in pollinating the wild plants and crops grown by the indigenous people. Many native bees can fly in colder or damper conditions than common honey bees, making pollination of fruit blossoms and other plants possible under inclement conditions. Other species are better adapted to very hot and dry regions. For hundreds of years, squash and pumpkins, grown by native inhabitants of the Americas, were pollinated by species of small, solitary, ground-dwelling bees, commonly known as squash bees.

Photo credit: Del Stubbs

Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are pollinated more effectively by bumble bees, which perform “vibration pollination.” Some flowers are too small for honey bees to enter, or the pistil and stamen configurations are difficult for the honey bees to access. These types of flowers are better serviced by other insect species that have evolved with the plants. In some cases, there are symbiotic relationships between insects that make pollination possible. In certain species of Lupine, where bumble bees visit the flowers first, the bumble bee’s large size is too great for the blossom, springing it permanently open. After this, smaller species of wild bees gain access and pollinate the plant.

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Many Pollinators are in Trouble

Many species of pollinators, both wild and domestic, are critically endangered today. One-fourth of North American bumble bees are currently facing extinction. Even the world of domestic beekeeping is not exempt from these problems. Commercial beekeepers are losing entire colonies of bees to a disease malady broadly termed Colony Collapse Disorder, to which there are still very few concrete answers. In some areas of the world, pears and other fruit are being pollinated by hand, because of the loss of native pollinators. If native and domestic pollinating insects are allowed to keep declining, life, as we know it, will gradually change, and not for the better.

Photo credit: Sarah Folz Jordan, Xerces Society

What are Some of the Main Causes of These Declines?

One significant factor is the loss of native pollinator habitat. Urbanization and paving-over of native pollinator habitat is only one part of this. Large-scale agricultural practices are another. Native flowering plants, which provide food for the insects are being destroyed. Ditches are mowed and sprayed. Burrows made by ground-dwelling native bees are plowed under. Even so-called urban “green zones,” which often consist of large swaths of beautiful lawns and trees are nothing more than food deserts. Very few native pollinator plants remain, and any domestic flowers planted are not enough to support any sizeable insect populations or allow them to reproduce.

Photo credit: Del Stubbs

Widespread pesticide use has also taken a toll. One little-known issue in honey bee deaths is the use of certain systemic pesticides in treated agricultural seed, even in crops which the bees never visit or feed on. The insecticides used are absorbed by the plants as they grow. The pesticides are released into the air, in microscopic particles during transpiration. Honey bees tend to fly low, and they can easily absorb enough neurotoxin, just flying over these fields once, to prove fatal. It is believed that these same neurotoxins are taking a toll on native bees and other pollinators. Disease is also one more factor that researchers are looking at, as they try to find answers to these dilemmas.

Photo credit: Sarah Folz Jordan, Xerces Society

What Can I do to Build Native Pollinator Habitat on my Property?

According to Sarah Foltz Jordan, Senior Pollinator and Habitat Restoration Specialist, Great Lakes Chapter of the Xerces Society, wildflowers are essential for pollinator food. Providing nesting and overwintering shelter for these insects is crucially important. Leaving wildflower stems and seed heads intact over the winter is imperative to this. Dead wildflower stems are important nesting habitat for about 30 percent of our native bees. Pruning stems back six to 18 inches in the spring will result in stubble which will provide homes for the bees. It may look unsightly, but the area will soon be covered by green vegetation. Leaving an old log or two is another one of the greatest advantages you can give beneficial insects such as ground beetles, fireflies, and certain native pollinators. Decaying logs are home to many of these creatures. Leaving soil undisturbed as much as possible, also gives native pollinators an advantage. Bare patches in lawns are excellent nest sites for ground-nesting bees. Mulching, which is often touted as eco-friendly, is not so friendly to many beneficial insects. Many native bees are solitary ground nesters. Mulching, especially with plastic, landscaping fabric, or very heavy wood chips, covers their burrow entrances and limits their ability to find nest sites. Leave as many native flowers as possible. When planting for bees, try to utilize wildflowers and native pollinator plants. Use species that are native to the region in which you live. Native pollinators are more adapted to the plant species they have evolved with. Lastly, try to plant a series of plants which will provide blooms and food for these insects throughout the entire season.

Photo credit: Sarah Folz Jordan, Xerces Society

Some people have started making a bee hotel as an added feature to help native pollinators. These are small, simple structures that give shelter to native bees as they become re-established on your land. They can consist of untreated blocks of wood with holes drilled into them for solitary bees. Small-diameter tubes of bamboo or cardboard, banded together can serve the same purpose. If you leave an old log or two, you can also drill a few small, horizontal holes a few inches deep into the log as starter homes for these insects.

Photo credit: Sarah Folz Jordan, Xerces Society

What are the Best Plants for Bees?

With thousands of flowering plants growing throughout North America, it is almost impossible to do justice to this question. However, here are 10 wild flowering plants that seem to do well across a broad spectrum of regions and are often broadly found.

1. Common Goldenrod (Asteraceae sp.)

2. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

3. Native Sunflowers ( Helianthus sp.)

4. Beebalm (Monarda didyma and M. fistulosa sp.)

5. Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

6. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

7. Wild Lupines (Lupinus perrenis)

8. Wild Chokecherry blossoms (Prunus virginianus)

9. Wild Blackberries or other brambles (Rubus species)

10. Wild Roses (multiple species native to many areas across North America)

What native pollinators and wild flowering plants can be found in the area where you live?

Why We Need to Protect Native Pollinator Habitat was originally posted by All About Chickens

[kakoliberlin]

California’s Monumental Distress

Seven of California’s national monuments are under “review” as a result of President Trump’s executive order leveling an all-out assault on our public lands.

In April, the Carrizo Plain National Monument, located in a remote area east of San Luis Obispo, California, erupted with wildflowers in an occasional event known as a “super bloom.” Bob Wick, with the Bureau of Land Management, wrote on the agency’s Flickr page that “(t)he Valley floor has endless expanses of yellows and purples from coreopsis, tidy tips and phacelia, with smaller patches of dozens of other species … (And) the Temblor Range is painted with swaths of orange, yellow and purple like something out of a storybook. I have never seen such a spectacular array of blooms. Ever.”

The Carrizo Plain National Monument is one of seven California national monuments under review by the U.S. Department of the Interior to determine if they should remain as designated, or if their boundaries or management should be changed by the federal government. This unprecedented review, ordered by President Trump, affects 27 national monuments designated under the Antiquities Act of 1906.

California’s seven national monuments under review are special places and must remain protected. These areas were designated after years of community-based organizing, extensive effort to detail the specific historical, cultural and ecological values that make these areas meet the strict criteria for monument designation, and broad public outreach efforts. These lands receive overwhelming public support from the local community and stakeholders. After monument designation, collaborative efforts continue with the monument management planning process involving all stakeholders, particularly the local communities around the monuments.

In California, the president’s Executive Order affects seven national monuments—the most of any state with monuments under review. These seven monuments are widely supported by both Californians and most Americans. Many include lands sacred to Native American Tribes or capture historic locales celebrating our American legacy. Others provide invaluable cultural, scientific and recreational resources that provide immeasurable social, economic and ecosystem protection benefits to local communities. These monuments provide habitat for some of California’s most iconic wildlife, including the California condor, desert tortoise, and San Joaquin kit fox. They are places for both Americans and global visitors to reconnect with nature and recreate.

The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is located in California’s Inner Coast Range. It is the best place in the world to see and understand plate tectonics and lies at the intersection of the Bay Area and the Klamath-Siskiyou regions—two incredibly diverse ecosystems. The designation preserves a rich Native American cultural history, dating back at least 12,000 years. It offers a wealth of recreational opportunities and has become an important economic engine for many small rural communities in the region. By the time of its designation in 2015, the monument was supported by nearby cities and counties, 200 businesses, 60 elected officials, the conservation community, local ranchers and farmers, faith-based organizations, regional Hispanic communities, and local Native American Tribes.

Berryessa Snow Mountain

The Mojave Trails and Sand to Snow national monuments stretch along a portion of historic Route 66 and connect Joshua Tree National Park and the San Bernardino National Forest. These monuments were supported by state and local elected officials, business owners, veterans, local faith leaders, anglers, historians, and conservationists. Mojave Trails National Monument, California’s largest national monument, incorporates the historic Mojave Trail, which connects the Colorado River with the California Coast and was trekked by Native Americans for centuries. Franciscan Father Garces discovered this trail in 1776, and pioneering trailblazer Jedidiah Smith followed his footsteps through Afton Canyon, or the “Grand Canyon the Mojave” in 1826. The Los Angeles to Salt Lake Railroad, a brainchild of United States Senator William Andrews Clark constructed in 1905; and the Tonopah to Tidewater Railroad, constructed in 1907 by “Borax King” Francis Marion Smith, are also partially encompassed in this national monument. It also stretches along a portion of historic Route 66, also known as the “Main Street of America” or the “Mother Road”, which was one of the original roadways of the United States Highway System.

Mojave Trails

The Sand to Snow National Monument stretches from the sands of both the Mojave and Colorado deserts to San Gorgonio Peak, the tallest mountain in southern California. It connects a vital wildlife corridor between mountains considered sacred by the Gabrielino, Luiseno and Serrano Indian Tribes. Thirty miles of the Pacific Crest Trail bisect this monument, which supports more than 1,600 plant species dispersed throughout diverse niches between mountain peaks and the desert floor. The monument serves to connect the western portions of the San Bernardino National Forest, San Gorgonio Wilderness, Big Morongo, Whitewater and Mission Creek Preserves, Black Lava Butte and Flat Top Mesa to Joshua Tree National Park. These California Desert monuments were supported by a wide range of state and local elected officials, business owners, veterans, local faith leaders, anglers, historians, and conservationists. Extensive planning to address local concerns spanned nearly a decade preceding monument designation.

Sand to Snow

Both Mojave and Sand to Snow monuments provide essential habitat for well-known wildlife such as the threatened Agassiz’s desert tortoise, California’s state reptile; the endangered peninsular bighorn sheep and closely-related desert bighorn sheep; wide-ranging vulnerable species such the golden eagle; as well as fascinating endemic species, such Coachella Valley and Mojave fringed-toed lizards. Archeological, historic and scientific wonders include the Marble Mountains Fossil Beds, where 550-million-year-old trilobite fossils can be found; the volcanic Pisgah Lava Flow and Amboy Crater National Landmark; the Bigelow Cholla Garden, California’s largest cactus assemblage; General Patton’s World War II Tank Training Camp; and the singing Cadiz Sand Dunes.

The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, located just a 90-minute drive from the park-poor Los Angeles Basin, offers vast expanses of largely undeveloped forest and alpine landscape, four wilderness areas, streams and rivers with incredible opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and camping Its mountain streams and forests serve as a critical watershed for Southern California cities and are an important part of the hunting and fishing industry, with more than 100 hunting and fishing organizations opposing any reduction in monument protection or size. Most of the San Gabriel’s major mountain peaks are located within the monument, including Mount San Antonio and Mount Baden-Powell, as well as the striking geological features of the San Andreas Fault and Devil’s Punchbowl. The monument’s diverse habitats support imperiled species such as the endangered California condor, southwestern willow flycatcher, mountain yellow-legged frog and Santa Ana sucker, as well as the California spotted owl, mountain lion, black bear and desert bighorn sheep.

San Gabriel Mountains

The Carrizo Plain National Monument protects some of the last remaining intact native grassland in Central California. A land of waving grass and wildflower “super blooms,” it is home to several animals of significant conservation importance such as pronghorn antelope, which has been extirpated in much of California; tule elk, a unique subspecies once wiped out in the state and which has recovered from a single breeding pair; and both the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, and the world’s largest bird, the California condor.

Carrizo Plain

Giant Sequoia National Monument boasts half of all the giant sequoias in the world, including 38 of 39 groves in Sequoia National Forest. Thousands of families visit these lands each year to marvel at the largest living organisms on Earth which have spanned the centuries; some to ages of 3,000 years or more. This ancient forest supports the imperiled Pacific fisher and California spotted owl, as well as mountain lion, bobcat and black bear; with the southern portion of the monument partially surrounding the Tule River Indian Reservation.

Giant Sequoia

One of the most biologically diverse ecosystems of the Cascade Range, the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument straddles the border between California and Oregon where the Klamath, Siskiyou, and Cascade mountain ranges converge, setting the stage for a unique mixing of diverse habitats in a small area. An intriguing mosaic of grasslands, oak woodlands, juniper scrub, chaparral, dry pine forest, moist fir forest, meadows, wetlands and volcanic rock outcrops support the endangered Gentner’s fritillary and great gray owl, the threatened northern spotted owl, Oregon spotted and yellow-legged frogs, redband trout, Roosevelt elk, American pika and more here. The historic Applegate Trail and California branch of the Oregon Trail are also encompassed by this monument, which was supported by local communities, businesses, Native American Tribes, conservation organizations, hunting and fishing groups.

Cascade-Siskiyou

California Strong

These seven monuments represent the best of California’s wildlife and wild places and are broadly supported. Mirroring the strong public support for continued protection of these monuments in California, the state Legislature passed Assembly Joint Resolution 15 in June. This resolution called on Congress and the president to respect and protect California’s seven monuments currently under review. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke should listen to the wishes of the overwhelming majority of Californians and people throughout the country who love their national monuments and want them to remain intact and protected for future generations.

Help us speak up for our wildlife and wild places. Tell Secretary Zinke that America’s national monuments belong to all of us and should be preserved as designated under the Antiquities Act!

Download our California monuments print-out and our 27 monuments print-out to help us spread the word about this potentially disastrous attack on our cherished wild places and the wildlife that call these places home.

Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the status of these at-risk national monuments and other developments important to wildlife conservation and our work. Don’t forget to sign up for our emails where you will get all the latest news and action alerts to support wildlife.

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