Native Plant Restoration

$25,000

Joshua Tree Seed Collection

Altered temperatures and rainfall patterns are projected to dramatically reduce viable Joshua tree habitat. This program funds the collection, processing, and storage of Joshua tree seeds from the most resilient populations in the park.

The Joshua Tree Seed Collection creates a path to maintaining genetic diversity and adaptability among future generations of Joshua trees. Funding covers the costs associated with seed collection.

Learn more about our supporter San Manuel Cares.

$35,000

Rare Plant Monitoring

Joshua Tree National Park is home to 54 rare plant species! The Rare Plant Monitoring Program supports a dedicated botanist position who leads monitoring and conservation of rare plant species within the park.

The botanist focuses on:

• Tracking health and distribution of sensitive plant populations
• Identifying emerging threats
• Developing science-based conservation strategies

This role is critical in the continued efforts to preserve plant species that make Joshua Tree so special.

$75,000

Joshua Tree Refugia Restoration

As Joshua tree habitat changes, Joshua Tree National Park works to identify and protect potential “refugia” areas. Refugia are at higher elevations where there is more annual rainfall.

Funding provided by JTNPA supports refugia efforts, including:

• Locating and monitoring refugia areas
• Assessing refugia and related conservation strategies
• Taking proactive measures such as creating defensible space and fuel breaks to protect refugia from fire and other threats

This program also allows the park to restore Joshua tree populations in areas damaged by previous fires. Restoration efforts encompass planting, monitoring, and caring for young Joshua trees, as well as providing funds for research into improving the viability of future reseeding.