California Lawmakers Pass Historic Bill to Permanently Protect Climate-Threatened Western Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree

California lawmakers have passed a historic bill (Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act) to permanently protect the western Joshua tree, making it the first law in the state aimed at safeguarding a species threatened by climate change. The legislation, part of the state budget agreement, is expected to be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and take […]

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Desert Wildflowers: Desert Bluebells

Desert Bluebells, also known as Desert Bells and California Bluebells Phacelia campanularia Family: Boraginaceae, one of the larger plant families in the US, with 60 genera and around 650 species, some major families are cryptantha, hackelia, mertensia, oreocarya, phacelia, and plagiobothrys. Fun Facts The flowers of Phacelia campanularia are a vibrant shade of blue, and […]

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Desert Wildflowers: Wild Canterbury Bells

Wild Canterbury Bells, also known as Whitlavia Phacelia minor Family: Boraginaceae, one of the larger plant families in the US, with 60 genera and around 650 species, some major families are cryptantha, hackelia, mertensia, oreocarya, phacelia, and plagiobothrys. Fun Facts Phacelia minor is known to be highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its […]

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Desert Wildflowers: Frémont’s Pincushion

image of wildflower Frémont's Pincushion

Frémont’s Pincushion, also known as Desert Pincushion Chaenactis fremontii Family: Asteraceae, commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, composite, or sunflower family Fun Facts Chaenactis fremontii is often the most abundant spring wildflower in the lower Mojave and northern Sonoran deserts, where it is a significant food source for desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii Cooper). It […]

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