Over the last few weeks the Mojave and Sonora have become increasingly dry. It’s gotten to the point that even the Larrea tridentata is under stress in some places. Walking through fields of dead or dormant Ambrosia dumosa and Atriplex, I try to stay optimistic that the target species I’m looking for, hope beyond hope, is just around the bend. We’ve had to move to higher elevations, but even in places like the Orocopia Mountains things are bleak.

Despite the extremely dry conditions, we are able to collect many of the most common species and tissue collection for a tortoise forage nutrient study has begun. Wading through cheesebush (Ambrosia salsola), with my hands covered in a resinous coating of cheesebush glue and smelling like the sweetest limburger, I remind myself that this will benefit an endangered animal. But there is beauty in the simplicity of the act of collecting. I get into a rhythm, and feel connected to the desert around me in a very fundamental way. Or, maybe it’s all just a delusion inspired by the 110 degree weather we’ve been having. Regardless, I’ve seen a lot more wildlife and have been having a great time scouting for new seed collection locations.

Green Curcurbita palmata fruits!