Springtime has arrived in the Mojave Desert and has ushered in a busy field season! We recently completed the preparation and planting of 3 common gardens across the Mojave Desert (2 in California and 1 in Utah). Additionally, we assisted with a vegetation survey in burned and unburned areas of Coyote Springs, NV and we just started our work in the Eureka Dunes at Death Valley National Park.

Horned Lizard in Coyote Springs, NV

This past week we collected data on Eureka Dunes evening primrose (Oenothera californica ssp. eurekensis) and Eureka Valley dune grass (Swallenia alexandrae). These two plants are endemic to the Eureka Dunes and are federally listed endangered species. It was exciting to work with plants that are found nowhere else in the world and I hope this research will contribute to the improvement of their populations.

Eureka Dunes evening primrose (Oenothera californica ssp. eurekensis)

Eureka Valley dune grass (Swallenia alexandrae)

In addition to collecting field data on these plants, we also installed soil moisture probes 5 meters deep into the dunes using a manual auger. This proved a little challenging at times, but it should aid in our understanding of how these plants are impacted by dune soil moisture dynamics.

digging 5 m deep holes for soil moisture probes using manual auger

Although the field season has been busy I have enjoyed having the opportunity to help with a variety of different projects. Doing fieldwork on several projects has enabled me to discover and learn about a variety of different areas within the Mojave and this has been one of my favorite aspects of my internship.

I can’t wait to see what else spring has in store!

-Renee Albrecht