Preserving Nature's Legacy: Inside the Mission of a Seed Bank in the Mojave Desert
Discover how the Mojave Desert Land Trust is dedicated to safeguarding an ancient ecosystem by meticulously gathering and safeguarding seeds from over 250 plant species. Join the race to protect this endangered ecosystem through seed preservation efforts.
Welcome to Call to Earth, a CNN editorial series dedicated to highlighting the environmental issues our planet is facing and the solutions to tackle them. Rolex's Perpetual Planet initiative has teamed up with CNN to raise awareness and educate people about important sustainability issues, encouraging positive actions.
Imagine a small bee nestled inside a Mojave aster flower, peacefully sleeping. When night falls, the delicate lavender petals of the flower close, providing a secure shelter for the bee. As the sun rises and birds start their morning songs in the desert, the flower opens up, revealing its tiny guest.
Hidden away in the vast and dry Mojave Desert of southern California lies a plethora of natural treasures waiting to be discovered.
Under the blazing sun and cloudless blue sky, a team of four, led by Madena Asbell, clad in long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats, carefully searches the dirt for their next hidden gem.
They are on the lookout for a plant known as erodium texanum, also called Texas stork’s bill or heronbill, a herb that is indigenous to California. Their main focus is on locating the seeds of this plant.
“There is an abundance of life in this area,” Asbell remarks, “yet it can be overlooked when you are in the desert.”
Asbell is the director of plant conservation for the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and safeguarding the Mojave and Colorado desert regions in California.
A quarter of California consists of desert landscapes, which are home to approximately 2,400 plant species, as reported by MDLT. About eight years ago, Asbell came up with an innovative idea. He wondered if there was a way to protect the delicate ecosystem by focusing on the seeds that support life in this environment. This led to the establishment of the Mojave Desert Land Trust seed bank.
"The aim is to safeguard the incredible genetic variety we possess and ensure it can be used to restore or reintroduce species in case a disaster strikes and wipes out a population," explains Asbell. "Plants form the basis of many ecosystems, so by preserving these plants, we are safeguarding all the species that rely on them, such as desert tortoises, burrowing owls, and pollinators."
A member of the Mojave Desert Land Trust gently collects seed from a desert plant to add to the seed bank project on April 9, 2024.
A member of the Mojave Desert Land Trust gently collects seed from a desert plant to add to the seed bank project on April 9, 2024.
Beau Molloy/CNN
In an ever-changing climate, the seed bank was exactly the type of forward-thinking idea that the organization was seeking, according to Kelly Herbinson, the executive director of MDLT.
Five million seeds, and still growing.
"We've come to understand that simply protecting or purchasing land isn't sufficient. We need to go further and invest in the land," explained Herbinson.
In 2016, Mojave Desert Land Trust introduced the seed bank project, often referred to as a "Noah's Ark" for southern California.
At MDLT headquarters in Joshua Tree, California, three white refrigerators store the collection. The land trust has gathered over 5 million seeds from nearly 250 species, and the number continues to grow.
The seeds are brought in by field teams and undergo a "cut test" to check their viability. This test ensures that the seed pods are full and free from excessive damage caused by insects or mold, ensuring that only the best seeds are preserved.
A look at three species of seed under the microscope.
Corina Godoy/Mojave Desert Land Trust
The seeds are placed in paper bags on racks to dry out before being transferred into jars for long-term storage.
Inside the refrigerators, you will find a variety of jar shapes and sizes, ranging from small Gerber baby food jars to larger pickle jars. Each jar is labeled with the seed name, the number of jars in the collection, and the quantity of seeds inside.
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The seed bank is just like the desert - full of different types of seeds. Some seeds are light and wispy, others are skinny or round. There are also seeds that are dense like peppercorn, while some look like pumpkin seeds. They come in shades of brown, red, and olive green.
At the seed bank, the work involves scouting, collecting, processing, and managing the database, according to Asbell.
Last year, MDLT received a $3.2 million grant from the state of California’s Wildlife Conservation Board to help expand the project.
A jar of seeds sits in one of three full refrigerators at the Mojave Desert Land Trust headquarters in Joshua Tree, California.
A jar of seeds sits in one of three full refrigerators at the Mojave Desert Land Trust headquarters in Joshua Tree, California.
Beau Molloy/CNN
"We have already provided seeds to researchers who are studying how climate change is affecting specific species in our seed bank," Asbell explains. "It's crucial to know not only what seeds you have collected, but also the specific location they came from for restoration purposes.
"You can't just scatter any seeds on the ground. It's important to know the seed's origin, the population it belongs to, the elevation it thrives in, and ensure that it is the right seed for the right location. These are all factors we consider in our work."
Assisting the future of the Joshua tree
The need for this work has become more urgent. California has experienced the effects of climate change, such as more frequent and severe wildfires, according to Herbinson. In addition, there has been an increase in invasive grasses that are not only suffocating parts of the desert scenery but also fueling the wildfires.
Asbell points out that climate change leads to drought, putting a lot of pressure on desert ecosystems despite their ability to thrive in arid conditions.
She emphasizes the urgent need to address the unprecedented challenges that threaten our survival. Preserving the genetic diversity of the planet is crucial for future generations, highlighting the importance of this critical work.
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This seed bank in California wants to preserve the Mojave Desert ecosystem
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The desert may seem empty at first glance, but it is actually teeming with diverse and vibrant life, according to Herbinson. It is a hidden gem of biodiversity that is often overlooked due to its seemingly barren appearance.
Compared to ecosystems like rainforests or oceans with their colorful trees and abundant wildlife, the desert is not as well protected. This lack of attention makes it vulnerable to threats and in need of conservation efforts.
In the Mojave Desert, there is a unique and iconic tree known as the Joshua tree. According to Asbell, this tree is a special and charismatic species with a distinctive structure. It can be found in many parts of the landscape, but it is also facing threats to its survival. As a result, efforts are being made to protect and conserve the Joshua tree for the future.
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Yucca trees, known for their twisted, Dr. Seuss-like appearance, are at risk of not being able to survive our changing climate. This is because their seeds rely heavily on rodents for dispersal, according to Herbinson.
In order to adapt and thrive, these trees may need to relocate to a more suitable habitat in cooler, higher elevation areas. However, the distance needed for migration is too far for the rodents, who typically only spread seeds up to 100 feet away from the tree. This is where a seed bank could play a crucial role.
Herbinson explains that by assisting the Joshua tree in migrating, we can potentially speed up the process. This would help the species adapt to the changing climate and ensure its survival for years to come, something that would not be possible without our intervention.
The famed Joshua tree, which is facing increased threats from a warming climate.
Beau Molloy/CNN
Approximately 70,000 Joshua tree seeds are held in the seed bank. Some of these seeds may be used for planting in cooler areas if necessary. Asbell emphasizes the importance of finding a balance: taking enough seeds to support a restoration project during emergencies, but being careful not to disturb the natural ecosystem.
“This area has a long history,” she explains. “It's fascinating to consider how old many of these organisms are, and the events they have witnessed.”
"Seeds are like a new beginning," Asbell shares. "There's nothing quite like the joy of watching a seed grow. It reminds us of the beauty and power of life. In today's world, it's important to hold onto these moments and cherish them."
Reporting by CNN's Adeline Chen.
Editor's P/S:
The Mojave Desert Seed Bank is a remarkable initiative that underscores the importance of preserving our planet's biodiversity in the face of environmental challenges. The seed bank serves as a vital repository of genetic material, safeguarding the future of vulnerable desert plant species. By collecting, storing, and researching seeds, the Mojave Desert Land Trust is playing a crucial role in ensuring that these species can adapt, thrive, and continue to support the delicate ecosystem of the Mojave Desert.
The seed bank's work extends beyond preserving seeds; it also raises awareness about the threats facing desert ecosystems. By highlighting the impact of climate change, invasive species, and wildfires, the seed bank team encourages individuals and organizations to take action to protect these fragile environments. The seed bank serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in the future of our planet.
