A spectacular blue-flowered sage, Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii) is native to the Southern California coast and Baja. This highly-aromatic plant is a fast grower and a spring bloomer (dried blooms are showy throughout the year). Showcase this plant either by itself as a specimen plant, or create groupings in the landscape. Allow room for this plant when siting as it gets larger. 

Photo by Stacy Doolittle

Residents across the Morongo Basin have expressed concern about a proposed luxury camping development just off Old Woman Springs Road in Flamingo Heights. MBCA has sent a letter to the lead San Bernardino County contract planner emphasizing the need for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report. A news story from local radio station KCDZ provides additional information.

The proposed Solar 66 project located in the Mojave Desert community of Daggett between I-15 and Highway 40 would provide 7 megawatts of solar power on about 134 acres. MBCA's comment letter on the County's Initial Study of this project points to concerns about flooding risks, air pollution, wildlife corridors, invasive species, and aesthetics. 

Rosemary (Rosemary spp.) is native to the dry, rocky areas of the Mediterranean, yet it performs so well in our climate that we consider it a "desert-wise" plant and worthy of the spotlight.

 

Clipped rosemary in Yucca Valley,CA. Photo by Heather Sommerfield

You can help bees get through the winter by planting rosemary, as it is a late winter bloomer.

The Bureau of Land Management announced on April 7 that Mojave Trails National Monument is one of five western public lands areas that will receive Land and Water Conservation Funding. The BLM Press Release notes that the funds will conserve wildlife habitat, "secure public access to a variety of recreational activities and set aside exceptional places for all Americans to enjoy.”  

MBCA is among 34 organizations signing a letter in support of AB 223 which would make it illegal to harvest Dudleya plants in California without a permit or landowner permission. Poaching of this native plant has increased greatly in recent years, and it needs protection against possible extinction. The plants are commonly known as "liveforevers" in California. Learn more at the Dudleya Protection page on the California Native Plant Society website.  

MBCA features prominently in an article and photo series by the Desert Sun about the Auto Camp Airsteam Resort under construction in Joshua Tree. The news article title aptly describes the concern: Glamping company brings Airstreams to Joshua Tree. Can development and nature coexist? The article includes comments from MBCA President Steve Bardwell, and he and Board member Pat Flanagan are included in the photo series accompanying the article.