Cima Dome Joshua Tree Forest Restoration

A camel being rigged to transport baby Joshua trees for planting.
2023 Joshua tree planting. Camels were used to transport the baby trees.

NPS Photo

Help Plant Joshua Trees on Cima Dome!

October 25-November 8, 2024

Background

In August 2020, the Dome Fire burned over 43,000 acres (~70 square miles) of one of the densest and largest Joshua tree forests in the world on Cima Dome. While assessing the damage to the forest, we noticed some areas with fairly low to moderate burn intensity with pockets of unburned islands. However, the burn intensity throughout most of the fire was catastrophic and nearly all above ground vegetation was scorched and would not survive. We estimated that over a million trees were burned in the fire.

Cima Dome is modelled to be a climate refugia for the species. However, Joshua trees have poor seed dispersal and may only migrate about 100 feet for every 20 years. So the Mojave National Preserve is taking steps to ensure there are trees, and more specially a seed source, within the badly affected areas of the burn so they may reestablished naturally before the effects of climate change impact the recruitment and sustainability of the population on Cima Dome.


Volunteers are recommended to have:
  • Comfort and experience with desert hiking
  • Ability to hike 3-5 miles
  • Ability to carry up to 30 lbs.
  • Ability to navigate and collect data by GPS and/or mobile apps
  • Ability to be self-sufficient while camping

If this is you, you're invited to SIGN UP HERE

If you have any immediate questions or are unsure whether this is right for you, please send an email to Ryan McRae

 

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Logistics Information

 

Camping Map for Volunteer Event

 
Recommended Camping Locations Map: Cima Dome CLosed, Valley View Basecamp in Center, Rock Tank, Corral, White Cross Campsites
Two-Wheel Drive access camping available near white cross/Teutonia Peak Trailhead. Four Wheel Drive camping available at Rock Tank, Twisselman Tank East and West, and Valley View Corral. No Camping is available at the Valley View Basecamp.

NPS / Science and Resource Stewardship Division, Mojave National Preserve

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

2701 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311

Phone:

(760) 252-6100
For emergencies including vehicle breakdowns, dial 911

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