COMMISSION

Pollinators moving through the desert help pollinate flowering plants allowing seed
development. Once seeds drop to the ground, certain conditions of moisture, temperature,
nutrient, and scarring must be met for the seed to germinate or sprout. After heavy rains,
there are large swaths of land covered in seedlings. Very few of these young plants will be
able to survive the harsh conditions of the desert, and most will have died by the next rains.
Survival of young plants is crucial to the health of the desert biome, but becomes a major
challenge in a drought like the one California currently faces. Ocotillo Wells SVRA resource
team have found a way to help these plants thrive despite the drought.
A native plant nursery allows biologists to propagate
native plants in controlled conditions. Seeds are
collected from individuals throughout Ocotillo Wells
SVRA to maintain genetic integrity. With available
materials, seeds are prepared by imitating the effects
of a seed rolling through the desert. Seeds are
generally ready to sprout once a protective coating
around the seed has been stripped away by the acids
Beavertail cactus
inside the stomach of an animal, or by the desert
sands as the seed travels across sand by wind or
water. Once the seeds are ready to sprout, they are planted in desert soil prepared by the
biologists and watered according to each species’ requirements. A growing plant will be
transplanted into larger pots as its size increases until it is healthy enough to survive on its
own in the desert. Plants are then transplanted in Ocotillo Wells SVRA with small cages
around them for protection while they establish themselves.
Prairie City SVRA
Avian Survey
Prairie City SVRA conducted a five-year avian survey
from 2010-2015. Initially, the primary objective of analysis
was to determine the impact of OHV recreation use areas
on bird populations. The survey results indicate there is
no statistically significant difference in species diversity
or richness between OHV use areas and non-OHV use
areas. After reviewing collected data from all survey sites
within the SVRA, it was determined that not all recorded
observations followed the specific guidelines with regard to
distance variables. Recorded observations from all survey
Swainson’s hawk
2017 Program Report 155