If you’ve been outside enjoying the fall weather in the mornings and evenings, you may have found swarms of small beetle-like bugs on your home and outdoor stuff. At first glance - these can look like Kissing Bugs, which are blood-feeding insects that live in the SW United States and Mexico. However - some of these bugs may actually be the western leaf footed bug, which has a similar body and appearance to the kissing bug, except its back legs take on the appearance of tiny leaves.  They like to…

As the sun drops in the Mojave desert the ground can come alive with native creatures who spend most of their daytime hours underground. One of the most charismatic and iconic of these dwellers is the kangaroo rat - a small rodent with large back feet and a long tail. They are unique to the Mojave and have adapted to the arid environment by living off seeds, and getting nearly all the moisture they require from that diet alone. They are also excellent listeners as they can detect the silent…

The Mojave Desert Land Trust Fall Native Plant sale is happening today - and chances are if you are reading this after 10AM you might be too late. Each season's native plant sale seems to grow in size and popularity, selling out fast as residents grab up beautiful native species that are easier to grow and maintain here in the desert. Native plants are resilient in hot weather, requiring less watering and maintenance once they are established in the ground. Thriving from things that we have…