TransitionHabitatConservancy (@transition.habitat)

Thousands of years ago... ...the extinct Shasta ground sloth traveled across our deserts, eating seed pods and planting the future of these landscapes as they went. Today, with those ancient giant seed dispersers are long gone. THC recieved special permission to support @californiadfw in collecting seeds to increase biodiversity. Huge thanks to Roy from @seedsofsuccession and many other volunteers for participating. #biodiversity #joshuatree #seeds #sloth #mojavedesert

Volunteering opportunities are truly opportunities to: 💚 meet great people 💚 learn from experts in the field 💚 get special access to unique habitats 💚 learn a new skill (career pathway) 💚 last but not least, to make a positive difference Community Partners of Antelope Valley (@copa_av) recently joined forces with Transition Habitat Conservancy, supporting the California Department of Fish and Wildlife seed collection project. Copa AV is a local non-profit dedicated to environmental stewardship, waste abatement, and community education across the valley. Please check out their page and give them a follow to support their hands-on work in our community. communitypartnersav.org

Nature’s Maracas Thanks to our exclusive partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Transition Habitat Conservancy volunteers were granted access to harvest vital seed pods at our Portal Ridge Wildlife Preserve lands! Our crew had a blast shaking the pods, dancing, and collecting seeds to protect Joshua tree biodiversity for the future. Huge thank you to everyone who came out to help the desert! #JoshuaTree #TransitionHabitatConservancy #CubanPete #CDFW #Biodiversity

Western Joshua trees aren't actually "true" trees—they’re giant monocots related to asparagus that lack traditional wood or annual growth rings. Instead of true wood, their fibrous structures utilize two distinct vegetative mechanisms to survive harsh conditions and regenerate after damage in some instances: Clonal Sprouts: The plant sends up genetically identical shoots from its shallow underground root system. Because of this, an entire cluster of Joshua trees can be a single connected organism. Crown Sprouts: When the upper foliage is destroyed by a wildfire or severe weather, dormant buds protected beneath the thick, fire-resistant bark activate to grow new green crowns directly out of the damaged trunk. #monocot #joshuatree #clonalsprouts #crownsprouts #mojavedesert

The secret weapon against desert wildfires = Cows One of our biggest hurdles at @transition.habitat is combating the dry, invasive grasses that create dangerous fuel loads for wildfires. @eastmanlivestock is a local, family-owned business helping us tackle the problem naturally. Through targeted cattle grazing, these cows act as nature's lawnmowers, clearing out fire hazards while enjoying a nutritious, free-range feast. Healthy land, a healthy herd, and a safer community. That's how agriculture meets conservation! #EcoSystem #WildfirePrevention #TargetedGrazing #CattleRanching #MojaveDesert

We got special permission for this. Because the Western Joshua tree is currently a Candidate Species, it receives the exact same strict legal protections as an Endangered Species while the State reviews its long-term status. However, thanks to our exclusive partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Transition Habitat Conservancy volunteers were granted access to harvest vital seed pods at our Portal Ridge Wildlife Preserve lands! These giant pods hold dozens of flat seeds containing 2.5 million years of evolutionary magic. Thanks to our community, they are now safely headed toward desert habitat restoration and genetic seed banking to secure a climate-resilient future. While that exclusive harvest is now wrapped up, our mission to protect these fragile environments never stops. We need your help at our upcoming desert cleanup events to keep these habitats pristine and safe for native wildlife! RSVP for this Saturday - where we will be restoring the Western Burrowing Owl habitat transitionhabitat.org/events/antelope-flats-volunteer-cleanup #TransitionHabitatConservancy #CDFW #VolunteerCalifornia #JoshuaTree #DesertCleanup

Highlighting our partnership with @eastmanlivestock Many people ask us: Q: "Why not use sheep or goats?" A: 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙙𝙤! Every animal has its advantages. On this particular landscape, we use cows because they work better against large predators and are able to travel longer distances. Using a targeted grazing approach, the land benefits from natural vegetation control, and the cattle enjoy a steady supply of nutritious forage. - We highly recommend @eastmanlivestock for your cattle needs. They are a tight knit family owned business. Since our success with 16 cattle last year, we have now increased our collaboration to 26 cattle! #grazing #targetedgrazing #cattle #firemitigation #transitionhabitat

Last Saturday, we invited 60 guests to a biodiversity week event at Portal Ridge. Starting with a short hike, guests enjoyed identifying the native plants with @inaturalistorg as well as some nature journaling. As the sun set, @tekkstreks prepared a moth sheet with a screen to display his macro photography. Wendy assembled a projector underneath the pavilion. We also had a telescope on-site for our "constellation station". Many guests enjoyed finding scorpions with provided black lights. By 11pm many guests had already went home while some chose to camp overnight. How did you spend your biodiversity week? #biodiversity #biodiversityweek #portalridge #moth #transitionhabitat

We’re always looking for natural, sustainable ways to care for the land. One of the biggest challenges we face is the rapid spread of dry, highly flammable grasses that overtake the desert each year. These non-native grasses not only crowd out native species but also create dangerous fuel loads in an area known for its strong, unpredictable winds—a combination that dramatically increases wildfire risk. To help address this problem safely and sustainably, last year we partnered with @eastmanlivestock introducing 16 cattle to graze across our landscape. This experiment was very successful, so this year we increased to 26 cattle. By choosing cows, we’ve found a win-win solution: the land benefits from natural vegetation control, and the cattle enjoy a steady supply of nutritious forage.

Look who moved in! These baby barn owls are hanging out in a custom box on Dan's property. Did you know barn owls can't hoot? They actually make a sharp, hissing screech instead!

Big Stretch! Caught on our trail cam by Dan Potter

Rare sighting of a bear at Portal Ridge Wildlife Preserve.

Caught on our trail cam by Dan Potter

Milkweed! @urbanconservationcorps supports @transition.habitat with conservation efforts as a part of their youth training. Youth 18-27 can get involved with UCC to gain experience for a career in conservation. In this video, UCC helped support THC with 2 grants: ➤ @inlandempirecf managing pinyon pines affected by the bark beetle (fuel mitigation) 🔥 ➤@nfwf managing milkweed to improve the monarch butterfly habitat 🦋 THC welcomes volunteers of all ages! Stay in touch for more volenteer opportunities. Also, consider donating to THC to support our conservation efforts. https://www.transitionhabitat.org/donate

Who are Star Creek Land Stewards? Star Creek Land Stewards is a woman-owned, targeted grazing outfit, using sheep & goats to perform carefully-managed vegetation management throughout California. Star Creek Land Stewards is now performing land stewardship projects throughout California spanning into the Bay Area, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Placer, Monterey, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties and beyond. Matthew manages projects, assists with mapping, conducts pre/post grazing site visits, and offers rangeland management and prescribed fire consulting services. #fuelmitigation #firemitigation #grant #grazing #sheep

Searching for Monarch Butterly Eggs 🔎 🥚 🦋 Sarah explains how our volunteers manage the woolley milkweed during their die-back period at Puma Canyon Ecological Reserve. #milkweed #landconservancy #monarch #butterfly #pollinators

We supported 2 grants in 1 day: 1 - @inlandempirecf for fuel mitigation 🔥 2 - @nfwf to improve monarch butterfly habitat 🦋 Sign up to our newsletter for more volenteer opportunities: https://www.transitionhabitat.org/volunteer-with-us#contactus #Conservation #HabitatManagement #FuelMitigation #Grants

How we protect our milkweed. #pollinators #mojavedesert #monarch #waystation #conservation

Right in the middle of a butterfly superhighway! Did you know our location sits in a crucial transitional zone for the Monarch butterfly migration? Thanks to the incredible support of the Urban Conservation Corps and the Puma Canyon Committee through our Pollinator Grant, we are actively working to protect these iconic pollinators. Our team currently maintains approximately 130 woolly milkweed plants—the essential host plant that Monarch caterpillars need to survive. Every plant we nurture provides a vital pit stop on their long journey. Thank you to our partners and community for helping us keep the migration alive! #MonarchButterfly #PollinatorConservation #UrbanConservationCorps #SaveTheMonarchs #WoollyMilkweed

Pinyon pines are dying off Meet Wendie Marriott. After retiring from a 25-year career in Parks and Recreation, Wendie and her husband Bern moved to Pinon Hills. Looking to give back, they started volunteering with us—and 17 years later, they are still a vital part of our team, acting as the "eyes and ears" for the Puma Canyon Ecological Reserve. In this video, Wendie highlights the critical fuel reduction work happening at the reserve. This vital wildfire resilience work is made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Inland Empire Community Foundation (@iecommunityfoundation). A huge thank you to Wendie, Bern, and our dedicated Puma Committee and Urban Conservation Corps (UCC) for keeping our community and habitats safe. #TransitionHabitat #PinonHills #InlandEmpire #IECF #HighDesert

Along with human herders onsite, the use of livestock guardian dogs and herding dogs are also employed. Dogs are used in two different ways during the process. There are the livestock guardian dogs. Usually large, fluffy white dogs such as Great Pyrenees or Akbash that can weigh up to 150 pounds, these dogs live only to protect the herd. This protective nature has been bred over hundreds of years. It is ingrained in them. They travel and live with the herd and are highly attuned to the environment around the animals protecting them from predators in the wild. Then there are the herding dogs. These are usually Border Collies, highly intelligent dogs with a drive to herd animals. Completely in tune with their handlers, working as an extension of the herder directing them. They have been bred for generations to do the specific task of moving animals in tune with their human handlers. While most herding dogs nip and bite at the heels of animals to move them, Border Collies also employ what is known as “the stare” to control sheep. They use a low-crouched, intense stare to apply psychological pressure, guiding animals precisely. It’s pretty amazing to watch! Check out the full blog post at the link in our bio to learn more about how we’re protecting the natural heritage of the Mojave. transitionhabitat.org/blog #TransitionHabitat #WildfireMitigation #MojaveDesert #Conservation #JoshuaTree

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄𝙨 𝙏𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜? (versus commercial grazing) 𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙤𝙖𝙡-𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙: Targeted grazing works closely with the land managers to make sure that we're achieving specific goals and priorities. What that means is that our grazing prescription is very precise. 𝙄𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙖: To control exactly where the animals graze, we use portable electric netting, portable water systems, and herders on site at all times which allows us to have a very precise impact. 𝙄𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜: We’re able to move animals with ease and expediency so that the grazing impact can be focused to do exactly what we want it to do and have no negative impacts on the land. Then once we achieve our goals, we can move on. By focusing on "small sections, the team prevents overgrazing and ensures the land can recover between treatments. 𝙄𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜: The best strategy requires “proper timing and approach.” For example, grazing is timed in the springtime when grass is palatable to “catch many of the seeds before they drop” and “interrupt the reproductive cycle.” 𝙄𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩: Sheep are deliberately chosen over goats due to the sensitive nature of the Joshua tree woodlands." Because goats tend to browse more, sheep are used so they "do not harm the Western Joshua tree sprouts. 𝙄𝙩 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨: The process requires human herders on site at all times, alongside working dogs. Livestock guardian dogs live with and protect the herd, while herding dogs (Border Collies) use a low-crouched “stare” to apply psychological pressure, guiding animals precisely. #MojaveDesert #OverGrazing #LandConservancy #FireMitigation #InvasiveSpecies

Sheep vs. Megafires (Full blog on our website) transitionhabitat.org/blog Managing invasive plants in California isn't just about ecosystem health—it’s a critical part of building climate resilience. That’s why we’ve partnered with Star Creek Land Stewards on a specialized fire mitigation strategy in the West Mojave. With catastrophic wildfires becoming more frequent, controlling "fuel loads" is a top priority. We chose sheep for this project because they are uniquely suited for the sensitive Joshua tree woodlands we manage. Unlike goats, sheep focus on the underbrush and don’t harm the young Western Joshua tree sprouts. By timing the grazing to hit invasive grasses and Sahara mustard before they drop their seeds, we’re able to: ⭐ Interrupt the reproductive cycle of dangerous, fast-growing weeds. ⭐ Clear out the "tinder" that fuels intense fires. ⭐ Protect our landscape in areas where herbicides aren't allowed or hand-pulling is impossible. As land managers, we believe the land actually manages us. Our job is to listen and adjust. This project proves we don’t have to choose between fire safety and ecological integrity—we can have both through intentional, mindful action. Check out the full blog post at the link in our bio to learn more about how we’re protecting the natural heritage of the Mojave. transitionhabitat.org/blog #TransitionHabitat #WildfireMitigation #MojaveDesert #Conservation #JoshuaTree

We have some exciting videos from our partnership with @starcreeklandstewards coming soon #Sheep #CountingSheep #LandStewardship #Jump #TransitionHabitat

Lasers vs. Ravens? We've partnered with OrniLogic to use 3D-printed green lasers to safely move raven populations out of the Western Mojave. It's a harmless way to protect vulnerable desert tortoise hatchlings, and the results are incredible! Read the full blog on our website: transitionhabitat.org “Ember” licensed via Music Vine: XNYM8RYUIEYQHZ8N

We burn early — before winds pick up — moving tumbleweeds away from Joshua trees, piling them at a safe distance, and lighting controlled morning burns. Backed by a fuel‑management grant and with the Los Angeles County Prescribed Burn Association on site, Transition Habitat Conservancy uses these targeted burns across the Antelope Valley to remove fuel loads and slow invasive plants. The flames burn fast and predictable, shielding groves from larger wildfires while training local crews and restoring healthy fire practices. When handled properly, these low‑risk burns give the Western Joshua Tree a better chance to survive. 📸 @tekksdotco #Joshuatree #PrescribedFire #AntelopeValley #WildfirePrevention #HabitatRestoration “Sensitive Dealing” licensed via Music Vine: DIJXGEHTAWCFRVKZ

Last year, we began documenting the story of Transition Habitat Conservancy. It’s been a long journey, but our passion never faded. With the support of our community, we continue to grow—expanding our reserves, strengthening conservation efforts, and exploring new ways to protect the habitats that need it most. Want to be part of the work? • Sign up for our email newsletter to stay connected • Join our monthly volunteer opportunities and community events throughout the year • Support conservation in a sustainable way by setting up a monthly donation within your means: transitionhabitat.org/donate • We’re also seeking corporate funding partners and offer a variety of sponsorship packages—message us to learn more • Share our posts and resources with your networks to help spread the word about our Land Conservancy Together, we can protect these natural landscapes and the habitats within them. #TransitionHabitat #MojaveDesert #LandConservation #ProtectWildlife #CommunityConservation

Our volunteers, staff, and the Los Angeles Prescribed Burn Association are coming together to gather invasive tumbleweeds for prescribed burns, helping to mitigate wildfires and protect our natural habitats. Volunteer opportunities are usually available on the first Saturday of the month, but this Saturday's event has been canceled due to inclement weather. To stay informed about future volunteer opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of our website: transitionhabitat.org We look forward to seeing you next time! #WildfireMitigation #InvasiveSpecies #CommunityEngagement #PrescribedBurns #VolunteerOpportunities