USDA NIFA, Great Basin Native Plant Program, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Sierra Ancha Experimental Forest, Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest, New Mexico State University Farmington, The Nature Conservancy, University of Utah, Rio Mesa Center, Northern Arizona University, Inmate Nature Rehabilitation Program
We have developed a network of restoration research sites in the Great Basin, Colorado Plateau, Sky Islands and the Sonoran Desert to help improve restoration effectiveness in the face of climate change. The goal: to help restore pollinator communities in the 4-Corners region that have been diminished due to over-grazing.
The research includes cooperation with investigators at Northern Arizona University and in partnership with federal and state agencies and Universities throughout the western United States. The outreach component includes work with Ancestral Lands and schools throughout the 4-Corners, including schools in Flagstaff, Winslow, Leuppe, and Show Low.
We are working to be one of the southwest’s largest NGO suppliers of seeds to restoration projects. We have developed the largest genetics-based provenance test in the southwestern USA including over 20 species each represented by 9 to 25 populations with over 50,000 plants grown in 7 locations throughout the southwestern United States.
In addition, we are growing forbs in full production trials with the goal to produce thousands of pounds of seeds for use in restoration. Using a 150-acre pivot irrigation plot with the Navajo Nation and New Mexico State University in Farmington, we are mass producing seeds of appropriate genetic stock to be used in restoration.
We are also working with EcoKids and Ancestral Lands Restoration Certificate Program on the Pollinator Pathways trail improvement project. This is a school led program where students from schools grow pollinator plants in their yards, schools, and throughout their communities. This also includes development of signed trails with Earth Art installations and citizen science activities to promote conservation action.