Become a Part of Desert History & Join Our "Shasta Sloth Army"!
Date: Saturday, August 1st
Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Option to stay a bit longer if you choose!)
Location: Meet at the corner of 190th St. and W Ave C, Lancaster, CA (Google Maps Link)
Capacity: Strictly limited to 10 volunteers to protect the sensitive habitat.
🦥 The Story: Why We Need a "Sloth Army"
Thousands of years ago during the Ice Age, the Western Joshua tree had a giant evolutionary partner: the Shasta ground sloth. This bear-sized critter stood at about 9 feet tall, allowing it to easily reach high into the branches to munch on giant Joshua tree seed pods.
Because the sloths traveled miles across the desert before digesting their food, they dropped the seeds far and wide in piles of natural fertilizer, planting some of the desert forests we love today.
When the sloths went extinct about 11,000 years ago, the Western Joshua tree lost a primary seed planter. Today, the trees are biologically "marooned"—their heavy seeds don't travel on the wind, and small rodents only carry them a few feet away. Without a giant partner to move their seeds to cooler, higher elevations, Joshua trees may struggle to adapt to modern climate change.
That is where you come in!
By joining our volunteer crew, you are stepping in to do the geographic transport work that the Shasta ground sloth did for millions of years.
🛡️ What We Are Doing
Transition Habitat Conservancy works directly with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to protect the Western Joshua tree. It is currently a Candidate Species, meaning it receives the exact same strict legal protections as an Endangered Species while the State reviews its long-term status.
We have received exclusive, special permission from the CDFW to harvest these vital seed pods at our Portal Ridge Wildlife Preserve lands. Each giant seed pod holds dozens of flat seeds, containing 2.5 million years of evolutionary magic—and our hope for a climate-resilient future. The seeds we collect together will be used directly for desert habitat restoration and genetic seed banking (storing seeds for future genetic diversity).
🎒 What to Expect & What to Bring
No prior experience is required!
We will provide training on how to properly collect the seed pods, share a brief educational talk about these special lands, and provide all the buckets, gloves, and pickers you need.
What to Wear / Bring
Loose-fitting clothing for sun protection
Wide-brimmed hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Comfortable, sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots
Plenty of water
Lunch
Camp chair
Garden gloves (if you have a favorite pair)
🌵 The Terrain
The ground is mostly flat without any major inclines, but it is raw desert terrain.
Please expect:
Uneven footing
Natural topography
Rodent holes
Desert vegetation
Warm summer conditions
☀️ Amenities
We will have a few pop-up canopy tents set up for shade, but you will be outdoors the whole time.
You will remain within walking distance of your vehicle at all times.
We will supply:
Extra water
Cold drinks
Snacks
📱 Community Science
We highly encourage you to utilize the iNaturalist app during the event if you spot any cool native plants, reptiles, or bugs on the Preserve.
🚗 Arrival & Contact Information
Our staff will meet you at the intersection crossroads (190th St. & W Ave C) and guide you to the parking area right next to the property.
If you are running late, you will miss the guides at the crossroads.
Please call (661) 603-2795 for guidance on accessing the property.
Please do not approach any private homes and do not pull into private driveways.