SCA participants have completed several essential restoration projects within the last month. We also have teams actively working on critical conservation efforts this winter. Below are some highlights from crews working to restore and improve green spaces across the United States.

Joshua Tree Planting and Resiliency Team

Mojave Desert Restoration crew standing in front of Joshua trees

SCA crew members have been working to keep the Mojave majestic by helping to protect and preserve one of its iconic plant species – the Joshua tree.

In partnership with the National Park Service, the SCA Joshua Tree Planting and Resiliency Team is working to restore and protect Joshua trees at Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park.

This multi-year climate change mitigation project will directly reduce the threat of future wildfires to Joshua trees. In addition, it will restore burned-over Joshua tree forests through planting efforts and increase the long-term viability of Joshua trees in the California desert. Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave National Preserve provide critically essential habitats for the iconic Joshua tree, which has graced the Mojave Desert for some 2.5 million years.

In total, the crew has planted 246 Joshua trees and removed several invasive plant species!

Indiana Dunes Restoration Team

Indiana Dunes Restoration Crew Member removing invasive species

Determined to improve the dunes? The SCA Indiana Dunes Restoration team did just that.

With support from the National Park Foundation, this SCA crew tackled critical conservation and restoration work at high-priority areas of Indiana Dunes National Park. Projects ranged from seed collecting to invasive plant species removals and planting native species in the treated areas.

Crew members improved over 45 acres of land and removed over 20 acres of invasive vegetation.

California Roving Restoration Crew

California Restoration Crew standing in front of Klamath National Forest sign

California Roving Restoration crew stationed at Klamath National Forest and Mendocino National Forest not only helped restore the natural habitat and promote biodiversity through activities like trail logging in the Benmore Trail, but they also enhanced visitor experience and environmental awareness through the installation of informative signage within the Klamath National Forest.

This enhancement benefits visitors by facilitating navigation and aids the local community in areas where signs were stolen, missing or did not exist.

Together, the crew improved over 6,000 feet of trail and helped install 39 signs!