72425 Via Vail
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760-321-0694

Blow Sand Habitat

 

The Blow Sand Habitat

The church is built within what was once 100 square miles of blowing sand dunes. There is now just 5% of it left. Most of the church grounds is now stabilized sand but there is one section where the wind blows around the building and maintains a small blow sand system. In that little area, the endangered Coachella Valley milkvetch lives and even thrives. 

Creating the Garden

We have kept the blow sand area free of people or development for years. We want to open it up so people can see our little beauties, but it is critical to not harm the blow sand system. The sand is like a river, with sand flowing into and out of the area. As surrounding land is developed we are trying to maintain the river of sand that feeds this living system.

With an extremely light touch we are creating a simple rock lined path through the area. We will also remove some non-natives, and do some general cleanup such as burying exposed  irrigation pipes that run through the area. We will do minimal planting.

Under Development

Come join us on as we work on this important habitat.