Formed in 2006, MDLT is now in its 10th year of acquiring California desert land to protect it from increasing threats of renewable energy projects and unsuitable development. Since its inception, the land trust has protected over 60,000 acres of land across the Mojave Desert.
In and around Joshua Tree National Park, MDLT has protected what is known as Nolina Peak, an area covering 639 acres, 955 acres of land at Quail Mountain, and the Quail Wash area, which covers 690 acres. MDLT also protects wildlife corridors that total thousands of acres.
The organization works with and is supported by a wide range of agencies, partner organizations, visitors, and neighbors who value the distinctive characteristics of the desert.
MDLT’s future plans include initiating community programs to increase awareness of the desert environment, reintroducing the pronghorn antelope to the Mojave National Reserve, and creating a seed archive and a native plant nursery.
The organization is actively seeking donations to realize these plans.