The Mojave Desert Seed Bank: supporting a diverse ecosystem into the future with Patrick Emblidge (August 7, 2025)

Ecosystems across the nation are suffering from development, altered fire regimes, irresponsible recreation and climate change. As a result of these threats, land managers have a tremendous need for native plant seed to restore degraded landscapes. However, seeds of the right species are often not available at the right time to match restoration needs. In this talk, we will discuss the foundational importance of plants to the ecosystem, what is needed for successful restoration, and explain the details and ethics of seed banking.  Seed banking serves as an insurance policy for the future, supporting the land stewardship work of the Mojave Desert Land Trust.

Patrick Emblidge is an ecologist with a passion for understanding and conserving the flora, fauna, and habitats of arid lands. His first introduction to the Mojave Desert was during his Master’s Degree program, studying Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) habitat suitability and thermal ecology in the red cliffs of southwestern Utah. Following his graduate program, he spent 8 years at the United States Geological Survey in Las Vegas, primarily focused on desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) movement ecology and contact network research. Patrick is the Mojave Desert Land Trust’s Plant Conservation Program Manager, where he oversees its native plant nursery and seed bank.

Program Fee: $15 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.)

All lectures will be held virtually using Zoom. They will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers for a short time.