Native Mesquite Reforestation Project: Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge

Since approximately 2005, screwbean mesquite trees have been experiencing rapid and synchronous die-offs, often in large patches, in the western portion of the species’ range. Surprisingly, this regional-scale phenomenon has gone largely unnoticed until recently. There has been a paucity of research conducted and causes remain unknown. Suspected causes of the die-offs include novel pathogens or insect vectors, altered hydrology, climate change, and interactions of these factors.  The US Fish and Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy, Nevada State College and the Nevada Division of Forestry have gathered mesquite seeds, both screwbean and honey mesquite from 4 Nevada mesquite bosques. They were grown out in 2021  at the Tree Nursery at Tule Springs, Las Vegas. Half of the seedlings were inoculated with mycorrhizae during the first growth month in the nursery setting.  Four sites received 110 seedlings, and have been planted. Those sites include Ash Meadows, Shoshone, Beatty and Warm Springs.