Desert Garden

Rare Lizards Living in the Garden

Sightings of the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard have begun to become a regular occurrence around the desert meadow. This endangered species is restricted to habitats with fine, windblown sand deposits in the sandy plains of the Coachella Valley and Riverside County. Since the 1970s, estimates of this species' habitat have decreased by approximately 75 percent due to urban sprawl, agriculture, and off-road vehicle use, leaving it with less and less protective cover. This rare lizard is well adapted to its desert habitat, it has a wedged-shaped nose which enables it to burrow through loose, fine sand; elongated scales cover the ears to keep out blowing sand; and specialized nostrils that allow it to breathe below the sand without inhaling sand particles. They are usually seen basking on dunes in the morning, running quickly over sand into a bush, or diving into loose sand and disappearing. This six to nine inch long lizard is easily noticed due to its distinct black ring-like markings contrasting the buff colored dorsal.
 
Dillon Diers
Associate ASLA, Senior Assistant, the Office of James Burnett

For the Birds

Not yet complete, the desert garden is already receiving rave reviews from local valley residents. Some of the most recent visitors exploring the rich desert fauna and trying out perches in the Mesquite trees include Scott's Orioles, Common Yellow Throat, Bewick's Wren, and the occasional Vermillion Flycatchers. The vast amount of flowering Palo Verdes, Yuccas and Aloes has also caught the eye of hungry local hummingbirds. Both Anna's and Costa's hummingbirds have been seen sharing the open air space with a variety of different butterflies.  While the garden continues to take shape, the local bird population has already begun to move-in to lay the foundation for diverse and plentiful future birding experiences. 

Pat Truchan
Director of Landscape and Agronomy