Death Valley Natural History Association February E-Newsletter
DVNHA
Get Your Exclusive 2024 Wildflower Tee!
It’s that time of year again! Add a touch of the desert’s unique charm to your collection with our 13th Annual Death Valley Wildflower Tee. This year’s edition features the stunning Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia), celebrated for its vibrant magenta blooms and distinctive paddle-shaped stems. Thriving between elevations of 2,000 to 5,000 feet, the Prickly Pear is a symbol of resilience and beauty in the face of adversity. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and admirers of the valley’s breathtaking landscapes, this exclusive tee is a stylish way to carry the spirit of the desert with you wherever you go. These tees sell fast- don’t miss out!
Death Valley NP
Atmospheric River Causes Temporary Setback in Road Repairs
Recently, unexpected weather, including an atmospheric river, disrupted recovery efforts in Death Valley National Park. The park, which usually only 2 inches of rain per year, has recorded a surprising 4.9 inches in six months. One notable outcome of the heavy rainfall is the temporary lake at Badwater Basin, which, instead of evaporating as expected, has provided stunning reflections of the mountains for nearly six months. This occurrence, along with snowfall reaching down to 4,000 feet, has added a rare beauty to the typically arid landscape. The unusual weather also sets the stage for a promising wildflower season; rangers say a “good bloom” is likely, but not a superbloom. Read the full press release here.
View All NPS Road Updates and Alerts
Even Water Trucks Catch on Fire
On January 10th, a semi-truck transporting bottled water caught fire. Responders believe it was caused by overheated trailer brakes while descending CA-190 eastbound from Towne Pass. Multiple agencies, including the Beatty Volunteer Fire Department, National Park Service, California Highway Patrol, and Caltrans, responded to the emergency. A park ranger noted that the melting bottles of water in the trailer helped slow the fire’s spread, but it was not enough to avoid the truck’s destruction. Read the full press release here.
Ash Meadows NWR
Journey into the Heart of Nature!
As you explore the serene and beautiful landscape of Ash Meadows NWR, you are stepping into a story that spans millennia; a story of coexistence, conservation, and respect for the natural world. The refuge, rich in natural beauty, is both a wildlife sanctuary and a place of deep cultural importance. It’s a place where the past meets the present, and the wisdom of traditional ecological knowledge is integrated into the stewardship of this unique ecosystem. The land, which falls within the ancestral homelands of the Nuwuvi/Nuwu (Southern Paiute) and Newe (Western Shoshone) people, resonates with a deep historical and spiritual significance. Witness it for yourself, and be part of this incredible story!
Learn More About Ash Meadows NWR
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Death Valley Natural History Association | dvnha.org
Education ● Preservation ●
Mission
Preserving and interpreting the natural and cultural resources of the Death Valley region in cooperation with our government partners:
Death Valley National Park and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
