Unveiling the Unexpected Growth of a Rare Desert Plant Amid Solar Development
In a surprising twist, a rare desert plant known as the threecorner milkvetch has shown remarkable growth within the Gemini Solar site near Las Vegas, according to recent findings by scientists from the Desert Research Institute. Originally, before the solar project commenced, researchers identified a mere dozen of these plants. Fast forward two years post-construction, and their numbers have surged to over 90.
Interestingly, the threecorner milkvetch didn’t just survive; it thrived. The plants within the solar farm were observed to be larger, with more flowers and seeds, compared to those growing outside the facility, an outcome that is highly unusual for large solar farms. Ecologist Tiffany Pereira, who spearheaded the research, remarked, “Normally, solar sites look like a moonscape. They take out all the vegetation, they blade it, they grade it, take out the topography, the soil, seed bank. So the fact that you can have a rare plant coexisting with something like this is crazy.”
Unlike typical solar projects, the development at Gemini Solar took a different approach by avoiding extensive grading in specific areas and conserving topsoil. This strategy allowed the buried seed bank to remain intact, providing the seeds a chance to sprout after construction concluded. Pereira noted that the outcome was notable even compared to other desert restoration initiatives, highlighting the resilience of native species despite the challenges posed by construction activities.
The study’s findings indicate that solar development doesn’t inherently have to compromise delicate desert ecosystems. Instead, it offers a blueprint for future solar projects across the Mountain West, demonstrating that sustainability and ecological preservation can coexist.
This story came together through the efforts of the Mountain West News Bureau, a partnership involving KUNR, Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNC in Northern Colorado, KANW in New Mexico, Colorado Public Radio, KJZZ in Arizona, and NPR, with further support from affiliate newsrooms across the region. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Eric and Wendy Schmidt partially fund the Mountain West News Bureau.
