Natural History Wanderings

The LA Times reported

President Obama designated three new national monuments in the California desert Thursday, expanding federal protection to 1.8 million acres of landscapes that have retained their natural beauty despite decades of heavy mining, cattle ranching and off-roading.

Read full story at Volcanic spires and Joshua trees: Obama protects 1.8 million acres in California’s desert – LA Times

New National Monuments:
1. Mojave Trails National Monument
2. Sand To Snow National Monument
3. Castle Mountains National Monument

Also see the NPR article with photos Photos: Obama Declares 3 New National Monuments In California Desert : The Two-Way : NPR