A common misconception about deserts is that they are desolate and barren — wastelands that bear no life and have no benefits. Those who live and have visited here know that nothing could be further from the truth. Places like the Colorado Desert, which is part of the larger Sonoran Desert, where Greater Palm Springs is nestled, are vitally important, both culturally and ecologically.
In 2024, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens launched a global movement to celebrate desert ecosystems, founding World Desert Day, which is held on the second Saturday in January. The day was officially recognized by the State of California last year and, on January 8 of this year, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) introduced a joint House resolution (H.J.Res.138) expressing support for national recognition.
“Growing up in the desert, these landscapes were not just where we lived, they were part of who we are,” said Congressman Ruiz in his announcement. “From wide-open spaces to the unforgettable sunsets that define our communities, deserts shape our identity, our culture, and our way of life. National Desert Day is a chance to celebrate that beauty while recognizing our responsibility to protect these places for future generations.”
“Deserts are among the most biologically diverse and culturally significant ecosystems in our country,” Ruiz continued. “They support unique wildlife, sustain Indigenous and local communities, and play a critical role in combating climate change. Desert soils and native vegetation act as important carbon sinks, helping capture and store carbon while building resilience against rising temperatures.”
As the representative of one of the most iconic desert regions in the nation, Congressman Ruiz knows firsthand how deeply desert landscapes are woven into the lives of his constituents.
The United States is home to four major deserts: the Mojave, Chihuahuan, Great Basin, and our own Sonoran. Each of these regions sustains distinctive wildlife, provides vital habitats for migratory birds, and carries profound cultural significance for Indigenous peoples and local communities. Still, these desert ecosystems face growing threats — from climate change, habitat destruction, invasive species, and unsustainable development.
Congressman Ruiz’s resolution encourages national recognition of deserts through educational programs, conservation activities, and community engagement. It also reaffirms congressional support for policies that protect desert biodiversity, reduce invasive plant species, and promote stewardship of native landscapes.
“At The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, desert conservation is not just our mission — it is our identity,” said Allen Monroe, the Zoo’s President and CEO. “We are proud to have led the charge to create World Desert Day and are deeply grateful for Congressman Ruiz’s support in advancing this effort at the national level.”
The National Desert Day resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources, where it will be reviewed before going to the full House for a vote. “Recognizing this day sends a powerful message that the rich and irreplaceable biodiversity of deserts matter,” noted Allen Monroe. “Protecting their future requires us all to work together.”
