Climate change is having a major effect on the status of many different ecologies, and it has already claimed a variety of species of plant in its wake. One of these species affected is the Joshua tree. Many examples exist of these trees being dried up from drought. Some haven't even reproduced in decades and are barely being kept alive by the elements.

1. How the Drought Effects the Joshua Tree
Climate change is having a major effect on the status of many different ecologies, and it
has already claimed a variety of species of plant in its wake. One of these species
affected is the Joshua tree. Many examples exist of these trees being dried up from
drought. Some haven't even reproduced in decades and are barely being kept alive by
the elements.
Even though this breed of tree is considered to be emblematic of the California desert,
it's quickly becoming the poster child of flora that's taking a hit thanks to climate change
created droughts.
To combat this growing problem, a burgeoning company known as Desert Steel is
producing one of a kind and unique sculptures out of galvanized steel that will preserve
the desert at least in appearance. In this post, we're going to take a look at some of the
casualties of the drought as well as how Desert Steel is doing its part to fight against the
devastating effects of climate change.
Options for the Drought and the Joshua Tree
The main issue at hand in the loss of the Joshua tree is the extremely hot climate. While
these trees exist in a desert environment, the climate has been especially unforgiving as
of light. Along with this extra heat, there has been a quicker rate of evaporation of the
water that does reach these areas. As a result, seedlings are shriveling up and dying long
before they can take root.
This region hasn't reached an average of 4 inches of rain in some years, and last year it
only produced 1.71 inches of rain. If these conditions continue into the future as it
seems like they will, this type of tree will retreat by about 90%.
These effects aren't limited to the iconic Joshua tree, of course. They also extend to all
of the species that rely on this tree to survive. All of them will be in danger going into
the future if the current climate does not improve soon.
It's important to note that the Joshua tree isn't technically a tree but a succulent. These

2. trees grow to be 40 feet high, and they live more than 200 years. They bloom pretty
sporadically.
The Joshua tree actually got its name from the Mormons who imagined it to be the
prophet Joshua pointing them towards their Promised Land. The name stuck back then,
and it hasn't been changed since.
Joshua Tree Landscape Sculptures Can Be a Solution
With all of this loss of flora and destruction comes an opportunity for those with artistic
talent to bring back a beautiful symbol of what the desert is. While this won't replace
the plants that are lost due to climate change, it will raise awareness for the future of
these plants.
One of the ways that artists have been able to replicate the beauty of nature in the past
is through the medium of sculpture. While all of the visual arts are especially evocative
when it comes to replicating scenes of nature, there's nothing quite like what a well-
done sculpture can achieve in terms of majesty, awe, and wonder.
Ever since ancient times, there have been humans recreating what they saw around
them through sculpture. It's been around at least 10,000 years and most likely very
much longer when you look at various ancient fertility idols that have been discovered.
These displays of nature are quite natural when you think about it. Even for plants that
might not seem to directly affect us as a species, there's an intertwined butterfly effect
that keeps everything in existence in relation to everything else. As it happens to one, so
it happens to them all.
This idea is part of what has inspired the work that's done by the company Desert Steel.
Inspired by these unfortunate droughts that have been occurring, this company works
to display its own take on these plants in a way that is nearly eternal.
Even as these trees are dying off in the thousands, these galvanized steel pieces of art
are standing strong as a type of representation of what the desert was and what it is
quickly becoming.
One of the most interesting aspects of the creation process with these trees and plants
is that the galvanized steel is completed with a patina finish. This might bring to mind
old sepia tone photos of the desert or perhaps even cowboy films. This seems to be the
intention, anyway, and it only serves to further the mythos and otherworldly quality of
the desert from which the Joshua tree springs.
This company was created by Eric Carroll and Richard Turner, both natives of Kansas

3. who wanted to turn their mutual love of sculpture into an outlet that could celebrate
vanishing species of plant. Eric's creativity sprung from a young age and Richard turned
to art later in life, but both bring a wealth of experience to all of the projects that they
create.
One of the inspirations for both of them is the beautiful Saguaro, which they model in
abundance during their entire process. There's no shortage of creativity on display when
you look at a beautiful piece of galvanized steel with a patina finish. These plants and
trees celebrate the desert landscape while simultaneously drawing attention to a very
serious problem in the landscape of the desert at this time.
It's by studying what's occurring to our landscape that we figure out how to mount
recovery operations and how to save what we still do have in terms of flora. Climate
change is very real, and we're just now seeing the long term effects of this deadly
natural process that has been spurred ahead by human activity.
One way that we can celebrate the flora that we still do have is through art. When we
specifically look at the medium of sculpture, we see that the spirit of the plants and
trees can be immortalized and enjoyed for generations stretching far into the future.
This also gives future people a snapshot of where our plants are today.
For more information contact: Desert Steel 312 N Mosley St Wichita, KS 67202 - 316-
282-2244 email: info@desertsteel.net - www.desertsteel.com