Rare Desert Milkvetch Thrives at Nevada's Gemini Solar Farm, Outperforming Wild Counterparts
A rare plant, the threecorner milkvetch, is unexpectedly flourishing within the Gemini Solar Project in Nevada's Mojave Desert. Pre-construction surveys identified only 12 individuals of this species, which is under consideration for the U.S. Endangered Species Act. However, post-construction surveys in 2024 revealed 93 plants inside the solar farm, an eightfold increase. Researchers led by Tiffany Pereira of Nevada’s Desert Research Institute found that milkvetch plants within the array produced eight times more flowers and ten times more fruit than those in undisturbed areas. This enhanced growth is attributed to the solar panels altering the microclimate by providing shade, reducing wind speeds, and concentrating rainwater, which helps the soil retain moisture longer. The project's developers also adopted 'ecovoltaics' practices, minimizing ground disturbance during construction, which preserved the existing seed bank. 
