This $376,978.98 cooperative agreement from the Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management New Mexico Region will fund conservation and restoration efforts for endangered Sclerocactus species by the Desert Botanical Garden Inc. from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2027. Under the Plant Conservation and Restoration Management program (CFDA 15.245), the awardee will collect seeds, plants and soil from endemic Mesa Verde cactus populations. They will preserve genetic diversity by banking seeds and growing plants from germination trials. Whole live plants will be used for seed amplification and monitoring transplanted populations. If additional funding is available, the awardee will gather more information on Mesa Verde cactus and test micropropagation techniques for population augmentation. They will also analyze the conservation needs of Clover's cactus and share protocols developed with partners working to preserve Sclerocactus species.