100 WATER HEROES: MIKE GIGLIO

Biologist and owner of High Desert Native Plants

Photo: Kelvin Trautman

Mike Giglio is a Biologist and the owner of High Desert Native Plants, an “environmental consulting and restoration services company delivering client-focused solutions with natural resources conservation in mind at every step.”

In 2017, they won obtained a US International Boundary Water Commission contract to restore the habitats for the Southwest Willow Flycatcher and the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, both of which are endangered. By planting the specific trees and shrubs these species require in order to flourish, they hope to restore their natural habitats and encourage overall population growth. With this growth of this project, High Desert planted approximately 7000 indigenous trees in 2016, and plan on growing this number to over 15 000.

In addition to this contract, High Desert is involved in an array of other conservation efforts, including the development of innovative water conservation initiatives that make use rainwater harvesting. Speaking on the global water crisis, Mike noted, “The way we’re currently using water in this area is just not sustainable… We’ve got to do a better job of managing, and we’ve got to conserve more of the water that comes down that river.”

Mike is one of our #100WaterHeroes for leading High Desert Native Plants as they carry out projects and help clients to develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues.