An endangered native southwest grass, the Giant Sacaton grass is indeed a "giant". The Giant Sacaton (Sporobolus wrightii) can grow very tall and grass bunches can grow impressively large in diameter. Though these grasses are very drought-hardy, in some areas of the desert, they are in danger due to overgrazing and disrupted ecosystems (and even collection for ornamental uses). The Giant Sacaton lives in areas that experience natural seasonal flooding. Damage and disruption to these floodplains can cause natural floodwaters to divert away from Sacaton grass communities. This disruption can eventually lead to the extinction of these giant grasses in natural habitats. Because these grasses are so large, their root systems are important to the stability of the soils. Giant Sacaton grasses are also an important feature to native wildlife. They are beautiful!

I found this jackrabbit laying on the side of a dirt road in the middle of the desert, I stopped to see what was going on since he did not move when I drove passed him. Apparently this poor guy was suffering from what looked like a broken leg. Just after I approached, he bolted off into the desert using his good leg. It's always hard to see these things happen in nature...