Create a Natural Habitat for Desert Tortoises??

Over the past couple years I've seen a lot of discussion about the National Wildlife Federation and creating 'Backyard Natural Habitats'--always thinking of butterfly sanctuaries and hummingbirds, etc., but never the Desert Tortoise...

Does anyone out there maintain a habitat for tortoises? -- http://www.tortoise.org/general/descare.html

Just wondering...

We used to have them wander onto our property in CA, but I had never thought of providing their special plants.

Anyway, here's a list of indigenous annuals and a few shrubs from theTheodore Payne Foundation--many of which can be started with seed--so I thought now is the time to get busy and sow some--for those of you in the desert...

http://www.tortoise.org/general/wildplan.html

I don't know what the land turtles here in Ohio eat--but I've seen a few in the neighborhood--a different creature entirely, though, I think!

All I know we have are Painted Turtles and Snapping Turtles. There used to be different species of Painted. Dime strores sold them as pets. Many were freed or lost and they are all hybridized. My understanding is they can only swallow submerged. They eat bugs small fish and tadpoles. Snappers mostly eat fish and can mow your lawn.

Might try posting this in the California Forum, t.