Recent ecological studies of plant production, nutrient cycling, and water use by legume woodlands in the California Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico have provided useful information for restoration efforts in these and in other arid and semiarid regions of the world. Where possible, nitrogen-fixing woody legumes should be included in desert revegetation programs since they enhance soil fertility. Understand and working to duplicate or mimic the natural patterns of moisture and nutrient availability found in these desert woodlands may improve the success rate for their revegetation.