Joshua Tree National Park Association
Our Work
As the nonprofit support organization of Joshua Tree National Park for almost 45 years, our mission is to assist with preservation, education, historical and scientific programs for the benefit of Joshua Tree National Park and its visitors.
Joshua Tree National Park Association owns and operates the Joshua Tree Visitor Center in the village of Joshua Tree for the National Park Service. Acquired in 2006, the much needed service for the West Entrance to the park has seen over 100,000 visitors in the first year.
We operate four Visitor Center bookstores, which sell educational and interpretive materials to educate the public and enhance the visitor’s experience of the park. JTNPA provides staffing for all four visitor centers. Our major source of revenue is from sales at the visitor center and website.
Joshua Tree National Park Association also:
Sponsors the Desert Institute, a weekend field program for adults that offers 1-3 day courses in natural science, natural and cultural history, survival skills and the arts taught by experts. The Desert Institute also sponsors five lecture series, 2 in the Morongo Basin and 3 in the Coachella Valley.
Publishes books such as “Geology of JTNP” by Dee Trent and Rick Hazlett and also an update of Stephen Trimble’s “Desert Reflections.”
Supports the printing of the Joshua Tree Guide, official park newspaper which visitors receive when they come to the park or inquire for information.
Provides support for the park library and museum, including additional staff and the purchase of books.
Provides funds for ranger training, visitor protection, and environmental education materials to over 11,000 students in local communities and park exhibits.
Provides funding (with the help of the Lee Family Foundation) for the Joshua Tree National Park Annual Science Grant for research programs. Recently awarded projects include reptile studies, vertebrate fauna, geology, fossil, and post-depression mining research.
Supports the Desert Ecology Research (funded through private donation) for projects focusing on desert ecology conducted by Jim Cornett. Such projects include the ecology of the Joshua tree and desert fan palm oases, roadrunner physiology and behavior and the antiquity of the creosote bush.
Awards the Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award, which recognizes annually individuals or organizations that have made notable achievements in the areas of leadership, protection, preservation, research, education, and stewardship leading to a significant and lasting contribution on behalf of the deserts of California.
Fundraises for specific park programs as requested by the superintendent.
