Joshua Tree National Park Association

Desert Institute

August & September Classes

Want $10 off Desert Institute classes?

Photo credit: Jon Norris, Desert Institute Volunteer and Instructor

Dark Sky Photography

Sat, Aug 31, 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
$165
Enjoy the spectacular night skies of Joshua Tree National Park during this evening photography workshop with  photography expert Jon Norris!

Old Schoolhouse Lecture / John Watkins

Fri, Sept 13, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Free Admission

In this lecture, John Watkins, professor of physics and astronomy at CMC, will speak about the night sky.

Photo credit: Paisley Ramstead, Desert Institute Instructor

Snakes of Joshua Tree National Park

Fri, Sept 13, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
$75

This class is a comprehensive introduction to the Snakes of Joshua Tree National Park and the Morongo Basin!

Slice of Science feat. Ally Richards

Thur, Sept 19, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Free Admission

The Slice of Science series bridges the gap between scientific research and the public by disseminating relevant findings and fostering community engagement. Join us for lively discussions and free pizza!

Photo credit: Paisley Ramstead, Desert Institute Instructor

Pocket Nature Guide Mixed Media Workshop (12+)

Fri, Sept 20, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
$45

On this field outing, participants will create thier own mixed media pocket nature guide from a single piece of paper!

Photo credit: NPS/Robb Hannawacker

Insects and Arthropods of the Morongo Basin

Sat & Sun, Sept 21 & 22
$175

Spend the weekend exploring the lives of the largest group of animals in the world—insects!

Photo credit: Chris Andersen

Birds of the Eastern Mojave Desert

Fri-Sun, Sept 27 - 29
$380

This course examines the important role of stopover areas in the conservation of neotropical migrant birds and introduces the techniques used to identify the common families of birds found in the vicinity of the Desert Studies Center.

Photo credit: Desert Institute Volunteer

The Art & Science of Flintknapping

Fri-Sun, Sept 27 - 29
$380

Have you ever wondered how arrow points are made? Come learn the art of making stone tools using traditional techniques, aka flintknapping!

Photo credit: Jon Norris, Desert Institute Volunteer and Instructor

Dark Sky Photography

Sat, Sept 28, 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
$165

Enjoy the spectacular night skies of Joshua Tree National Park during this evening photography workshop with photography expert Jon Norris!

Photo credit: NPS/Jesmira Bonoan

Wilderness Survival 101 (for youth & families)

Sat, Sept 28, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$35

Join us for an adventure with a short hike, entertaining stories, survival strategies, and a build-your-own survival kit activity. Ages 5+ (all youth must be accompanied by an adult).

Photo credit: Bob Grubs, Desert Institute Volunteer

Discover Pine City in Joshua Tree National Park

Sun, Sept 29, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$65

This is a moderate and narrative 4-mile hike crafted for those who are still a little intimidated by Joshua Tree National Park’s vast panorama. It is a trail less traveled and one of Joshua Tree National Park’s nicest “hidden” natural resource treasures.

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