Annual Bighorn Benefit Dinner & Auction

Desert bighorn sheep are adapted to mountainous regions surrounded by low valleys. In the Mojave Desert, bighorns routinely move through California, Arizona, and parts of Nevada and Utah. But herds must be able to move through these remote areas to find food and water year-round. Bighorn movement also brings herds from the region together, maintaining genetic diversity and supporting natural recolonization after local extinction.

Human barriers can threaten herds by limiting their resources. The surveying program not only tracks animals to collect biological data, but also analyzes the effect of specific barriers on herd health.

The money raised for the Desert Bighorn Sheep Surveying Program allows researchers to coordinate surveys on bighorn sheep and purchase the equipment needed to survey their populations. From helicopter time to ground researching, these funds help in ensuring critical habitats in the park are protected from disturbance. The results may provide telling information about how we can help support and protect bighorn populations across the Mojave Desert.

Want to make a difference? Donate to the surveying program!

JTNPA funds some of the most critical projects and programs at Joshua Tree National Park, including the Desert Bighorn Surveying Program. You can read more about 2024 funding needs here.

Last year, our Bighorn Benefit raised over $13,000 for the program—enough to pay for 1 bighorn sheep specialist, 6 tracking collars, 6 helicopter helmets, and 1 full day of helicopter time!

With the help of donors and Park Partners, JTNPA was able to fund the entire program for the 2023 fiscal year!

Join the list now to get early ticket access for the 2024 Bighorn Benefit!

The 2024 Bighorn Benefit will take place at the Historic Campbell House Inn in Twentynine Palms, CA.

In addition to an incredible dinner, you will have the opportunity to bid on items, services, and experiences donated by generous businesses throughout Southern California.

Take advantage of this opportunity to sit down with other passionate supporters of Joshua Tree National Park and give toward a vitally important conservation effort.

The event is RSVP only. Join the list today to access tickets as soon as they’re released!

Space at this event is limited. Your RSVP gives you the opportunity to purchase a ticket as soon as they are available. It does not guarantee ticket availability.

You can help us fund the Desert Bighorn Surveying Program, even if you can’t make it to this year’s benefit. Here’s how:

Donate!  These donations go toward the same personnel and equipment as money raised during the benefit. You can read more about 2024 funding needs here.

Become a Park Lover! Our Park Lover memberships are a primary way that JTNPA funds programs in Joshua Tree National Park, including this one.

Get involved! Conservation requires the time and talents of all Park Lovers. Both JTNPA and Joshua Tree National Park are always looking for volunteers and citizen scientists to support wildlife programs. Email Director of Development Christine Grimes at chris@joshuatree.org to learn more about volunteering with JTNPA.

Check us out next year! The Bighorn Benefit is an annual event each fall. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with our events and efforts, including the impact from this and other fundraising events.