Cultural & Historical Preservation
$500,000
Mid-Century Ranger Station Restoration: Cottonwood District
The Cottonwood District in Joshua Tree National Park is home to a historic ranger station, which was built as part of Mission 66. The Cottonwood District Ranger Station Restoration Project’s goal is to restore Joshua Tree’s own Mission 66 building to its original design, reversing alterations to preserve the history and beauty of this architecture.
Mission 66 Legacy in Joshua Tree
In honor of the National Park Service’s 50th anniversary, the Mission 66 initiative revitalized and established infrastructure in national parks across the country. From 1956 through its end date in 1966, over a billion dollars of federal funding was dedicated to improving infrastructure and services in America’s national parks.
In Joshua Tree National Park, Mission 66 helped fund land acquisition from private inholdings, campground and comfort station improvements, and visitor services at the park’s three entrances. The historical Cottonwood Ranger Station at the South Entrance is a piece of Mission 66 architecture and infrastructure still used today.
Tribal Relations
JTNPA is a proud supporter of Tribal Relations efforts in Joshua Tree National Park. We have funded initiatives to cultivate strong relationships between the park and the affiliated tribal nations with ancestral ties to the area.
JTNPA funded a tribal monitor who works with park staff to ensure that cultural resources are protected and traditional knowledge is respected as an integral part of the park’s planning and operations. The work of tribal monitors and other dedicated preservationists honors the deep history and living cultures connected to Joshua Tree.
Joshua Tree National Park acknowledges these 15 associated tribal communities as original stewards of the land:
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians
Cabazon Band of Mission Indians
Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians
Morongo Band of Mission Indians
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians
Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
How Can You Support Joshua Tree National Park?
Donate
Make a one-time or monthly contribution to conservation, education, science, and infrastructure efforts in Joshua Tree National Park.
Get Involved!
Conservation requires the time and talents. Complete the volunteer interest form to be notified when volunteer opportunities open.
Get some gear!
Get your Joshua Tree merchandise at visitor centers or online. These retail sales help support Joshua Tree National Park.
Become an Official Park Lover
Park Lover memberships are one of the primary ways JTNPA raises funds for the park. Memberships also come with exclusive perks, like discounts on merch and classes.
Attend a class or event!
JTNPA holds fundraising events throughout the year, as well as classes that directly benefit specific programs. Check out the calendar to see what’s coming up.
JTNPA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations made by Park Partners are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law (EIN #95-2312513).
Learn more about our commitment to financial transparency and accountability.
