Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA), the primary nonprofit partner of Joshua Tree National Park since 1962, is pleased to announce the integration of Joshua Tree Residential Education Experience (JTREE) programs into its organization. This unified education initiative will operate under the name DiscoverJTREE, reflecting a strengthened commitment to expanding transformative outdoor education opportunities in the park and surrounding desert region. DiscoverJTREE will serve students from varied backgrounds and expand access to meaningful outdoor learning experiences, particularly for youth who have traditionally lacked access to such opportunities.
JTREE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing youth with immersive, science-based outdoor residential youth programs, will become part of JTNPA’s expanded educational offerings alongside Desert Institute. This integration will enable the combined organization to offer enhanced K–12 and community programs that promote environmental stewardship, scientific understanding, and cultural appreciation.
For over 60 years, JTNPA has supported the park’s educational programming, scientific research, and historical activities. Through Desert Institute, JTNPA offers a wide range of educational experiences covering natural sciences, desert ecology, cultural history, and the arts for local residents, park visitors, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. With JTREE’s integration, DiscoverJTREE will expand the organization’s reach to include multi-day, residential youth programs aligned with California’s environmental literacy and science standards.
DiscoverJTREE’s vision for outdoor education includes providing thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students annually with hands-on learning opportunities focused on desert ecology, geology, cultural history, and stewardship. These residential youth programs are designed to build self-confidence, encourage active engagement with the natural world, and foster skills such as communication and critical thinking.
This integration marks a significant milestone in strengthening educational offerings at Joshua Tree National Park and reflects a shared vision for ensuring that outdoor education is accessible, impactful, and sustainable for future generations.
