Desert Institute Classes

Escape into Joshua Tree for a weekend of camping, creativity, and landscape photography in this weekend field workshop.

Join us under a blanket of stars in Joshua Tree National Park for an astronomy experience unlike any other.

Capture the beauty and ecology of the desert through journaling and sketching in the field. All levels are welcome, including youth and families.

Discover the nocturnal world of bats using acoustic detectors and guided observation in this family-friendly field class.

Observe native plants and their seeds to learn how they survive the harsh conditions of the Mojave Desert.

Embark on a guided morning nature walk at Barker Dam to observe and identify seasonal bird species in Joshua Tree National Park.

Discover the insects that come out in the desert when the sun goes down, using illuminated observation.

Explore the incredible diversity of birds in Anza-Borrego Desert while learning about their adaptations, behavior, and habitat.

Explore the incredible diversity of birds in Anza-Borrego Desert while learning about their adaptations, behavior, and habitat.

Discover the geological history of Joshua Tree through a guided hike and interpretation of rock formations.