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Official Press Releases

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Black Rock Art Gallery Opening of Sedimental

9/18/2023

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA — JTNPA Twentynine Palms, California – Joshua Tree National Park management is pleased to announce a new art exhibition, Sedimental, by Joshua Tree-based artist Margeaux Walter, the Fall 2022 Artist in Residence.

JTNPA Announces 2022 Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award Winner: Idavid Graficks

8/1/2023

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA — JTNPA is thrilled to announce the recipient of the 2022 Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award: Idavid Graficks. This prestigious award aims to honor individuals or organizations that have made exceptional achievements in leadership, protection, preservation, research, education, and stewardship, contributing significantly to the conservation of California’s deserts. The date and location of the award ceremony will be revealed shortly.

JTNPA Presents Beneath the Desert Sky: A Night of Music Curated by David Catching, Benefiting Joshua Tree National Park

6/1/2023

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA — JTNPA is thrilled to announce “Beneath the Desert Sky,” an extraordinary night of music curated by David Catching, owner of Rancho de la Luna Studio in Joshua Tree. This special event will take place on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the renowned Pappy + Harriet’s, a legendary venue known for its intimate and electrifying performances.

JTNPA presents An Evening with Barrett Martin: A Captivating Musical Journey in Support of Joshua Tree National Park

6/1/2023

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA — JTNPA is thrilled to announce “An Evening with Barrett Martin,” set to take place on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the stunning Indian Cove Amphitheater in Joshua Tree National Park. This extraordinary performance promises to captivate audiences with an enthralling combination of storytelling, film, and live musical performances by the esteemed Grammy-winning producer, author, and drummer, Barrett Martin.

Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award Call for Nominations

6/1/2023

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA — The Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award annually recognizes individuals or organizations that have made notable achievements in the areas of leadership, protection, preservation, research, education, and stewardship, leading to a significant and lasting contribution on behalf of the deserts of California.

Joshua Tree National Park implements new backpacking permit system

2/1/2023

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA — Backpackers can now obtain backpacking permits digitally at recreation.gov as of February 1, 2023, and the new system will be fully implemented on March 1, 2023. During the month of February as the system transitions, backpackers may continue to self-register at backcountry trailheads, and can book permits online for dates after March 1. After March 1, the self-registration, paper-based permits will be prohibited.

2023 Minerva Hamilton Hoyt Internship awarded to CMC student Kaeliegh Watson

1/10/2023

The Joshua Tree National Park Association recently announced Copper Mountain College’s Ms. Kaeliegh Watson as the 2023 recipient of the Pasadena Garden Club’s Minerva Hamilton Hoyt Internship. Now in its fifth year, the internship is awarded annually to a CMC student majoring in STEM with a GPA of 3.0 or better.

2021 Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award Winner Named

7/2/2022

The Joshua Tree National Park Association is pleased to announce Frazier Haney as the 2021 Minerva Hoyt Conservation Award recipient.

Temporary closure of 49 Palms Hiking Trail in Joshua Tree National Park

6/1/2022

Beginning today, Wednesday, June 1, 2022, Joshua Tree National Park managers will close the 49 Palms Trail to allow bighorn sheep undisturbed access to surface water.

2020 Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award Winner Named

7/29/2021

The Joshua Tree National Park Association is pleased to announce Dr. Cameron Barrows from the University of California, Riverside’s Center for Conservation Biology as the 2020 Minerva Hoyt Conservation Award recipient.

2021 Minerva Hamilton Hoyt Internship Announced

1/5/2021

The Joshua Tree National Park Association recently announced Copper Mountain College’s Ms. Meghan Udell as the 2021 recipient of the Pasadena Garden Club’s Minerva Hamilton Hoyt Internship.

Erem Photography Contest to Benefit Joshua Tree National Park via JTNPA

10/22/2020

The Joshua Tree National Park Association is pleased to announce its participation in the Desert Visions Photography Contest sponsored by Erem!

2019 Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award Winner Named

4/16/2020

The Joshua Tree National Park Association is pleased to announce David Lamfrom, the Southeast Regional Director for the National Parks Conservation Association and longtime advocate for the California deserts, as the recipient of the 2019 Minerva Hoyt Conservation Award.

2020 Minerva Hamilton Hoyt Intern Named

12/3/2019

The Joshua Tree National Park Association is pleased to announce that Julijana Soares has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the Pasadena Garden Club’s Minerva Hamilton Hoyt Internship.

Joshua Tree National Park Announces Art Exhibition

10/7/2019

A multimedia art exhibition by ecologist and Joshua Tree National Park artist-in-residence Dr. Juniper Harrower, will open on Friday, October 18, as the inaugural show at the new Black Rock Art Gallery located in Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree to Conclude Shuttle Services

9/18/2019

Joshua Tree National Park and the Morongo Basin Transit Authority will not be offering the free Roadrunner Shuttle Service in the fall of 2019.

Joshua Tree National Park to Hold Community Meetings

9/16/2019

Joshua Tree National Park staff invites the public to attend a meeting exploring future park management strategies related to visitation and capacity issues.

Joshua Tree National Park Announces Seasonal Campground Openings

8/28/2019

Joshua Tree National Park staff will reopen all campgrounds on August 30, 2019, in anticipation of the upcoming busy season.

Joshua Tree National Park Celebrates 83rd Birthday

7/31/2019

On August 10, Joshua Tree National Park celebrates a birthday.

Joshua Tree National Park to Temporarily Close Keys View Due to Bee Activity

7/18/2019

Park officials are closing the area to visitors for safety, as well as to reduce moisture from cars which attracts bees in the summer.

Fire Danger During 4th of July Holiday

7/1/2019

Park officials want to remind visitors to be extra vigilant with fire during the upcoming 4th of July holiday.

Robin Kobaly named Recipient of the 2018 Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award

3/11/2019

The Joshua Tree National Park Association is pleased to announce Robin Kobaly, a professional biologist with over twenty years of experience as an interpretive specialist, as the recipient of the 2018 Minerva Hoyt Conservation Award.

Joshua Tree National Park Association Hosts A Community Thank You Event

2/7/2019

The Joshua Tree National Park Association has announced a day long community thank you event on Tuesday, February 12.

Heavy Rains Cause Road Closures In Joshua Tree National Park

2/4/2019

Due to heavy rain activity on Saturday, February 2, park officials have closed all dirt roads in the park.

Joshua Tree National Park Resumes Full Operations

1/28/2019

With the enactment of the continuing resolution, staff at Joshua Tree National Park have resumed regular operations.

Joshua Tree National Park to Remain Accessible

1/10/2019

Previously announced temporary closure no longer necessary.

Joshua Tree Visitor Center Reopens

1/8/2019

The Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA) will reopen its Joshua Tree Visitor Center (JTVC) effective immediately.

Joshua Tree National Park Association awards 2017 Minerva Hoyt Conservation Award to 29 Palms Inn Naturalist Pat Flanagan

5/9/2018

The Joshua Tree National Park Association has awarded the 2017 Minerva Hoyt Conservation Award to Pat Flanagan, in recognition of her outstanding contributions in stewardship, education, research, and preservation of the California deserts.

Pat Flanagan Named Recipient of the 2017 Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award

4/4/2018

The Joshua Tree National Park Association is pleased to announce Pat Flanagan as the recipient of the 2017 Minerva Hoyt Conservation Award.

Joshua Tree National Park Association Names New Executive Director

3/29/2018

The Joshua Tree National Park Association welcomes Jacqueline Guevara as their new Executive Director.

Notice Board, Press Release4 days ago

Science Lecture with Nate Green

Title: Pollen Wasps and Other Hymenoptera Pollinators of Joshua Tree. Abstract: Did you know that wasps are pollinators? The unique ecosystems of Southern California are a hot spot for a rare group of pollen-collecting wasps called Pseudomasaris, or pollen wasps. Surprisingly, there has never been a published record of pollen wasps occurring in Joshua Tree National Park! During my field work the past two years I’ve recorded four species of pollen wasp in the park, along with over 50 other bee and wasp species. These animals represent a diverse group of desert-adapted organisms with a variety of lifestyles. Join me and learn about these wonderful, seldom seen insects! Bio: Nathaniel Green is a PhD Candidate at Washington State University in the Murray Lab. He is studying the little-known wasp genera Pseudomasaris and Euparagia (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). The research focuses on the evolutionary history of both genera and investigating the co-evolution of Pseudomasaris with their floral hosts (Penstemon and Phacelia). Where: Rattlesnake Room, Resources Building at headquarters When: 4:00 - 5:00 PM Tuesday, May 7 Questions? Contact Tasha La Doux (jtresearchgrant@joshuatree.org) or Sheri Shiflett (Sheri_Shiflett@nps.gov).

Notice Board, Press Release5 days ago

Beneath the Desert Sky Summer Concert

Experience an Unforgettable Evening Beneath the Desert Sky at Historic 29 Palms Inn Twentynine Palms, CA, April 17, 2024 – Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Historic 29 Palms Inn. The highly anticipated event, "Beneath the Desert Sky", promises an evening filled with music, dancing, and good vibes on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Join us for an evening under the desert sky at our upcoming event. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the desert landscape at an historic location while mingling with fellow attendees. Indulge your taste buds with a variety of delicious food and drinks available for purchase, and explore our vibrant vendor village filled with local artisans and businesses offering unique products and services. Plus, don't miss your chance to win exciting raffle prizes that are sure to add some extra excitement to your evening! The entertainment lineup for the evening includes: Energizing the start of our evening is Giselle Woo & The Night Owls, a captivating blend of cumbia, rock n’ roll, ska, and folk rhythms, infused with bilingual lyrics. Led by the charismatic Giselle Woo, this genre-bending band promises an exhilarating performance that will have you dancing all night long. Learn more about this band at https://www.gisellewooandthenightowls.com/. Next up are identical twin sisters Beah and Cecilia Romero from Flames of Durga. This female-fronted rock n’ roll trio is known for electrifying live performances that include backbends, harmonies, driving riffs, thunderous drums, and femme-powered howls. Surviving a near-death car crash, the Romero sisters named the band after Durga, the fire goddess from Hindu mythology who embodies fierce feminine power. Based in Joshua Tree, CA with their drummer Nate Million, Flames of Durga promises to leave listeners hungry for more. Learn more about this band at http://www.flamesofdurga.com/. Following up, we have Fatso Jetson, an iconic American desert rock band born in the heart of Palm Desert, California, back in 1994. With their raw energy and distinctive sound, Fatso Jetson has become a cornerstone of the desert rock scene, leaving an indelible mark on music lovers worldwide. Learn more about this band at https://www.fatsojetson.net/bio/. Wrapping up the night will be David Catching, a renowned musician, producer, and the visionary behind Rancho De La Luna recording studio in Joshua Tree. With his extensive musical expertise and creative spirit, David has left an indelible mark on the desert music scene. As a member of acclaimed bands like Mojave Lords and earthlings?, David has captivated audiences with his soulful performances and innovative sound. Join him and special guests as they close out the evening with a spellbinding display of desert magic! Learn more about David and his various projects at https://www.ranchodelaluna.com/. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit Joshua Tree National Park. Event Details: Date and Time: Saturday, June 1 · 5:30 – 10 PM PDT Location: 29 Palms Inn, 73950 Inn Avenue Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 For over five generations, the Historic 29 Palms Inn has welcomed travelers to the desert, serving as stewards for this special place, its history, culture, and environment. Spanning over 70 acres with the Oasis of Mara at its heart, the Inn is steeped in rich history and natural beauty. Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA) works in partnership with Joshua Tree National Park to help in its achievement of programming goals in education and interpretation, along with scientific and historical research and activities. The Beneath the Desert Sky concert series began in 2021, with two successful concert fundraisers in June and July of that year. For more information and tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/BTDS24. For further press information, contact Christine Grimes, Director of Development, Joshua Tree National Park Association at (760) 820-1123.

Notice Board, Press ReleaseApril 17, 2024

Black Rock Art Gallery: “Quirky Characters: Illustrated Patches”

Joshua Tree National Park management is excited to announce a new exhibition of artworks by elementary students from Morongo Unified School District, entitled Quirky Characters: Illustrated Patches. This exhibition, produced in partnership with Groundwork Arts, will feature 810 hand drawn character patches by students from 11 schools, with support from 113 teachers and 7 teaching artists. Groundwork Arts brings professional practicing artists into local community schools to provide innovative educational opportunities to students, teachers, and families. Students had the opportunity to explore the art of local artist and business owner, Shari Elf. Drawing inspiration from Shari’s playful and carefree patches, students created simple, hand-drawn characters on fabric squares that can be traded with friends, given to loved ones, or, in this case, combined to make collaborative quilts. It was an exercise in “less is more” and an opportunity to celebrate our weird, wonderful, and not-so-perfect selves. “One of the most important experiences for an artist is to share their art with the rest of the world,” said Rhonda Lane Coleman, director of Groundwork Arts, “and we are thrilled that our community will have the opportunity to celebrate these amazing young artists.” The exhibition will run from April 19 through early summer at the Black Rock Art Gallery in the Black Rock Nature Center, located at 9800 Black Rock Canyon Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284. There will be an opening reception on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm. The building is open 7 days a week, 8am–11am and 12pm-4pm. Hours are subject to change starting June 1.

Notice Board, Press ReleaseApril 12, 2024

JT Science Vol 02

Want to learn more about the natural, physical, and cultural environment in Joshua Tree National Park? Check out our JT Science newsletter!

The Milky Way above the silhouette of a Joshua Tree

Notice Board, Press ReleaseFebruary 27, 2024

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park in Spring 2024

Rangers share great ways to enjoy this beautiful desert park. Joshua Tree park ranger speaking to a group of visitors Ranger holds a comically large stack of toilet paper in front of an NPS restroom facility News Release Date: February 22, 2024 Contact: JOTR_Public_Affairs@nps.gov Twentynine Palms, CA - March and April are traditionally the busiest months of the year at Joshua Tree National Park. The park expects high visitation during spring 2024 based on recent trends. A typical spring day includes limited parking, full campgrounds, and lines to get into the park. While no day is exactly the same, the three best ways to prepare for any day visiting Joshua Tree are: Plan mid-week trips – Joshua Tree is busiest on weekends and holidays, which can mean significant traffic congestion. Buy a digital pass – Buy your pass ahead of time by logging onto recreation.gov. This pass can provide a smoother, quicker entry into the park. Arrive before 10 am – Avoid entering the park between 10 am and 2 pm and avoid exiting the park around sunset.  Other tips to prepare for your park visit: Download the official National Park Service app before your visit. Search for National Park Service and select Joshua Tree once downloaded. Choose the tab that allows you to “Download for offline use”. This will give you access to information about Joshua Tree beforehand and allows use in the park where there is no internet or cell reception. Visit responsibly and leave no trace. Consider a night visit and enjoy cooler temperatures and beautiful dark skies. Remember to respect the park’s wildflowers by taking only photos. Please walk on designated trails and never crush vegetation to protect future blooms for years to come. Be considerate of any park wildlife you encounter and provide them with adequate space. Please do not feed any park wildlife. The park may become drive-through only as the parking lots reach maximum capacity during times of extreme visitation. Visitors may be turned away from popular parking areas.    Be flexible with plans. The best hike for you may be one where parking is available.  Hike smart! Vault toilets are available inside the park, but food and water are not. Bring all the food and water you need for your visit. Visitors can park along many, but not all, roadsides. Never drive over a curb or onto vegetation to make a new parking space. Be mindful of curbs painted red.  Make a reservation at recreation.gov for one of the 350 reservable campsites in the park. If there are no reservation sites available, there likely will not be first-come, first-served sites available when you arrive. Look to one of the private campgrounds adjacent to the park.  Many campgrounds intersect with hiking trails. Campers can choose to hike trails that are close to or even connect to their campground to avoid busy parking lots.  Find a new favorite spot to explore in the park. There is no one best campsite, trail, or sunset spot.  Thank you all for your continued stewardship and love of Joshua Tree National Park. We are so happy to meet you!   The data – Joshua Tree National Park’s off-season visitation was up 12.8% between June 2023 to October 2023. Final visitation numbers for 2023 are 3,282,575 visits, an overall 7% increase over 2022, and another record-breaking year. www.nps.gov About Joshua Tree National Park: Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to this vast wilderness in southern California. Learn more at nps.gov/jotr and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube . The Milky Way above the silhouette of a Joshua tree

Notice Board, Press ReleaseJanuary 12, 2024

Oasis of Mara Park Store Closure

The Oasis of Mara Park Store is closing. The final day to visit is Sunday, January 14th. Please stop by the 29 Palms Visitors Center located at 6533 Freedom Wy, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277. The Visitors Center has maps, a park ranger, and everything else you need for your Joshua Tree Adventure!

Painting of two bighorn sheep by Marcia Geiger

Notice Board, Press ReleaseJanuary 5, 2024

Black Rock Art Gallery: “Metamorphic Modern” by Marcia Geiger

Joshua Tree National Park management is pleased to announce a new art exhibition by Joshua Tree-based artist Marcia Geiger. Metamorphic Modern is an exhibition of paintings that range from vehicles and abandoned buildings in the desert environment to the rich flora and fauna of the region. As urban sprawl envelops fragile desert habitats, and historic artifacts decay, Marcia’s work speaks as a reminder of humans’ lasting impact on the landscape and the transitory nature of human presence. Marcia Geiger is a quintessential Joshua Tree artist. A Nebraska native and lifelong artist, she has lived in the Joshua Tree, CA area since 1989, when she began her artistic adventure in earnest. Primarily self-taught, Marcia took lessons in oil painting with Irene Scoggin-Bertrand in the early1990s. Scoggin-Bertrand was a well-known local artist and teacher in both the high and low desert art scenes, and member of the Southwest Artists group.  A remote private studio north of Joshua Tree provides Marcia with the open space, peace, and solitude she finds necessary to allow her creative inspirations to grow and flourish. Marcia is represented by the Asher Grey Gallery of Venice, Santa Monica and Joshua Tree, CA. Having served on the executive board of the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council from 2013 to 2022, she is a lifetime member and a participating artist in their annual Open Studio Artists Tour. She is a Legacy member of the Hi-Desert Artists of the Morongo Basin. Marcia sits on the board of Arts Connection, the San Bernardino County Arts Council. Over the years, her work has received awards at the Palm Springs Arts Council Exhibition, The Joshua Tree National Park Exhibition, and many more. The exhibition will run from January 12 until March 29, 2024, at the Black Rock Art Gallery in the Black Rock Nature Center, located at 9800 Black Rock Canyon Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284. There will be an opening reception on Friday January 12, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm. The building is open 7 days a week, 8am-11am, 12pm- 4pm.

Notice Board, Press ReleaseJanuary 5, 2024

Desert Institute Spring 2024 Catalog Release

Spring is here at Desert Institute. Classes and activities are now open! Register

Press ReleaseSeptember 18, 2023

Black Rock Art Gallery Opening of Sedimental

Jacqueline Guevara, Executive Director of JTNPA

Press Release, UncategorizedMarch 29, 2018

Joshua Tree National Park Association Names New Executive Director

Jacqueline Guevara, Executive Director Joshua Tree National Park Association Names New Executive Director Twentynine Palms, CA, March 29, 2018 – The Joshua Tree National Park Association welcomes Jacqueline Guevara as their new Executive Director. Jacqueline has over 25 years’ experience in non-profit management, most recently holding the position of Director of Public Engagement at Mojave Desert Land Trust. She previously worked as Habilitation Director at DesertArc and Inland Empire Director of Workforce and Career Development for Goodwill Southern California. Her passion for the desert, coupled with her extensive background in social services, makes her a strong advocate for protecting public lands while promoting the education of diverse audiences about the lands and their historical, cultural, and recreational values. Jacqueline has been a California desert resident for 40 years. She moved to the Morongo Basin in 2001, and currently resides in Yucca Valley with her family. “I’m thrilled to be part of such a worthy organization,” says Guevara, “and I look forward to continuing the Association’s work with our dedicated and knowledgeable team.”

News & Press

Official Press Releases

Click on each headline to read the full press release

9/18/2023

8/1/2023

6/1/2023

6/1/2023

6/1/2023

2/1/2023

1/10/2023

7/2/2022

6/1/2022

7/29/2021

1/5/2021

10/22/2020

4/16/2020

12/3/2019

10/7/2019

9/18/2019

9/16/2019

8/28/2019

7/31/2019

7/18/2019

7/1/2019

3/11/2019

2/7/2019

2/4/2019

1/28/2019

1/10/2019

1/8/2019

5/9/2018

4/4/2018

3/29/2018

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