September Activities
Field ClassesDate
Activity Leader(s)
Activity
Sunset Hike at Barker Dam
Join the Desert Institute team every Thursday for an easy sunset hike around Barker Dam. This is a perfect way to end your day (away from the crowds at Key‘s View) before settling into your campsite for an evening of stargazing. This is a public program and advanced registration is required. Learn more…
Butterflies of Joshua Tree National Park: An Appreciation
Get to know the basics of butterfly biology and ecology in this introductory classroom presentation. An optional field observation will take place in October, date and location TBD. Learn more…
Dark Sky Photography
Enjoy the Joshua Tree National Park night sky during this five-hour evening workshop where you’ll learn how to scout and plan interesting astrophotography images, shoot a timelapse to capture star trails, and how to best capture the Milky Way.
Learn more…
Ants: The Unsung Heroes of the Desert
Ants are the unsung–and often misunderstood–heroes of the desert world. Learn all about these important players in our desert landscape! Learn more…
Dark Sky Photography
Enjoy the Joshua Tree National Park night sky during this five-hour evening workshop where you’ll learn how to scout and plan interesting astrophotography images, shoot a timelapse to capture star trails, and how to best capture the Milky Way.
Learn more…
How to Identify Animal Burrows
Ground holes, elevated holes, divots, mounds…learn all about which animals make and inhabit holes found all over the desert! Learn more…
Insects and Arthropods of the Morongo Basin
Explore the lives of the largest group of animals in the world through a study of insect anatomy, survival traits, habitats, and behaviors. Participants will learn to identify and distinguish insects from other arthropods and practice their skills in the field.
Learn more…
Sunset Hike at Barker Dam
Join the Desert Institute team every Thursday for an easy sunset hike around Barker Dam. This is a perfect way to end your day (away from the crowds at Key‘s View) before settling into your campsite for an evening of stargazing. This is a public program and advanced registration is required. Learn more…
Landscapes of the Soul: An In-Field Writer's Workshop for Everyone
Explore the symbolism and mythological meaning of the desert landscape in this writing workshop, no experience required! Learn more…
Light Painting Photography in Joshua Tree
Learn light-painting photography while enjoying the night sky in Joshua Tree National Park. Learn more…
Hiking 101: Everything You Need to Know to Start Walking in the Wildernes
Want to get out and hike but you’re not sure how to and what you need? Join this short seminar to learn all of the basics! Learn more…
Gentle Hatha Flow & Yoga Nidra
The course includes introduction of Gentle Hatha Yoga postures linked with breath and Yoga Nidra meditation practices that lead to empowered well-being. Learn more…
Birds of the Mojave
Spend a weekend at Desert Studies Center studying migrant and resident birds as they migrate south for the winter. Learn more…
Sunset Hike at Barker Dam
Join the Desert Institute team every Thursday for an easy sunset hike around Barker Dam. This is a perfect way to end your day (away from the crowds at Key‘s View) before settling into your campsite for an evening of stargazing. This is a public program and advanced registration is required. Learn more…
Snakes of Joshua Tree National Park
Learn about the fascinating and diverse snakes that can be found throughout Joshua Tree National Park, and even in your own backyard. Learn more…