Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park

Course Catalog Fall 2016 Welcome to Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park There are some truly wonderful things about the California Desert. The thunderclouds that dominate the landscape during the monsoon rains; the incredible quality of silence that envelopes you on a hot, sunny, dry afternoon; the ex- plosion of color that greets you in a desert wash on a spring morning - these are the lasting memories that we hold on to for the rest of our lives. We have been gifted with a truly remarkable landscape and it is right in our back yards here at Joshua Tree National Park.

Over 20 million people live within a three hour drive of what we like to call Southern California’s National Park.The beauty, rock climbing, and flowers called to over two million visitors to the park last year. But inspiration and solitude aside, Joshua Tree is also a world renown campus at the forefront of studies in global climate change, archaeological research on migration patterns, and the adaptability of threatened and endangered species in a changing environment. Students from around the globe use the intact ecosystem at the park as a laboratory to better understand the world we live in.

The Desert Institute offers a unique opportunity to use this classroom. With some of the best instructors in the field, thousands of students have taken Dessert Institute classes in order to learn about the desert and enrich their lives. The National Park Service is delighted to be able to partner with the institute and help new legions of visitors go beyond the views and really connect with the desert and park. Whether with Desert Institute instructors, with a park naturalist, or on you own with one of the written guides from one of our visitor centers, I look forward to seeing you exploring the trails in the coming year.

Superintendent David Smith Joshua Tree National Park Nowhere else we’d rather be!

Photography by Kevin Wong and credited photographers. Fall 2016 Calendar

September 16 -18 Insects and Arthropods of the Morongo Basin* pg. 12 September 24 Bighorn Sheep in Joshua Tree Nati onal Park pg. 12 September 24 - 25 Explore Camping: A Workshop for Women pg. 14 September 24 - 25 Night Sky Photography pg. 7 September 25 Desert Snakes: Mystery & Intrigue* pg. 12

October 1 Keys Ranch Nightscape Photography Workshop pg. 7

October 1 Discover Pine City pg. 11 October 1 - 2 Women’sWomen’s “Get-Away” Weekend pg. 14

October 2 “How-To” Identi fy Animal Scat pg. 5 October 2 Discover the Wonderland of Rocks pg. 11 October 8 - 9 Creati ve Camp Cooking with Chef Tanya Petrovna pg. 6 October 15 “How-To” Identi fy Animal Burrows pg. 5 October 15 Picture the Park in Black and White pg. 7

October 16 Watercolor Painti ng in Joshua Tree Nati onal Park pg. 86 October 16 Explore the Coxcomb Inner Basin pg. 11 October 22 Hike to Lost Horse Mine pg. 11 October 22 -23 “How-To” Navigate with Map and Compass pg. 6 October 29 - 30 Archaeology in Joshua Tree Nati onal Park pg. 10

November 5 Discover Cary’s Castle pg. 10

November 5 “How-To” Survive in the Desert pg. 6 November 5 Keys Ranch Nightscape Photography Workshop pg. 7

November 5 - 6 Geology: Creati on of the Joshua Tree Landscape* pg. 12 November 6 Light & Color: Oil Painti ng in Joshua Tree Nati onal Park pg. 8 November 12 Desert Palm Oasis Ecology pg. 13 November 12 Geology of the San Andreas Fault pg. 13 November 12 -13 Pine Needle Basketry pg. 8 November 13 Smartphone and Point-and-Shoot Techniques to Make Your Travel Photos “POP” pg. 9 November 13 Explore Queen Mountain West pg. 11 November 18 - 20 Fine Art Photography in Joshua Tree Nati onal Park pg. 9

December 3 Photographing the Hi-Desert pg. 9 December 4 Photographing the Hi-Desert pg. 9 December 4 Geology and Cultural History of Cott onwood Spring pg. 13

CAMPING OPTION * OFFERED FOR UNIVERSITY CREDIT 3 Registration Information How to choose the right class. . . The Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park is an adult education program with courses in family programs, cultural history, natural science, survival skills, and the arts. Expert instructors provide a personal and fun learning experience on these educational adventures. All fi eld programs follow the principles of Leave No Trace. The physical demands of each class are as diff erent as the topics we off er. Most of our courses require some hiking during fi eld trips in the park which may be hot, dry, windy, and sometimes cold. In rating the diffi culty of each class we consider elevation gain and loss, distance, time of year, pace, and terrain. It is important for your enjoyment that you select the class that matches your fi tness level. We also want to ensure that your skills and abilities match those of your fellow participants. Please note that the ratings are guidelines. For a person who is very active, a class rated “strenuous” might not pose a challenge, or a “moderate” hike could be very diffi cult for someone not used to walking outside in the desert environment at moderate elevation. EASY - Leisurely to moderate pace up Registration to 3 miles per day through relatively fl at The Desert Institute accepts registrations year round terrain with frequent stops. for special programming. Registrations for fall fi eld classes start in June and registrations for spring fi eld MODERATE - Moderate steady pace up classes start in November. If you wish to enroll with the to 6 miles per day with some elevation registration form on page 24, please enclose a check gain and loss through some loose, payable to “Joshua Tree National Park Association”. Of rocky or uneven terrain. course, you can call the Desert institute for enrollment and for any questions about our programs: STRENUOUS - Longer rigorous hikes at a moderate to brisk pace up to 12 miles Phone: (760) 367-5535 per day with signifi cant elevation gain and loss up to 3,000 ft through steep E-mail: [email protected] terrain, with possible rock scrambling. On-line: www.joshuatree.org EXTREME - Course includes rock Mail: please use the form on page 24 scrambling throughout a significant portion of route. Good balance, full Please honestly assess your fi tness level by reviewing the range of motion, and three points of hiking level descriptions on this page and in the course contact while scrambling are necessary. descriptions.

All Desert Institute programs have been reviewed by the NPS for potential environmental impacts and approved as being compliant with National Park standards. 4 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org SIGN UP ONLINE Click On Class Name “How-To” Courses How-to’s and step-by-step advice from the experts. Taking a clue from our couse partici- pants for more classes on “how-to” explore and enjoy Joshua Tree National Park, we are off ering the following programs for those who want to develop new skills.

Explore Camping: A Workshop for Women

Date/Time: Saturday, September 24, 8:30 am - 9 pm Sunday, September 25, 8:30 am - 3 pm W�lc��� t� Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center Fee: $110 JTNPA member ($120 non member) C��� Instructor: Rebecca Lowry, Artist, Instructor Hike Level: Moderate Jo��u� T��� If you have a taste for adventure, a thirst for wild spaces or just want to improve your outdoor skills, sign up here! Learn how to thrive in the outdoors with camping basics and best practices, improve your knowledge of natural science and have fun with a bunch of other intrepid women. On this weekend camping workshop you’ll learn about the desert while hiking through it, share stories around a crackling campfi re, and acquire useful skills that will transform the great outdoors into your own spectacular backyard. No prior camping experience is necessary, though some basic equip- ment is required. Camping equipment can be rented locally from outfi tters. More experienced campers who’d like to brush up on their skills or just come to have a good time are also welcome. This weekend of classes will be held at the Lost Horse Campsite, a beau- tiful location that is perfect for this program! Girls 21+ only.

Campfi re Cuisine with Chef Tanya Petrovna

Date/Time: Saturday, October 8, 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Sunday, October 9, 8:00 am - 2 pm “How - To” Identify Animal Scat Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center Fee: $150 JTNPA member, $160 non member Date/Time: Sunday October 2, 9 am - 2 pm Instructor: Chef Tanya Petrovna Meet at: Black Rock Ranger Station, Yucca Valley Hike Level: Easy to Moderate Fee: $35 JTNPA member ($45 non member) Instructor: Stefanie Ritter, M.S., Zoology, Biology Hike Level: Easy Join Chef Tanya Petrovna to learn easy, creative Plant Based camp cooking on this weekend class. We will share with you many successful recipes for fun, exciting eating while camping Scat is one of the most important signs to look for when track- in Joshua Tree National Park. Recipes will range from Campsite ing animals. All animals leave scat in one form or another, even Pizza, Bourgignon on Buttered Fire Pit Potatoes, Ash Roasted us (though we don’t tend to leave it on the ground!). Scats, Vegetables Purses to Smores Dip. Fruity Fresh Dutch Oven bis- faeces, or just plain poo - these digested wastes left behind by cuits and Dude Hash for breakfast, Trail Sandwiches and Wraps animals are universally avoided by all but the most dedicated and Backpack Desserts. The course fee includes the meal in- animal lovers, vets and scientists. But for anyone interested in gredients. fi nding out more about the animal world, scats can be a useful tool. They can reveal a lot about the things animals eat, where Chef Tanya will help you to be a good camp cook based on pre- they go and even how they live. Join naturalist, Stefanie Ritter trip preparations, packing your foods correctly (no one wants as she takes you on a journey on “How-To” Identify Animal Scat water soaked sandwiches), and cooking equipment and uten- in Joshua Tree National Park on this half-day fi eld class. sils checklists. To create a good appetite, hikes with Lew King- man are scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday. Suggested reading: “Scats and Tracks of the Desert Southwest” by James Halfpenny, Ph.D., found in the Visitor Centers or Class size limited to 12! order at www.joshuatree.org/store 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org 5 SIGN UP ONLINE “How-To” Courses Click On Class Name

“How - To” Identify Animal Burrows “How-To” Survive in the Desert

Date/Time: Saturday, October 15, 9 am - 1 pm Date/Time: Saturday, November 5, 9 am - 4 pm Meet at: Black Rock Ranger Station, Yucca Valley Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center Fee: $35 JTNPA member ($45 non member) Fee: $60 JTNPA member, $70 non member Instructor: Candice Weber, Professor, College of the Instructor: Laurie Green, Certified Interpretive Guide Desert and First Aid Trainer Hike Level: Easy Hike Level: Easy

Learn the essential “big five” skills needed to safely explore the Have you ever taken a walk and noticed a hole in the ground sometimes harsh and often challenging desert landscape of and wondered what animal made it? Holes abound in the des- Joshua Tree National Park. Laurie Green will teach the physical ert as animals seek refuge from climatic extremes and preda- skills and mental processes that will prepare participants to tors, or hunt for food. Candice Weber will shed light on ground discover some of the most beautiful and most dangerous habitats holes, elevated holes, divots and mounds in this one-day field of the world. Some of the topics covered include survival kits, class. Participants will learn how to identify holes and what edible and dangerous plants, water location, signaling, as well as clues can help discern which animals are living in which holes desert hazards. The class will combine outdoor hands-on practice in the classroom session, and then put their knowledge to the with classroom lecture. This class is not to be missed if you plan on test in the field. Curious visitors as well as seasoned naturalists spending any time in the desert! will enjoy peeking into the secret lives of these subterranean dwellers and discover who’s behind all of that digging!

Suggested reading: “A Field Guide to Desert Holes” by Pinau Merlin, found in the Visitor Centers or order at www.joshuatree.org/store

“How-To” Navigate with Map & Compass Date/Time: Saturday, October 22, 8:00 am – 4:00pm Sunday, October 23, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm Meet at: Black Rock Ranger Station, Yucca Valley Fee: $85 JTNPA member, $95 non member Smartphone and Point-and-Shoot Techniques to Instructor: Misha Askren, Sierra Club Outings Leader Make Your Travel Photos “POP” Hike Level: Moderate Date/Time: Sunday, November 13, 8:30 am - 5 pm Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center Do you want the confidence to explore the desert and on t get Fee: $60 JTNPA member, $70 non member lost? Outdoor specialist, Misha Askren will teach participants how Instructor: Diana Shay-Diehl, Photographer, Educator to navigate using a map and compass in this two-day hands- Hike Level: Easy on field class. Participants will learn the basics of topography, map reading, and the history of navigation during the Saturday classroom and field exercises, and then spend half day Sunday in Elevate your travel photography by understanding elements of the field. Misha will teach simple and straightforward map and good compelling images and the easiest camera you have with compass skills separately and then combine them in a route- you - your smartphone or basic point-and-shoot. Professional finding adventure in the wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park. photographer and teacher, Diana Shay-Diehl, who has spent over These orientation techniques are potentially lifesaving skills 30 years capturing images from film to digital, will focus on basic that will allow participants to explore the wilderness and, most approaches to photography while making extraordinary images importantly, find their way back home. No previous experience from the ordinary. You will learn how to overcome the limitations with compass or topo maps is needed. of cellphone and other modern cameras, and produce better images as prints and for sharing on the Internet, as well as learn Suggested Reading: “Wilderness Navigation” by Mike and how to “see” a frame. Composition, the rule of thirds, exposure, and Bob Burns, found in the Visitor Centers or order at shutter speed will be discussed, as well as how to post process your www.joshuatree.org/store images in your own devices. Examples of post-printing options will also be shared. This course will include a trip into the park and walk about with Diana with over-the-shoulder counseling on how to improve your photography. 6 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org SIGN UP ONLINE Click On Class Name Creati ve Arts Courses

Night Sky Photography Keys Ranch Nightscape & Light Painting Photography Workshop and Star Trails Date/Time: Saturday, September 24, 1 pm - 10 pm Sunday, September 25, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Date/Time: Saturday, October 1, 7:00 pm - 2:00 am Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center Fee: $110 JTNPA member ($120 non member) Fee: $150 JTNPA member ($160 non member) Instructor: Dennis Mammana, M.S., Astronomy, Instructor: Don Chambers, Nightscape Sky Photographer, Syndicated Columnist Photography Instructor Hike Level: Easy Hike Level: Easy

Most photographers put their camera away after sunset but If you enjoy photography and are fascinated by the desert night today’s digital camera technology makes it easier than ever for sky, this two-session, hands-on workshop is for you! Dennis photographers to take photographs of the night sky. And the Mammana will teach participants how to use even the simplest night sky in Joshua Tree is beautiful. With long exposures, the of cameras to create magnifi cent celestial portraits. The class camera will gather light from thousands of stars not visible to the will begin with tips for setting up and shooting the night sky. naked eye. When we add light painting techniques of interest- Saturday evening, participants will head into the park to try out ing foregrounds, you have an incredible and unique photograph their new knowledge under the real night sky. The next day, to be proud of. This workshop will include classroom instruction Mammana will show how the image taken the previous night about the night sky, necessary camera equipment, camera set- can be altered in PhotoShop. Any camera, digital or fi lm, will tings, focusing at night, light painting, fi eld techniques, and an work, as long as it can be adjusted manually, used with a tripod overview of post-processing. After everyone is comfortable with and remote control, and take exposures of 15, 30, or more the concepts of night photography the class will go into the park seconds. Students should have a good working knowledge of and practice new skills during a unique private evening at Keys their equipment prior to taking this class. Class size limited to Ranch. This class is limited to 8 participants, so sign up early! 12 participants, so sign up early!. This class is for photographers of all abilities that are new to night photography and light painting techniques. Photogra- phers must be able to work their camera in full manual mode, in the dark!

Class will continue after shooting at Keys Ranch for those that want to camp with Don at Indian Cove campground. Once ev- eryone is settled-in, Don will provide an overview of how to take star trails and time-lapse videos, and help those interested set- up their cameras for a two hour series of pictures. Bring some drinks and snacks to share under the stars while your cameras are taking pictures, and Don provides an overview of post pro- cessing and how to create star trail pictures and time-lapse vid- eos. Please call 760-367-5535 for more information. Picture the Park in Black and White This class will repeat again on Saturday, November 5 with Date/Time: Saturday, October 15, 8:30 am -4 pm the same times and itinerary. Please be sure to enroll in the Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center correct class date! Fee: $60 JTNPA member ($70 non member) Instructor: Jim Smart, Photographer, Instructor Hike Level: Moderate

There was a time when black and white photography was all we had. Though color has brought us incredible opportunities that would have been envied long ago, the classic black and white photograph is still highly revered. Join professional photographer Jim Smart as he leads you through a unique and extensive workshop covering a variety of aspects of photo by Don Chambers black and white photography. From digital capture to image processing and optimization, Jim Smart will help you master the digital world of black and white photography. Learn and explore the zone system, black and white visualization and other techniques to maximize your creativity while capturing black and white images. Class size limited to 12 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org 7 SIGN UP ONLINE Creative Arts Courses Click On Class Name Watercolor Painting in Joshua Tree National Park Pine Needle Basketry

Date/Time: Sunday, October 16, 7 am - 4 pm Date/Time: Saturday, November 12, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center Sunday, November 13, 9:00 am - 4 pm Fee: $60 JTNPA member ($70 non member) Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center Instructor: John Scahill, Artist and Instructor Fee: $110 JTNPA member ($120 non member) Hike Level: Easy Instructor: Kathi Klopfenstein , Artist, Instructor Hike Level: Easy Indulge your creativity with a day of painting in Joshua Tree National Park. Participants will be immersed in the desert The craft of coiled basketry is practiced world wide using a vari- landscape to inspire originality and learn the observational ety of natural and man-made materials. Kathi Klopfenstein will skills that are essential to painting nature. John Scahill, artist teach you one of many techniques to start a coiled pine needle and instructor, will help students shift the desert scenery basket, basic stitching, how to shape your basket, and how to to paper with watercolor paint. Participants will learn basic finish your basket. You will learn about responsible collecting methods for transforming nature into art through techniques of pine needles, preparation, and storage of your materials. A that maintain color clarity and high quality value differences variety of coiled baskets will be available for the students to with glazes, washes, wet-on-wet, and dry brush. Learn how study. Kathi will provide the basketry materials. Students are the characteristic transparency of watercolor painting brings asked to bring a small pair of scissors, small needle nosed pliers, landscapes to life by allowing light to pass through the film of and a notebook and pencil for taking notes. Bring a lunch and paint and reflect back off the white paper to give brightness be ready to enjoy a weekend of basketry. Beginner and experi- and sparkle to the artwork that matches the sunlit desert enced coilers are welcome. This class will be offered to view the environment. This pleasant non-intimidating class provides park’s Native American basket collection. ample time to relax, investigate and paint. Participants need to bring their own art supplies. To take advantage of the morning light, this class will meet at 7:00 am.

This class will be conducted at Lost Horse Campground, a reserved site for this class, that offers great views of Lost Horse Valley, rocks and Joshua trees.

Light & Color: Oil Painting in JTNP

Date/Time: Sunday, November 6, 8:30 am - 4 pm Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center Fee: $60 JTNPA member ($70 non member) Instructor: Diane McClary, Artist, Instructor “Earlier this year I participated in a one-day workshop led by the Hike Level: Easy master himself - David Muench. I left home at 3:00 AM to get to our sunrise meeting place by 5:30. I stayed pretty close to Da- Capture the vitality of a beautiful, and unique location in vid during our morning and afternoon shoots and enjoyed his Joshua Tree National Park in this oil painting class with Diane incredible photography in the presentation he gave us back at McClary. McClary will teach fundamental plein air painting the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. On the drive home that evening techniques while immersed in the beauty of Keys Ranch. She I reflected on what I had learned from David that day. I pho- will demonstrate and explain the method behind her unique tographed things I would never notice, beautiful things. David use of color and her approach to color harmony in the field. sees so much more than I do. I learned two important lessons that day: Be open to the ideas and perspectives of others and you There will be plenty of time for individual instruction, questions, can find beauty in places you normally wouldn’t think to look.” and review during this pleasant and easy-going class. No Ralph Nordstrom previous experience is required. Students will be responsible for providing their own painting supplies.

8 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org This class will have exclusive use of Keys Ranch, which is a National Historical Site. SIGN UP ONLINE Click On Class Name Creati ve Arts Courses Smartphone and Point-and-Shoot Techniques to Make Your Travel Photos “POP”

Date/Time: Sunday, November 13, 8:30 am - 5 pm Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center Fee: $60 JTNPA member ($70 non member) Instructor: Diana Shay-Diehl, Photographer, Educator Hike Level: Easy

Elevate your travel photography by understanding elements of compelling images and the easiest camera you have with you - your smartphone or basic point-and-shoot. Professional photographer and teacher, Diana Shay-Diehl, who has spent over 30 years capturing images from fi lm to digital, will focus on “I drove 3 hours to Chicago, fl ew to Los Angeles, and drove to Joshua Tree National Park to attend Ralph Nordstrom's class on Fine Art Pho- basic approaches to photography while making extraordinary tography, sponsored by the Joshua Tree National Park Association images from the ordinary. You will learn how to overcome (round trip was over 4,000 miles). The class was jam packed with infor- the limitations of cellphone and other modern cameras, and mation from our meeting on Friday night through Sunday afternoon. produce better images as prints and for sharing on the Internet, We were able to have two sunrise shoots, two morning photography as well as learn how to “see” a frame. Composition, the rule of sessions, one afternoon shoot, a sunset session, and a nighttime class to capture the Milky Way Galaxy. In between these fi eld sessions, Mr. thirds, exposure, and shutter speed will be discussed, as well Nordstrom led some great talks on his experience with fi ne art pho- as how to post process your images in your own devices. tography and provided us with information to make us better photog- Examples of post-printing options will also be shared. This raphers of nature. The individual attention Ralph provided us both in course will include a trip into the park and walk about with the fi eld and in the classroom has signifi cantly improved my skills as Diana with over-the-shoulder counseling on how to improve a photographer. I highly recommend Mr. Nordstrom's class to anyone who would like to learn to make a strong landscape photograph. It your photography. was well worth the trip of over 4,000 miles to attend.” Jim McEnerney

Fine Art Photography in JTNP Photographing the High Desert Date/Time: Friday, November 18, 7 pm - 9 pm Saturday, November 19, 5 am - 9 pm Date/Time: Saturday, December 3, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Sunday, November 20, 5 am - 3 pm Meet at: Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center Fee: $85 JTNPA member ($95 non member) Fee: $150 JTNPA member ($160 non member) Instructor: Craig Fucile, Photographer, Instructor Instructor: Ralph Nordstrom, Photographer, Instructor Hike Level: Moderate Hike Level: Easy to Moderate This class is sponsored by the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

Grab your camera and put on your hiking boots for this intensive Immerse yourself in the wonders of Joshua Tree National all-day photo shoot in Joshua Tree National Park! Craig Fucile will Park and connect with the enchantment to be found guide the class in seeing the natural beauty of the park through the there. This course features the relationship between camera lens. The class will begin with early morning light at the photography and art. In it we will explore the artistic Big Morongo Canyon Preserve followed by a mid-morning instruc- process and how to grow as an artist. It is not intended tional program at Black Rock Canyon Visitor Center. The afternoon to be a basic photography class but rather an opportunity session will relocate to a special “photographers only” session at to expand your personal interpretation and creative Keys Ranch, focusing on how to capture the buildings and historic expression which is the heart of the art. Our experience remnants at this remarkable homestead. Fucile will share tips on of this marvelous land will be enhanced by camping how to record unique rock formations and vast views of the park. (optional) in the Lost Horse Campground, from Friday Participants are encouraged to bring a tripod with their camera(s). through Sunday. The weekend schedule includes two (2) Class size limited to 12. sunrise shoots, two (2) morning shoots, one (1) sunset shoot, one (1) optional night sky shoot (conditions This class will repeat again on Sunday, December 4 with the permitting). There will be classroom programs to provide same times and itinerary. Please be sure to enroll in the correct an orientation, to discuss “The Essence of Fine Art” and class date! photo sharing and constructive critiques. This is an “action packed” workshop, so, bring your camera equipment, camping equipment and enthusiasm and watch your creativity soar! 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org 9 Call 760-367-5535 for more information on the camping option. SIGN UP ONLINE Cultural History Courses Click On Class Name

Archaeology of Joshua Tree National Park Discover Cary’s Castle

Date/Time: Saturday, October 29, 9 am - 5 pm Date/Time: Saturday, November 5, 9 am - late afternoon Sunday, October 30, 9 am - 2 pm Meet at: Cottonwood Visitor Center Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center Fee: $60 JTNPA member ($70 non member) Fee: $110 JTNPA member ($120 non member) Instructor: Jason Theuer, Ph.D., Anthropology, Instructor: Daniel McCarthy, M.S. Anthropology Cultural Resources Branch Chief, JTNP Hike Level: Easy Hike Level: Strenuous - 9 miles round trip

Discover the ancient peoples who were defined by the arid land- Cary’s Castle is deliciously remote and enigmatic. Little is scape of what is now Joshua Tree National Park. Daniel McCarthy will known of the reclusive builder who appropriated a discuss how archaeologists study human culture through material prehistoric Indian rock shelter and added rock and mortar walls, remains and environmental landscapes. The class will begin with an three windows and a door. We surmise that he was a miner archaeological overview including an exclusive visit to see the ar- from the nearby vertical shaft which shows extensive labor. tifacts and archival collections at the Park’s Research Museum. The From artifacts found in the cabin, including magazines, it field sessions will focus on the prehistoric and historic peoples who appears that the shelter was built and inhabited in the late lived in this area and will provide students with new insights 1930’s to early 1940’s. This “Castle” was still fully furnished in 1945, into the park’s cultural heritage. The class will only visit publicly and even today has a variety of historical artifacts on the interpreted sites. shelves. Evidence of prehistoric habitation can be seen in the form of a bedrock mortar and several multi-color pictographs on the underside of the huge boulder which forms the roof. Lost Indian Tank, which is reputed to be in the vicinity, could have Military Scholarships provided seasonal water for a small foraging family group. Join Through a grant provided by the Marine Corps Air Jason Theuer for a great day of hiking into this wild place, and Ground Combat Center Officers’ Spouses’ Club, the learn a little along the way how to better understand it’s nature. Desert Institute offers a limited number of scholar- ships for our educational programs to active Ma- Please note that public access to Cary’s Castle has been closed rines and their family members on the 29 Palms due to vandalism. Access to Cary’s Castle is limited to Desert MCAGCC. For more information and qualifica- Institute programs with park personnel. tion requirements, please call 760-367-5535.

10 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org SIGN UP ONLINE Click On Class Name Guided Hikes in JTNP Discover Pine City Explore the Coxcomb Inner Basin

Date/Time: Saturday, October 1, 8 am - afternoon Date/Time: Sunday, October 16, 7 am - late afternoon Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center Fee: $35 JTNPA member ($45 non member) Fee: $35 JTNPA member ($45 non member) Instructor: De Karlen, Naturalist, Desert Guide Instructor: Christian Delich, NPS Ranger Hike Level: Easy to Moderate - 4.3 miles round trip Hike Level: Strenuous - 10 miles round trip

This hike is just the hike for those still a little intimidated by Joshua The Coxcombs are likely the most rugged and perpendicular Tree’s vastness: easy, informative, and just the right length. Begin- mountains in Joshua Tree National Park, in its wildest and least- ning at the Pine City backcountry board, this trail is less traveled visited northeast corner. Their relative isolation alone, far from any and one of Joshua Tree’s nicest “hidden” treasures. It’s an architec- services, makes their exploration a true wilderness experience. Ex- tural confection of Joshua Tree’s famous high desert plants, its hu- plore this little visited region of the park, the Coxcomb Mountains man history, and monster artful boulders, leading to an expansive are located 39 miles east of Twentynine Palms. The inner basin view of the low desert. We’ll have lunch in a nearby pinyon pine of the Coxcomb Mountains is the “heart” of the most rugged and burst of greenery and shade, then take an additional side-foray scenic mountain ranges in Joshua Tree National Park. Views of the to the Desert Queen Mine, with a tale of its dramatic mining past. Aqua Peaks (Tensor, Spectre and Dyadic) are truly spectacular! Explore the Wonderland of Rocks Explore Queen Mountain West

Date/Time: Sunday, October 2, 8 am - Late Afternoon Date/Time: Sunday, November 13, 8 am - Late Afternoon Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center Fee: $35 JTNPA member ($45 non member) Fee: $35 JTNPA member ($45 non member) Instructor: Christian Delich, NPS Ranger Instructor: Kevin Powell, Guide Book Author Hike Level: Moderate Hike Level: Strenuous - 8.5 miles round trip

The Wonderland of Rocks is a large labyrinth of granite formations This strenuous, 8.5-mile out and back hike will explore a and meandering corridors. It’s an easy place to get lost, but it’s remote and seldom visited area of Queen Mountain where you also full of secret, picture-postcard settings, wide-eyed views, and will be ex-posed to the power and creativity of water in the any number of natural surprises. We will park at Barker Dam and desert. The Oak Canyon Potholes are a collection of water walk the nature trail to the lake bed and follow the wash into the sculpted and polished rock slabs intermittently spread out over Wonderland of Rocks where we will scramble up to the top of the a half-mile section of a progressively steepening canyon. These South Astrodome (optional) where we will view the entire Won- rock slabs are dotted with deep potholes and a unique, derland of Rocks. The hike will loop through the Wonderland to cascading sluice-like feature found in the center collection of Wall Street Mill and back to Barker Dam. potholes. This unique feature is located about half way between the upper and lower potholes. The area is similar to the upper rock slabs of Rattlesnake Canyon further downstream. Hike to Lost Horse Mine On our way to the potholes, participants will get a unique view of Date/Time: Saturday, October 22, 8 am - 1 pm the expansive Wonderland of Rocks from above. The overlook Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center will allow us to look down into, and out across much of this Fee: $35 JTNPA member ($45 non member) complex rocky playground. Other important geologic landmarks Instructor: De Karlen, Naturalist, Desert Guide useful for navigating on further hikes within the park will be Hike Level: Moderate - 4 miles round trip pointed out as well.

The Lost Horse Mine hike is for people enthralled with, but a tad f you take part in a Guided overwhelmed by Joshua Tree National Park’s many nooks, crannies, How Fit Do You Need To Be? I and aspects. The Lost Horse Mine, nominated for inclusion on the Hike in JTNP, you will need to carry a backpack - with food, National Register of Historic Places, is a fine example of a smaller clothing, water and other essentials - that generally weighs up scale Western mine, and the hike will be an informative entre into to 15 pounds. You will be exercising with either heat or cold, Joshua Tree’s gold mining of yesteryear, along with its amazing typical of the Mojave desert and elevation gain. And, you may cast of characters: some heroes and some, well, a little scallywag- need to scramble over large boulders along the route. To ish. And along the way, we’ll talk about the Park’s signature plants help you decide on which course is best for you, please take into and that big ‘ole fault to the south. After lunch at the mine, we’ll account the “Hike Level” ratings. Please note that these ratings scramble a small side trail to a lookout point with a spectacular are only guidelines. What is labeled “strenuous”might be 360 degree view of the surrounding area, including Malapai Hill. routine for a very fit visitor. For the most precise information about each activity or the effects of the desert environment, please call us at 760-367-5535.

760-367-5535 joshuatree.org 11 SIGN UP ONLINE Natural Science Courses Click On Class Name Insects and Arthropods of the Morongo Basin* Desert Snakes: Mystery and Intrigue* (Entomology x405.1, 1.5 unit) (Biology x414.51, 0.5 unit) Date/Time: Friday, September 16, 6:30 pm - 9 pm Date/Time: Sunday, September 25, 9 am - 4 pm Sat., Sept. 17, 8:00 am - 1:30 pm; 6 pm - 9 pm Meet at: Black Rock Ranger Station Sunday, September 18, 8 am - 12 pm Noncredit Fee: $60 JTNPA member ($70 non member) Meet at: Black Rock Ranger Station, Yucca Valley Credit Fee: $85 JTNPA member ($95 non member) Noncredit Fee: $135 JTNPA member ($145 non member) Instructor: William Hayes, Ph.D., Zoology, Physiology Credit Fee: $210 JTNPA member ($220 non member) Professor of Biology, Loma Linda Instructor: Kurt Leuschner, M. S., Wildlife Ecology University Hike Level: Easy to Moderate Hike Level: Easy to Moderate

This class is sponsored by the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Feared and respected by many for their potential to inflict harm, snakes have long captured the fascination of humanity. William Did you know that insects can survive in temperatures over 110 Hayes will introduce participants to a remarkable variety of degrees Fahrenheit in the shade with little or no water? Kurt venomous and non-venomous snakes that inhabit Southern Leuschner will explore the lives of the largest group of animals California’s deserts in this all-day field class. Starting in the in the world through a study of insect anatomy, survival traits, classroom, Dr. Hayes will discuss the many adaptations that are habitats, and behaviors. Participants will learn to identify and essential for snakes to survive in the desert ecosystem including distinguish insects from other arthropods and then practice their unique morphological, physiological, behavioral, and ecological skills in the field. Field observations will include desert, dune, and traits. Snake venom will also be discussed in detail providing riparian habitats, as well as a special night session with black lights answers to the following questions. What, exactly, is venom? How at the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. Leuschner will share amazing is it made and how is it delivered? Can venoms be beneficial? stories of insects like the yucca moth, the ant lion, and the world The class will explore the surrounding desert to identify reptile they inhabit. habitat and hopefully see some snakes!

Geology: Creation of Joshua Tree Landscape* (Geosciences x460.4, 1 unit) Date/Time: Saturday, November 5, 8 am - 5 pm Sunday, November 6, 9 am - 1 pm Meet at: Oasis Visitor Center Noncredit Fee: $110 JTNPA member ($120 non member) Credit Fee: $160 JTNPA member ($170 non member) Instructor: Tor Lacy, Geology, MS, Professor, Bighorn Sheep in Joshua Tree National Park Cerritos College Date/Time: Saturday, September 24, 9 am - 4 pm Hike Level: Easy to Moderate Meet at: Black Rock Ranger Station Investigate the natural architecture and origin of Joshua Tree Fee: $60 JTNPA member ($70 non member) National Park’s landscape with Tor Lacy, geology professor, Instructor: Mark Jorgensen, ex-Superintendent of Cerritos College. Starting in the classroom participants will be Anza Borrego State Park introduced to basic geologic principles including major rock Hike Level: Easy to Moderate groups, plate tectonics, mountain building, and the impact of weathering. Lacy will discuss how these processes worked Desert bighorn sheep is the largest native animal in the desert together to form the fantastic desert landscape of the park. The southwest. Mark Jorgensen will discuss the natural history of class will venture into the field on two excursions to observe and desert bighorn sheep in the Southwest US and northern Mexico. identify monzogranite, gneiss, aplite, and more. For those new He will discuss the bighorn’s amazing adaptations to the desert to geology or experienced geologists, Lacy will make learning environment, including their physical characteristics, distribu- about this complex and unique landscape comprehensible and tion, behavior, predator relationships and diseases in this class. fun. Participants will also learn about how the Park’s current preserva- Suggested Reading: “Joshua Tree National Park Geology” by tion efforts for the bighorn sheep corresponds with the unique Trent & Hazlett, found in the Visitor Centers or order at physiological characteristics of these animals and the Park’s man- www.joshuatree.org/store agement plan to preserve this magnificent animal, as a part of California’s heritage. During the session, the class will hike into bighorn habitat and learn the key elements important for big- horn sheep survival. The field trip will highlight the importance of vast wilderness habitats, steep terrain, diverse plant commu- nities, protection from human encroachment, and the threat of domestic livestock diseases on the native bighorn sheep.

12 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org SIGN UP ONLINE Click On Class Name Natural Science Courses Geology of the San Andreas Fault Desert Palm Oasis Ecology

Date/Time: Saturday, November 12, 9 am - 4 pm Date/Time: Saturday, November 12, 8:30 am - 4 pm Meet at: Coachella Valley Preserve Meet at: Palm Desert Campus, CSUSB Fee: $60 JTNPA member ($70 non member) Fee: $80 JTNPA member ($90 non member) Instructor: Ted Reeves, BA, Professor of Earth Instructor: James Cornett, MS, Biology Sciences, University of the Pacific Hike Level: Moderate Hike Level: Moderate Verdant, water-loving desert fan palms seem out of place in an California is a state defined by plate tectonics, motion, continental arid environment. Yet five distinct palm oases occur within Joshua drift, and subduction zones. Join geologist Ted Reeves as he Tree National Park and more than 150 exist in the Sonoran and demystifies fault systems and their effects. Reeves will unfold the Mojave deserts of California and Baja California. The desert fan geologic story of the Southern Californian landscape in this all- palm, Washingtonia filifera, anchors the oasis and is the only palm day field class. Participants will travel a total of approximately six species native to the western U.S. It is the largest palm native to miles walking to Pushawalla Palms to see evidence of the folding North America and one of the most widely planted ornamental and uplift that formed Pushawalla Canyon. Reeves will illuminate trees in the world. The class examines unique aspects of the palm fault-related features in the field with special emphasis on physical and its significance within rare desert spring environments where deformations of the landscape. Don’t miss this unique opportunity it occurs. Special emphasis is placed on interactions between to walk along the San Andreas fault zone and touch the San palms and other oasis plant species, animals that utilize palms Andreas Fault! as a resource, role of fire in oasis ecology and the relationship between palms and Native Americans. The course includes new information on the impact of global warming on palm numbers and distribution.

The textbook, Desert Palm Oasis by James Cornett, is included in the course fee as well as the parking permit for the meeting Teachers site. Our credit courses are designed to meet the professional development needs of educators Geology & Cultural History of Cottonwood Spring for career and salary advancement. Come for Date/Time: Sunday, December 4, 9 am - 4 pm a weekend of inspiration, education and fun in Meet at: Cottonwood Visitor Center Fee: $60 JTNPA member ($70 non member) the Joshua Tree National Park! Course credit is Instructor: Ted Reeves, Instructor, University of the Pacific offered through UC Riverside, Extension. Teachers Hike Level: Moderate may apply for Professional Career Development through their school district. Fall credit courses Stretch your legs and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the include: Cottonwood Mountains with Ted Reeves in this all-day field class. Reeves will discuss the rocks and minerals of Cottonwood Insects and Arthropods of the Morongo Basin Mountains and tell stories of the people who eked out a living in Desert Snakes: Mystery & Intrigue the Cottonwood Spring area during the late 1800s. Participants Geology: Creation of the Joshua Tree Landscape will walk six miles through the rolling hills of the Colorado Desert to see mills, mines, and more. Along the trail, Reeves will share the history of the cowboys, miners, and teamsters who depended on Cottonwood Spring for their livelihood. The route will follow a portion of a prominent freight road built in the 1880s. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn how geology is connected to cultural history at Cottonwood Spring!

760-367-5535 joshuatree.org 13

760-367-5535 joshuatree.org 13 SIGN UP ONLINE Women’s Programs Click On Class Name By popular request, a number of our classes are designed for women only. Each approaches the land- scape with a uniquely female point of view to inspire a deeper appreciation of Joshua Tree National Park.

Explore Camping: A Workshop for Women Women’s “Get Away” Weekend Date/Time: Saturday, October 1, 8 am - 5 pm Date/Time: Saturday, September 24, 8:30 am - 9 pm Sunday, October 2, 8 am - 4 pm Sunday, September 25, 8:30 am - 3 pm Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center Meet at: Joshua Tree Visitor Center Fee: $110 JTNPA member ($120 non member) Fee: $110 JTNPA member ($120 non member) Instructors: Cynthia Anderson, Naturalist, NPS Ranger Instructor: Rebecca Lowry, Artist, Instructor Cassandra Davis, Yoga Instructor Hike Level: Moderate Hike Level: Moderate

If you have a taste for adventure, a thirst for wild spaces or just want Spend a weekend with the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree to improve your outdoor skills, sign up here! Learn how to thrive National Park where you can go to unplug, to get away, to learn in the outdoors with camping basics and best practices, improve new skills and to enjoy the company of other course participants. your knowledge of natural science and have fun with a bunch of Trade in your computer, cell phone, Instagrams, clocks, schedules other intrepid women. On this weekend camping workshop you’ll and workplace jargon for an off -the-grid weekend with the girls - learn about the desert while hiking through it, share stories around two days of pure unadulterated fun, excercise and education! a crackling campfi re, and acquire useful skills that will transform Join Cynthia Anderson and Cassandra Davis on hikes, camping, the great outdoors into your own spectacular backyard. No prior yoga practice, journaling, basic navigation and desert survival. camping experience is necessary, though some basic equip- This weekend of classes will be held at the Lost Horse Campsite, a ment is required. Camping equipment can be rented locally from beautiful location that is perfect for this program! outfi tters. More experienced campers who’d like to brush up on their skills or just come to have a good time are also welcome. This Camping equipment can be rented from local outfitters. weekend of classes will be held at the Lost Horse Campsite, a beau- tiful location that is perfect for this program! Girls 21+ only.

Photo by Pam Kersey

14 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org IF YOU LOVE observing nature and learning about 2016 NATURALIST SERIES Joshua Tree, expand your knowledge through the Insects and Arthropods of the Morongo Basin Joshua Tree Master Naturalist Series. Eight com- September 16 - 18 prehensive courses on key Joshua Tree topics are Desert Snakes: Mystery and Intrique designed to broaden your understanding of the September 25 ecology, plants, geology, wildlife, and history of the park. Through field-based excursions and lectures, Geology of Joshua Tree National Park November 5 - 6 you’ll cultivate observations skills that are the hall- mark of a good naturalist. Rocks and Minerals of JTNP Spring 2017

By documenting field observations through sketch- Flora of Joshua Tree National Park es, journaling, photography and more, you’ll learn Spring 2017 how to make a deeper connection to nature. When Biological Soil Crusts of JTNP you complete all eight courses, you will receive your Spring 2017 “Joshua Tree Naturalist” certification and a Joshua Desert Invertebrates Tree National Park hoodie. Courses will be offered Spring 2017 yearly and certification may be completed over Ecology of Joshua Tree National Park time. These eight courses in the Joshua Tree Mas- Spring 2017 ter Naturalist Series are also approved for credit Birds of Joshua Tree National Park from U.C. Riverside, Extension. Spring 2017

760-367-5535 joshuatree.org 15 Joshua Tree National Park Association The Joshua Tree National Park Association has been helping Joshua Tree National Park since 1962. Our most visible activity – and major source of revenue – is operating the educational bookstores at the park’s four visitor centers, as well as staffing many of these locations with Information Specialists who provide visitor services alongside the National Park Service Rangers. But the Joshua Tree National Park Association does much more! We also:

• Operate the Desert Institute, a weekend field program for adults and families that offers courses in natural science, natural and cultural history, creative arts, citizens science and desert survival • Sponsor community lecture series in Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms • Publish books and media specific to the park. Titles include Joshua Tree National Park Geology by D. D. Trent and Rick Hazlett, Desert Reflections by Stephen Trimble, and On Foot in Joshua Tree by Patty Knapp • Support the Junior Ranger program with funds for program supplies that kids receive for free • Purchase books and materials for the park library and museum • Fund ranger training and orientation for new park staff • Provide environmental education materials to over 11,000 students in local communities • Support scientific research through administration and additional funding for the Robert Lee Graduate Student Research Program (funded by the Lee Family Foundation) • Connect with the local arts community by sponsoring the annual Joshua Tree National Park Art Festival • Celebrate environmental leadership with the Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award, which recognizes individuals or organizations for their notable achievements • Provide administrative support for the Joshua Tree National Park Artist-in-Residence Program • Raise funds to support the park through community events, memberships and donations, and our Legacy pottery collection

Joshua Tree Visitor Center Oasis of Mara Visitor Center

Cottonwood Visitor Center Black Rock Visitor Center

16 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org Special Programs If your group, large or small, is searching for a special experience in Joshua Tree National Park tailored to your interests, the Desert Institute will design an educational class making sure that the expert instruction is just what you are looking for in the park. The activity level and optional field component will match your itinerary perfectly for one-day or multi-day excursions.

Day with a Desert Naturalist Learn the secrets of Joshua Tree National Park in an all-day field class with a desert naturalist. Groups will explore the unique landscape of the park focusing on an area of interest to them. Common topics to be covered are: geology, cultural history, flora, and ecology found in the vast valleys, rock mazes, desert cactus gardens, and Joshua tree forests. Most programs cover eight miles at a moderate pace with uneven terrain and moderate elevation gain. A “sample” Day with a Desert Naturalist could Discover the Wonderland of Rocks: The Wonderland of Rocks is a large labyrinth of granite formations and meandering corridors. It’s an easy place to get lost, but it’s also full of secret, picture-postcard settings, wide-eyed views, and any number of natural surprises. Spend an enjoyable day hiking and scrambling through this rare place, feeling the rough texture of its timelessness underfoot and in the finger tips. More than just a day of out-door adventure, this Desert Institute hike includes introductory instruction in how the Wonderland formed, why it looks the way it does, and how this unique environment helps support a diverse and interesting community of plants and animals. Come prepared to hike seven to ten miles, depending on conditions, with occasional stops for rest, lunch and teachable moments. The route is cross-country and requires some scrambling and rock-hopping, none of it extended or technical.

Sunrise or Sunset Photographic Workshops with a Master Photographer Customized Photographic Workshops Let us show you where and how to take stunning sunrise or sunset images in Joshua Tree National Park! We can create a customized program to spend four hours in the morning or evening photographing the iconic boulders and Joshua trees. This workshop is perfect for those photographers looking to improve on composition and creating unique and original imagery. Working with our instructors will help you make sense of the landscape and begin to understand how to make effective images in this truly bizarre and wonderful terrain. If you’re just a beginner, no problem! This workshop will provide you with beginning instruction in landscape photography, filter use, and sunset or sunrise silhouettes. PROGRAM COST

1 - 6 people Half Day $300 1 - 6 people Full Day $500 7 + people Please call for rates Photo Credit: Dion Wong Rates effective through December 2016 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org 17 Step On Guides for Bus Tours

The Desert Institute can arrange for a professional, knowledgeable naturalist to join your bus tour for a visit to Joshua Tree National Park as a “step-on” guide. Our interpreters have specialized knowledge of the local geology, natural history, flora and fauna, archaeology and cultural history. Let us entertain and educate your guests which will make their experience of the Joshua Tree National Park a memo- rable event!

RATES: Effective May 1, 2016 Our fees begin at $310 for any tour up to 4 hours in length and $40 per hour for each additional hour.

All rates are per naturalist. Large groups and multiple motor coaches may require more than one guide. To schedule a Motor Coach Tour, contact the Desert Institute at 760-367-5535 or [email protected].

Tour group operators pay park entrance fees. Please contact our office if you wish to include a guided hike or additional programs.

“On behalf of the Garden Conservancy, please accept our deepest thanks for all your help in making our trip to Joshua Tree National Park such a memorable experience! How lucky we were to visit the park when the blooms were so extraordinary.

We especially want to thank you for matching us with our guide extraordinaire, Darrell Shade. What can I say but WOW! Those fortunate enough to have experienced Joshua Tree with Darrell were impressed by his warm hospitality, his depth of knowledge, and his infectious enthusiasm for the park and its flora. Darrell thoroughly inspired and energized our group and made their trip to Joshua Tree one that will not be soon forgotten.

Again, Kevin, thank you for helping us make our trip to Joshua Tree a resounding success.” 18 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park Black Rock Symposium at Copper Mountain College Watch for our 2016-2017 Seminar schedule on the Joshua Tree National Park website.

The partnership between Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR) and Copper Moun- tain College (CMC) has led to several successful programs, including the Black Rock Symposium lecture series co-sponsored with the Desert Institute, CMC student internships within JOTR, and Desert Institute field courses offered at CMC. The Black Rock Symposium (BRS) held monthly in the Bell Center at CMC, has expanded regional awareness of important conservation issues involving JOTR and its gateway communities. The BRS has served as a nexus for interaction of concerned citizens, students, scientists and policy-makers. The impacts of this partnership include increased public attendance at the Desert Institute semi- nars, expanded community awareness of important regional conservation is- sues, and valuable educational opportunities for students. The partnership has provided opportunities for citizen science, and allowed CMC faculty to integrate inquiry-based experiences into their curriculum. Edu- cational goals included attracting more students into STEM (science, technol- ogy, engineering and mathematics) careers, improving students’ research and technological skills, and enhancing successful transfer into university programs. Several projects by CMC student interns have provided data to help inform management of natural resources by JOTR staff. In summary, the CMC-Desert Institute partnership has been a valuable collabo- ration for Joshua Tree National Park and its gateway communities. It repre- sents an important symbiosis that should be nurtured and continued! Copper Mountain College is pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Desert Institute on behalf of our students and the communities we serve. Jeff A. Cummings Superintendent/President

Paul M. Delaney PhD Chair, Science and Mathematics Division

Copper Mountain College

19 Community Lectures

Bringing Nature to our Community

The Desert Institute’s community outreach program brings cutting edge presentations on the cultural history, natural science and the arts pertaining to Joshua Tree National Park, to the Morongo Basin and the Coachella Valley with various partners.

The Desert Institute partners include Joshua Tree National Park, the Twentynine Palms Historical Soci- ety, the Palm Springs Public Library, U.C. Riverside, Extension, Copper Mountain College, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Palm Desert Campus and the Ace Hotel, Palm Springs.

Old Schoolhouse Lecture Series:

September 9 “A Chemehuevi Song” with Clifford Trafzer, Professor of History, UC Riverside October 14 “Land of Little Rain” with Walter Feller, Photographer November 11 “The Imaginal Desert” with Dr. Catherine Svehla, Storyteller, Educator December 9 “The Hatch’s of Twentynine Palms” with Liz Meyer, daughter of Bill & Ada Hatch January 13 “Pioneering Women of the Morongo Basin” with Pat Rimmington, Historian & Author February 10 “Virginia City” with Nick Clapp, Historian and Author March 10 “Marshal South Rides Again” with Diana Lindsay, Author April 14 “Henry Mockel, the Artist” with Tania Marien, founder/editor of ArtPlantae.com May 12 “The Adobes of 29 Palms” with Pat Rimmington, Historian & Author June 9 “The Military History of the Salton Sea” with Sid Burks, Historian

Palm Springs Public Library:

October 5 “Land of Little Rain” with Walter Feller, Photographer January 4 “A Chemehuevi Song” with Clifford Trafzer, Professor of History, UC Riverside February 1 “Marshal South Rides Again” with Diana Lindsay, Author March 1 "Birds of Ancient Lake Cahuilla" with Kurt Leuschner, Professor of Natural Sciences April 5 TBA

Ace Hotel, Palm Springs:

June 24 “Stories of Willie Boy: Through a Literary Lens” with Ruth Nolan July 22 “Joshua Tree: Mystery and Myth” with Chris Clarke August 26 “The Mojave Project” with Kim Stringfellow

20 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org Meet Our New Instructors

When people ask Tanya Petrovna, “Are you a strict vegetarian?” she re- plies, “No, I’m a fun vegetarian!” The visionary behind the Native Foods chain of restaurants, Tanya is known for creating cuisine that is nutritious, organic, compassionate, and delicious.

Mark Jorgensen is a retired superintendent at Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and an authority on Desert Bighorn Sheep. His credentials also in- clude work with the Bighorn Institute, and The Desert Bighorn Council. Mark has recently released a book, along with Jeff Young (photographer), titled “Desert Bighorn Sheep: Wilderness Icon,” through Sunbelt Publish- ing. Jim Cornett received B.A. and M.S. degrees in biology. He is the former curator of natural history for the Palm Springs Desert Museum. He has published over 150 scientific and popular articles, as well as over twenty books on a variety of desert subjects. He is the author of Desert Palm Oasis, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Desert Snakes, and Desert Lizards, among other books, published by Nature Trails Press.

Cassandra Davis is a certified Hatha instructor. Having practiced and studied for several years, including time in India as well as Peru, she has extensive experience in a wide variety of yoga styles. As a certified personal trainer working towards a PhD in Holistic nutrition, she has a well-rounded knowledge of physiology and yoga philosophy.

De Karlen is a naturalist, hiking and desert guide with Desert Adventures. Previously, she worked as an Interpretive Park Ranger in Yosemite National Park so she truly enjoys sharing her knowledge about the wonders and processes of our natural world.

Christian Delich is a National Park Service Ranger who spends his “off time” crawling around the famed Wonderland of Rocks while honing skills as an amateur geologist.

Kevin Powell has spent forty-four years hiking, rock climbing, photographing and exploring within Joshua Tree National Park. His first book, Classic Day Hikes of Joshua Tree Park will be available this fall.

760-367-5535 joshuatree.org 21 Desert Institute Instructors

Cynthia Anderson has a BA in Marine Mammal Biology form and conservation of lizards, and behavioral ecology, taxonomy, UC Santa Cruz and an MS in Natural Resources/Wildlife Biology and conservation of birds. He has published numerous works, from Humboldt State University and she has been working as taught and organized conferences and workshops, and has a field biologist and environmental educator for more than 30 given multiple television contributions. Hayes currently teaches years. Her teaching experience includes students from a wide classes in behavioral ecology, herpetology, ornithology, and variety of ages and diverse backgrounds, from K-12 graders, conservation. community college students and CA Conservation Corps crew members. MARK JORGENSEN has been intrigued by desert bighorn sheep since he was 11 years old and has spent five decades studying Misha askren is an outings leader for the Sierra Club and is an and pursuing them throughout their range. He became a instructor in the Wilderness Travel Course. He leads trips that State Park Ranger for California State Parks after four summers are “off-trail” in the wilderness in the Sierras, the San Gabriels studying desert bighorn for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and in Joshua Tree. in southern California. He went on to become the last Park Naturalist for California State Parks at Anza-Borrego, as well as DON CHAMBERS has been hiking, climbing and taking pictures a Resource Ecologist, and he finished his 36-year park career as in Joshua Tree and throughout the west for 45 years. His early the Superintendent of Anza-Borrego. He is the author of the book interest in the outdoors led him to an MS in Geography. He “Desert Bighorn Sheep: Wilderness Icon”. was a naturalist in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest for the USFS, taught geology of the National Parks at Valley College DE KARLEN is a naturalist, hiking and desert guide with Desert and Cal Poly, and for the last 36 years has been the manager of Adventures. Previously, De worked as an Interpretative Park consulting services at ESRI.. Ranger in Yosemite National Park, so she truly enjoys sharing her knowledge about the wonders and processes of our natural JIM CORNETT has been studying desert fan palm oases for 25 world. years with more than three dozen technical papers published on palm oasis ecology. For 30 years he was Curator and Director LEW KINGMAN is a retired fire fighter and worked for the Palm of Natural Sciences at the Palm Springs Desert Museum. He Springs Desert Museum as a hike leader for 8 years. He volunteers holds B.A. and M.S. degrees in biology and lives in Palm Springs, with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue for 25 years California. and Joshua Tree National Park as an archaeological site steward and a “lead” field class leader for the Desert Institute. Cassandra Davis is a certified Hatha instructor. Having practiced and studied for several years, including time in India tor lacy, M.S., Geology, is a tenured instructor at Cerritos as well as Peru, she has extensive experience in a wide variety College teaching Physical Geology, Introduction to Earth Science, Geology of the Western National Parks and Monuments, Natural of yoga styles. As a certified personal trainer working towards a History of Southern California and Field Methods of the Earth PhD in Holistic nutrition, she has a well-rounded knowledge of Sciences. physiology and yoga philosophy. Kurt Leuschner, M.S., Wildlife Ecology, Professor of Natural CHRISTIAN DELICH, B.S. Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Resources, College of the Desert. Leuschner’s specialties include Resources. In 2011, Christian accepted his first term position ornithology, entomology, and desert ecology. He has led hundreds with the National Park Service at Joshua Tree National Park. of field trips both locally and as far afield as Africa. He teaches Since then, Christian has spent his time crawling around the natural history courses for the Bureau of Land Management, famed Wonderland of Rocks while honing skills as an amateur UCR Extension, the Desert Institute, the Living Desert, California geologist. State Parks, Riverside County Parks, and many other conservation organizations Craig Fucile, B.A., Physical Geography, teaches photography for University of California, Riverside Extension. A longtime REBECCA LOWRY, trained as an architect, has been pursuing an instructor, Fucile has taught numerous photography workshops independent fine art practice since 2003. A native of Northern in western landscapes that he enjoys photographing including: California, Rebecca lived nearly a decade in Boston, Massachusetts, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Eastern Mojave, Owens Valley, Grand where she earned degrees at Boston University and Harvard’s Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Anza-Borrego, Kings Canyon, and Design School. While living in Zurich, Switzerland, time spent Sequoia. working at the firm of Herzog & de Meuron strongly influenced her engagement in visual art. She now makes her home in Los LAURIE GREEN is a Certified Interpretive Guide and a First Aid Angeles. Her work has been shown throughout Los Angeles and Trainer for Riverside County Fire and she is the Desert Institute abroad. Rebecca teaches periodically on art and architecture at a First Aid Trainer for the volunteer staff. variety of Southern California institutions.

WILLIAM HAYES, PhD, Zoology and Physiology, Professor DIANE McCLARY graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the of Biology, Loma Linda University. Hayes specializes in the University of Washington with a major in teaching and art and ecology of venoms and venomous animals, behavioral ecology studied with the well-known impressionist artist Sergei Bongart.

22 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org Desert Institute Instructors

Her paintings are distinguished by her unique use of color. She Campus. has taught workshops nationally, in Washington, California, and Florida, as well as demonstrated for various art groups. Her studio JOHN SCAHILL, M.F.A., Illustration. Art has always had a great and gallery is located in La Quinta, California. influence on John’s life. He draws, paints, and creates any chance he gets. John earned a BFA with honors in illustration from Art DANIEL McCARTHY, M.S., Anthropology, has worked at Anza- Center College of Design in Pasadena. After a brief stay at Norton Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Simon museum John gave teaching a try in a private art studio. He throughout Southern California compiling photographic fell in love with it and has taught Beginning Drawing, Watercolor/ inventories of the rock art of this region. He is the Director of the Mixed Media, and Painting 1 & 2 at Mount San Jacinto College. As Cultural Resources Management Department with the San Manuel a freelance illustrator the artist has earned an MFA through the Band of Mission Indians. His research interests include desert Academy of Art in San Francisco. archaeology, aboriginal trail systems, and rock art. DIANA SHAY-DIEHL, M.Ed., has over 25 years of teaching DENNIS MAMMANA, M.S., Astronomy, has delivered the wonder experience from kindergarten to graduate level college education and mystery of the cosmos to audiences for over three decades. courses. Her love of using photography to capture the nuances of A nationally syndicated newspaper columnist with Creators life has been a life-long adventure beginning with formal training Syndicate and author of six books on popular astronomy, in black and white film processing and continuing into digital Mammana is also an accomplished night sky photographer and work that uses alternative printing methods, such as cyanotypes, invited member of TWAN—an international team of the most platinum, palladium, and digital film negative and polaroid highly acclaimed sky photographers on the planet. transfers, all learned and practiced in Italy, all over California, and the Pacific Northwest. RALPH NORDSTROM has had several careers in education, along the way teaching the full gamut from pre-school to adult, and JIM SMART developed an interest in photography some fifty handicapped to gifted. Branching into photographic workshops years ago when he took a high school course and made a pinhole was a very natural path for him. His philosophy on workshops is camera, shot with a Speed Graflex, and took surfing photographs simple: They are successful when the attendees return home with in Hermosa Beach with a 35mm Pentax. Jim teaches university a few great photographs and feeling that they have expanded courses in Communication Studies and English, including basic and what he likes to call their “Creative Vocabulary”, that is, their ability college-level English courses, journalism, journalistic photography to express themselves through their photography. and online journalism. www.jimsmartphotography.com

TANYA PETROVNA was the visionary founder, chef, CEO of the all JASON THEUER, Ph.D., Anthropology, is the Cultural Resources plant-based eatery, Native Foods Café. It all began in Palm Springs, Chief at Joshua Tree National Park. He attended Southern California in 1994 and though she has not been with her company Methodist University in Dallas, TX where he earned an M.A. and since 2012, her loyal patrons still stay in touch, visit her classes Ph.D. in Anthropology with a specialization in Archaeology. He and follow her adventures! Chef Tanya currently resides in Palm has worked for the National Park Service in a variety of researcher, Springs, California where she teaches Iyengar yoga, writes, saves seasonal, temporary, and term positions since 2002 at Petrified cats, dogs and elephants, and is working on the next big thing. Forest National Park, El Malpais National Monument, El Moro National Monument, and the Northeast Regional Archeology KEVIN POWELL was intrigued at an early age by the quiet Program. complexity of this desert playground. Local author and photographer, Kevin Powell has spent forty four years hiking, CANDICE WEBER, M.A., is an adjunct professor of natural resources rock climbing, photographing and exploring within Joshua Tree at College of the Desert, teaching courses in Conservation and National Park. His first book, Classic Day Hikes of Joshua Tree Park G.I.S. and leading students abroad to the cloud forests of Costa will be available this fall. Rica. She majored in environmental studies and has extensive experience working with animals of all kinds (wild and domestic), TED REEVES, B.A., Geology, taught sciences at Chaffey High School including many years as a zookeeper and animal trainer at the for 37 years. He is presently teaching for University of the Pacific Living Desert, the Long Beach Aquarium, and other marine parks. and believes that a relevant Natural History class requires an For the past 14 years she has resided in the Coachella Valley and outdoor experience. In 2000, he received the National Association now considers the desert her home. of Geology Teachers Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award.

STEFANIE RITTER was awarded an M. S. degree from the Technical University in Braunschweig, Germany, specializing in zoology, botany, and genetics. She has taught Biology at Copper Mountain College and presently holds the position of Museum Coordinator for the Hi-Desert Nature Museum where she is responsible for all educational programs. Ritter has also taught geography, ecology, and botany for National University at the Twentynine Palms

760-367-5535 joshuatree.org 23 Class Registration Form You may register for a course by phone, fax, mail, or online at www.joshuatree.org. Before participating in any of the field activities provided by the Desert Institute, and as a condition to being accepted for such activities, you must sign, for yourself and, if applicable, for your minor child who is a participant, a waiver and release of claims, including of negligence, arising from your or the minor’s enrollment or participation.

NAME(S)

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

PHONE CELL PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS Check here if you would like to receive Desert Institute information and updates on merchandise, lec- tures, classes, and custom-designed programming via email. We do not share your contact information without your prior approval. Membership Information Current JTNPA/PINE/OSHER membership qualifies me for a $10 discount on every Desert Institute class I am a current member of JTNPA! I would like to renew my membership or join

I am a member of a PINE or OSHER organization (please fill in organization name, see page 25 for PINE list)

DATE CLASS NAME FEE CREDIT FEE TOTAL

Please make checks payable to: Joshua Tree National Membership Fee Park Association Material Fee(s)

How did you hear about us? Total Enclosed

PAYMENT BY: CHECK AMERICAN EXPRESS DISCOVER MASTERCARD VISA

Name on credit card Security V-Code Credit card # Exp. date Authorized Signature

24 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org General Information Regi stration Children and Pets You may register by phone, fax, mail, or on-line at www. Our courses are designed for adults. An adult must joshuatree.org. Please register early, our classes have accompany children under 16; the minimum age is 14. The limited sizes. You may also register using the registration Family Programs are for children in grades 4, 5 and 6. Due form found on page 24. to federal regulations, pets are not allowed on courses or waiting in unattended in vehicles. Course Information Packet Upon receipt of your registration, we will send you a course Academic Credit itinerary, map, enrollment confirmation/entrance fee waiver, Credit is available from University of California, Riverside and information on clothing and equipment needs. Local Extension. Optional credit courses are marked by the symbol found on page 3. The number of units are listed with each lodging and camping information is available upon request. class. Credit fees are listed separately from noncredit fees. Credit units are based on a quarter system. Credit students Cancellation Policy may be required to successfully complete assignments If you need to cancel, please notify us at least seven days or exams. Teachers may apply for Professional Career prior to the start of the course and we will process your Development through their school district. request minus a $25 cancellation fee. N o refunds, transfers, or credits will be granted if cancellation occurs within the Camping & Park Information seven day period. Please note that we cannot make any Most camping in the park is available on a first come, first exceptions to this refund policy for any reason, including serve basis. There are two campgrounds, Indian Cove and but not limited to medical reasons, illness, travel delays, Black Rock Canyon, that are available for reservations. You personal situations, emergencies, or weather. This program may reserve campsites on your own by calling 1-877-444- depends on registration for its funding. While inconvenient, 6777, on-line at www.recreation.gov, or through the Desert please understand that this policy enables us to sustain our Institute at 760-367-5535. Campground fees will apply. programs even with last minute cancellations. Participants are responsible for their own accommodations and food. Visit the park website at www.nps.gov/jotr or the Waiver AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS JTNPA website at www.joshuatree.org for more information. Before participating in any of the field activities provided by the Desert Institute, and as a condition to being accepted for Wea ther, Clothing, and Equipment such activities, you must sign, for yourself and for your minor Courses are held rain or shine. We reserve the right to child who is a participant, a waiver and release of claims, change the course itinerary due to weather or other including of negligence, arising from your or the minor’s conditions. Students should be prepared for a variety of enrollment or participation. Your information is confidential. desert weather conditions, including cold and windy days. Participants must provide their own health and accident Appropriate clothing, footwear, and sun protection are very insurance. Please obtain a doctor’s clearance if you have important. Clothing and equipment needs will be identified any condition that may impact your ability to participate in in the course outline. Be prepared - bring plenty of water! a class. Discounts There is a $10 discount per class for JTNPA, OSHER or PINE members, including those who join when they register. PINE Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park organizations are listed on this page. Discounts may not be Hidden Valley Wildlife Area combined. Hi-Desert Nature Museum Idyllwild Nature Center S afety, Insurance, & Physical Fitness Natural Science Collaborative of the Desert Region Every effort is made to ensure safety on Desert Institute Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Rim of the World Interpretive Association courses. However, participants are responsible for their Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District own safety and accident insurance. JTNPA does not accept San Bernardino County Museum Association responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged property or any San Bernardino National Forest Association bodily injury incurred during the courses. You must sign San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society San Gorgonio Wilderness Association a liability waiver in order to participate in the courses. Sierra Club, San Gorgonio Chapter Participants must be in good physical condition for courses/ Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants activities in a desert that may be hot, dry, windy, and Volunteers of the Angeles National Forest sometimes surprisingly cold.

760-367-5535 joshuatree.org 25 From Los Angeles: Take Interstate 10 East to Highway 62 to Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms. You may enter Joshua Tree National Park through the North Entrance, Utah Trail, Twentynine Palms (south from 62); West Entrance, Park Blvd., Joshua Tree (south from 62); or the South Entrance at Cottonwood (take Interstate 10, Exit 168 north.)

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley: Turn southeast off Highway 62 onto East Drive. Turn left into the Preserve.

Black Rock Visitor Center, at Black Rock Canyon Campground, Yucca Valley: From Highway 62, take Joshua Lane going south, right turn at intersection onto San Marino Dr; turn left onto Black Rock Canyon Rd; turn right into the visitor center parking lot.

Cottonwood Visitor Center: Take Exit 168 north off Interstate 10 and turn right into the visitor center parking lot.

Joshua Tree Visitor Center, Joshua Tree: From Highway 62, take Park Blvd. south and turn right into visitor center.

Oasis Visitor Center, Twentynine Palms: Turn south off Highway 62 onto National Park Drive and turn right into visitor center.

Palm Desert Campus of CSUSB: exit Highway 10 at Cook Street, turn South, turn right on Berger Road to the campus.

26 760-367-5535 joshuatree.org Welcome to Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park

We offer one-day and multi-day programs in the park, and many of the multi-day classes offer a camp- ing option with the instructor and other participants. Look for the icon to take advantage of this option. If you would prefer to stay in a convenient motel or a “Bed and Breakfast”, please contact us for a complete list of lodging in the Joshua Tree Gateway Communities.

Photo by David Muench

Photo by Jim Jebbia

Volunteer Opportunities Combine your passion for the Joshua Tree National Park and education by joining the Desert Institute volunteer team. We are recruiting candidates for the following program: Field Class Representatives - training to be held on August 26 - 28, 2016 Please call 760-367-5539 for more information on volunteer programs with the Desert Institute.

Photography by Kevin Wong Photo by Richard Arnold and credited photographers. Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park Non-Profit Org. 74485 National Park Dr. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 PERMIT NO. 5 760-367-5535 29 PALMS, CA joshuatree.org Address Service Requested

Joshua Tree National Park Association is a not-for-profit organization formed to assist with preservation, education, historical, and scientific programs for the benefit of Joshua Tree National Park and its visitors.

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