Most visitor centers and the Desert Institute will be closed for the duration of the government shutdown. The Joshua Tree Visitor Center is open.

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Field Classes

Desert Institute

Spring 2019 Catalog

Desert Institute Class on South Astrodome

Desert Institute Class on South Astrodome | Photo by NPS/Robb Hannawacker | Public Domain | Source

Choosing a Field Class

The Desert Institute offers classes for adult learners in cultural history, natural science, survival skills, desert naturalist studies, women’s programs, citizen science, and creative arts. All programs are taught by expert instructors who provide a personal and enjoyable learning experience on these educational adventures.

Before registering, please take the time to review our General Class Info and download the Enrollment Attachments, that contain pertinent information about your class and Joshua Tree National Park. Please print and fill out the Participant Agreement. You can bring the completed form to the class.

If you are a member of JTNPA, OSHER, or PINE you will get a $10 discount off every Desert Institute class. If you are not a member you can become one here.

Spring 2019

Spring 2019 Catalog

Camping Programs

Date Class Instructor(s) Outline
March 30 – 31 CampingWomen’s “Get Away” Weekend Pam Kersey + Robin Balch PDF

Creative Arts

Date Class Instructor(s) Outline
February 2 Salton Sea Photography Workshop Sandi Wheaton PDF
February 9 Route 66 Photography Workshop Sandi Wheaton PDF
February 16 FullNewWinter Light: Photographing Desert Preserves - Waiting List Available Craig Fucile PDF
February 23 HDR Photography in Joshua Tree National Park Scott Klinger PDF
March 2 Joshua Tree Through the Lens Craig Fucile PDF
March 2 Capturing Joshua Tree Landscapes with Acrylics - Beginning to Intermediate Skill Janis Commentz PDF
March 9 – 10 Night Sky Photography Dennis Mammana PDF
March 22 - 24 CampingFine Art Photography in Joshua Tree National Park Ralph Nordstrom PDF
May 4 Keys Ranch Nightscape Photography Workshop Scott Klinger PDF
May 4 NewField Sketching for Non-Artists Fran Calvert PDF

Hikes with a Naturalist

Date Class Instructor(s) Outline
February 16 Summit Monument Peak Kevin Powell PDF
March 2 Explore Ruby Lee Mill Kevin Powell PDF
March 16 NewExplore the Pinto Basin Sand Dunes Kevin Powell PDF
March 24 Discover Pine City De Karlen PDF
April 7 NewHike Murray Canyon in Palm Springs De Karlen PDF

Cultural History

Date Class Instructor(s) Outline
February 17 Rock Art of Southern California: From Palms to Pines Daniel McCarthy PDF
March 9 Intaglios Along the Colorado River Daniel McCarthy PDF
March 16 FullNewCitizen Science: Rock Art Recording Workshops - Waiting List Available Daniel McCarthy PDF
March 17 Native American Plant Uses Daniel McCarthy PDF
March 23 - 24 NewCitizen Science: Rock Art Recording Workshops Daniel McCarthy PDF
March 30 - 31 NewCitizen Science: Rock Art Recording Workshops Daniel McCarthy PDF
April 20 - 21 NewCitizen Science: Rock Art Recording Workshops Daniel McCarthy PDF
May 4 - 5 NewCitizen Science: Rock Art Recording Workshops Daniel McCarthy PDF

Natural Science

Date Class Instructor(s) Outline
March 1 - 3 CreditRocks and Minerals of Joshua Tree National Park Dee Trent PDF
March 8 - 10 CreditFlora of Joshua Tree National Park Kurt Leuschner PDF
March 9 Wildflower Wanderings Darrell Shade PDF
March 16 Geology of Amboy Crater Alessandro Grippo PDF
March 23 CreditDesert Tortoise Conservation Biology - Schedule [pdf] Kristin H. Berry + Edward L. LaRue Jr. + Michael Vamstad + Scott Hoffman + Paul M. Delaney PDF
March 23 - 24 CreditEcology of Joshua Tree National Park Allan Schoenherr PDF
March 30 Geology of the Marble Mountains Alessandro Grippo PDF
March 30 -31 CreditDesert Invertebrates: A Macro Photography and Microscopy Primer Paul De Ley PDF
April 6 – 7 CampingGeology of the Mojave National Preserve Ted Reeves PDF
April 13 - 14 CampingMammal Tracking in Joshua Tree National Park Jim Lowery PDF
April 26 - 28 CreditBirds of Joshua Tree National Park Kurt Leuschner PDF
April 27 Desert Night Sky: Planets to Galaxies David Chappell PDF
May 4 - 5 CreditCitizen Science: Phenological Monitoring in Joshua Tree National Park Monica Gorman PDF

"How-To" Courses

Date Class Instructor(s) Outline
February 17 “How-To” Survive in the Desert Kelly Crawford PDF
March 9 - 10 “How-To” Navigate with Map and Compass Misha Askren PDF
March 30 - 31 Women’s “Get Away” Weekend Pam Kersey + Robin Balch PDF
April 13 - 14 CampingMammal Tracking in Joshua Tree National Park Jim Lowery PDF

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel, contact the Desert Institute at (760) 367-5539(760) 367-5539 or desertinstitute@joshuatree.org at least seven days prior to the start of the course and we will process your request minus a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds, transfers, or credits will be granted if cancellation occurs within the seven day period. Please note that we cannot make any exceptions to this refund policy for any reason, including but not limited to medical reasons, illness, travel delays, personal situations, emergencies, or weather. This program depends on registration for its funding. While inconvenient, please understand that this policy enables us to sustain our programs even with last minute cancellations.

Legend

Label Description
Credit

An academic credit is available from University of California, Riverside Extension. Optional credit courses are marked by the green label. The number of units are listed with each class in the catalog. Credit fees are listed separately from non-credit fees in the catalog.
New

A brand new class that has been added to the current season
Full

A class that has reached capacity. Any new registrations will be added to a waiting list.
Camping

A class that includes a camping option
Cancelled

A class that has been cancelled and will no longer take place