The Desert Institute--spring courses

I'm a member of the nonprofit Joshua Tree National Park Association. The Desert Institute is JTNPA's adult education field program. I haven't taken a course yet, but the classes look interesting! A sampling of upcoming spring courses: Reptiles of the Desert, Desert Night Sky, Wildflower Wanderings, and Photography Up Close & Personal.

Desert Institute courses, held in spring and fall semesters, take place on weekends, and range from one to three days. Participants meet at the Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Center in 29 Palms, the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve in Morongo Valley, or within Joshua Tree National Park. Class sizes are usually limited to 15-20 participants and involve some hiking. Some courses can be used for credit through the University of California, Riverside.

Upcoming Desert Institute courses this month are "Discover the Eagle Cliff Mine" (February 23rd) and "Map & Compass Basic Skills" (February 29-30th).

The Institute also runs a speaker series with partners in 29 Palms, Yucca Valley, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs. A friend, Ruth Nolan, professor of English at College of the Desert, will be hosting an event next weekend:

Literature of the Desert, Then, Now, and Beyond
The literature of the California desert landscape, cultures, and experiences is as vast and changing as the face of the desert itself. Join Ruth Nolan, professor of English at College of the Desert, to learn about the diverse and intriguing writings and oral traditions inspired by the immense Mohave and Sonoran Deserts.

Date/Time: Friday, February 15, 7 p.m.
Location: Black Rock Campground Visitors Center
9800 Black Rock Canyon, Yucca Valley CA 92284
Fee: Free, open to the public

For more information, check out the Joshua Tree National Park Association: joshuatree.org

Check out the Desert Institute classes here.