Desert Institute summer classes

Yes, there is life in the California desert in summer! The Desert Institute, sponsored by the Joshua Tree National Park Association, offers this interesting summer fare:

Joshua Tree Songs

Join John Malcolm Penn for an evening concert under the stars at the Old School House Museum! Penn, an accomplished folksinger and songwriter, will be performing from his "Songs of the Joshua Tree National Park" CD.

Date/Time: Friday, June 13, 7 p.m.

Location: Old Schoolhouse Museum, 6760 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms

Fee: $5 at the door, open to the public.

Native American Ethnography – Reshaping History and Creating the Future

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn firsthand from experts, tribal elders and culture bearers about the history and future of American’s indigenous peoples.

Date/Time: Tuesdays, June 17 – July 22, 1:30 p.m.

Location: Cal State San Bernardino, 37-500 Cook St., Palm Desert

Fee: $100, open to the public

Amazing Desert Insects

Did you know that insects can survive in temperatures of over 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade with little to no water? Join Kurt Leuschner to learn about the lives of the largest group of animals in the world.

Date/Time: Monday, July 14, 6:30 p.m.

Location: Palm Springs Public Library, 300 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs

Fee: Free and open to the public

Be Fruitful and Multiply: Insect Lifecycles

There is more to insect life cycles than meets the eye! Join Stefanie Ritter, M.S. zoology, botany, and genetics, to learn about the amazing biological transformation of insects.

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 23 3 p.m.

Location: Palm Springs Public Library, 300 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs

Fee: Free and open to the public

For further information, contact the Desert Institute at (760) 367-5535 or desertinstitute@zippnet.net. Visit their new, improved website at www.joshuatree.org.