About this Event
Calling all veterans and active-duty military! You’re invited to join a new program connecting servicepeople to the desert landscape. Force of Nature, presented by the Mojave Desert Land Trust and Mil-Tree, offers volunteer opportunities and immersive, healing outdoor activities.
Attend our launch party on Saturday, February 22 at the Mojave Desert Land Trust headquarters (60124 Twentynine Palms Highway in Joshua Tree) from 10am-1pm to register for the program’s upcoming guided birdwatching hike at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, learn about special volunteer opportunities, and connect with fellow veterans.
At the launch party you will learn more about our public lands and the military history of the region, be introduced to the desert’s unique ecology, and tour MDLT’s headquarters and garden. During the morning, retired U.S. Marine Corps Chris Proudfoot will discuss the history of military engagement in the California desert and MDLT Public Policy Officer Krystian Lahage will take a look at historic places of interest in Chuckwalla and Mojave Trails National Monuments. Find out about the interagency work done on the ground to protect species such as the Endangered Mojave Desert tortoise through the Recovery and Sustainment Partnership with RASP Coordinator Dr. Clay Noss. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Barry Scalan will talk about volunteering as a veteran and his environmental connection to the desert. Hear from Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Executive Director Kevin Wong about the rare riparian ecosystem found in these public lands. Plus much more! Complimentary refreshments will be provided. We’d also love to hear your thoughts about how Force of Nature can best support you!
RSVP is requested. Reserve your seat at the launch party by registering on this Eventbrite page.
For questions, email [email protected] or call 760-366-5440 x243
Force of Nature is a partnership between Mojave Desert Land Trust and Mil-Tree, with support from Big Morongo Canyon Preserve.
About the partners:
The Mojave Desert Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to protect and care for lands with natural, scenic, and cultural value within the Colorado and Mojave Deserts. Since its founding in 2006, MDLT has conserved over 125,000 acres, conveying more tracts of land to the National Park Service than any other nonprofit. MDLT established a conservation seed bank to ensure the preservation of native species and operates an onsite nursery at its Joshua Tree headquarters which has grown over 120,000 native plants for restoration projects and community landscaping. MDLT educates and advocates for the conservation of the desert, involving hundreds of volunteers in our work. For more information, visit mdlt.org.
Mil-Tree is a veteran-led nonprofit based in Joshua Tree, California that has been supporting veterans since 2013. Mil-Tree’s programming allows veterans, servicemembers and the community to participate in creative and impactful programs and events with the goal of ending veteran isolation. Their board, staff, volunteers, advisors, and stakeholders represent a wide spectrum of backgrounds, including veterans, their families, the disabled, all genders, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and artists.
The Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is managed by the Bureau of Land Management with the assistance of Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, to protect wildlife, enhance sensitive riparian zones, promote the restoration of a wide variety of plants, and offer educational opportunities. There are numerous trails, including a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through the marsh and riparian habitats.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT), 60124 29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree, United States
USD 0.00
