Name: International Desert Conservation Summit
Start: 2026-01-16T18:00:00-08:00
End: 2026-01-18T17:00:00-08:00
Location: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA

Get ready… the 5th Annual International Desert Conservation Summit returns to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens on January 16-18, 2026, with Keynote Speaker Paul Rosolie!
Join us as Paul shares heart-pounding stories from his adventures in the world’s most threatened ecosystems. Plus, meet the world’s leading conservationists and learn how The Living Desert and our partners are working with communities to protect the unique plants and animals that call the desert home.
This year’s summit will highlight efforts to reintroduce large mammals into their native habitats, programs to protect California wildlife, and initiatives to expand environmental education. To further the impact of these programs, The Living Desert will award more than $180,000 to ten conservation heroes advancing the protection of threatened and endangered species and their ecosystems.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Discover the desert in a whole new way! Join us for three action-packed days hosted by the people on the frontlines of desert and wildlife conservation.
Friday, 6:00-8:30 pm:
The summit begins with a welcome party on Friday evening, where you’ll have the chance to meet and learn more about this year’s conservation heroes. Enjoy a cocktail hour and buffet dinner, featuring video presentations that showcase a selection of groundbreaking desert conservation projects led by our honorees.
Saturday, 8:30 am- 5:00 pm:*
Saturday’s program features a full day of panels and presentations from leading desert experts, followed by a special awards luncheon honoring our conservation heroes. In the afternoon, hear from our keynote speaker, Paul Rosolie, then join the heroes for conversation and networking opportunities.
*Zoo Members, join us for a special coffee chat with Craig Spencer and Lewyn Maefala from Transfrontier Africa at 8:00am.
Sunday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm:
Spend Sunday exploring the internationally recognized Living Desert Zoo and Gardens — admission is included with your summit registration. Join a guided hike along our scenic nature trails, explore the botanical gardens with our horticulturalists, and enjoy behind-the-scenes tours to learn more about our specialized habitats and animal care. Home to more than 600 desert animals and over 50 gardens featuring plants from around the world, The Living Desert offers a fitting conclusion to an inspiring summit weekend.