About this Event
Join us for the 2026 National Public Lands Day at the Cottonwood Springs dispersed camping area to celebrate the recently designated Chuckwalla National Monument.
What to expect: The day's goal is to improve the dispersed camping area by picking up litter, improving recreational signage, and educating volunteers. A Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Archaeologist will also share more information about any artifacts found at Camp Young and their connection to the WWII historical site. Just in time for Veterans Day!
In addition to helping beautify our desert and learning more about this historic site, BLM will provide National Public Lands Day T-shirts and fee-free coupons to all volunteers.
The meeting location is on the West side of Cottonwood Springs Rd (33°40'24.6"N 115°48'07.2"W)
Main point of Contact: Noel Mollinedo, BLM Park Ranger Cell: (760) 422-7831 * Email: [email protected]
About Chuckwalla National Monument: President Biden established it under the Antiquities Act last year on January 14, 2025, making it one of the state's newest national monuments! Its awe-inspiring landscape helps our community become more climate-resilient while safeguarding critical habitat and irreplaceable cultural and historical sites found within.
Chuckwalla National Monument is very near and dear to our hearts, and CactusToCloud Institute is proud to have helped advocate for its designation and protection for the future. Learn more by visiting www.cactustocloud.org/chuckwalla-nm
All participants are required to bring the following: 💧 Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
👟 Comfortable sneakers or hiking boots
☀️ Items to protect you from the sun (hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses)
🎒 Any prescription medications and food you or your child may need
We will provide drinks, snacks, and plenty of ice-cold water to refill your reusable water bottle or hydration pack. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture all the wonderful moments, and be sure to tag us on social media
- Instagram: @cactustocloud, @calwildorg, @mountainsfoundation
- Facebook: @cactus2cloud, @CalWild and @MountainsFoundation
EVENT POLICY
- Age and Supervision: All attendees must be at least 5 years old. Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the entire duration of the event, without exception.
- Minimum Participation: A minimum of 10 registered participants is required for the event to proceed. If registration numbers fall below this minimum, the event may be canceled. We appreciate your understanding.
- Weather Cancellation: We continuously monitor weather conditions and reserve the right to cancel the event in the event of extreme conditions, such as flash flooding, thunderstorms, or high temperatures. Registered participants will be notified immediately of any weather-related cancellations; unless we send a cancellation notification, the event will proceed.
- Health and Safety: To ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, and all other participants, we require you to stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of a cold, COVID-19, flu, or measles, have been sick, or have been exposed to someone who has been sick in the last 14 days.
Hosted by: Bureau of Land Management's Palm Springs - South Coast Office, Active Communities of Desert Center, CactusToCloud Institute, CalWild, Chuckwalla National Monument Intertribal Commission, General Patton Museum, and Southern California Mountains Foundation Urban Conservation Corps of the Inland Empire
Be sure to follow CactusToCloud Institute to stay up to date on upcoming events and programs. Photo by Colin Barrows, 2022
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM
Event starts
Info: Arrive at Cottonwood Springs Dispersed Campground (on the West side of Cottonwood Springs Rd ). BLM staff and/or partners will provide an overview of the day's activities.
🕑: 08:30 AM
Leave No Trace Discussion
Info: Informative talk to help everyone explore their public lands safely and responsibly.
🕑: 09:00 AM
Camp Young History
Info: Learn more! The BLM Archaeologist will share more information about any artifacts found at Camp Young and their relationship to the WWII historical site.
🕑: 11:00 AM
End of Event
Info: Arrive back at Campground
Event venue & nearby stays
Cottonwood Campground, Cottonwood Oasis Road, Twentynine Palms, United States
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