The Desert Institute is the adult educational field program offered by the Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA) in partnership with Joshua Tree National Park.

The Desert Institute offers field classes in Joshua Tree National Park (several with the option of college credit), community lectures, and custom designed programming for adults.

The Institute has courses in cultural history, natural science, survival skills, and the arts for adults to explore in-depth the natural wonders of the park with expert instructors and runs four lecture series with various partners in Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs. There are two class semesters, fall and spring, with the courses scheduled on the weekends, ranging from one to three days.

Photo by Karina White

Joshua Tree National Park Association’s mission is to assist with preservation, education, historical, and scientific programs for the benefit of Joshua Tree National Park and its visitors.