The Desert Institute is the adult educational program offered by the Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA) in partnership with Joshua Tree National Park.
The Desert Institute offers open enrollment field classes in Joshua Tree National Park and surrounding areas (several with the option of college credit), military scholarships, community lectures, and custom-designed programming.
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 six lecture series with various partners in Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage. There are two class semesters, fall and spring, with courses scheduled on the weekends, ranging from one to three days. Discounts on field classes are available for members of Joshua Tree National Park Association and Partners in Nature Education members.
Wear the Gear - Support the Desert Institute
The Desert Institute developed a tee shirt to help support and promote our educational programming. A contemporary design by local artist, Diane Best, is silk-screened on quality shirts for both men and women. Design detail is shown below.
If you have joined us on a field class, lecture, or special program, you can order a shirt to celebrate and remember your experience. Click on the links below to be directed to purchase a shirt today.
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.
Military Scholarships
The Desert Institute offers scholarships for military personnel and their spouses to attend field classes. To apply please contact the Desert Institute office at (760) 367-5535 or desertinstitute@zippnet.net.
The miliatary scholarships are sponsored by Joshua Tree National Park Association. This programming is made possible in part by grants from the Walmart Foundation and the Yucca Valley Walmart Store.