A 63,000 Acre Legacy for the Coachella Valley
Friends of the Desert Mountains has acquired over 63,000 acres of open space, protecting our desert now and for future generations. What does all that land actually mean? Follow the link below to find out!
Our Impact
Friends of the Desert Mountains is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed in 1987 by a group of passionate, concerned citizens determined to help to protect the conservation land resources of the Coachella Valley.
We’ve built a community of support with our partners, volunteers, and donors to save the unique diversity of the Coachella Valley.
60,000+
Acres Protected
Since 1987, we’ve acquired tens of thousands of acres of desert, mountain, canyon, and woodlands. These lands are protected now and for future generations.
27+
Threatened and Endangered Species
Our work helps to protect dozens of unique plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth and the habitat where they live and thrive.
310+
Miles of Trails
We build, restore, and improve access throughout the Coachella Valley to improve the safety and enjoyment of hundreds of miles of recreational trails.
In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, Friends of the Desert Mountains acknowledges that we occupy the traditional territory of the Cahuilla people of the Coachella Valley.
This land continues to be home to the Cahuilla people whom we recognize as stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society. We acknowledge the Cahuilla peoples’ connection to this land and appreciate the opportunity to live, learn, and recreate on their traditional homelands. We honor the Cahuilla caretakers of these lands and waters before us, the Cahuilla people today, and the generations to come.
Our Programs
Friends of the Desert Mountains protects open space in the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains by acquiring and preserving open land, cleaning up trash and invasive species, and researching the effects of climate change on our desert. We connect people to the land by building and restoring hiking trails and providing educational programs for all ages, so that together we can share and protect the natural gifts that surround us.
Land ACQUISITION
We protect the amazing natural gifts of the Coachella Valley by acquiring and preserving open space and preventing urban sprawl, but that is just the start. We also clean up trash and invasive plant species from thousands of acres of land.
Trail stewardship
We work to restore, maintain, and build hundreds of miles of world-class hiking trails in the Coachella Valley, from strolls through native fan palm oases to 10,000 foot ascents of Mount San Jacinto, helping residents and visitors to the desert connect with land safely and sustainably.
Community Science
We connect amateur naturalists with trained researchers to help answer big questions about our environment. The answers to these questions will be essential as we continue to deal with the effects of climate change on our desert.
Education
We provide educational programs for all ages, so that together we can share and protect the natural gifts that surround us. From school groups to senior centers, and everything in between, we offer hikes, lectures, and unique outdoor experiences.
Get Involved
Our work wouldn’t be possible without you! Join us on a guided hike, discover the desert after dark on a Night Adventure, volunteer outdoors or in the office, or make a donation to help protect the unique wild spaces of the Coachella Valley!
Attend an Event
We offer guided hikes, wildflower walks, engaging lectures, and more. Most programs are free of charge!
Volunteer opportunities
Volunteer with us and join a community of passionate individuals committed to conservation in the Coachella Valley!
Make a Donation
Your donation directly supports the preservation of the rich natural and cultural heritage of our desert home!