• Birding Walk-About at Desert Willow

    Desert Willow Golf Resort 38-995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Grab your binoculars and join a Friends’ volunteer docent birding expert to look for our feathered desert residents. In this unique urban area, we are still able to find a little native desert environment surrounded by local trees and shrubs that many of our feathered friends call home. As you walk the perimeter of an […]

  • Indio Badlands Trail Full Moon Hike

    Indio Hills Badlands Trail Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, United States

    Strap on your hiking boots for a full moon hike on the first mile of the Indio Badlands Trail. As we embark on this hike, the moonlight casts enchanting shadows on the desert terrain. The sky will be brilliantly lit up for the desert creatures to be scurrying about. This family-friendly adventure offers a manageable […]

  • Night Sky Star Observations in Indio Hills – Vistazo de Estrellas en Indio

    Indio Hills Badlands Trail Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, United States

    A Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer astronomer will be setting up a telescope and is inviting you to a “star party”. A clear night sky offers an ever-changing display of fascinating objects to see — stars, constellations, bright planets, a full moon, and sometimes special events like meteor showers or an eclipse. While observing […]

  • Excursión Bajo la Luna Llena en el Sendero Indio Hills

    Indio Hills Badlands Trail Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, United States

    Póngase las botas de montaña para una caminata bajo la luna llena en el sendero Indio Hills. Mientras nos embarcamos en esta caminata, la luz de la luna proyecta sombras encantadoras sobre el terreno desértico. El cielo estará brillantemente iluminado para que las criaturas del desierto puedan corretear. Esta aventura familiar ofrece una caminata manejable […]

  • Native Planting Lecture at the Desert Hot Springs Library

    Desert Hot Springs Library 14380 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CA, United States

    Join Us for a Community Event on Rebuilding Our Natural Habitat. Come learn how to restore our natural environment in our neighborhoods. Enjoy complimentary food and receive free native trees and shrubs!  Reservation is required. For more information contact Edeli R. Gonzalez at egonzalez@desertmountains.org or at Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.   

  • La Quinta Full Moon Hike

    La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, United States

    Experience a hike by moonlight! See the beauty of the shadows and wash of moonlight over our mountains. We will be looking for all types of night creatures along the trail. Our astronomers will have their telescope set-up to view the night sky. This is a family friendly easy 3-mile loop hike with 150 feet […]

  • Night Sky Star Observations – La Quinta

    La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, United States

    Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer astronomers will be setting up their telescopes and are inviting you to their “star party”. A clear night sky offers an ever-changing display of fascinating objects to see — stars, constellations, bright planets, a full moon, and sometimes special events like meteor showers or an eclipse. While observing the […]

  • Yoga with a Ranger

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    NOTE: THIS EVENT WILL BE CANCELLED IF THE GOVERNMENT IS STILL SHUT DOWN Join a National Monument park ranger for an outdoor fun yoga flow for all skill levels. Connect with the landscape through a sequence of physical postures, movements, and breathing techniques that also strengthen your body and mind. Poses commonly mimic Earth, animals […]

    Free
  • Tortoise Chat (cancelled during government shut-down)

    Tortoise Chat
    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.   Have questions about desert tortoises? Come visit our desert tortoise enclosure and learn about conservation efforts to study and protect our wild desert tortoise population in the Monument. Also, great opportunity to meet Bowser, our adopted Mojave desert tortoise who lives on site. Meet at […]

  • New Volunteer Orientation

    Family YMCA of the Desert 43930 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Calling All Nature Lovers & Community Champions! Are you passionate about protecting our beautiful desert landscapes? Do you love hiking, wildlife, or simply giving back to your community? Friends of the Desert Mountains needs YOU! We’re looking for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to help us preserve the natural wonders of the Coachella Valley. Whether you’re a […]

    Free
  • Returning Volunteer Orientation

    Family YMCA of the Desert 43930 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Welcome Back, Volunteers! As we gear up for another amazing season, we’re inviting all returning Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteers to join us for a mandatory orientation session.Why Attend?- Get the latest updates on our programs and projects- Brush up on best practices and volunteer guidelines- Sign your updated volunteer paperwork for the new […]

    Free
  • Online Option for Returning Volunteer Orientation

    Welcome Back, Volunteers! As we gear up for another amazing season, we’re inviting all returning Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteers to join us for a mandatory orientation session. Why Attend? – Get trained on our new volunteer portal – Get the latest updates on our programs and projects – Brush up on best practices […]

  • Tortoise Chat (cancelled during government shut-down)

    Tortoise Chat
    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.   Have questions about desert tortoises? Come visit our desert tortoise enclosure and learn about conservation efforts to study and protect our wild desert tortoise population in the Monument. Also, great opportunity to meet Bowser, our adopted Mojave desert tortoise who lives on site. Meet at […]

  • Native Planting Lecture at the Cathedral City Library

    Cathedral City Library 33520 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City, CA, United States

    Join Us for a Community Event on Rebuilding Our Natural Habitat. Come learn how to restore our natural environment in our neighborhoods. Enjoy complimentary food and receive free native trees and shrubs!  Reservation is required. For more information contact Edeli R. Gonzalez at egonzalez@desertmountains.org or at Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.   

  • Lecture: Native Planting in the Coachella Valley

    Rancho Mirage Library 71100 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA, United States

    Join Friends of the Desert Mountains for a lecture at the Rancho Mirage Library on the amazing native plants found in our Coachella Valley. Native plants can enhance any landscape while also providing many benefits, from increasing local biodiversity to saving water and saving you money on your utility bills. Come learn more about our […]

  • Tortoise Chat (cancelled during government shut-down)

    Tortoise Chat
    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.   Have questions about desert tortoises? Come visit our desert tortoise enclosure and learn about conservation efforts to study and protect our wild desert tortoise population in the Monument. Also, great opportunity to meet Bowser, our adopted Mojave desert tortoise who lives on site. Meet at […]

  • Star Party in the Mountains

    Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot HGHX+XQG, Pinyon Pines, CA

    Join members of the Astronomical Society of the Desert for fun “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and binoculars. This is a family event. Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian. This event is wheelchair accessible with asphalt surfaces. Etiquette: please do not touch equipment unless requested. No white […]

  • Fall Bioblitz: Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THE SPECIAL ONE DAY EVENT TO GO OUT WITH OUR RESEARCHERS WILL BE CANCELLED. YOU ARE FREE TO BIOBLITZ ON YOUR OWN DURING THIS WEEK. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains is a hotspot for biodiversity with over 3,100 species. Help us find and document more species by participating […]

    Free
  • Tortoise Chat (cancelled during government shut-down)

    Tortoise Chat
    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.   Have questions about desert tortoises? Come visit our desert tortoise enclosure and learn about conservation efforts to study and protect our wild desert tortoise population in the Monument. Also, great opportunity to meet Bowser, our adopted Mojave desert tortoise who lives on site. Meet at […]

  • Gold Hill and Golden Crown Mine Trail to Jack Shack

    Gold Hill Trailhead Pathfinder Rd and Table Mountain Rd, Mountain Center, CA, United States

    We begin at the location of the town known as Kenworthy. Using the old mining road, we will trek to the mine ruins. We will discuss some Cahuilla culture and colorful early pioneer settlers. Can you name a few significant events from the mid-20th century to today that have shaped Garner Valley? This 6.0-mile hike […]

  • Native Planting Lecture at Jerry Rummonds’ Community & Senior Center

    Jerry Rummonds’ Community & Senior Center 87229 Church Street, Thermal, CA, United States

    Join Us for a Community Event on Rebuilding Our Natural Habitat. Come learn how to restore our natural environment in our neighborhoods. Enjoy complimentary food and receive free native trees and shrubs!  Reservation is required. For more information contact Edeli R. Gonzalez at egonzalez@desertmountains.org or at Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.   

  • 25th Anniversary Hike – SRSJM National Monument (cancelled if government shut down)

    Pacific Crest Trail Snow Creek Snow Creek Canyon Road and PCT, Whitewater, CA, United States

    IF THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED. Come out to celebrate the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 25th anniversary with a special hike lead by the Monument Manager. Join us for a hike on the spectacular Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and learn about some of the epic resources unique […]

    Free
  • Magnesia Springs Canyon Hike

    Blixseth Mountain Park paved parking lot 71231 Mirage Rd, Rancho Mirage, CA, United States

    Join our volunteers for a unique hiking experience in the Magnesia Spring Ecological Canyon trail. This canyon is only open Oct-Nov-Dec as it is home to the endangered Peninsular Bighorn sheep. We begin our trek from Blixseth Park to the canyon. At the canyon entrance you will begin hiking a series of dry waterfalls. The […]

  • Tortoise Chat (cancelled during government shut-down)

    Tortoise Chat
    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.   Have questions about desert tortoises? Come visit our desert tortoise enclosure and learn about conservation efforts to study and protect our wild desert tortoise population in the Monument. Also, great opportunity to meet Bowser, our adopted Mojave desert tortoise who lives on site. Meet at […]

  • The Amazing World of Bats (cancelled if government shut down)

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    IF THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED. Celebrate Bat Week and learn about one of the most amazing mammals on the planet…BATS! These critters are incredible wonders of nature that represent nearly a quarter of all species on the planet. Come to learn about local bat species, the important role they play in […]

    Free
  • Tortoise Chat (cancelled during government shut-down)

    Tortoise Chat
    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.   Have questions about desert tortoises? Come visit our desert tortoise enclosure and learn about conservation efforts to study and protect our wild desert tortoise population in the Monument. Also, great opportunity to meet Bowser, our adopted Mojave desert tortoise who lives on site. Meet at […]

  • Carrizo Canyon Hike

    Art Smith Trail Parking Lot Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Carrizo Canyon is open October through December and provides wonderful opportunities to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and many other desert critters. You will learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. This trail is in a sandy wash with uneven terrain. As the canyon […]

  • Native Planting Lecture at Desert Recreation District Indio Community Center

    Desert Recreation District Indio Community Center 45871 Clinton Street, Indio, United States

    Join Us for a Community Event on Rebuilding Our Natural Habitat. Come learn how to restore our natural environment in our neighborhoods. Enjoy complimentary food and receive free native trees and shrubs!  Reservation is required. For more information contact Edeli R. Gonzalez at egonzalez@desertmountains.org or at Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.   

  • Carrizo Canyon Hike

    Art Smith Trail Parking Lot Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Carrizo Canyon is open October through December and provides wonderful opportunities to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and many other desert critters. You will learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. This trail is in a sandy wash with uneven terrain. As the canyon […]

  • Dead Indian Canyon Interpretative Hike

    Art Smith Trail Parking Lot Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Dead Indian canyon is only open from October through December and provides wonderful opportunities to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and many other desert critters. You will learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. This trail traverses a sandy wash with uneven terrain with […]