• 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 […]

  • Willis Palms Oasis Loop Trail

    Willis Palm Trailhead 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Road, Thousand Palms, CA, United States

    You will be hiking on the San Andreas fault and experiencing all the beauty and adventure it delivers on this unique trail. During the hike we will discuss the incredible biodiversity as we explore 3 different desert habitats; examine the complex geology in and around the oasis and hike through the middle of the 4th […]

  • Tortoise Chat and Storytime – Cancelled due to 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. Come visit our adopted desert tortoise and get answers to your questions about our charming state reptile. We will also be hosting a story time nearby and reading the bi-lingual book, “The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit”; the first 70 visitors each day will even get a […]

  • Desert Mountains Art Fair – Cancelled due to 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. Join us at our monthly Desert Mountains Art Fair! Mediums may include photography, paintings, ceramics, hand painted silks, and more. Support local artists and find beautiful and unique gifts and desert mementos, all while enjoying the natural beauty of our desert mountains! For more information contact […]

  • Monumental Jeopardy: Fall Edition – Cancelled due to 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 the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument’s 25th with this fun and interactive program to learn and test your knowledge on this special place here in the Coachella Valley. Each season brings a new set of trivia questions that highlights all the Resources, […]

    Free
  • Bat Walk Night Adventure – Cancelled due to government shut down

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

    IF THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED. Be a Bat Hero, Super Hero Bat Walk! Explore the desert and learn about the super powers of bats! We will be checking the desert for all creatures large and small. Bring a flashlight, a blacklight (if you have one) and water for an easy walk. […]

    Free
  • 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 […]

  • Tortoise Chat and Storytime – Cancelled due to 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. Come visit our adopted desert tortoise and get answers to your questions about our charming state reptile. We will also be hosting a story time nearby and reading the bi-lingual book, “The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit”; the first 70 visitors each day will even get a […]

  • Birding Walk-About, 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 […]

  • Earl Henderson Trail Hike

    Earl Henderson Trail Bogert Trail at Barona Rd, Palm Springs, CA, United States

    Enjoy this easy hike along the hillside above Araby Wash. Explore the wonders of this critical habitat area to learn about the endangered Casey’s June Beetle and fire ecology in this sensitive habitat area. On our return loop, we will wander down into the wash to checkout a few desert plants. Sorry, no dogs allowed […]