2027 Conference Field Trips

Field Trip Description:
The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) protects the California desert as a living, interconnected landscape where people and nature thrive together. The landscape, flora, and fauna of the desert is diverse, and so is the work of MDLT, stretching the boundaries of what a land trust
can do beyond acquisition and stewardship towards a regional ecosystems approach.

This field trip will tour the Mojave/Sonoran Desert transition zone, vast iconic landscapes, and three project sites exemplifying unique conservation initiatives in pursuit of an
interconnected, living desert landscape. We will visit the site of a future wildlife crossing, Mojave Desert Land Trust's seed bank and nursery, and Joshua Tree National Park.

Discussion with MDLT staff and partners will focus on supporting the persistence of the charismatic megafauna of the desert and surrounding mountains, the foundational role that plants play in ecosystem conservation and restoration, and partnerships that magnify the impact of conservation efforts.

Duration
7 hours including about 3 hours of travel time

Departure
8:00 AM

Field Trip Description:
Hunat Paač Pihaáka’ Preserve (Bears Water) is nestled in the foothills of Morongo Valley, close to Joshua Tree National Park, and is currently protected as a 30x30 conservation area under the stewardship of the Native American Land Conservancy (NALC). This place is a shared ancestral homeland of the Maara'yam, Iviatem, Nuwuvi, and Pipa Aha Macav Peoples, and is an important habitat area for many nonhuman relatives including mountain lions, black bears, deer, and Bighorn sheep.

This preserve provides an important water source for many desert species, being fed by snow run off from the Sand to Snow National Monument next door, as well as spring water. It serves as one of the many important wildlife corridors that span California deserts and is vital to the health of our entire ecosystem.

During this field trip, NALC will host a presentation on Native Land Management, Indigenous Foodways, and Policy and Advocacy before taking the group on an easy guided hike of the preserve with an option to walk to the Sand to Snow National Monument. The hike will not be ADA accessible, but there is an ADA accessible parking space and an option to enjoy the preserve and an additional presentation from the awning of a cabin onsite instead of hiking.

Duration
5 hours including about 2 hours of travel time

Departure
10:00 AM

Field Trip Description:
The Shavers Valley Complex HMP lies at the toe of a slope in the Orocopia Mountains Wilderness. Located adjacent to several moderately sized washes that convey water flow from the west and southwest through Box Canyon and tributary to the Salton Sea, this area provides habitat for common chuckwalla, rosy boa, Mohave desert tortoise, golden eagle and other migratory bird species, burrowing owl, special status bat species, desert kit fox, American Badger, desert big horn sheep, Colorado valley woodrat, Palm Springs round-tailed ground squirrel, and foxtail cactus.

Participants will learn about a working desert tortoise preserve, various desert dry wash habitats, surveys and benefits of other wildlife species on the property, and management and monitoring. Participants will also learn about the establishment, long-term management, and operations of a mitigation preserve, including siting, regulatory agencies collaboration, and endowments. This trip will include a hike up to 1.5 miles over relatively flat but sandy, uneven ground.

Duration
3.5-5.5 hours including 2.5 hours of travel time

Departure
9:00 AM