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(Education
Opportunities, Continued from page ) Desert Institute Presents 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine
Palms, CA 92277 (760) 367-5535 / Fax (760) 367-5583, Email: desertinstitute@zippnet.net The Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park offers exciting, short
outdoor courses in natural history, science, survival skills and the arts
where adults can explore the natural wonders of the park with expert
instructors. Each student will have an intimate learning experience with the
natural world. Several courses are available for university credit. This is a
great way to visit Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding area, where
sunshine is plentiful in this fascinating backdrop of billion-year-old rock
formations and desert vegetation. Saturday, February 19, 2005, 8 am to 4 pm—Unlock the Mystery of
Amboy Crater -Travel across the flat-lying lava field to a 250-foot-high volcano cone
known as Amboy Crater. This now extinct National Landmark will be explored up
close and personal by walking up the lava flow to the top of the cone. The
Hiking Level is rated as Moderate. Instructor: Bruce
Bridenbecker, M.A., Geologist Location: Oasis Visitor Center, Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine
Palms Fee: $55 ($45 for JTNPA/PINE Members) Friday &
Saturday, February 25, 26, 2005—Map & Compass Basic
Skills—The course will include topographic map interpretation, use of the
orienteering compass, combined map and compass navigation, and techniques for
finding your way without instrumentation. Instructor: Karl VonHalle, Naturalist/Guide. Date/Time: - Friday, February 25, 6 pm to
9 pm, Saturday, February 26, 8:30 am to 3 pm Location: - Oasis of Mara Visitor Center, Joshua Tree National Park,
Twentynine Palms Fee: $60 ($50 for JTNPA/PINE Members) Saturday &
Sunday, February 26, 27, 2005—Native American Basket
Weaving—Learn to identify and prepare materials for weaving as well as how to
make and use weaving tools, both traditional and modern. Once you have the
basics our expert instructor will teach at least three different weaving
styles utilizing various materials. Instructor: William J. Pink, Native Skills Teacher, Cupeno/Luiseno Indian. Date/Time: Saturday, February 26, 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday, February 27, 9 am
to 3 pm Location: Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley Fee: $90 ($100 for JTNPA/PINE Members) March 4, 5, 6, 2005—Rocks and Minerals of
Joshua Tree—If you ever wondered what type of rock is that? In this course you will
identify rocks and minerals in Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding
desert environment. Instructor: Bruce
Bridenbecker, geologist. Date/Time: -Friday, March 4, 6 pm to 9 pm; Saturday, March 5, 8 am to
5 pm; Sunday, March 6, 8 am to 4 pm Location: Hi-Desert Nature Museum, Yucca Valley NonCredit Fee: $100
($90 for JTNPA/PINE Members), Credit Fee: $175 ($165 for JTNPA/PINE Members) March 5, 6, 2005—Native America Basket
Weaving—Learn to identify and prepare materials for weaving as well as how to
make and use weaving tools, both traditional and modern. Once you have the
basics our expert instructor will teach at least three different weaving
styles utilizing various materials. For those who have already taken section
I, advanced instruction will be provided. Instructor: William J. Pink, Native skills educator, Cupeno/Luiseno Indian. Date/Time: Saturday, March 5, 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday, March 6, 9 am to 3
pm. Location: Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Morongo Valley Fee: $90 ($100 for JTNPA/PINE Members) Saturday, March 12, 2005, 8
am to Afternoon - The Mystery of the Wonderland of Rocks—Explore the massive granite rock formations and hidden
canyons that make Joshua Tree so unique. Investigate and learn about the home
of the desert bighorn and beautiful desert gardens as you are led through the
Wonderland by a desert naturalist. The hiking level is rated as Strenuous. Instructor: Mark
Wheeler, naturalist/outdoor guide. Location: Oasis Visitor Center, Joshua Tree National Park,
Twentynine Palms Fee: $45 ($35 for JTNPA/PINE Members) Sunday, March 13, 2005, 8
am to Afternoon —Geology of Rattlesnake Canyon—Join Geologist Dr. Rick Hazlett, co-author of Geology
of Joshua Tree National Park, as he takes you into a canyon where water rushes through after every
rain. Discussion on how perennial desert stream habitat including the flora and fauna influences the geology
of this area. The Hiking Level is rated as Strenuous. Location: Meet at Oasis Visitor Center, Joshua Tree
National Park, Twentynine Palms Fee: $45 ($35 for JTNPA/PINE Members) Saturday, March 19, 2005, 8
am to Afternoon - Discover Lost Palms Oasis—Venture into the largest palm oasis in Joshua Tree
National Park. Explore the plant and animal life that call this unique
ecosystem home. This 8-mile hike leads you to some of the most spectacular
views the park has to offer. The hiking level is rated as Moderate. Instructor: Karl
VonHalle, naturalist/guide Location: Cottonwood Visitor Center, Joshua Tree National
Park Fee: $45 ($35 for JTNPA/PINE Members) (Continued on page ) |