Palm Springs, Calif. — Local, federal and nonprofit organizations throughout the Colorado and Mojave deserts are coming together to raise awareness and promote recovery of one of the desert’s most iconic species – the desert tortoise – through a series of events in October.
The Mojave desert tortoise was listed under the Endangered Species Act as threatened in 1990 due to habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and predation. The tortoise faces many threats, but you can be part of the species’ recovery. Learn more about actions that can be taken to help them during “Desert Tortoise Week,” scheduled Oct. 5-11.
Schedule of events for Desert Tortoise Week, 2020:
Online Fall Native Plant Sale, Mojave Desert Land Trust
October 1 - October 31
Join the Mojave Desert Land Trust for an online plant sale and create a tortoise habitat in your own garden.
Location: online
Email mary@mdlt.org for more information.
The Desert Tortoise, Their Environment, and You
October 5, 8:00 am
The Mojave Desert Land Trust hosts A Desert Indoors virtual lesson plan that will engage youth and families. Students will learn about challenges faced by the tortoise and what they can do to help make a difference in their community.
Location: virtual
Email mary@mdlt.org for more information.
Tortoise Scavenger Hunt
October 5 - October 11, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Participate in a self-led scavenger hunt to win prizes and enjoy wildlife exhibits.
Location: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA
Email aocanas@livingdesert.org for more information
Native Plant Sale, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
October 5 - October 11, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Pick up some tortoise favorites at this native plant sale.
Location: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA
Joshua Tree National Park: Desert Tortoise Week
October 5 - October 11
Check out Joshua Tree National Park online and learn how to help protect the desert tortoise.
Location: www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm
Email David_A_Larson@nps.gov or Michael_Vamstad@nps.gov for more information.
Drive-in Movie Screening of Tortoise in Peril and The Birds
October 7, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Enjoy educational films at The Drive-In Coachella Valley. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will also have desert tortoise ambassadors to enjoy from a distance.
Location: Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA
Email aocanas@livingdesert.org or visit The Drive-In Coachella Valley online for more information.
Virtual Tortoise Talk, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
October 8, 2020, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Join The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens on Zoom to hear commonly asked questions answered by Wildlife Biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management.
Location: virtual
Email aocanas@livingdesert.org or visit the The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens online for more information.
Virtual Tortoise Talk, Mojave Desert Land Trust
October 9, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Chat with desert tortoise expert, biologist Kelly Herbinson.
Location: virtual Facebook event
Visit the Mojave Desert Land Trust Facebook page to register, and email mary@mdlt.org for more information.
Desert Wildlife Celebration
October 10, 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
While remaining in your car, receive free educational gifts and a boxed lunch while supplies last.
Location: Tortoise Rock Casino, 73829 Baseline Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA
Tortoise Presentation, Mojave National Preserve
October 11, 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Learn more about desert tortoises from the U.S. National Park Service.
Location: Meet on the porch at Hole in the Wall Visitor Center, 1 Black Canyon Road, Essex, CA
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