Cacti of Joshua Tree National Park (UCRX, 1 Unit)

Embark on a quest to see and identify every species of cactus in Joshua Tree National Park! Part field class, part scavenger hunt, this course covers all 15 species of cactus, including where and how to find them, their adaptations, and identifying them.

• The lecture portion of this class is held via Zoom.
• The field portion encompasses the Mojave and Colorado Desert ecosystems in Joshua Tree National Park, beginning at the West Entrance and ending near the South Entrance.
• Anyone may attend! No expertise or experience is required.
• Entry to Joshua Tree National Park is included in the cost of enrollment.
• Participants earn 1 unit toward a Desert Ecology & Conservation Certificate (see below).
• No lodging, meals, or equipment are provided.
• Participants caravan in their personal vehicles. Carpooling is recommended.

This class is moderate. It requires less than 5 miles of walking with limited elevation gain on somewhat variable terrain and/or more than one hour outdoors in the elements.

Participants earn 1 unit toward a Desert Ecology & Conservation Certificate. Eligible Desert Institute classes can be taken for fun or for credit toward a certificate. To earn the certificate, you must complete 12 units of eligible classes within three years. We offer a variety of classes each season! The certificate is available through UCR Extension. You do not need to be a current student in any academic program to earn the certificate. Units do not contribute to any academic degree.

Instructor Melanie Davis: Melanie Davis lives in Joshua Tree and is a research field ecologist and botanist at UC Riverside's Center for Conservation Biology in Palm Desert. She has been working in the California deserts since 2017. Her field research brings her to remote corners of the Colorado, Mojave, and Sonoran deserts to study the effects of climate change and human disturbance on desert ecosystems, as well as the distribution of rare native plants. She is also an artist and has published illustrated field guides to several groups of native desert plants. Melanie holds a bachelor’s from The Evergreen State College and the Desert Ecologist and Naturalist certifications from College of the Desert.

Photo credit: NPS/Carmen Aurrecoechea