Creatures of the Night: Nocturnal Mammals of Joshua Tree National Park

You can see plenty of wildlife during the day in Joshua Tree National Park, but that’s only half of the story. Come meet the cast of desert critters that only come out (or mostly come out) at night and learn how this behavior allows them to thrive where other mammals would struggle just to survive. This class is suitable for families and animal lovers ages 5 and older!

• This class is held at Black Rock, with the classroom portion taking place in the Black Rock Nature Center education room.

• This youth and family activity is suitable for ages 5 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Anyone may attend! No expertise or experience is required.

• No park pass is required.

• No meals are provided.

• We will provide flashlights 

Activity level: The indoor portion of this class is ADA accessible. It requires very little travel with ADA accommodations, such as accessible parking, available.

The outdoor portion is leisurely and can be modified to accommodate participants. It requires less than 2 miles of walking with shade, seating, consistent terrain, and little to no elevation gain. Please email desertinstitute@joshuatree.org if you need specific accommodations.

Required items for participants: 

• Water

• Snacks

Any other pertinent information: DI will provide flashlights to use during this class.

Meet your instructor: Jane (Spider) Fawke is a retired park ranger and amateur herpetologist. She has lived in Joshua Tree since 2004. She is a graduate of the UCR Palm Desert Master Naturalist and Master Climate Steward courses.

Photo credit: NPS/Luke Sabala