Desert Institute is the educational branch of JTNPA, Joshua Tree National Park’s primary non-profit partner.

Desert Institute offers field classes, recreational adventures, weekend excursions, and social events that span a wide spectrum of disciplines and formats. Our programming works to articulate and animate the rich resources of not only the national park but also the surrounding desert environment and the community of people who make Joshua Tree so unique. Our vision is to provide a rich, inclusive learning environment that inspires people of all ages and backgrounds to recreate together and help steward this beautiful place for years to come.

Desert Institute (DI) was established in 1999 by the former Chief of Interpretation and current Vice President of JTNPA’s Board of Directors, Joe Zarki. DI was operated by the National Park Service in its first year thanks to a grant from the Parks as Classrooms program. After the first year, the Institute program was absorbed by JTNPA as part of its educational operations.

JTNPA has provided support to the park for over 60 years through educational programming, cash aid, in-kind aid, and visitor center operations. We work in partnership with Joshua Tree National Park to help achieve programming goals in education and interpretation, along with scientific and historical research and activities.

Learn more about our work and how you can get involved: (760) 820-1103 | desertinstitute@joshuatree.org