Snakes of Joshua Tree National Park: Identification, Adaptations, & Behavior
Event description
Learn how to identify 20 species of snakes (and how to tell which ones are venomous). The class covers “snake season” safety and an overview of ethical snake spotting, including information about improving your chances of seeing a snake in the park. After the classroom portion, go on a short, guided hike for some field practice. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the instructor’s ambassador snakes!
This class is held at Black Rock, with the classroom portion taking place in the Black Rock Nature Center education room.
Anyone may attend! No expertise is required.
No park pass is required.
No meals or equipment are provided.
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 and snacks
Appropriate clothing for a short walk around the Nature Center
A daypack to carry your items
Notepad and pencil for note-taking
Meet your instructor: Paisley Ramstead is a desert local with a passion for creativity and desert wildlife — especially snakes! When not snake-spotting or collaging, Paisley can be found at home with her dogs or thrifting for tchotchkes and vintage field guides.
Photo credit: NPS/Brad Sutton
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