Celebrate Earth Day 2021 by joining our Volunteer restoration event at Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness!

Are you interested in conservation, science, and helping to maintain sustainable access to nature? Join us on Thursday, April 22 for a day of giving back to our public lands among the majestic and ancient Joshua Trees of Wee Thump Wilderness.  Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness, situated in the heart of ancestral Southern Paiute, 'Aha Makhav, and Chemehuevi lands, is home to one of - if not the - most impressive old growth Joshua Tree forests in the world.  The largest of these elder trees reach over 30 feet skyward, providing shelter for species like the Great Horned Owl.  Estimates based on the growth rates of Joshua Trees place the most ancient members of the Wee Thump forest at over 700 years old!  In fact, the name Wee Thump can be translated as "Ancient Ones" in the language of the Southern Paiute.  This area has been recognized for it's special beauty for millennia by the people of the region, join us in celebrating Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness this Earth Day.

Join us for a day of stewardship and learning as we restore damage from vehicle incursions and better define a parking area - improving access and sustainable recreation opportunities for all who enjoy Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness' enchanting forest.  We'll also discuss ways to promote positive change and responsible recreation in our delicate desert ecosystems!

What We'll Be Doing: Repairing and restoring land damaged by vehicles travelling off designated routes and installing signs to inform recreationists that the area is under restoration and off-limits to vehicle use.   This work will involve decompacting soils compressed by tires, planting "dead and down" plant material to disguise denuded areas, and "pitting" in decompacted areas to allow for water and seed infiltration.  In time, nature will take the lead and use the ingredients of our stewardship to heal the scars of vehicle use.  We will also take time to explore and visit with the ancient wonder that is Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness.  

Why Are We Doing That? Off-route driving is prohibited around Wee Thump Wilderness and vehicle use is forbidden within the boundaries of any Wilderness Area.  Ample designated routes provide access to the surrounding area and the complete perimeter of Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness - it is important to remove and restore damage caused by illegal routes to stop them from becoming permanent sources of erosion and illegal off-route use.  Illegal use has a negative effect on all forms of recreation in Wilderness Areas. Restoring damaged areas, disguising or eliminating illegal routes, and installing signage helps maintain access for safe, responsible, and sustainable enjoyment by hikers, campers, RV enthusiasts, OHV riders, and casual visitors to this truly invaluable landscape. 

What to wear?   Please wear closed toe shoes and long pants - many of the plants we will encounter are pointy.  A hat is recommended, as are sunglasses and comfortable clothes you won't mind getting dusty in.  If you have your own work gloves, you may bring them as well.  

Things To Know Before You Go: The world is a wild place, and we're all wild at heart - but please, remember to be respectful of the people and places we are working with.  We will be following Covid-19 precautions on site throughout the day.  This includes the mask mandate on Federal Lands - a face covering will be required outdoors when social distancing is not possible.  During much of work day, social distancing may not be possible.  Please wear a mask and respect others' personal space.  Please do not attend if you are unable to comply with face covering requirements, are feeling sick, or exhibiting symptoms consistent with a coronavirus infection in the 48 hours before the project. 

RSVP today, spaces are limited!  

Contact [email protected] for more information.