Animal Tracks of Desert Dunes

Desert sands provide an excellent canvas for otherwise cryptic animals to leave their mark. Using the skills gained in this class, students will be able to reconstruct the lives of these hidden animals using tracking. Using desert dunes as our classrooms, we’ll spend the morning reviewing track ID guides, discussing the sand-dwelling animals whose tracks we may find, and going on short walks in and along the dunes to find tracks. Common tracks we may observe include a variety of lizards, snakes, rodents, insects, and arachnids.

Activity level: EASY

Participants should be comfortable walking up to two miles, mostly off-trail, in sandy and possibly undulating desert landscapes. Elevation gains of up to 100+/- feet are possible. Conditions will likely be warm, sunny, and dry.

Please contact us if you have questions about your ability to participate desertintitute@joshuatree.org

Agenda:

Participants will meet in the morning at the Oasis of Mara parking lot at Joshua Tree National Park headquarters in 29 Palms (not past the entrance gate, no fee waiver needed.) We will caravan as a group to the Sheephole Valley Wilderness off Amboy Road, where we will stay for the duration of the class. Activities will include reviewing track ID guides, discussing the sand-dwelling animals whose tracks we may find, and going on short walks to find tracks.

Please note: There is no cell service in the park! Please allow ample time to arrive at the meeting location; park entrances may be very busy on weekends (see FAQs).

Please make sure you check weather conditions and dress accordingly.

Get to know your instructor:

Scott Heacox is a professional field biologist, desert ecologist, and Mojave Desert native. He works with a wide variety of plants and animals, but has a particular passion for the study of insects. His goal is to teach about the small, overlooked, and extremely misunderstood inhabitants of our deserts in order to reframe the way we see the world around us. Scott spends most of his time working in the Colorado and Mojave Deserts of California, but has also studied the biology of other areas of the American Southwest, Central America, and Southeast Asia.

What's included?

• First aid and emergency supplies for the group
• Instructor will share field guides/photographic guides with group

What's Not included?

• Admission to Joshua Tree National Park
• Meals, Lodging, or Transportation

What to Bring:

The essentials for all field courses:

• Water, between 3 and 4 liters per person for a full day outing
• Food and snacks, easily packed and eaten in the field (please leave no trace)
• Close-toed athletic shoes or hiking boots; no sandals, not even hiking sandals!
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen; light-colored long-sleeved shirts are recommended and very effective on hot days
• Warm layers for cooler mornings/evenings (it can be surprisingly cold!)
• Backpack to carry food, water, and any personal items you need for the day

Recommended:

• Binoculars and cameras are encouraged, but not necessary
• If you have any field guides that pertain to this course, you may bring them

A detailed packing list and additional details about this activity can be found on our website. Upon registration, you will receive a digital park pass and paperwork to complete before the event start date. If you have questions, give us a call at 760-819-4714 or email us at desertinstitute@joshuatree.org

Photo credit: NPS/Brad Sutton