Earth Week Event With Mojave Desert Land Trust

For Earth Week 2024, Four Wheel Campers is excited to partner with the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT), a 501c3 nonprofit that helps preserve and protect the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. We will be working with MDLT to host a free volunteer event at Palisades Ranch, which is notable for being one of the few locations along the Mojave River where water flows above ground year-round.

The event will begin with a presentation by a USFWS biologist and MDLT project coordinator Yanina Aldao Galvan. This will cover the history of the ranch, and info about some of the endangered birds present in this incredibly diverse ecosystem, among other topics. Volunteers will then help with tasks including vertical mulching, fence repair, removal of invasive plants, planting native species and monitoring/surveying in the Palisades Ranch Area. Volunteers will be expected to handle light tools, and foot travel will be on trails and roads, as well as washes and fields.

PLEASE NOTE: Once you have booked tickets via Eventbrite, we will follow up via email to obtain your emergency contact information, food orders and vehicle information, so please be sure to reply promptly.

The 1,647-acre Palisades Ranch attracts 40 federal and state-listed special status species, including Mojave fish-hook cactus, desert tortoise, least Bell’s vireo, western yellow-billed cuckoo, and the San Emigdio blue butterfly. Image courtesy of the Mojave Desert Land Trust.

SCHEDULE

Thursday April 25

Arrive between 2:30-3 p.m., orientation at 3:30 p.m.

Friday April 26

Presentation and bird walk in the morning, lunch break, volunteer in the afternoon

Saturday April 27

Volunteer in the morning, lunch break, volunteer in the afternoon

Sunday April 28

Volunteer in the morning, depart

Palisades Ranch comprises dramatic palisade bluffs and riparian habitat. Photo courtesy of the Mojave Desert Land Trust.

CAMPING + WORKSITE

We will be dispersed camping near the worksite, and there will be a porta potty and coolers available. Please note: this is wild camping, and there are no shower facilities.

After signups are complete, we will send an email with the exact worksite location and detailed driving directions. This is a remote area that is often difficult to find, so please arrive at the designated meeting point between 2:30-3 p.m. on April 25, as we will have someone helping guide campers to the worksite from there.

MEALS

We will provide dinner on all three nights from three top-rated local restaurants. We will also provide light bites and snacks like granola bars, fruit, veggies, cheese, dip, and crackers, along with beverages, including beer, wine and sparkling water. The snacks are made available at breakfast and lunch, but if you prefer a more substantial meal, please bring your own breakfast and lunch items.

Volunteers assisting with vertical mulching at Palisades Ranch. Photo courtesy of the Mojave Desert Land Trust.

WHAT TO WEAR/BRING

Daytime highs are generally in the upper 70s, and overnight lows are in the mid to upper 40s. Plan on wearing layers, pants and hiking boots, and gaiters are highly recommended, as the vegetation can be thick in some areas. Bring work gloves, plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and a backpack.

We have extra gloves, safety glasses and neon mesh vests for any activities along the road.

MORE INFO

The closest towns with services are Victorville (to the south), Barstow (to the northwest) and Kramer Junction (to the northeast).