How-To Identify Animal Burrows

Have you ever taken a walk and noticed a hole in the ground and wondered what animal made it? Holes abound in the desert as animals seek refuge from climatic extremes and predators, or hunt for food. Candice Weber will shed light on ground holes, elevated holes, divots, and mounds in this field class. In the classroom session, participants will learn how to identify holes and clues that can help discern which animals are living in which holes, and put their knowledge to the test in the field. Curious visitors as well as seasoned naturalists will enjoy peeking into the secret lives of these subterranean dwellers and discover who’s behind all of that digging!

Activity level: EASY

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

Program Agenda:

Introduction followed by a short time in the field. Once we wind back down we will have a lecture and PowerPoint presentation and will resume field time.

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:

Candice Weber is an adjunct professor of natural resources at College of the Desert, teaching courses in Conservation and G.I.S.  She also is a GIS analyst/planner for TerraNova in Palm Desert.  Raised in rural Ohio, she lived and worked in a sanctuary for rescued animals. She majored in environmental studies (and French) and has extensive experience working with animals of all kinds (wild and domestic), including many years as a zookeeper and animal trainer at the Living Desert, the Long Beach Aquarium, and other marine parks. For the past 22 years she has resided in the Coachella Valley and now considers the desert her home.

Kurt Leuschner, M.S., Wildlife Ecology, Professor of Natural Resources, College of the Desert. Leuschner's specialties include: ornithology, entomology, and desert ecology. He has led hundreds of field trips both locally and as far afield as Africa. He teaches natural history courses and leads field trips for the Desert Institute, the Desert Studies Center at Zzyzx, the Living Desert, the Desert Cities Bird Club, Western Field Ornithologists, UCR Extension, California State Parks, the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association, and many other conservation organizations.

What's included?

• First aid and emergency supplies for the group

What's Not included?

• Admission to Joshua Tree National Park
• Meals, Lodging, or Transportation
• Writing essentials to take notes

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:

• Camera
• Field guides
• Binoculars
• Small mirror for illuminating insides of holes

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/Hannah Schwalbe