Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Death Valley National Park and the signing of the 1994 CA Desert Protection Act.  Attend special presentations on geology, history, wildlife and more.  Join along for a Morning Run with the Superintendent.

Program Schedule

Click on the event for time and meeting location
Ecological History of the California Desert: Explore past landscapes through paleontology and art with Paleontologist Laura Cunningham
Joshua Tree National Park Program: Learn about the amazing Joshua Tree National Park with Ranger Sarah Jane Pepper
Astronomy Program: Experience and learn about some of the darkest skies in the country with Astronomer Marni Berendsen
Sunrise Hike at Zabriskie Point: Explore incredible geology on this moderate 3 mile hike with Ranger Sarah Carter
Junior Ranger Program: Enjoy desert activities for the entire family with Ranger Tom Arnold
Ecological History of the California Desert: Explore past landscapes through paleontology and art with Paleontologist Laura Cunningham
Dingell Act Overview: Learn about this Act that added more land to Death Valley National Park with Park Manager Abby Wines
Geology of Death Valley: Learn about the dynamic forces that shaped Death Valley National Park with Geologist Marli Miller
Ask a Geologist Drop-In Table: Questions about faults, rock types, and more?! Ask Geologist Marli Miller
Burro Removal in Death Valley: Learn how Death Valley National Park is sending burros to happy homes with Ecologist Ali Ainsworth
California Desert Protection Act: Learn about this significant act with Ranger Hilary Clark & Protection Act Advocate Judy Anderson
Desert Tortoises: Learn about these iconic reptiles and how they survive with Wildlife Biologist Ray Bransfield
Mining History in Death Valley: Learn about the colorful history of mining in Death Valley with Mining Historian Jeremy Stoltzfus
Astrophotography Lesson Part I: (Required to attend Part 2) Bring a digital camera with a wide-angle lens and a tripod. Learn camera settings for night photography with Ranger Patrick Taylor
Desert Plant Adaptations: Learn about unique desert plants that survive in a land of little rain with Botanist Connie Rutherford
Astrophotography Session Part 2: (Prior attendance required at Part I) Capture the night skies with a digital camera, wide-angle lens, and tripod (bring a head lamp) with Ranger Patrick Taylor
5K Fun Run/Walk with Superintendent Mike Reynolds
FREE Cupcakes at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center & Remarks by Park Service Officials & Special Guests
Expo Booths with Displays and Information
Retired Park Managers’ Roundtable: Hear from former managers about the Protection Act with a Q & A Session
Reptiles of the Mojave Desert: Learn about snakes, lizards, and more with Herpetologist Jason Wallace