The future is bright: let’s turn the lights down
Miles away from the light pollution from Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Amboy Crater – with its clean restrooms, shade structures, and paved walkways – is one of the most accessible places in the Mojave to experience epic darkness. For the second consecutive year, the Mojave Desert Land Trust partnered with 29 Palms Astronomy Club to bring the wonder of the cosmos to students of Yucca Valley High School. The excitement was palpable from the moment students stepped off the bus into the Amboy Crater parking lot in Mojave Trails National Monument.
Lending a hand to repair a unique riparian habitat
The Earth Day collaboration between the Mojave Desert Land Trust, Four Wheel Campers, Truma North America, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service brought together outdoor enthusiasts from different corners of the west to help restore the unique riparian ecosystem at MDLT’s Palisades Ranch property near Victorville.
"Unmetered time": An interview with artist and educator Conni McKenzie
For multi-disciplinary artist and educator Conni McKenzie, the Mojave Desert inspired feelings of community and helped process climate anxiety by reconnecting to nature. This spring, Conni brought her immersive experiences to local elementary students and adults alike through partnership with Mojave Desert Land Trust, and performed her piece “Borrowed” through BoxoPROJECTS at Black Rock Nature Center in Joshua Tree National Park.
In honor of BIPOC Mental Health Month, we spoke with Conni about dance, the importance of community, and the concept of ‘unmetered time’.