FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2017
Contact: Jacqueline Guevara, Director of Education & Public Engagement, Mojave Desert Land Trust 
Phone: 760-366-5440 x 226 
jacqueline@mdlt.org

Mojave Desert Land Trust Hosts Spring Open House at Amboy Crater

Amboy, CA – Today, the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) hosted its annual Spring Open House at Amboy Crater, an extinct cinder cone in the Mojave Trails National Monument. MDLT’s Spring Open House is an opportunity for both newcomers to learn about MDLT’s projects and returning community members enjoy the activities. The event was “Backyard BBQ” themed and featured related crafts and guided hikes along the rim of the crater.

MDLT was joined by the Girl Scouts of the San Gorgonio Council to unveil their Mojave Monuments Patch by Cynthia H. Breunig, CEO, San Gorgonio Council of Girl Scouts. With their MDLT-organized Sand to Snow excursion this winter already under their belts, the Scouts earned their second of three bars towards the patch after spending a fabulous day in Mojave Trails.“I have loved the outdoors since my first experience camping,” Breunig said. “We are happy to partner with the Mojave Desert Land Trust to bring our Scouts out to the desert. I’ll be earning my patch, too!”

With this year’s new location at Amboy Crater instead of organization’s headquarters in Joshua Tree, MDLT continued its celebration of the 1st anniversary of the Mojave National Monuments designation. MDLT events like the Spring Open House aim facilitate safe exploration of the freshly-minted National Monuments.

“These public lands are yours. You are all stakeholders,” remarked Danielle Segura, Executive Director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust. “If folks want to explore the Monuments, we’re going to find a way to do that.”

In addition to collaborating with the Girl Scouts of the San Gorgonio Council, the Spring Open House encouraged people from the local community and beyond to explore Mojave National Monuments. MDLT provided shuttle service from the town of Barstow to the crater for the event.

“In Barstow, we consider ourselves one of the gateway communities to the Mojave Trails National Monument,” explained Carmen Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem of Barstow. “We are so proud to say ‘Look around you. Look at the beauty of the desert.’”

Following opening remarks, guests of all ages followed the trail from the pavilion to the crater’s base, stopping at four different educational kiosks along the way. Each station focused on a different aspect of the environment, from volcano geology to local insects. Young attendees played the “Crater Critter Crawl,” a bingo-style game for identifying local flora and fauna.

“I’ve driven past the crater so many times, and always been curious about it,” commented Karen Morton, a guest from Joshua Tree. “What a wonderful opportunity to come out here with the Mojave Desert Land Trust.”

Guests also had the opportunity to go on a guided hike led by MDLT staff and volunteers to the crater’s rim. The Girl Scouts excitedly forged ahead to the top, eager to experience the view of Mojave Trails National Monument and earn their patches.

“I have to bring my grandkids back here,” commented Franco Eddie, a guest from Barstow. “And to think, we’ve been driving so far to see National Monuments when we have one right our backyard.”

The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to protect and care for lands with natural, scenic, and cultural value within the Mojave Desert. For more information, visit www.mdlt.org