Nature in Yucca Valley

Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce

56711 29 Palms Hwy.

Yucca Valley, CA 92284

(760) 365-6323 (760) 365-0763 Fax

chamber@yuccavalley.org

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Nature in Yucca Valley

Yucca Valley’s homes and businesses nestle among fascinating families of vegetation and wildlife. Both the Yucca and its cousin, the Joshua Tree, are members of the Lily family, and abound in yards and open spaces here.

Watch for beautiful white blossoms on the Yucca each spring. Joshua Tree blooms are dramatic and even more rare, depending on the amount of rain over several years.

Colorful wildflowers carpet the desert in spring when adequate rain wakes up seeds dormant from past years. Visitors come from everywhere to see the beauty of the desert in full bloom. Colors range from the deep magenta blossoms of the Beavertail Cactus to the bold orange of the Desert Mallow to the blue and purple flowers of the Desert Sage. If you are lucky enough to be here at just the right time, you will never forget this breathtaking sight.

At night, our desert is a haven for stargazers who feel the constellations are so close and bright you could reach up and touch them. Every year, Nature hosts the Leonids and Perseids meteor showers, where residents and visitors are treated to some of the most outstanding natural phenomena to be viewed from our planet. To start and end each day, our wide-open spaces create fabulous sunrises and sunsets that inspire the photographer and artist in all of us.

Our interesting assortment of wildlife includes some animals that have become popular icons in American culture. The Desert Tortoise is revered and protected by the Endangered Species Act. Jackrabbits and cottontails dart through the brush and disappear into tunnels underground. The clownish Roadrunner is known for its elongated profile and its high speed on the ground. Families of Gambel’s Quail are fun to watch, gathering in large coveys to trek through the desert. It’s rare to sight a wily coyote blending in with the creosote and sage, but he’s not shy about howling to mark the hours of dusk, midnight, and dawn.

Rattlesnakes are underground neighbors who were here first and don’t enjoy company. When hiking, never put your hands or feet in areas you cannot see. Wear heavy high boots and long loose pants. Walk in open areas and use a flashlight at night. If you hear a rattle, Freeze. Slowly turn your head and locate the snake. Then retreat with care, making no sudden movements. Thank the snake for the warning and go on your way.

SummerTree Institute

P.O. Box 307

Morongo Valley, CA 92256

(760) 363-7229

Fax (760) 363-1166

www.summertree.org

The SummerTree Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, structured to provide new and refreshing viewpoints toward our environment, our place in it, and our responsibility to it.

The Institute works hard to embrace, learn from, and share the profound insights, knowledge, and wisdom of scientists, researchers, storytellers, shamans, artists, writers, children, and enlightened people who can help us in Making Environmental Education Irresistible.

We work to bring that thrill of discovery back to the kid in us all through a variety of communications and experiential activities, including educational programming, structured curriculum, seminars, workshops, expeditions, television, video and radio documentaries, publications and enlightened eco-travel.

The Joshua Tree Tortoise Rescue

The fabled Hare and Tortoise act out their story here in the gentle wilderness around Yucca Valley. The tortoise still has a laid-back attitude and a shell to protect him. That and the Joshua Tree Tortoise Rescue. This non-profit organization rescues and rehabilitates the endangered California Desert Tortoise. The dedicated volunteers handle more than 200 turtles and tortoises every year, taking care of problems that range from respiratory distress to dog attacks and vandalism. They also help manage a tortoise adoption program. One of The Joshua Tree Tortoise Rescue’s missions is to teach people what to do in a tortoise encounter, and how to help protect their fragile environment. They offer educational programs to both children and adults, stressing the importance of being sensitive to the wildlife around us. Donations go directly to the medical care of the tortoises. Visitors are welcome at the Tortoise Rescue which is located in a private residence. Please call for an appointment.

Phone: 760-369-1235 Emergency: 760-401-2586

www.desertgold.com/tort/tort.html

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