Are you looking for a way to celebrate the holidays and support a good cause at the same time? If so, you might want to check out the holiday special for the Friends of the Desert Mountains, a non-profit organization that works to protect the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Coachella Valley and the desert mountains in California.
The Friends of the Desert Mountains have been around since 1987, and since then they have acquired and preserved over 60,000 acres of wildlands, promoted stewardship of trails, conducted educational programs, and supported ecological research. They are also the official partner of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, which covers over 280,000 acres of stunning landscapes and diverse habitats.
The holiday special for the Friends of the Desert Mountains includes several options for you to enjoy and contribute to their mission. Here are some of them:
Friends & Volunteers Holiday Party:
This is an exclusive event for the volunteers and members of the Friends of the Desert Mountains, where they can mingle, enjoy refreshments, and win prizes. Also, the party will be held on December 6, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert. To attend, you need to RSVP by November 29, 2023, by calling (760) 568-9918 or emailing friends@desertmountains.org.
Calendar of Events:
The Friends of the Desert Mountains offer a variety of events and activities throughout the year, such as guided hikes, nature walks, birdwatching, stargazing, and educational programs. These events are open to the public and free of charge, although donations are appreciated. You can find the full calendar of events on their website and register online for the ones that interest you. Some of the upcoming events in December are:
Full Moon Hike:
Enjoy a moderate hike under the light of the full moon and learn about the nocturnal animals and plants of the desert. The hike will be on December 18, 2023, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Art Smith Trailhead in Palm Desert. You need to bring water, a flashlight, and wear closed-toe shoes.
Winter Solstice Celebration:
Celebrate the shortest day and the longest night of the year with a special ceremony and a bonfire. The celebration will be on December 21, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert. You need to bring a chair, a blanket, and a snack to share.
Bird Walk:
Join a bird expert and learn how to identify the different birds that live or migrate through the desert. Also, the walk will be on December 28, 2023, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at the Randall Henderson Trailhead in Palm Desert. In addition, you need to bring water, binoculars, and a bird guide if you have one.
Friends and Champions:
This is the only annual fundraiser for the Friends of the Desert Mountains, where you can enjoy a night of entertainment, food, drinks, and auctions, and help the organization conserve more lands and connect more kids to nature. The event will be on February 10, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert. The tickets are $250 per person, and you can purchase them online or by calling (760) 568-9918.
As you can see, the holiday special for the Friends of the Desert Mountains is a great opportunity to have fun, learn, and make a difference. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you can join the Friends of the Desert Mountains and become part of their community of support. You will not only help them preserve the unique wildlife and scenic beauty of the Coachella Valley and the desert mountains, but also enjoy the benefits of being a friend, such as discounts, newsletters, invitations, and recognition.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit their website today and find out how you can get involved. You will be glad you did!