Twentynine Palms, CA, March 19, 2026 – Desert Institute, the educational branch of Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA), will host Desert Voices: A Writers Gathering. This day-long gathering is for writers, thinkers, and storytellers, on Saturday, April 18, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at High Desert Test Sites in Joshua Tree, CA.
Through prose and poetry workshops, readings, and panel conversations, the event explores how the landscapes of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts shape the stories we tell. No writing experience is required, and participants ages 10 and up are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring a notebook and a pen.
Featured speakers include Obi Kaufmann, naturalist, illustrator, and author of the California Field Atlas series; Josh Jackson, writer, photographer, and founder of the Forgotten Lands Project, whose work explores America’s public lands; Chris Clarke, Executive Director of the Desert Advocacy Media Network and host of the podcast 90 Miles from Needles; Ruth Nolan, poet and Associate Professor of English at College of the Desert; Thomas Crochetiere, Interpretation and Visitor Service Representative with the National Park Service at Joshua Tree National Park; and Patrick Zuchowicki, owner of Desert General and organizer of the annual Twentynine Palms Book Festival. Lisa Lynn Morgan, Public Relations Officer for JTNPA and publisher of Joshua Tree Voice, will serve as moderator.
Desert Voices will be held at High Desert Test Sites, 62953 Sullivan Road, Joshua Tree. Please note the venue is not ADA accessible. No park pass is required.
Tickets are $25 per person and are available at tinyurl.com/DItickets. Follow Joshua Tree National Park
Association on social media for updates.
For further press information, call Jacqueline Guevara, Executive Director, Joshua Tree National Park Association, at 760-361-9359.
Joshua Tree National Park Association works in partnership with Joshua Tree National Park to help in its achievement of programming goals in education and interpretation, along with scientific and historical research and activities.
