This project is completely dependent on volunteers. Over 25 people have volunteered so far. Local climbers, visiting climbers, wilderness enthusiasts, and park lovers alike have helped with data collection. Volunteering is a great way to help the park understand how dedicated climbers are to preserving Joshua Tree's incredibly beautiful resources. But more so, it is a great way to explore Joshua Tree's immense wilderness climbing areas. We thank all of the volunteers for the hard work!
Volunteer
Positions
Wilderness
Climbing Resource Inventory: This project is attempting to
inventory every climbing route in Joshua Tree's wilderness. The
inventory was 55% complete in June, 2003. This job involves
hiking to remote areas, mostly off-trail, in order to inventory trails,
environmental conditions and route characteristics. This job can
be burley. Volunteers need to be able to use a topographic map
and compass. GPS and GIS experience is helpful. Backcountry
experience is mandatory, as is some climbing experience. Wilderness Visitor Observation: Select wilderness climbing access locations are being monitored to determine the number of climbers that use each wilderness access during times of the season. Observation also determines the percentage of wilderness visitors that are climbers as opposed to hikers and equestrians. This job involves sitting near a wilderness boundary, typically one mile or so from a parking lot, recording wilderness visitor characteristics such activity, group size, and time entered. Observers must be able to record information for 4 to 7 hour blocks of time. It is a good chance to relax in Joshua Tree's wilderness.
Survey Administration: Short surveys determine the types of climbing experiences Joshua Tree wilderness climbers prefer. Surveyors are stationed at wilderness access locations, typically parking lots or trail heads, and offer surveys to all people that are exiting wilderness areas. Willing participants complete the survey in less than 10 minutes. Surveyors must be friendly folks.
GIS and Programming: Volunteers skilled in GIS or programming should contact the Principal Investigator to discuss options for volunteering.
How To Volunteer
Volunteers should plan on working for at least two days, but are
encouraged to volunteer for longer periods. Volunteers should
contact the Principal
Investigator (PI) directly via email or phone to
determine which position fits their skills and desires. After the
volunteer and the PI agree on work days, the volunteer will meet the PI
at the Joshua Tree National Park west entrance. The west entrance
is 7 miles south of the town of Joshua Tree on Park Blvd. The
volunteer will sign release forms and will be trained. Please ask
the PI about per diem, t-shirts, and other volunteers gifts.For up to date weather information at Joshua Tree National Park, click here.
