2010 04 07 CA, Joshua Tree National Park

In 1936 President Franklin D. Rosevelt proclaimed the area to be Joshua Tree National Monument. In 1994, as part of the California Desert Protection Act, Congress renamed the area Joshua Tree National Park. Thanks to efforts in the 1930's, a community activist by the name of Minerva Hoyt saw beauty in the spiny plants and slithery creatures of the region, where others did not. Thanks to her efforts we have Joshua Tree National Park to enjoy for future generations.

The park lies between the Colorado and Mojave deserts. Each is home to species characteristic of each desert ecosystem. The unusual Joshua Tree isn't really a tree but a wild-armed Yucca. Joshua trees can grow over 40 feet tall - at a rate of about 1 inch per year. The two desert ecosystems are home to numerous species of plant and animal life. The Colorado Desert is home to the Kangaroo rat, Zebratail lizard, LeConte's thrasher and the Kit fox. Examples of wildlife of the Mojave Desert is the Desert woodrat, Antelope ground squirrel, Desert spiny lizard, Black-tailed jackrabbit and Yucca night lizard. Cactus, Yucca, Juniper, Scrub Oak, Smoke Tree, Palo Verde, Ocotillo, Brittlebush and Cholla Cactus along with wildflowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Annuals survive drought by living only in spring then going to seed as conditions harshen. Seeds can lie dormant for several years until conditions are again favorable.












Unusual rock formations abound in the park. Here is a shot of Skull Rock....aptly named.
To see more photos from Joshua Tree National Park click on the link on the front page of the blog.