Environmental Factors

Joshua Tree National Park is negatively affected by many different environmental impacts. Our scientists and park staff monitor these effects and implement strategies to combat them. Check out the links below to learn more about these issues.

 
  • The sun shining over a mostly brown landscape with some green vegetation and rocks and mountains in
    Climate Change

    Learn how climate change is affecting Joshua Tree National Park and what we are doing to mitigate its effects.

  • night scene with the stars of the Milky Way beyond a silhouetted Joshua tree
    Lightscape / Night Sky

    Designated an International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree works to protect its night sky from light pollution.

  • Clear view in the direction of Coachella Valley. Mountains are seen in the distance.
    Air Quality

    The park is protected in many ways; however, air pollution ignores all boundaries.

  • A firefighter spraying water out of a hose onto a burned landscape
    Fire Regime

    The park has become increasingly prone to wildfires due to warmer, drier conditions, invasive plants, and increased human activity.

  • A hiker on top of a boulder looking out over a vast desert landscape
    Soundscape / Noise

    We implement policy and collaborate with community partners to protect the natural soundscapes that visitors come to enjoy.

  • Two rangers looking down into a mine shaft
    Disturbed Lands

    There are nearly 300 mining sites with more than 720 mine openings left abandoned within the park.

  • A volunteer plucks out a non-native plant from the sand
    Non-Native Species

    Invasive plants species have a negative impact on the natural ecosystem.

 

Last updated: June 22, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597

Phone:

760 367-5500

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