Death Valley Natural History Association February E-Newsletter
DVNHA Updates
Science Sleuthing Adventure
Dr. Rosalba Bonaccorsi, NASA/SETI researcher, loves Death Valley; loves to wonder about life on Earth and on other planets; and loves the journey of discovery. She wants to share these joys with you on a full 2-day immersive sleuthing adventure (Mar. 1 & 2) or the 1-day mini sleuthing adventure option (Mar. 1 only).
Death Valley NP Updates
The National Park Service is proud to host the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival which will take place on Feb. 21-23, 2025! There will be a ton of great talks and activities taking place throughout the weekend.
The festivities will kick off on Thursday with a Virtual Lift Off Event with Dr. Mike Malaska. Friday-Sunday the daytime programs will include field talks, auditorium presentations, family programs, and an Exploration Fair. At night there will be a telescope, astro trivia, and astrophotography meet ups and talks with some of NASA’s finest scientists.
Join a weekend full of scientific discovery in Death Valley National Park.
A full schedule of events can be found here.
Park Rangers Rescue Man in Steep Gully
NPS/Spencer Solomon
Park rangers successfully rescued a stranded hiker from a steep, unstable gully in Death Valley National Park on January 15, following a challenging evening operation. Two men from Belgium had set out on a short hike in Mosaic Canyon and decided to split up at a canyon junction; one stayed on the main trail, while the other ventured into a side canyon. As the side canyon grew unstable, the hiker found himself trapped. Rangers reached him 40 minutes after sunset.
Eureka Dunes Incident
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking information to identify whoever illegally drove on Eureka Dunes in late December or early January, causing damage to rare and threatened plant species. A park biologist documented direct harm to at least one Eureka dunegrass (Swallenia alexandrae)—a threatened species unique to Eureka Valley—and potential root damage to eight others. Vehicle tracks over two miles may also have impacted seeds and several other rare plants. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NPS Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or by emailing [email protected].
Ash Meadows NWR Updates
Experience Ash Meadows NWR
Ash Meadows NWR will host its annual Junior Refuge Ranger Day on February 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. During this free, family-friendly event, participants can explore the Visitor Center and surrounding areas while completing various activities to earn a Junior Refuge Ranger Badge. Those who already have the badge are also encouraged to attend. Attendees should be prepared for both indoor and outdoor activities. Mark the calendar and save the date for this fun and educational day at Ash Meadows NWR!
Annual Wildflower Tees
DVNHA proudly presents two new Wildflower Tees—each capturing a distinct side of the desert’s springtime transformation. The gentle Spring Loving Centaury design spotlights the soft pink blossoms that brighten the desert meadows of Ash Meadows NWR, while our bold Indigo Bush tee pays tribute to the vivid purple clusters that burst from dry canyons in Death Valley NP. Both designs are printed on a flattering, ultra-soft V-neck. Celebrate the desert’s vibrant lifecycle by collecting one—or both!
Death Valley Natural History Association | dvnha.org
Education ● Preservation ●
Mission
Preserving and interpreting the natural and cultural resources of the Death Valley region in cooperation with our government partners:
Death Valley National Park and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
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