Mojave Desert Land Trust New Program For Veterans and Service Members

From the Mojave Desert Land Trust…

The Mojave Desert Land Trust and Mil-Tree are excited to partner on a new program connecting servicemembers to the desert landscape through relaxing and immersive outdoor activities. 

Attend our launch party on Saturday, February 22 at the Mojave Desert Land Trust headquarters (60124 Twentynine Palms Highway in Joshua Tree) from 10am-1pm to connect with fellow veterans and register for the program’s inaugural guided birdwatching hike at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve.

RSVP is required and space is limited.

Please reserve your spot on Eventbrite. For more information, contact ella@mdlt.org or call 760-366-5440 x243. 

Guest speakers Chris Proudfoot (retired USMC) and Barry Scanlan (retired USMC) will discuss the history of military engagement in the California desert and volunteering as a way of connecting with the environment. MDLT Public Policy Officer Krystian Lahage will share with us historic places of interest in Chuckwalla and Mojave Trails National Monuments, and Big Morongo Canyon Preserve staff will endear us to the rare riparian ecosystem found right here in the desert. We’d also love to hear your thoughts about how Force of Nature can best support you! Complimentary refreshments will be provided. 

Force of Nature is a partnership between Mojave Desert Land Trust and Mil-Tree, with support from Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. This project is made possible through the Veterans and Nature Grant Program, from the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in partnership with the USDA Forest Service.

Veterans & 1st Responders Free for Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival

From Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor, V. Manuel Perez…

Dear Fourth District and Riverside County Veterans Community,

We have some great news to share for veterans regarding the upcoming Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival!

With sponsorship by Pickering Events, LLC, veterans and first responders can receive free admission to the 77th Annual Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, including tickets to arena events like Monster Trucks, the Demolition Derby and the PRCA Rodeo, through Vet Tix and 1st Tix.

These are the steps to claim your tickets:

1. Visit www.VetTix.org (for veterans) or www.1stTix.org (for first responders)

2. Create an account (if you haven’t already) and verify your military or first responder status

3. Search for “Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival” under available events

4. Request your tickets for general admission and arena events (subject to availability)

5. Receive your tickets electronically or follow pickup instructions

I want to include a note of special thanks acknowledging Chris Pickering, a veteran and CEO of Pickering Events, LLC, for going above and beyond to make sure veterans have the opportunity to come out to the Fair.  This is Pickering Events’ third year in a partnership with Riverside County to operate the Fair and the Fairgrounds on a year-round basis.

Chris states, “By the very nature of their volunteer service, veterans have missed countless holidays, weekends, and birthdays.  The Fair & Date Fest provides an opportunity for veterans to celebrate, together with their family, friends, and community.”

The Fair runs from February 13 – March 2, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy all the excitement.  Thank you, and enjoy the Fair!

Darin A. Schemmer
Supervisor Perez’s Communications Team