News.Bytes A publication of Bureau of Land Management in California Issue 645-10/09/14- Visit us on Facebook -- Follow us on Twitter -- Share us with friends and colleagues! Discover the Desert focuses on connecting people with spectacular places and resources in the California desert NEWS.BYTES Special Issue: - Discover the Desert - The Desert Inspires - The Desert is Alive - The Desert Shapes America - Wildlife Trivia Question of the Week - Upcoming Discover the Desert Events If this message does not show up properly in your email, you can see it online at: www.blm.gov/ca/news/newsbytes/2014/645.html DISCOVER THE DESERT BLM California Launches "Discover the Desert" Campaign (News.Bytes Extra) On October 6, the BLM California kicked off the Discover the Desert campaign to promote the natural and historic beauty of the California desert. The BLM, partners and gateway communities will encourage locals and visitors to Discover the Desert by sharing desert places and resources through monthly themes: The Desert Inspires, The Desert Is Alive and The Desert Shapes America. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,bml5,9ic3,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Discover the Desert (BLM Website) BLM's Discover the Desert website focuses on connecting people with spectacular places and resources in the California desert by working with gateway communities and partners to identify opportunities for education and interpretation through the arts, sciences, tourism and recreation. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,rcj,3vbx,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Discover the Desert Photo Collection (BLM Flickr) Discover the Desert through a photo collection of the California Desert and its stunning landscapes, willidfe, and gateway communities. Photo collection by the BLM, California. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,5tow,jdsc,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Follow the Discover the Desert Conversation on Twitter (Twitter Hashtag #DiscoverTheDesert) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,bufv,l7kz,1bct,ijo3 BLM California Launches Discover the Desert Campaign (BLM Tumblr) The BLM California manages 11 million acres of unique and diverse desert landscapes rich with recreational, cultural and historical, environmental and archaeological resources. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,bzxv,2vko,1bct,ijo3 THE DESERT INSPIRES...Arts, Movies and Entertainment October's Discover the Desert Theme - The Desert Inspires - ties public lands with arts and entertainment. You might be surprised to know that many of your favorite movies are inspired by the majesty of the California desert. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,f4tz,ax12,1bct,ijo3 The Desert Discovery Center- A Partnership for Environmental Education (News.Bytes Extra) The Desert Discovery Center has become a beacon of light for the Barstow Community and was recently awarded the San Bernardino County Education Medal of Honor. The center was constructed in 1973 to provide environmental interpretation opportunities for sensitive desert resources... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,1hpa,hkvi,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Young Scientists Get Hands-on Experience Tracking Tortoises (Desert Dispatch, 09/18/14) How do you become a scientist? The Desert Discovery Center is helping children ages 8 to 14 interested in science answer that question. Patrick Emblidge of the USGS supervised as the students held transmitters and receivers to track fake tortoises in the desert behind the Discovery Center. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,11jh,i82i,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: The Desert Discovery Center's Old Spanish Trail Day Event (Desert Discovery Center Facebook) The Old Spanish Trail Association, BLM & to the DDC partners, the city of Barstow, friends of DDC, presenters, joined the Old Spanish Trail Day. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,6v0r,67tw,1bct,ijo3 National Public Lands Day in the Alabama Hills (BLM Facebook) The Alabama Hills Stewardship Group partnered with the BLM this past weekend on a National Public Lands Day project to help clean-up public lands for the Lone Pine Film Festival, running from Oct. 10 to 12. The festival includes tours of filming locations in the Alabama Hills. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,gxut,35pn,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: National Public Lands Day Photo Album (BLM Flickr) Photos of the BLM California Public Lands Day activiites around the state. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,1y6v,11w0,1bct,ijo3 Alabama Hills Film History (BLM Facebook) Did you know that between the 1920's and 1950's over 300 movies were filmed in the Alabama Hills? http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,b5kw,exu0,1bct,ijo3 Route 66 Murals (BLM Website) Drive out to Needles on Route 66 and look for the brightly painted murals this town has to offer. Recently, a local resident saw that the sun was fading the works of art and took action giving them a brighter look. See how many you can find, they are so bright, you won't miss them. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,12ve,euhn,1bct,ijo3 Wilderness Photo Contest (Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert Website) A wilderness photo contest is hosted by the Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act and winners will be displayed at the Ridgecrest Petroglyph and Heritage Festival. Submission deadline is Friday, Oct. 17, 2014. Contest categories include landscapes, wildlife, people in the wilderness, and inspirational movements. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,bwz9,6quq,1bct,ijo3 THE DESERT IS ALIVE...Nature, Travel and Adventure November's Discover the Desert Theme- The Desert is Alive- ties public lands with nature, travel and adventure. The desert offers a variety of ways to discover nature, adventure and travel. Opportunities are only limited by your imagination. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,icae,lztq,1bct,ijo3 Discover the Desert through the United Desert Gateway (News.Bytes Extra) In a unique partnership, the BLM and the Chambers of Commerce for the cities surrounding the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area joined forces in 2004 to form the United Desert Gateway. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,j4u0,3mkl,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: United Desert Gateway (UDG Website) The United Desert Gateway, a nonprofit public benefit corporation comprised of the Brawley, El Centro Yuma Chambers of Commerce, works hand-in-hand, through an Assistance Agreement, with the BLM California Desert District and other partners to enhance the recreational experience at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area and other BLM managed lands in the area. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,ka9o,dasq,1bct,ijo3 RELATED: Imperials Sand Dunes Recreation Area Facebook (BLM Facebook) The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (Glamis), is the largest mass of sand dunes in California offering a variety of recreational opportunities. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,jhar,26pt,1bct,ijo3 The Living Desert Celebrates State Desert Protection Act (The Desert Sun, 10/04/14) Hispanic youth flocked Saturday to The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens in Palm Desert to celebrate the almost-20th anniversary of the California Desert Protection Act and their increasing stewardship of the habitat. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,337l,8qg,1bct,ijo3 A Movie on the Pacific Crest Trail (Pacific Crest Trail Association Facebook) Cheryl Strayed's incredibly successful book about the Pacific Crest Trail is hitting screens as WILD the movie... The publicity that WILD will bring to the trail is not without controversy. There could be downsides-- what some are already calling the WILD Effect -- for the trail. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,9fay,ey9a,1bct,ijo3 Desert Treasures: 12 California Gems Worth Protecting (The Wilderness Society Website) The California desert is a land of stark contrasts: extreme heat and bitter cold. This harsh environment may seem inhospitable at first glance, but plants and animals flourish in the jagged desert peaks and endless valleys. These wild lands are home to bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, hundreds of bird species and many other animals. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,cy1u,bafj,1bct,ijo3 Explore the Wilderness (BLM Website) The BLM manages 3,873,640 acres of wilderness in our state including thousands of acres in the desert district. These areas are places of refuge where visitors can experience freedom from our fast-paced industrialized society. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,aoa9,eb5o,1bct,ijo3 National Trails System (BLM Website) Have you ever walked on a Nationally Designated Trail? Chances are you have walked on one without knowing it. National recreation trail designation recognizes existing trails and trail systems that link communities to recreational opportunities on public lands. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,io22,1uur,1bct,ijo3 California Desert District Recreation (BLM Website) Public lands in the Desert District offers many recreation opportunities throughout the year. Take a bird watching hike in Big Morongo Canyon Preserve or Amargosa River during the spring and fall migration seasons. Camp in serene locations such as the Rainbow Basin Natural Area in Barstow, walk among the multi-colored cliff canyons and ancient petroglyphs. Don't miss the wildflowers at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountain Monument... http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,a7jb,80m,1bct,ijo3 THE DESERT SHAPES AMERICA...History, Heritage and Culture December's Discover the Desert Theme- The Desert Shapes America- ties public lands to our American history, heritage and culture. The desert shapes the way people live, from the historic travel routes of California's first people, to settlers, our military and the people who call the desert home today. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,j4h7,ix6x,1bct,ijo3 Discover the Desert at the General Patton Memorial Museum (News.Bytes Extra) The General George S. Patton Memorial Museum highlights the military history of the Desert Training Center (DTC) and will soon be the gateway location for visitors to discover the desert and the history that has helped shape America. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,jijr,k3km,1bct,ijo3 General Patton Memorial Museum Veterans Day Celebration (BLM Facebook) Our Discover the Desert gateway partners at the General Patton Memorial Museum will be hosting a Veterans Day celebration on November 11th. We will be joined by the Junior ROTC Desert Hot Springs High School. Join us in honoring our military veterans and come see the amazing artifacts of the Desert Training Center! http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,kpzv,35d,1bct,ijo3 Discover the Desert - Freedoms Desert Archival Footage (BLM YouTube) Video clips from the archival video footage from Freedoms Desert. Get a glimpse of combat training conducted in the Desert Training Center where tanks, plans, troops, and artillery engaged in massive maneuvers over an expansive landscape in blazing heat and blowing sand. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,tsq,ase8,1bct,ijo3 Desert Training Center (BLM Website) In the earliest days of World War II the Desert Training Center California-Arizona Maneuver Area was created in 1942. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,hq9e,jema,1bct,ijo3 Veterans Working at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (BLM Facebook) We #HireVeterans for seasonal park rangers positions. They received 4x4 training last week and are so excited for their first dunes season! http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,c5vr,alri,1bct,ijo3 Historic Route 66 (BLM Website) Come take a ride on the oldest and most famous highway in America! Completed in 1926, U.S. Route 66 begins in Chicago and terminates at the Santa Monica Pier, covering a distance of 2,448 miles. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,fljn,hglu,1bct,ijo3 Goffs Schoolhouse Celebration (BLM Facebook) Looking to discover some of our California desert history? The Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association is hosting the 100 year anniversary of Goffs Schoolhouse on Sunday, October 12th! http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,4yax,6hhb,1bct,ijo3 November 13-16: Ridgecrest Petroglyph and Heritage Festival (Ridgecrest Petroglyph and Heritage Festival Website) Experience the wonder of ancient, desert culture with the Ridgecrest Petroglyph and Heritage Festival. With tours of rock art dating back 10,000 years, traditional Native American celebrations, an educational lecture series, and community street fair. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,ano0,eacz,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE TRIVIA QUESTION of the WEEK Where should desert visitors keep a watchful eye out for desert tortoises, when visiting the desert? (a.) Near trash cans, where tortoises often seek scraps (b.) Near rattlesnake dens, where they seek protection from other predators who won’t venture near (c.) Over desert rabbit burrows, where tortoises situate themselves to cool off in the air coming up from underground (d.) Under their car, where tortoises often seek shade (e.) Near their picnic cooler, as tortoises are known to run off with them, just like Togi Tortoise does in his animated movies. ------> See answer near the end of this issue of News.bytes. UPCOMING DISCOVER THE DESERT EVENTS Oct. 11-12: Lone Pine Film History Museum in the Alabama Hills (Lone Pine Film History Museum Website) The Beverly and Jim Rogers Lone Pine Film History Museum's, located at 701 South Main Street in Lone Pine, California, celebrates and preserves the diverse movie history of Lone Pine, Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,kn7h,gyr,1bct,ijo3 Oct. 12: Goffs Schoolhouse Anniversary Event (BLM Facebook) Looking to discover some of our California desert history? The Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association is hosting the 100 year anniversary of Goffs Schoolhouse on Sunday, October 12th! http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,dfwq,cora,1bct,ijo3 Oct. 24: The Mountain in Your Backyard (Wilderness 50 Website) On the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument's 14th anniversary, hike through Mount San Jacinto State Park Wilderness and learn what the mountain looks like from near the top, desert cities far below. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,2su2,4at1,1bct,ijo3 Nov. 11: General Patton Memorial Museum Veterans Day Celebration (BLM Facebook) Our Discover the Desert gateway partners at the General Patton Memorial Museum will be hosting a Veterans Day celebration on November 11th. Hope you can join us in honoring our military veterans and come see the amazing artifacts of the Desert Training Center! http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,gka7,e30v,1bct,ijo3 November 13-16: Ridgecrest Petroglyph and Heritage Festival (Ridgecrest Petroglyph and Heritage Festival Website) Experience the wonder of ancient, desert culture with the Ridgecrest Petroglyph and Heritage Festival. With tours of rock art dating back 10,000 years, traditional Native American celebrations, an educational lecture series, and community street fair. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,hm6b,8sb8,1bct,ijo3 Nov. 18: Happy TAILS! (Wilderness 50 Website) Bring your four legged 'best friend' to see the sights, hear the sounds and smell the scents of the BLM San Gorgonio Wilderness area. Our journey begins at The Wildlands Conservancy's Whitewater Preserve, near Desert Hot Springs and extends up a streamside wildlife corridor. Come with or without a dog, all are welcome! RSVP. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,4uge,eb9,1bct,ijo3 Dec-Feb. 2015: Old School House Lecture Series (Joshua Tree National Monumnet Association Website) The Old School House Lecture Series started in 1999 and is run in partnership with the Twentynine Palms Historical Society. http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,5kf6,kda6,1bct,ijo3 WILDLIFE TRIVIA ANSWER and Related Information Where should desert visitors keep a watchful eye out for desert tortoises, when visiting the desert? ANSWER: (d.) Under their car, where tortoises often seek shade SOURCE: "Desert tortoise / Agassiz's desert tortoise - Gopherus agassizii" (BLM California wildlife database) http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,ho7w,68ni,1bct,ijo3 -------------------- - If your e-mail program does not allow you to click on the above links to visit that Web page, copy and paste the URL into your browser's "Location" or "Address" bar. - Some online news sites require free registration to view their content online. Some news sites remove news stories from the Web soon after publication. If you plan to keep a story, you should print a copy or save the Web page to your computer. DISCLAIMER: By linking to Web sites, the BLM does not imply endorsement of those sites, or of products or advertisements on those sites. News.bytes published by Bureau of Land Management California State Office 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-1834 Sacramento, Ca 95825 (916) 978-4600 http://www.elabs10.com/ct.html?ufl=0&rtr=on&s=x8pbwi,21ny9,3xn3,4h2h,jgx0,1bct,ijo3
