Joshua Tree Will Celebrate Its 75th in 2011

In 2011, Joshua Tree National Park, in conjunction with numerous community partners, will carry out a year-long celebration of its 75th anniversary as part of our nation’s National Park System. George Land has been hired to coordinate 75th anniversary activities and a website: www.jtnp75.org, has been launched to provide information about anniversary events and promote public involvement with the park during its anniversary year.

Joshua Tree was established as a national monument on August 10, 1936 by a Presidential Proclamation signed by President Franklin Roosevelt. In 1994, Joshua Tree was expanded in size and re-designated a national park when Congress passed, and President Bill Clinton, signed the California Desert Protection Act on October 31, 1994.

Throughout 2011, Joshua Tree and its partners will host special events and activities that focus on the park’s history and its future. Reflecting the relationship that Californians, all Americans, and a growing number of international visitors have with Joshua Tree National Park, the theme of the anniversary is 75 years of inspiration.

The www.jtnp75.org website will include a simple application for community organizations and individuals who wish to apply to host sanctioned 75th anniversary events. Other features will include a photo gallery and a space where people can leave memories of past trips to Joshua Tree. The site will be updated with details as anniversary events are developed.

For additional information, you may contact George Land at 760-367-5507 or Joe Zarki at 760-367-5520.