Nestled within the western extension of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, the roughly 32,000-acre Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) is managed by BLM to preserve its outstanding natural and scenic values as well as recreational opportunities within a preserve environment.  This area is characterized by steep canyons, rugged terrain and desert oases.  The area is especially high in natural diversity given its location within a transition between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts.  The Preserve includes an internationally recognized desert oasis and marsh that is one of the 10 largest cottonwood and willow riparian (stream) habitats in California.  It is also identified by the Audubon Society as one of the most important avian habitat areas in California.


WHAT IS HAPPENING:  The Palm Springs-South Coast Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Office, in cooperation with the Desert Hot Springs Community and Cultural Affairs Commission Trails Committee, the City of Desert Hot Springs, Desert Valley Disposal, and Mission Springs Water District, will be co-hosting a volunteer event in Blind Canyon, which is part of the Big Morongo Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), located at the north end of the city of Desert Hot Springs, CA.

WHEN:  Saturday, February 25th, 2012, from 8 a.m. to roughly 11 a.m.

WHAT VOLUNTEERS WILL DO:  Volunteers will assist BLM staff with cleaning up trash and other illegally dumped items throughout the canyon.

WHERE TO MEET:  Volunteers are to meet at 8 a.m. at the intersection of Santa Cruz Road and Casa Grande Drive in Desert Hot Springs (a Google Maps search for “Blind Canyon Desert Hot Springs” will provide a street map).  From I-10, take Palm Drive north into Desert Hot Springs.  At the stop sign near the top of the hill, turn left onto Mission Lakes Blvd.  Turn right onto Santa Cruz Rd. and follow it to the parking area at the end of the road.  Volunteers can park here or along Casa Grande Dr.

WHAT TO BRING:  Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own personal safety supplies as well such as sunscreen, hat, gloves, closed-toed shoes, backpack, lunch, etc.

WHAT BLM WILL PROVIDE:  Gloves, tools, and garbage bags will be provided as well as light snacks (i.e., - granola bars, chips, etc.) and drinks (water, Gatorade).

Interested parties must RSVP by close of business (4:30 p.m.) Friday, February 24th to Jennifer Taylor, Volunteer Coordinator at 760-833-7117 or by email at j5taylor@ca.blm.gov

Please print out and sign the Volunteer Agreement (link below) and submit it to the BLM.

You may fax it to (760) 833-7199, or mail it or bring it in person to 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA  92262; or bring it with you on the day of the event.

Students under the age of 18 must have their parent sign the Volunteer Agreement.

Volunteer Agreement - Blind Canyon Cleanup Project