Organization
Bureau of Land Management
BLM Office:
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office
Media Contact:
Sarah K. Webster
swebster@blm.gov
916-978-4622
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument invites families and desert adventure seekers of all ages to come out for a free scorpion hunt Tuesday, July 9, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., as part of Summer Family Nights 2019. Participants who arrive early will receive a free souvenir water bottle, while supplies last.
The program is designed to allow participants an opportunity to watch wildlife, have fun and promote the outdoors and visitation to public lands.
Guided tours of the geological and natural resources will take place until sunset. Additionally activities will include observing Banning Pass; Mt San Jacinto, the steepest peak in North America; freshly formed sand dunes; creosote bush, the oldest shrub in the desert and an important plant that was used for many reasons by the native Cahuilla People; and evidence of ancient Lake Cahuilla.
Two species of scorpions are found in the Palm Springs area: the sand scorpion and giant hairy scorpion. After sunset, guides will use ultraviolet or black lights so participants can see scorpions in their glow phase. Participants will also look for animal holes and tracks of desert animals that call this area home: velvet ant, tarantula, zebra-tailed lizard, red racer, nighthawk, Gambel's quail, golden eagle, kangaroo rat, black tailed jackrabbit, badger and kit fox.
The public is advised to wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared for windy weather at twilight. The event will take place about ten miles west of Palm Springs. Meet on Snow Creek Road, 1/8 mile south of Highway 111 and Interstate 10 interchange. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact 760-862-9984, or 760-641-8832.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
