NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE DESERT
is a one-day program at the 29 Palms Old Schoolhouse Museum, part of the Twentynine Palms Book Festival. Writers, scientists, and artists will lead discussions on the Mojave Desert’s wonders and the threats it faces from climate change, tourism, and urban sprawl. The program is presented by Mojave Mercantile.
When: Saturday, November 9, all day
Where: Old Schoolhouse Museum.
6760 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
A 3-minute drive from the Twentynine Palms Community Center.
Program Highlights
10:00 AM | Desert Literature: A Journey Through Essential Reads
Speakers: Susan Lang, Chris Clarke
Explore: Classic and contemporary desert literature.
11:00 AM | Voice of the Ancestors: Native American Narratives
Moderator: Ruth Nolan
Panelists: Terria Smith, Emily Clarke, Camaray Davalos
Focus: Indigenous storytelling traditions of the Mojave.
12:15 PM | Albert Frey: Inventive Modernism
Moderator: Brad Dunning
Details: Architectural influences in desert design.
1:30 PM | Desert Forest: Life with Joshua Trees
Moderator: Sant Khalsa
Panelists: Brendan Cummings, Sean Milanovich, Lynn C. Sweet
Topic: The ecology and cultural significance of Joshua trees.
3:15 PM | Everything Change: Creative Takes on the Climate Crisis
Moderator: Cheryl Slean
Panelists: Carmiel Banasky, Claire Vaye Watkins, Kim Stringfellow
Discussion: Artistic responses to environmental challenges.
4:45 PM | Talk Between Obi Kaufmann & Ruth Nolan
Topic: California fires, featuring readings from Cima Dome, East Mojave National Preserve and The State of Fire: Why California Burns.