Here is the information you need to fill out your Joshua Tree National Park worksheet.
Park History:
The area was first protected as a National Monument in 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It became an official National Park in 1994 when Congress passed the California Desert Protection Act. Before that, people lived there for thousands of years, including the Serrano, Chemehuevi, and Cahuilla tribes. Later, cattlemen and miners came to the area.
Native Plants:
* Joshua Trees (the most famous one!)
* Cholla Cactus
* Prickly Pear Cactus
* Ocotillo
* Yucca
Trees:
* Joshua Tree (actually a type of Yucca, but looks like a tree)
* Cottonwood trees (found near water sources)
* Pinyon Pine
* Juniper
Wild Life:
* Bighorn Sheep
* Coyotes
* Roadrunners
* Bobcats
* Jackrabbits
* Gila Monsters (a type of lizard)
Physical Features:
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Deserts: The park contains two different deserts: the Mojave Desert (higher elevation) and the Colorado Desert (lower elevation).
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Rocks: Huge piles of giant boulders and rock formations that are great for climbing.
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Mountains: Several mountain ranges run through the park.
Interesting Facts:
* The Joshua Tree gets its name from Mormon pioneers who thought the branches looked like the biblical figure Joshua raising his arms in prayer.
* It is one of the few places where you can see two different types of deserts meeting.
* The park is famous for "dark skies," making it a perfect place for stargazing because there is very little light pollution.
Size:
Approximately 790,636 acres (about 1,235 square miles).
City:
The closest towns are Twentynine Palms (where the main visitor center is), Joshua Tree, and Yucca Valley.
Important Events in the Park:
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1936: Established as Joshua Tree National Monument.
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1976: Designated as an International Biosphere Reserve.
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1994: Expanded and redesignated as Joshua Tree National Park.
Map Instructions:
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Draw the Park: On the outline of California, draw a small shape in the southeastern corner (the bottom right part of the state).
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Color the State Map: Color California on the US map. It is on the far West Coast, bordering the ocean.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of national parks worksheet.
