Palm Springs CA: Not just a Pretty Face
The living desert is one of my favorite attractions in Palm Desert
I'm not sure what to expect as I approach this 1,200 acre park. The only deserts I've experienced before are the Sahara Desert in Egypt, which looks just like a huge sandpile with a few rocks and pyramids thrown in and the undeveloped areas around Palm Springs, The latter are dotted shaggy plants, shrubs,grasses or trees. On a couple of occasions I was lucky enough to see the desert in bloom, which was a wonderful sight. (Just mix with water. The seeds await) The only creatures I've seen in the desert are some quail, coyotes, a hilarious roadrunner, various small birds and camels in the Sahara. It is a pleasant surprise to find that the natural desert is teeming with life, both flora and fauna.
Fauna
150 species of animals, including bighorn sheep. coyotes, onyx, zebras, cheetahs, gazelles. wolves, cougars, meerkats, golden eagles and my favorite, bobcats. Bobcats have visited my back yard a couple of times, so have a special affinity for them.
I particularly like the ideas of those who established this living desert in 1970 Their mandate was to educate and try to save the ecosystems here, but also those from deserts around the world. There are ten botanical gardens in the living desert, which represent 10 different desert ecosystems. As I walk the paths through the park, I am awed by the delicate blooms on the cactus. I view flowering shrubs, spiky grasses, plants and trees. One of the more interesting of these is the smoke tree, which looks just like it's name.
As I walk along the path, a long, yellow spotted snake crosses just in front of me. His name escapes me but I am unafraid. Having seen one of his relatives in the snake exhibit, I can identify him as being a non-poisonous member of the family. Oh education is a very great thing!
Also available in the living desert Discovery room: Hands on experience for both children and adults. Wildlife wonders: Talks about desert animals Critter close ups African Village: Gift shop: and Meerkat Cafe Narrated tours on electric cars are also available.
*Golf and Tennis may be booked here at this great site Desert golf and Tennis Guide http://www.deserttennisguide.com/
Mary Ellen Bradshaw
Next Article Part 2 More things to do in the desert
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