2025 Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award LAST CALL for Nominations July 5, 2026
Lisa Lynn Morgan June 30, 2026
Joshua Tree National Park Association is pleased to announce a call for nominations for the twenty-second annual Minerva Hoyt California Desert Conservation Award.
The purpose of this award is to recognize individuals or organizations that have made notable achievements in the areas of leadership, protection, preservation, research, education, and stewardship, leading to a significant and lasting contribution to the deserts of California.
Minerva Hamilton Hoyt (1866-1945)
Minerva Hamilton Hoyt was a South Pasadena resident whose persistent campaign to preserve the deserts of Southern California persuaded President Franklin Roosevelt to designate Joshua Tree as a national monument in 1936. Born in Holmes County, Mississippi, in 1866, Minerva Hamilton led a genteel early life, attending finishing schools and music conservatories. Her marriage to Dr. Albert Sherman Hoyt eventually led her to South Pasadena, where she immersed herself in Southern California society and civic causes. Trips to the desert instilled in Mrs. Hoyt a strong appreciation for the austere beauty and wonderful inventiveness of desert plants that somehow managed to thrive in the harsh climate. She became convinced that the best option for preservation of a large park to preserve desert plants was through the National Park Service, and so began a carefully organized campaign to achieve her goal. On August 10, 1936, President Roosevelt signed a presidential proclamation establishing Joshua Tree National Monument. Minerva finally had her desert park, which was promoted to National Park status in 1994 by President Bill Clinton.
Past Winners
Past winners of this prestigious award read like a “Who’s Who of Conservation Achievements” and include: 2004 – Susan Luckie Reilly; 2005 – Larry & Donna Charpied; 2006 – David Myers, The Wildlands Conservancy; 2007 – John Wohlmuth, Coachella Valley Association of Governments; 2008 – Mark Jorgenson, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park; 2009 – Dianne Feinstein; 2010 – Owens Valley Committee; 2011 – Elden E. Hughes (posthumously awarded); 2012 – Steve & Ruth Rieman; 2013 – Dee & Betty Zeller; 2014 – Desert Protective Council (Terry Weiner); 2015 – Nancy Karl; 2016 – Cindy Zacks; 2017 – Pat Flanagan; 2018 – Robin Kobaly, The Summertree Institute; 2019 – David Lamfrom, National Parks Conservation Association; 2020 – Dr. Cameron Barrows; 2021 – Frazier Haney; 2022 – Idavid Graficks; 2023 – Joan Taylor; 2024 – Laraine Turk.
Who Is Eligible?
Nominees will have made a notable achievement toward conservation of the California desert in one or more of the following areas: 1) provided leadership resulting in legislative action or public policy in the area of desert conservation; 2) advanced research leading to improved conservation knowledge, techniques or strategies; 3) fostered conservation partnerships and collaborations; or 4) created stronger public stewardship through education and outreach activities. Nominations will be accepted from any interested individual or organization. Nomination guidelines and forms are available on JTNPA’s website.
All nominations must be received by JTNPA no later than Sunday, July 5, 2026. JTNPA will oversee the annual nomination and selection process, and the 2025 Award winner will be announced by Monday, August 3, 2026.
About Joshua Tree National Park Association
Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA) has been the official primary nonprofit partner of Joshua Tree National Park since 1962! They are the bridge between park lovers and the park. Contributions to Joshua Tree National Park go through JTNPA and straight to where the park needs them most.
With your help, they fund projects and programs that wouldn’t be possible with federal funding alone.
Watch Now Live – Presented by Coachella Valley. Today we Spotlight the Desert Beer Co here in Palm Desert, California.
We will be tasting their newest, most popular and specialty beers and seltzers live today. Over 21 craftbeers, food and live music all right here in the Brewery.
Our Host for Today’s Tasting, Devon Sanchez is the Owner and Brewmeister of this local and family owned Brewery.
Conveniently located right off I10, exit Washington St and turn west Country Club Drive! They brew everything right here making this tasting room a fun and unique spot.
Downtown Palm Springs Walkabout this Sunday Morning. Sunshine with a High of 73F by 2pm. Host Craige Campbell with Coachellavalley.com!
CoachellaValley.com Aerial Drone Footage – La Quinta Cove – Coachella Valley, California – produced by SwingPointMedia.tv – Drone Eye’s View of this Breathtaking Landscape and the Rugged Santa Rosa Mountains of the La Quinta Cove area
Watch Now Live- Happening Tonight – Palm Springs VillageFest, the City’s wildly popular street fair which prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held every Thursday night in downtown, will return on Thursday, July 1. Coachella Valley!
With COVID-19 cases significantly down, the City Council approved re-opening VillageFest at their last night meeting, with a smaller footprint and safety protocols in place. The street fair is expected to expand to its original length in the coming months. During the summer, VillageFest hours of operation will be 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
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Watch Now Live – Presented by Coachella Valley. Today we Spotlight the Desert Beer Co here in Palm Desert, California.
We will be tasting their newest, most popular and specialty beers and seltzers live today. Over 21 craftbeers, food and live music all right here in the Brewery.
Our Host for Today’s Tasting, Devon Sanchez is the Owner and Brewmeister of this local and family owned Brewery.
Conveniently located right off I10, exit Washington St and turn west Country Club Drive! They brew everything right here making this tasting room a fun and unique spot.
Downtown Palm Springs Walkabout this Sunday Morning. Sunshine with a High of 73F by 2pm. Host Craige Campbell with Coachellavalley.com!
CoachellaValley.com Aerial Drone Footage – La Quinta Cove – Coachella Valley, California – produced by SwingPointMedia.tv – Drone Eye’s View of this Breathtaking Landscape and the Rugged Santa Rosa Mountains of the La Quinta Cove area
Watch Now Live- Happening Tonight – Palm Springs VillageFest, the City’s wildly popular street fair which prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held every Thursday night in downtown, will return on Thursday, July 1. Coachella Valley!
With COVID-19 cases significantly down, the City Council approved re-opening VillageFest at their last night meeting, with a smaller footprint and safety protocols in place. The street fair is expected to expand to its original length in the coming months. During the summer, VillageFest hours of operation will be 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
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