DESERT FOREST

Desert Forest: Life with Joshua Trees is an interdisciplinary book (and related exhibition) created by Joshua Tree–area artist and activist Sant Khalsa and ecologist-artist Dr. Juniper Harrower. It weaves science, Indigenous knowledge, photography, painting, and personal essays to explore humanity’s relationship with the iconic Joshua tree and the Mojave Desert habitat now threatened by climate change, development, and wildfire.

AHA Projects serves as fiscal sponsor so that book sales, donations, and related programming funds remain in nonprofit hands. This arrangement gives the artists access to tax-exempt donations, professional financial management, and administrative support, letting them focus on the creative and educational work rather than building a separate 501(c)(3). The partnership helps keep this high-desert project sustainable and mission-aligned.