Hey JTree is an ongoing participatory art research project that utilizes

social media, and an on-line dating site for meeting Joshua trees.

The goal of Hey JTree is to actively enhance interaction between research, 

visitors to Joshua Tree National Park, and on-line audiences with collected

data from individual trees using text, photographs, art, and short video clips

of charismatic Joshua trees set to music.

As park visitation is soaring to record highs, The need to teach people how

to respectfully visit the desert is vast and urgent. This also includes

counteracting irresponsible social media posting that shows images of

visitors show violating park rules that are intended to promote conservation.

Images such as drone usage, feeding/touching animals, rock or tree graffiti,

and climbing Joshua trees have been described by park staff as one of the

most difficult challenges they currently face as managers.

This project includes contributions from over 40 artists, writers,

and musicians (contributor bios coming soon…)

Find out more information about us here,

and if you would like to be involved contact us!

More information at: Harrower, J., Parker, J., Merson, M., 2018 Species Loss: Exploring Opportunities with Art-Science. Journal of Integrative and Comparative Biology: DOI10.1093/icb/icy016