Mojave National Preserve HQ opens new visitor center

The new visitor information center at the park's headquarters boasts full color exhibits that highlight activities in the preserve, according to Linda Slater, educational program manager.

By EUNICE LEE
Desert Dispatch

BARSTOW • Tourists and local residents alike will now have access to a new visitor information center that highlights attractions in the Mojave National Preserve.

The new center now offers colorful exhibits featuring maps and photographs of the park, and the public can check it all out at an open house event Saturday afternoon.

The preserve’s headquarters office on Barstow Road opened in 2005, but didn’t have the funds to build an attractive visitor information center at first, said Linda Slater, manager of educational programs. Visitors have always been able to pick up free maps or talk to park rangers, but now they will have more visuals of the 1.6 million acre park located about two hours from Barstow.

“Now we can actually show people some pictures...and get them excited about visiting,” Slater said.

Contrary to what some people may think, said Slater, a preserve is very similar to a national park. It is not an off-limits or reserved space, she said. Hunting is permitted in preserves, she noted. For more information on the Mojave National Preserve, check their Web site at www.nps.gov/moja.

Mojave National Preserve’s new visitor center
Where: 2701 Barstow Road.
Regular center hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact: (760) 252-6101