What is the Desert Tortoise Council website?

Updated

deserttortoise.org is the official website of the Desert Tortoise Council, a science-based conservation organization that has worked since 1975 to conserve desert tortoises and their habitats and to inform the public about their plight. The site serves researchers, conservationists, students, land managers, and members of the public who want reliable information about desert tortoise biology, protection, and ongoing conservation work. It is primarily an informational and membership site rather than a commercial one, though it includes a shop and donation options.

What the organization does

The Desert Tortoise Council describes its mission as promoting science-based conservation of desert tortoises and their habitats. Its work centers on:

  • Sharing scientific and management information through an annual symposium and published proceedings
  • Running training programs for people who work with or around desert tortoises
  • Supporting research through grants and awards
  • Informing the public about desert tortoise biology, legal protections, and captive care guidance

Main sections of the site

The site is organized into several areas, each aimed at a different need:

Section What you'll find
About the DTC Board and minutes, bylaws and policies, and the organization's history
About Desert Tortoises Biology, laws protecting desert tortoises, and captive tortoise guidance
Annual Symposium Overview, business meeting, sponsors, field trip, photo contest, raffle and auction, poster session, awards, and past proceedings and abstracts
Training Programs An introductory course and health assessment training
Ecosystems Advisory Committee Committee information
Grants & Funding Leeward Renewable Energy Research Grant, Regular Grants Program, Edison International Funding, Morafka Award, Student Travel Fund, and Allison Memorial Grant
Library Plans and Best Management Practices
News Latest news, newsletter archive, and job announcements
Join/Renew, Contact, Donate, Shop Membership and support options

Training and events

The site highlights two recurring programs:

  • Introductory Training Course — Registration for the October–November 2026 Introductory Course is full, and the site directs visitors to a waitlist. A separate 2026 Introductory Course is also noted as full with a waitlist option. This is worth checking early if you need the course for work or research.
  • Annual Meeting & Symposium — The 52nd Annual Meeting and Symposium is scheduled as an in-person and hybrid event at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, from February 24–26, 2027, with a field trip on February 23. The program is posted on the website 30 days before the meeting.

Grants and funding

The Grants & Funding section lists several named opportunities, including the Leeward Renewable Energy Research Grant, the Regular Grants Program, Edison International Funding, the Morafka Award, the Student Travel Fund, and the Allison Memorial Grant. These are relevant if you are a student or researcher looking for support for desert tortoise–related work.

Who the site is for

  • Researchers and students — symposium proceedings, abstracts, grants, and awards
  • Conservationists and land managers — Plans & Best Management Practices, training programs, and the Ecosystems Advisory Committee
  • Captive tortoise keepers and the public — biology, laws protecting desert tortoises, and captive care guidance
  • Supporters — membership, donation, and shop options

If you need current details on registration, deadlines, or pricing, check the specific page on the site, since availability and schedules change.