April 17-19, 2026

This 2½-day immersive weekend workshop beginning April 17, 2026, offered musicians, songwriters, and aspiring audio engineers a hands-on introduction to the recording process, from sound capture to final mix and master. It was limited to 10–12 participants, the program combined demonstrations, listening sessions, and real studio experience in a supportive environment. Participants worked with professional recording equipment, learned essential recording techniques, and collaborated on tracks performed by a live band, Hotel Mercy. Led by recording engineer Pat Kearns and sponsored in part by the Les Paul Foundation, the workshop welcomed all experience levels.

January-June 2026

Writes of Passage: Stories of Service was a creative writing and storytelling program for veterans, service members, and civilians that ran from February through June 2026. Supported by the California Arts Council’s Community Impact Grant, participants explored stories of service, place, and lived experience through writing, spoken word, and audio storytelling. The program combined workshops, a retreat, live performances, and a companion podcast, providing hands-on experience in creative writing, performance, and podcast production while fostering meaningful connections within a supportive community of storytellers.

September 2025

The StoryCorps Military Voices Initiative creates opportunities for veterans, service members, and military families to share meaningful stories about service, sacrifice, resilience, and life beyond the military. Through guided recorded conversations, participants preserve personal histories while contributing to a growing national archive of military experiences.

By amplifying authentic voices and fostering understanding across communities, the initiative honors those who serve and the families who stand beside them. In partnership with veteran-serving organizations nationwide, Military Voices recordings help ensure that these stories are preserved, celebrated, and shared for future generations.

March 2024

Force of Nature began in early 2025, a partnership between the Mojave Desert Land Trust and Mil-Tree with support from Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, offers uplifting outdoor activities and volunteer opportunities for veterans and active-duty service members. This project is made possible through the Veterans and Nature Grant Program, from the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. The program lifted off with a launch party in February 2025 followed by the first event in March 2025. More events will be added in the future.

October-December 2024

Tapestries of Transformation brought veterans, active military, artists, and community members together through a unique creative storytelling experience in Joshua Tree, California. The program included an immersive retreat, community gatherings, multidisciplinary workshops, and eight weeks of collaborative playmaking. Participants explored themes of service, identity, belonging, and place while building meaningful relationships across diverse backgrounds. The experience culminated in a sold-out community-driven theatrical performance that celebrated shared stories and collective creativity. Through artistic expression and collaboration, Tapestries fostered connection, understanding, and community resilience while creating a model that can be adapted and replicated in communities beyond the Morongo Basin.

September 27-29, 2024

Rhythm of Reconnection, a powerful singer-songwriter workshop series hosted in 2024 by Mil-Tree. Over three workshops, guided by renowned singer-songwriters Louise Goffin, Teddy Quinn, and Tim Easton, participants explored the art of songwriting as a tool for self-expression, healing, and community building. Each session culminated in a live performance, bringing these original songs to life in front of an audience of over 100 community members. Through the support of the California Arts Council grant, this program provided a transformative space for participants to collaborate, reflect, and reconnect. The impact of these workshops extends far beyond the music, fostering deep bonds and an ongoing creative community.

Tapestries (2023–2024) brought veterans, active military, artists, and community members together through a retreat, gatherings, creative workshops, and eight weeks of collaborative playmaking in Joshua Tree, California. The program culminated in a sold-out community-driven theatrical performance that celebrated connection, belonging, and shared storytelling. The production later received the Joshua Award for Outstanding Indoor Theatrical Production. Mil-Tree also created a replication toolkit for nonprofits at CommunityLoom.org. The program was supported by the California Arts Council, Creative Corps Inland SoCal, and the Inland Empire Community Foundation.

Established in 2021 with just a potting shed, the Mil-Tree Community Garden flourishes at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center current day! Since 2023 the garden thrives thanks to the dedication of volunteers, including veterans, community members, and youth who come together every week to nurture our green space. Join us in cultivating not only plants but also friendships and a sense of community. Together, we create a vibrant environment for everyone to enjoy! The community garden volunteers also attend community events like the Earth Day Celebration at the Yucca Valley Hi Desert Nature Museum, the Hay Festival at the Retreat Center and many more. Coming in late 2025 Mil-Tree is collaborating with other community partners with a second garden in 29 Palms.

Mil-Tree Community Garden