Tribal communities in Northern California’s mountainous interior are celebrating the recent designation of Sáttítla Highlands National Monument after decades of advocacy work to increase land protections in the area.

The president's announcement about the Chuckwalla National Monument near Joshua Tree was delayed by a windstorm, rescheduling the event for next week.

In the face of threats of climate change and habitat loss, a new national monument will protect critical habitat, promote equitable access to nature, and preserve the desert's rich cultural history.