Trees, irrigation system damaged at Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

Seven mature trees were uprooted and three more compromised at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert in Rancho Mirage following recent storms in the Coachella Valley.

Staff told KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2’s Katie Widner that the initial damage was done during a storm on Thursday afternoon. Saturday’s record-breaking microburst made matters even worse. Five trees in the parking lot were down, causing a large area to be sectioned off for safety. Two more trees on the Museum grounds also fell. An additional two to three are now believed to be in disrepair.

“Along with that, in each tree location the roots have pulled up our sprinkler and irrigation system so there is major damage to the infrastructure that surrounds all of our landscaping,” said CEO Carol Scott.

Scott said the facility had to shut off the water due to the damage and is now in jeopardy of losing the grass. The museum will now have to figure out how to pay for the repairs.

The Museum serves children of all ages with particular emphasis on primary school-age children of the Coachella Valley. Scott said the nonprofit functions off of 75 percent earned income and 25 percent charitable donations. If you would like to help, visit their website, or email carol@cdmod.org.