Birding Walk Salton Sea Unit 1 Vendal Rd. (Easy)
2026-01-15 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Trip Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie
Today we head to one of the best birding locations in our region: Unit 1 of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. Expect Shovelers, Teals, Stilts, Avocet, Godwit, Dowitchers, thousands of Snow Geese and more. Easy walk of 2 miles RT, no elevation, good tread. Travel time 1 hour each way. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, binoculars, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10

ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
2026-01-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-30 10:00 - 12:00 | CA
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer.
Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.

Lecture: Leeches, Land Mines, and Lizards; The Nature of Researching Nature in Cambodia
2026-01-16 18:30 - 19:30 | ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Speaker: Lee Grismer, Ph.D., Herpetologist
Join world-class herpetologist Lee Grismer as he takes us along on his most recent exploration to find new reptiles and amphibians in Cambodia’s jungles. It became a scientific journey of discovery that placed him right in the middle of an unexpected war between Thailand and Cambodia. As always, the photography will be award-winning, as will the stories that go with it. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. You can register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

Borrego Walkabout (Easy)
2026-01-17 10:00 - 11:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Leaders: Selden McKee and Mike McElhatton
Get a little exercise, take some photos, learn the history, and hear the stories behind the buildings and places in this tiny desert town we all love so much – Borrego Springs. We will start at ABDNHA and cover approximately 1.5 miles, all of which is flat. Wear comfortable walking shoes. No charge, but pre-registration is required at ABDNHA’s Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

Lecture: Where it All Began, El Presidio of San Diego
2026-01-17 18:30 - 19:30 | ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Speaker: Author and Historian Richard Carrico
Join Richard Carrico as he explores Alta California’s first Spanish settlement at Presidio Hill in San Diego. Founded in 1769, the ruins of the mission and fort are now beneath the landscaped hills in Presidio Park. Carrico’s newly released book tells the stories of those who lived at the presidio, including the Kumeyaay people. One highlighted story is of Sinusin, a Kumeyaay woman who married a Spanish soldier and raised her family at the presidio. Carrico’s extensive research draws from Spanish archives, Kumeyaay oral traditions, and nearly a decade of archaeological work at the site. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

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Hike: Mountain Palm Springs (Moderate)
2026-01-18 08:00 - 14:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
We will visit not one, not two, not three, but five different palm groves, some of them with up to a hundred trees! 4.5-mile round-trip, 550’ vertical, mostly soft sand, but there are some moderate sections with a bit of bouldering. Be prepared to pay a $10 parking fee. Travel time is 1 1⁄4 hours each way. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 am. Bring lunch/snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.

Hike: California Riding and Hiking Trail Part 2 (Strenuous)
2026-01-19 07:50 - 13:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer
Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 8:00 am to arrange our car shuttle. We’ll drive up to mile 11.2 on Hwy. S22 and leave a set of cars at the Big Spring parking area. We’ll take the rest of the cars down to Hellhole Canyon and start our hike up to Culp Valley Camp. There will be a $10 parking fee for any vehicle parked at Hellhole Canyon if participants don’t have a State Park pass. From here, we hike up the California Riding and Hiking Trail to the Culp Valley Campground Trail, over a small pass, and descend into Dry Canyon, where we’ll pick up a faint social trail. The group will follow Rachel up a hill out of Dry Canyon and eventually pick up a trail that will take us back to the parking area on S22. This hike is approximately six miles with 2500′ of elevation gain, and some steep sections to navigate. Long pants, long sleeves, and hiking poles are strongly recommended. Max. 12 people. Call the Nature Center to reserve.

Hike: Crazycline Canyon Loop (Strenuous)
2026-01-20 08:00 - 16:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
Hike: 5.0 miles, 1000′ gain. A very rocky and interesting canyon. Plenty of rocks and dry waterfalls to go up, over, and around. Many synclines and anticlines, hence the canyon’s name. High clearance vehicles recommended. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks/lunch, water, good hiking shoes, and a good attitude. (Hike statistics subject to change based on group, weather, or other factors.)

Nature Journaling in the Field (Easy)
2026-01-20 09:00 - 12:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Leader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer
Come practice nature journaling in the field with Pam Blake. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot at 9:00 am and set out from there. You’ll need your own supplies and some familiarity with this practice, as this session offers a chance for further nature journaling with a group but without instruction. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve. This activity is repeated on the third Tuesday of each month.

Lecture and Stargazing: Winter Star Clusters
2026-01-20 18:00 - 19:30 | ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Speaker: Randolph Baron
In the winter our night sky is graced by the winter Milky Way and the sky is packed with beautiful star clusters. We will first talk about how these star clusters form and evolve and then head on out to look at some splendid examples. 30-minute lecture followed by stargazing in the ABDNHA garden. In the ABDNHA Library and ABDNHA garden. Registration required. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. Register online at abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

Birding Walk: Sonny Bono Refuge Visitor Center (Easy)
2026-01-22 08:00 - 14:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
Some of the best birding in our area. We will walk out to Rock Hill, two miles round-trip, with no elevation gain. We are likely to see Snow Goose (sometimes in the thousands), Shoveler, Pintail, Teal, Dowitcher, and Burrowing Owl. Travel time is 1 ¼ hours each way. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, binoculars, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.

Lecture: Flash Floods in Semi-Arid Landscapes - FULL (waitlist)
2026-01-23 18:30 - 19:30 | ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Special Earth Sciences Weekend!
Speaker: Suzanne Walther, Ph.D., University of San Diego
PROGRAM IS FULL – PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
It has been said that the two most common ways to die in the desert are from thirst and from drowning. Flash floods are the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S. and many parts of the world, and cause billions of dollars in damage. Dr. Suzanne Walther is a fluvial geomorphologist. She studies rivers, streams, floods, sediment movement, and how the natural flow of water shapes the landscape, interacts with ecosystems, and significantly impacts human development. The focus tonight is on flash floods in semi-arid areas, such as Borrego Springs, where they can occur, the conditions that lead to their formation, the powerful forces they unleash, their effects on water supply and drought, and what can be done to mitigate their destructive impact on human development. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. You can register online at abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

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Field Trip: Ancient Lake Cahuilla - FULL (waitlist)
2026-01-24 08:45 - 12:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Special Earth Science Series!
FIELD TRIP IS FULL – PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist
Leader: John Peterson, Hydrologist and Geologist
Approximately 12,000 years ago, the Colorado River altered its course, forming a massive prehistoric lake known as Lake Cahuilla, which is now the Salton Sea. The lake served as a vital resource for the Cahuilla, Kumeyaay, and Cocopah peoples. Over the centuries, the lake filled and dried up many times. It last filled between 1731 and 1733. Hydrologist John Peterson will lead a half-day field trip to the Salton Sea, where participants can explore the ancient lake’s remnants, including visible “bathtub rings” and fishing traps. Meet at ABDNHA. General Public: $18, Members: $12, Volunteers: $10. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

Lecture: Geology of San Diego County’s Peninsular Ranges
2026-01-24 18:30 - 19:30 | ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Special Earth Science Series!
Speaker: Geologist Don Barrie
Please join Mesa College geology professor and ABDNHA board member, Don Barrie, for this lecture on San Diego County’s Peninsular Ranges, with emphasis on the Laguna Mountains west of Borrego Springs. Don’s lecture will focus on how plate tectonic processes have created the complex collage of igneous and metamorphic rocks exposed both regionally, throughout southeastern California, and locally, in the Lagunas. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. A related field trip is scheduled for Sun., Jan. 25.

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Hike: Moonlight Canyon & Inner Pasture Overlook (Fairly Strenuous)
2026-01-25 08:00 - 14:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Leader: Tom Keffer, ABDNHA Volunteer
This year, we will be hiking the Moonlight Canyon loop. Halfway around, we’ll take a three-mile round-trip side trail (four to six-foot waterfalls, uneven footing, steep sections) to a terrific view of the Inner Pasture. Five miles round-trip, 900’ vertical. Park fee $5. Travel time is one hour each way. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 am. Wear sturdy boots (not tennis shoes). Bring lunch/snacks & water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.

Field Trip: Geology of San Diego County’s Peninsular Ranges - FULL (waitlist)
2026-01-25 09:00 - 15:00 | CA
Special Earth Science Series!
FIELD TRIP IS FULL – PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist
Leader: Geologist Don Barrie
Note the start and end locations detailed below. Don will lead the group on an exploration of the rocks along Sunrise Hwy., west of Borrego Springs. The rocks in this area comprise part of a regional geologic suite known as the Peninsular Ranges Batholith (PRB), which extends from southern Baja, California, northward into the Palm Springs area. We’ll meet near the intersection of Sunrise Hwy. and Interstate 8, then follow Sunrise Hwy. into the Laguna Mountains, stopping to examine rock exposures along the way. The last stop will be in Julian, where the group will tour the Eagle/High Peak gold mine and learn about the gold rush in Julian during the 1870s. On the field trip, we’ll discuss the geologic story of how the gold got into the rocks. During the gold mine tour, we’ll learn how hard-rock miners got the gold out of the rocks. To register, go to www.abdnha.org, or call the Nature Center at 760-767-3098. General Public: $20, Members: $14, Volunteers: $10. Please note that an additional $14 entrance fee per person is required, payable upon entry to the mine.
Start and end locations details: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sun., Jan. 25, ending at the Eagle-High Peak mine in Julian. Meet at 9:00 am along Sunrise Hwy. (County Rd. S1), about 1/4-mile north of the Interstate 8 Sunrise Hwy. exit, in a dirt parking area along the east side of the road. Bring lunch and water. 2WD okay. Please check the local weather in Mt. Laguna and dress accordingly (it may be chilly). Carpooling is highly recommended. Heavy rain or snow cancels. The trip ends at the Eagle-High Peak Mine in Julian.

Short Walk in ABDNHA's Desert Garden
2026-01-25 13:00 - 13:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Leader: Amateur Botanist Kathy Bussey
Join Kathy Bussey for a short stroll around ABDNHA’s desert garden, a peaceful and beautiful spot filled with desert plants from throughout the southwest deserts, trees, cacti, shrubs, and annual flowers, featuring many colorful signs and artwork. The garden begins to bloom in mid-February. Bird activity, artwork, and information panels lend additional color. The garden surface is flat, making it very easy to walk on. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot. Call or drop by the Nature Center to register.

Hike: Mecca Grotto (Fairly Strenuous) - FULL (waitlist)
2026-01-26 08:30 - 12:00 | CA
Leader: Robin Halford, ABDNHA Volunteer
Note the meeting location detailed below. The Mecca grotto collapsed several years ago, so this hike leads to the beginning of the now impassable slot. Expect sandy washes, views of the Salton Sea from the high point of the ridge, as well as a visit to the palm grove on Hidden Spring on the way back. The total hike distance (round-trip) is 5.7 miles. No bouldering, but there are some uneven, steep sections on the ridge. Sturdy shoes recommended. Bring snack/lunch, electrolytes, water, and poles. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit 10.
Driving instructions to the meeting location: Drive North on Hwy. 86 and go right (east) on 66th Ave. Go over the bypass bridge and turn right (east) at the light. Drive 9.9 miles and park just past the jeep road on the right side of Box Canyon Rd. We will meet here. The road is usually OK for 2WD with high clearance.

Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Meeting
2026-01-28 14:00 - 15:00 | CA
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds!
The BRAG club meets every 4th Wed of the month in the Activity Room.
Note: In Nov & Dec, the meeting is on the 3rd Wed due to holidays.

Hike: T-Canyon (Easy to Moderate)
2026-01-29 08:00 - 12:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Hike Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie
A 3-mile hike with 400′ of elevation gain up a local canyon with a “T” at the end, offering two bitter ends for the price of one. Let’s call it “T-Canyon”. It’s located in the Desert Gardens area out Coyote Canyon. Access is via a sandy road that is usually no problem for most 2WD. Bring lunch/snacks and water. Limit 10. Meet at 7:50 a.m. at ABDNHA.

4WD Tour: Culp Valley - Grapevine - Pinyon Mountain (Members Priority) - FULL (waitlist)
2026-01-29 09:00 - 14:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
Level 4 Required – 4WD Higher Clearance**
Join us for an adventure starting at ABDNHA. We’ll head west on S22, air down our tires on Culp Valley Rd., and ascend to 4000 feet, taking Jasper Trail to a scenic overlook. We’ll stop at Stuart Spring and the Angelina Spring Cultural Preserve. Afterward, we’ll turn south at Butler Creek Canyon and finish at Hwy. 78. For part two, we’ll go to Shelter Valley via Scissors Crossing and enjoy a surprise guest and potluck lunch at the Squeeze (please bring a side or dessert!). After lunch, you can return or hike to Heart Attack Hill (1.5 miles).
Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot by 9:00 am. Open to Level 4 4WD vehicles only (no AWD). Ensure your vehicle is in good condition with a full tank of gas. Check the weather and dress appropriately. The trip lasts about five hours. This is a member-priority trip. No charge. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
**Level 4: 4WD Higher Clearance REQUIRED due to deep sand, large rocks, steep sections, large obstacles, or rough conditions

Hike: Borrego Badlands, Billowy Loop (Moderate) - FULL (waitlist)
2026-01-30 08:30 - 12:00 | CA
Leaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks
This loop hike packs a complete badlands experience in just three miles. Appetizer, main course, and dessert! Fabulous, colorful vistas, soft, rounded, billowy mud hills, and steep malpais cliffs; cross-country route-finding and meandering walks in badlands washes in which you may lose all sense of direction. If you love the feeling of being lost in the badlands, this hike will keep you smiling. The hike is rated moderate but involves walking through mud hills and loose dirt, as well as short uphill and downhill scrambles. Meet at the entrance to Palo Verde Wash (S22 mile marker 32.9, 13.7 miles east of Christmas Circle) from where we will carpool in 4WD/AWD vehicles three miles to the start of the hike. No charge. Max: 22. Call to reserve: 760-767-3098.

Hawkwatch Training Session 1
2026-01-30 15:00 - 17:00 | ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
First training session in preparation for the 2026 Borrego Springs Hawkwatch that will begin on Feb. 20. We will begin inside at the ABDNHA Library, followed by a visit to the viewing sites. All are welcome — those interested in finding out more, as well as new and returning volunteers. Please sign up at hawkwatchborregosprings@gmail.com and abdnha2@att.net. Eyes to the sky!

Lecture: The Urban Ecosystem
2026-01-30 18:30 - 19:30 | ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Speaker: Rachel Larsen, Ph.D.
As cities around the world continue to grow, they are increasingly recognized for their potential to incorporate wildlife habitats into the urban environment. Wildlife in cities offers city dwellers a better quality of life by connecting them with nature. Our speaker, Dr. Rachel Larson, is a scientist at the San Diego Natural History Museum and an urban ecologist. She will share insights from her research on what makes cities unique ecosystems, how wild animals are trying to make a living alongside us, and what it will take better to incorporate nature into the world’s concrete jungles. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. You can register online at abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

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Lecture: The Birds of the Salton Sea
2026-01-31 18:30 - 19:30 | ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Speaker: Kurt Leuschner, Natural Sciences Professor, College of the Desert
Join expert birder Kurt Leuschner as he tells the fascinating story of the diverse species of resident and migratory birds that live and visit the Salton Sea. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. You can register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

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Field Trip: The Birds & Other Wonders of the Salton Sea - FULL (waitlist)
2026-02-01 07:30 - 15:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
FIELD TRIP IS FULL – PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Leader: Kurt Leuschner, College of the Desert
Meet at 7:30 am in the ABDNHA parking lot for carpooling. Bring a lunch and full tank of gas. We will explore the south end of the Salton Sea, stopping at various sites along the way, including Ocotillo Wells Discovery Center, Vendel Road (Unit One), Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters for lunch, Garst Road near Red Hill Marina, the mud volcanoes, and more. Return to Borrego Springs around 3-4 pm. General Public: $20, Members: $16, Volunteers: $12. You can register online at www.abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

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Full Moon Walk: South Palm Wash (Easy)
2026-02-02 18:00 - 21:00 | ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Leader: Mike McElhatton, ABDNHA Education Director
Join ABDNHA’s Program Director Mike McElhatton on this month’s Full Moon Walk in South Palm Wash. Experience the unique and serene beauty of moonlight on the canyon walls as we take a 1.5-mile walk through South Palm Wash. Mostly a fairly easy walk, with a few moderate areas that require “big steps” on inclines. We meet at the ABDNHA Library and carpool from there. A flashlight, water, and good hiking shoes are required. Limit 22. Activity cancels if cloud cover limits the moonlight. No charge. Call the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve.

Hike: Casino Hike - Lots of Slots! (Strenuous) - FULL (waitlist)
2026-02-03 08:00 - 15:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
Hike, six miles, 900’ gain. The lucky people who join us on this hike will go through four, yes, four slot canyons! There are a few challenging dry waterfalls to go up and one steep, rocky area to climb. After two stops, we’ll be at Calcite Mine, followed by two more stops on the way back. A really fun hike! AWD cars can drive to the start of the hike in South Palm Wash. Regular cars can park at the top and walk 0.2 miles to the start of the hike. No charge. Max 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 am. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
