Please review our hiker info page to familiarize yourself with hiker safety rules and our hike ratings so that you can select hikes that meet your level of fitness. Unless specified otherwise in the activity descriptions below, hikes have a 15 person limit, and they begin in the ABDNHA parking lot.
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.
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL.
Speaker: Dave Blanchet, (ret.) Hydrologist
First there was the geology, and then came the flood. The Salton Sea is located along the San Andreas Fault, and it is geology that repeatedly created and drained a vast natural lake over millions of years, called Lake Cahuilla, in what is now the Imperial Valley. Starting in the 20th century, agriculture began to flourish in California’s Imperial Valley, and diversion canals were dug to divert water from the Colorado River into the dry desert. But the wild nature of the Colorado River soon took the upper hand. Events went horribly awry as record-breaking floodwaters destroyed the manmade dams and canals, and the full flow of the Colorado River flowed unabated into the Salton Trough for two years. Only through immense effort was the flooding finally stopped, and the Colorado River returned to its course, flowing into the Sea of Cortez. Tonight’s speaker, Dave Blanchet, is a retired hydrologist from Anchorage, Alaska, and a lifetime member of ABDNHA. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. Please register at www.abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer
HIKE IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 8 a.m. to carpool to a parking area South of Blair Valley. Parking is limited there, so we need to take as few cars as possible. The hike up Hornblende Canyon is fairly flat in the beginning, but you'll need to be able to navigate a few small dry waterfalls until we reach a 40-foot-high dry waterfall and our turnaround point. We'll eat lunch here and then return the way we came. This hike will be limited to 15 people. Call the Nature Center to reserve.
Leader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer
HIKE IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
A mile east of Arroyo Salado, on the North side of S-22, lie the unique Truckhaven Rocks, a Swiss cheese sandstone formation. This 2.3-mile round-trip hike skirts the West side of the Rocks. We will walk up a sandy wash that eventually narrows between weathered sandstone walls. The hike is easy. However, there is one 3-foot dry waterfall that we need to climb up. Meet at ABDNHA and be willing to carpool. 2WD OK. Bring water, snacks, a hat, and sturdy boots. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit 18 people.
Speaker: Dr. Neil Farber
Just as fossils on Earth are remnants of past life forms, there are astronomical fossils in space dating back to the early days of the Solar System that may provide insights into how the Solar System and life itself originated. NASA is conducting a multitude of missions to study asteroids, aiming to enhance our understanding of the Solar System and explore ways to mitigate the threats posed by potential collisions with Earth. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. You can register online at www.abdnhaorg or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098. Held in the ABDNHA Library.
Leader: Tom Keffer, ABDNHA Volunteer
We start with a pleasant hike up well-shaded Plum Canyon, but then after a mile, we’ll head off-trail up a rough canyon, heading for the summit of Sentenac Mountain. The views on top are sweeping. The descent rejoins the Plum Canyon trail about a half mile from the parking area. 3 mi. RT, 800’ vertical. Steep with an occasional cholla. Sandy 1.5-mile access road, suitable for most 2WD. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Wear sturdy boots (no tennies!) and long pants. Bring lunch/snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit 10 people.
Leader: Amateur Botanist Kathy Bussey
Join Kathy Bussey for a short stroll around ABDNHA’s 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. Also presented on Jan. 25.
Leader: Bruce Kelley, ABDNHA Volunteer
HIKE IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.and see if
This walk will explore ancient rocks that were split from the Santa Rosa Mountains and uplifted due to tectonic action, located just northwest of S-22, near the Salton Sea. This is a moderate+ 3-mile hike mostly in Truckhaven Wash, circling behind the main rocks visible from the highway. We will leave that wash and cross a ridge to emerge in Coachwhip Canyon. The last part up and the first part down the ridge are steep. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes & you may want a stick (I’ll have several extras). Bring your AWD or 4WD vehicle if possible. We are going to do a shuttle hike. Meet in the parking lot of ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m.
Leader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer
PROGRAM IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
This is a variation on Pam’s ambles, focused on plants. We will take a leisurely stroll through the desert, discussing various plant adaptations that enable them to thrive in this challenging environment. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9:30 and return by noon after a relatively short and easy walk. Call the Nature Center to reserve. Activity repeats 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds! The BRAG club field trip is every 2nd Wed, meeting in the ABDNHA parking lot. Note: Field trips may start at 8:00 am or 9:00 am, depending on the destination. We usually try to get back to Borrego around 3:00 pm.
Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer
TOUR IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Level 4 Short Wheel Base Vehicle only ** see vehicle information
We meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9 a.m., then caravan to the trailhead at Fish Creek. We will drive 18 miles through deep sand in the canyon to reach our destination, where we will have lunch and explore. We will return by the same route to the paved road. Bring food and water. Wear weather-appropriate clothes, a hat, and a chair. We will be using 2-way GRMS radios on channel 15. No charge. This is a member-priority trip. Stop by or call the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098.
** Level 4: 4WD REQUIRED due to deep sand, large rocks, steep sections, large obstacles, or rough conditions
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 RT, 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 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.
Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer
Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 8 a.m. 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 & 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 6 miles with 2500 ft of elevation gain, and some steep sections to navigate. Long pants, long sleeves, and hiking poles are strongly recommended. Max. 12 people. Call to reserve.
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.)
Leader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer
Come practice nature journaling in the field with Pam Blake. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot at 9 a.m. 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.
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.
Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
Some of the best birding in our area. We will walk out to Rock Hill, 2 miles RT, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.
Special Earth Science Series
FIELD TRIP IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA to get on waitlist
*Note the start and end locations in the description below!
Leader: Geologist Don Barrie
Don will lead the group on an exploration of the rocks along Sunrise Highway, 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 Highway and Interstate 8, then follow Sunrise Highway 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, www.abdnha.org, or 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.
Field Trip Details: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sun., Jan. 25, ending at the Eagle-High Peak mine in Julian. Meet at 9 a.m. along Sunrise Highway (County Road S1), about 1/4 mi north of the Interstate 8 Sunrise Highway 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.
Leader: Amateur Botanist Kathy Bussey
Join Kathy Bussey for a short stroll around ABDNHA’s 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.
Leader: Robin Halford, ABDNHA Volunteer
HIKE IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Note the meeting location. 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 Road. We will meet here. The road is usually OK for 2WD with high clearance.
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 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.
Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
TOUR IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Level 4 Short Wheel Base Vehicle only ** see vehicle information
Level 4 – 4WD Higher Clearance
Join us for an adventure starting at ABDNHA. We’ll head west on S22, air down our tires on Culp Valley Road, 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 a.m. Open to Level 4 4WD vehicles only (no AWD). Ensure your vehicle is in good condition with a full tank. Check the weather and dress appropriately. The trip lasts about 5 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
Leaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks
HIKE IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Leader: Kurt Leuschner, College of the Desert
Meet at 7:30 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 p.m. General Public: $20, Members: $16, Volunteers: $12. You can register online at www.abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
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.
Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
HIKE IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Hike, 6 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 a.m. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
Leaders: Pat Matthews and Selden McKee, ABDNHA Volunteers
This activity repeats on the first Tuesdays of the month to explore nature journaling in the ABDNHA garden and in the field until noon. No experience necessary—just a curiosity about the natural world. Participants will need a small, unlined journal, a pencil, an eraser, a micron pen, colored pencils or a compact watercolor set, and a chair. We will be outdoors, so a sun hat, water, and a snack are recommended. Meet in the parking lot of ABDNHA. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.
Trip Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie
HIKE IS FULL - Please call ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist
There are only a handful of year-round springs in the Anza-Borrego park and we will be hiking to one of them. Located up Grapevine Canyon, Bitter Creek Spring is tiny, but remote and delightful. It often attracts many birds and other wildlife. With luck, we may also see some desert blooms. 3 mi RT, 500’ vertical. Sandy 2 mi access road, suitable for most SUVs. Optional side trip to visit Angelina Springs, 2.5 mi farther up the road. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit 10.
Program is full - please call ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Lovely ramble up Glorietta Canyon with volunteer Amy Brewster. About 2 mile hike, stopping at an overlook of Borrego Valley, and then take time to write. Option to share your writing. Bring writing materials, such as a small notebook. Max: 10 people. Meet at ABDNHA to carpool. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
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.
Speaker: Don Barrie, ABDNHA Board Member
Join Geologist, traveler, and photographer Don Barrie for this fascinating recap of his recent trip to Romania. Last summer, Don traveled to Romania for two weeks as a photographer for the Global Neighborhood Project, a San Diego-based organization dedicated to citizen diplomacy. During the trip, he met with students and faculty at a Hungarian-language school in Romania’s Transylvania region. He also photographed locals in a remote farming village outside Brasov, Romania, as they shared their stories and explained their way of life. For this informal talk, Don will share his photographs and his overall first impressions of this land of striking beauty and rich history. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. Register online at abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Leader: Don Rideout, Coordinator, Desert Botany Club
PROGRAM IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist
Short Lecture and Field Trip (Easy walk, okay for all vehicles)
An offering of the new Botany Club, these walks will focus on the plants of Anza-Borrego Desert, with locations varying depending on where we find the most interesting plants. Our pace will be generally slow, allowing plenty of time for plant identification, questions, discussion, and photography. All levels of knowledge are welcome, including children. Meet at ABDNHA; carpool as best we can, as we head to the field trip site. No Charge. Space is limited. Register at the Nature Center or call 760-767-3098.
During this club meeting, we will visit the viewing locations of three club members involved with astrophotography to see the equipment they use and share information. This is an advanced activity for club members and others involved in astrophotography, or those looking to get started. No fee, but register with the Nature Center if you plan to attend so we know how many people to expect. 760-767-3098.
Speaker: Madhukar (Maud) Rao, Ph.D.
Rare earth elements have been very much in the news recently, but what exactly are they? What are they used for? Why are they so uniquely essential? Where do they come from? How are they processed? And, why does the U.S. import about 80 percent of them, despite their importance? Dr. Rao is a retired Chemical Engineer and currently serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for Workforce Development at Innovation Impact Partners, LLC. He has more than 36 years of industrial R&D experience with major chemical and semiconductor materials companies. Maud volunteers as a math and science teacher and as a docent at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, and enjoys engineering, history, and teaching. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, ABDNHA Volunteers: $8. Register at abdnha.org or the Nature Center at 760-767-3098.
Leaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks
Join us on this moderate seven-mile loop hike as we experience badlands vistas from three iconic Borrego Badlands viewpoints: The Bench, Font's Point, and Inspiration Point. As a bonus, we will examine a prominence that Bill Sullivan dubbed Pointed Hill and contemplate routes to the top. The hike route is cross-country and through lightly trodden washes around Font’s Wash and Inspiration Wash. There are a couple of short scrambles. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Meet at 8:00 am at the entrance to Inspiration Wash (S22 mile 28.4, 9.2 miles east of Christmas Circle) from where we will carpool in 4WD/AWD vehicles a short distance to the start of the hike. Max: 22. No charge; call or stop by the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098.
Leader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer
HIKE IS FULL - please call ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist
Surround yourself with the natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Clark Dry Lake, and the Borrego Badlands on this easy 2.5-mile round-trip hike. We will drive up Inspiration Wash, then hike up an unnamed wash to the man-made memorial bench for a 360-degree view. It is an easy hike, except for the final short ascent up a sandy wash to the bench. AWD or 4WD OK. Meet at ABDNHA to carpool. No charge; call or stop by the Nature Center to reserve.
Leader: Rachel Rench
HIKE IS CANCELLED
Please meet at 7:30 A.M. at the ABDNHA parking lot to arrange carpools to our parking area in Mason Valley. We'll follow the historic Box Canyon route used by the Mormon Battalion, the Southern Overland Stage route, Gold Rush explorers, and finally part of the California Riding and Hiking Trail. And now, you! Before we reach Blair Valley, we'll climb out of the canyon and up to the old Feldman Mine. After a lunch break, we'll return the way we came. This hike is 6.25 miles long, with a 900 ft elevation gain, and will be limited to 15 people. No charge, but registration is required. Call to reserve at 760-767-3098.
Leader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer
PROGRAM IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
This is a variation on Pam’s ambles, focused on plants. We will enjoy a stroll through the desert, discussing different plant adaptations to living in this challenging environment. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9:30 am, and be back before noon after a relatively short, easy walk. Call the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098. Activity repeats 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds! The BRAG club field trip is every 2nd Wed, meeting in the ABDNHA parking lot. Note: Field trips may start at 8:00 am or 9:00 am, depending on the destination. We usually try to get back to Borrego around 3:00 pm.
Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
TOUR IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Level 4 Required – 4WD High Clearance**
We'll meet at 9:00 am at the south entrance to Canyon Sin Nombre, off the S2, 34 miles south of SR78 (Scissors Crossing), about 0.6 miles south of Sweeney Pass. We'll brief and air down before starting our journey within ABDSP. We'll travel 13 miles on Canyon Sin Nombre to Vallecito Creek Road, then to Arroyo Seco del Diablo, reaching the Diablo drop-off, which has both easy and challenging descents. From there, we’ll head north to Split Mountain Road, where our trip ends. Expect rocky roads, washboard, soft sand, and mild challenges. Lunch is BYO, and a stop will be made. Check the weather and dress accordingly. Bring water and a full tank of gas. GMRS channel 15 is optional. 4WD is required; no AWD. This is a members-priority trip. Visit the Nature Center or call to reserve: 760-767-3098.
** Level 4: 4WD High Clearance REQUIRED due to deep sand, large rocks, steep sections, large obstacles, or rough conditions
This presentation is postponed to a later date. The new date will be posted here as soon as possible
Speaker: Geologist Don Barrie
Please join Mesa College geology professor and ABDNHA board member, Don Barrie, for his repeat 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. GP $12, M $10, V $8 (per connection).
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.
Speaker: David Whitley, Ph.D.
The meanings of pictographs and petroglyphs have long been a mystery to most people, including archaeologists. The result has been a series of supposedly common-sense guesses, like “hunting magic” or “maps to water,” that were offered because people claimed Native Americans themselves did not know why these sites were made or how they were used. But the unpublished field notes of the state’s Native American tribes — the ethnographic record — some dating back to the 1870s, together with extensive published research, paint a different picture. With substantial research to identify and compile this widely scattered information, Dr. Whitley will explain how a clear understanding of the origins, meanings, and uses of the sites results, providing a better understanding and appreciation of the remarkable artistic and intellectual record of California rock art. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, ABDNHA Volunteers: $8. Register at abdnha.org or the Nature Center at 760-767-3098.
Leader: Bruce Kelley, ABDNHA Volunteer
HIKE IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
This hike is located in Blair Valley, off S2, and involves a 45-minute drive from the ABDNHA parking lot, with the last five miles on a jeep road that is rough in places and requires 4WD/high clearance. This is a three-mile (round-trip) hike past pictographs and a native American village to a beautiful overlook. Bring water, sunscreen, good shoes, and a 4WD vehicle. Carpooling is encouraged. Meet in the parking lot of ABDNHA no later than 7:50 am. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.
Leader: Marlin Burke, Naturalist Volunteer
We meet at ABDNHA and then carpool to Coyote Creek, where we explore the history of Native Americans and early settlers, geology, paleontology, Plant life, Coyote Creek itself, and whatever else catches our attention. Easy walking; driving on a dirt road. High clearance 2WD or SUV acceptable due to dirt road with possible rocks or potholes. No charge, but registration is required. Call or visit the ABDNHA Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Leaders: Selden McKee, ABDNHA Volunteer
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.
Speaker: David Whitley, Ph.D.
Few aspects of our archaeological past are more intriguing than the ancient cave paintings and engravings of France and Spain. These are exemplified by the remarkable murals in sites such as Lascaux, Altamira, and Chauvet caves, which date from roughly 14,000 to 35,000 years ago. They, and similar sites, are widely regarded as signaling both the first “creative explosion” in human history, as indicated by the earliest true masterpieces of art, as well as the origins of religious beliefs and practices.
In tonight’s presentation, Dr. Whitley will discuss his extensive research into cave art and how he has brought two distinct sciences together to find answers. The first part begins with archaeological data that suggest when, where, and why this phenomenon may have first emerged in human history. The second part involves investigating the cognitive sciences to understand why religious beliefs are found in every culture, at all time periods. This is not to determine the veracity of religious belief, which is a matter of personal faith, but to explain why religious and spiritual beliefs are universal to the human experience. Whether it is the result of biology or divine inspiration, aspects of human cognition have caused us to believe in gods, spirits, and spirit worlds from the earliest days of humanity. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, ABDNHA Volunteers: $8. Register at abdnha.org or the Nature Center at 760-767-3098.
Leaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks
PROGRAM IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
We will take the east fork of Truckhaven Wash. At about three-quarters of a mile, we will come to a boulder blockage that we will crawl our way through. An easy scramble then takes us over to Arroyo Salado. We will do an out-and-back exploration of this lightly visited portion of Arroyo Salado. On the way back, we will climb out of Arroyo Salado and visit the Elephant, a Native American solstice site. Here, you will have an opportunity to scale some of the iconic uplifted slanting Truckhaven Rocks. We complete the lollipop by returning via the east fork of Truckhaven. This six-mile hike is rated moderate, with one place where you will have to get down on your hands and knees. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Meet at 8:30 am at the ABDNHA Nature Center. We will carpool to the trailhead, as parking on the shoulder at Truckhaven Wash is limited. Max: 22. No charge, call or stop by to reserve, 760-767-3098.
Leader: Amateur Botanist Kathy Bussey
Join Kathy Bussey for a short stroll around ABDNHA’s 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.
Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
Hike five miles, 800’ gain. We will hike to all six oases and Torote Bowl. Lots of endangered elephant trees and six beautiful palm groves. A bit steep and rocky to Torote Bowl. One hour, 15 minute drive to trailhead. $10 parking fee. Short, unpaved road ok for any vehicle. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 am. Bring lunch/snacks, water, good hiking shoes. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
Leader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer
Come practice nature journaling in the field with Pam Blake. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot at 9 a.m. 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.
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.
Second training session in preparation for the 2026 Borrego Springs Hawkwatch that will begin on Feb. 21. 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!
Speaker: Melissa Merrick, Ph.D, Researcher, San Diego Zoo and Wildlife Alliance
Dr. Merrick will present an update of her presentation last year about her research of the Desert Tortoise Recovery Program at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, highlighting a partnership with The Living Desert Zoo to raise larger, less vulnerable juvenile tortoises for release. The research focuses on various aspects of juvenile tortoises, including personality, anti-predator trainability, thermal ecology, and the impact of release-site selection on predation risk. In the ABDNHA library. GP $12, M $10, V $8. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Register here for the program.
Speaker: Don Barrie, Geoscience Educator, ABDNHA Board Member
Join Don Barrie for this moderate 5-mile loop hike to Ash Wash, a tributary of Coyote Canyon. Our destination will be the Bishop Tuff—an ash layer deposited around 760,000 years ago when an enormous volcanic eruption created the Long Valley Caldera in the eastern Sierras. During this eruption, huge volumes of ash were blown into the atmosphere, resulting in widespread deposition as far away as the Midwest. At the entrance to Ash Wash, we’ll examine the Coyote Creek Fault—the western branch of the San Jacinto Fault Zone. Max 23 people (carpooling is encouraged). Bring lunch and water. 4WD vehicle recommended. Hiking poles, if you have them. Meet at ABDNHA. No charge, but registration is required at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer
PROGRAM IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Level 4 Short Wheel Base Vehicle only**
We meet for our trip at ABDNHA parking lot at 9:00am. Leaving Borrego Springs, we caravan west on Highway S22 for 7 miles and enter the trailhead at Old Culp Valley Rd. Next we turn onto Jasper Trail and then the Grapevine Trail. We stop at our destination of Yaqui Flats. If winter rains were sufficient, there will be abundant flowers. When leaving, we continue to Yaqui Well and highway 78. Bring food and water. Wear weather-appropriate clothes, and bring a hat and chair. We will using 2-way GMRS radios on channel 15. No charge. This is a members priority trip. Stop by or call the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098.
**Level 4 4WD REQUIRED due to deep sand, large rocks, steep sections, large obstacles, or rough conditions
Leader: Don Rideout, Coordinator, Desert Botany Club
Short Lecture and Field Trip (Easy walk, okay for all vehicles)
An offering of the new Botany Club, these walks will focus on the plants of Anza-Borrego Desert, with locations varying depending on where we find the most interesting plants. Our pace will be generally slow, allowing plenty of time for plant identification, questions, discussion, and photography. All levels of knowledge are welcome, including children. Meet at ABDNHA; carpool as best we can, as we head to the field trip site. No Charge. Space is limited. Register at the Nature Center or call 760-767-3098.
Speaker: Botanist Kate Harper
Discover the hidden wonders behind five desert favorites—Ocotillo, Honey Mesquite, Barrel Cactus, Creosote, and Dune Evening Primrose—with Botanist Kate Harper. Prepare to be captivated and surprised by fascinating facts and little-known secrets that will change how you see these remarkable plants. An extensive handout is included. In the ABDNHA library. GP $12, M $10, V $8. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Register here for the program.
Speaker: Dr. Randolph Baron
The seasons change, and so do the stars above. Tonight, we will talk about and then look at several different kinds of astronomical objects, from nebulae thousands of light-years away to galaxies millions of light-years away! We will first have a lecture on tonight’s targets in the sky, then go outside to have a look through the telescopes. GP $12, M $10, V $8. Register online, visit, or call us at 760-767-3098.
Register here for the program.
Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer
Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 8 a.m. to drive to the slot parking area. This area has a day-use fee, so we'll try to take as few cars as possible. Starting out from the parking area, we'll follow the ridge and climb up to West Butte to admire the view of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the Salton Sea, and the Vallecito Mountains. We backtrack a bit after the summit and follow an informal trail down to Borrego Mountain Wash. We'll follow the wash to the bottom of The Slot and climb up to the parking area to finish our outing. Expect a 5-mile hike with 700 ft of elevation gain and loss. This trip will be limited to 15 people. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
Leader: Robin Halford
Hike is FULL - please call ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist
Blake Hill is one of the few named entities in the Mecca wilderness and an area where desert tortoises might be found. The first part of the hike includes a wash, a slot canyon, and a very steep 0.1-mile climb up to a ridge. Then there is a descent on an abandoned jeep road, followed by a walk on Box Canyon Road to the cars. The total hike distance is 6.3 miles (loop). Expect lots of uneven ground, some of it rocky. There is no bouldering, but there are some uneven, steep sections on the ridge. Sturdy shoes recommended. Bring snack/lunch, electrolytes, water, and poles. Limit 10. Driving instructions: 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 11.3 miles, and park on the left side of Box Canyon Road. We will meet here. The road is usually OK for 2WD with high clearance. Call 760-767-3098 or visit the Nature Center.
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.
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.
Speaker: Michael Poirier
Michael Poirier’s presentation will include many images of galaxies, nebulae, planets, and other celestial objects taken from his observatory in Borrego Springs and other locations in Southern California. He will also give a brief explanation on how he captures and processes these images.
Michael says he still doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up. Educated in the U.S. and Switzerland, he served as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy before embarking on a successful career as a biotech executive and entrepreneur. Through it all, he has always been interested in astronomy. “My interest in astronomy began when I was a teenager. One night, I looked up at the stars through binoculars and noticed that one was a large, fuzzy blob. Later, I found out that it was the Andromeda Galaxy. Ever since then, I have become passionate about it and have focused on astrophotography.” GP $12, M $10, V $8. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Register here for the program.
Leader: Marlin Burke, Naturalist Volunteer
We meet at ABDNHA and then carpool to Coyote Creek, where we explore the history of Native Americans and early settlers, geology, paleontology, Plant life, Coyote Creek itself, and whatever else catches our attention. Easy walking; driving on a dirt road. High clearance 2WD or SUV acceptable due to dirt road with possible rocks or potholes. No charge, but registration is required. Call or visit the ABDNHA Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Special Earth Science Series!
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 at 8:15 am. General Public: $18, Members: $12, Volunteers: $10. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Register here for the field trip.
Leader: Professional Photographer Sandy Zelasko
Join Sandy Zelasko, for this casual walk around town as she and the group find interesting subject matter and photograph it in different ways. This is open to all experience levels and all levels of equipment, including smartphone cameras. Meet at ABDNHA. No charge, but registration is required. Call 760-767-3098 or visit the Nature Center.
Speaker: Cathy Chambers, Volunteer
Many hundreds of years ago, there was nothing close to a store in all of North America. The people living here before that time needed materials for clothing, storage containers, food, tools, and other essentials to build living structures. All of these materials were gathered and processed into the items they needed. Groups traded with each other for what they needed, offering what they had in surplus in exchange. In this presentation, you will see and handle samples of plants and the objects made from them that were used in everyday life in the surrounding desert. Cathy Chambers is a lifelong naturalist who studied ethnobotany for her personal and professional development, starting her career decades ago here in Anza-Borrego. GP $12, M $10, V $8. You can register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Register here for the program.
Speaker: James W. Cornett, Desert Ecologist, Author
While hiking alone in the Baboquivari Mountains of southern Arizona, Jim Cornett came face to face with a mountain lion that had stalked him down a mountainside. The confrontation lasted nearly forty-five minutes, with the cougar lunging at Jim several times, in an attempt to get him to turn and run. Join Jim as he recounts the frightening experience and explains what he did right and what he did wrong in his encounter with the largest of resident American felines. Along the way, Jim will describe the natural history of mountain lions, the threat they pose to humans (real and imagined), and their future in an increasingly urban world. Free for ABDNHA members, all others $10 at the door of the Performing Arts Center. Seating is first-come, first-served.
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.
Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
Hike 10 miles with 1000' gain on a loop starting with 3 miles on a jeep road up Rockhouse Canyon. Reach Hidden Spring, ascend to Jackass Flat, cross the flat, come down Butler Canyon. 4WD highly recommended, preference given to 4WD vehicles. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch, snacks, water. Limit 15. Reserve at 760-767-3098.
Leaders: Pat Matthews and Selden McKee, ABDNHA Volunteers
This activity repeats on the first Tuesdays of the month to explore nature journaling in the ABDNHA garden and in the field until noon. No experience necessary—just a curiosity about the natural world. Participants will need a small, unlined journal, a pencil, an eraser, a micron pen, colored pencils or a compact watercolor set, and a chair. We will be outdoors, so a sun hat, water, and a snack are recommended. Meet in the parking lot of ABDNHA. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.
Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
Join us for the “Worm Moon” rising as viewed from Font’s Point. The sun’s low angle should offer striking views of the Borrego badlands, Ocotillo Wells, and the Salton Sea. We will meet in the ABDNHA parking lot at 4:15 p.m. for a quick briefing, then shove off East on the S-22 to Font’s Point Wash turnoff. From there, we will travel on washboard and through some sandy washes for about 4 miles to a park less than 100 yards from the overlook. The point can be breezy. Please, check the weather and dress accordingly. Bring a chair, camera, beverage, and snack to enjoy with the moonrise at 6:16 p.m. We will leave Font’s Point by 7 p.m. to return to S22, where our journey ends. This portion will be at night and offer a different perspective off-road. Have a full tank of fuel and have 4WD (AWD is OK). GMRS Radio Ch. 15 is optional. This trip is weather-dependent. 22 participants, 10 vehicles max. No charge. Register at the Nature Center, or call 760-767-3098.
Leader: Ken Wuytens, ABDNHA Volunteer
Join us for this session demonstrating practical 4X4 equipment and tools, and how to use them. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot, then drive to a nearby location for our session, designed to provide instruction for those just starting their 4-wheeling adventures, as well as for those with moderate skill levels. We will discuss topics such as airing down, treading lightly, general trail safety, trail etiquette, basic recovery, and driving/spotting techniques. The number of people and vehicles and people is limited. Expected to fill quickly; call or visit the ABDNHA Nature Center to reserve your spot, 760-767-3098. Following the session, Ken plans a short trail ride; route to be determined. Those attending are welcome to join, with a return to Borrego Springs by approx. 3:30 p.m. If you plan to join the ride, be sure to have a full tank of gas, lunch, and water. This is a free program provided by ABDNHA, but donations are appreciated.
Leader: Amy Brewster
“I only went for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found I was really going in.” -- John Muir
Join writer/naturalist Amy Brewster for a lovely ramble up Glorietta Canyon. We will hike about 2 miles, stopping at an overlook of Borrego Valley, and then take time to write. Some sections of incline and loose rocks. Option to share your writing if the spirit moves. Please bring writing materials, such as a small notebook. Max: 10 people. Meet at ABDNHA to carpool. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
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.
Speaker: Michael Wilken-Robertson, Anthropologist
Indigenous people of northern Baja California share ancient cultural and linguistic ties with other Yuman groups of southern California and Arizona. Over the millennia, native peoples developed richly elaborate cosmologies in which the earth, sky, plants, and animals were infused with spirit; these narratives were passed along through myths, legends, stories, and song. In this lively talk, we will hear examples of storytelling from the Kumeyaay, Paipai, and Kiliwa peoples that Wilken-Robertson has worked with for over 40 years in Baja California. The narratives will be considered in their cultural context to help us better understand the meanings embedded in them and why the particular narratives passed down for generations remain compelling to listeners today.
Anthropologist Michael Wilken-Robertson has developed lifelong collaborative relationships with native artists and traditional authorities to foster cultural revitalization and sustainable community development in northern Baja. He has taught in the anthropology department at California State University, San Marcos. His fascination with native plants and the natural landscapes of the Californias have inspired him to explore the many ways that humans have interacted with their environments, from the ancient past to the present. Michael resides in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. In the ABDNHA Library. GP $12, M $10, V $8. Register online, or call us at 760-767-3098.
Register here for the program.
Leader: Don Rideout, Coordinator, Desert Botany Club
Short Lecture and Field Trip (Easy walk, okay for all vehicles)
An offering of the new Botany Club, these walks will focus on the plants of Anza-Borrego Desert, with locations varying depending on where we find the most interesting plants. Our pace will be generally slow, allowing plenty of time for plant identification, questions, discussion, and photography. All levels of knowledge are welcome, including children. Meet at ABDNHA; carpool as best we can, as we head to the field trip site. No Charge. Space is limited. Register at the Nature Center or call 760-767-3098.
Speaker: Professional Photographer Sandy Zelasko
Capturing ordinary subjects in unique and unexpected ways often yields interesting images. In today’s session, led by professional photography instructor Sandy Zelasko, we do just that. Sandy will lead the group to a location of her choice and explore ways to take compelling photos of the subject matter. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned professional, and regardless of the equipment you possess, everyone is encouraged to attend. Class size is limited to 15. Meet in the ABDNHA Library. GP $40, M $25, V $22. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Register here for the program.
Speaker: Don Endicott
Don is a volunteer naturalist with a special interest in bats and bat research. He records bat echolocation sounds and submits them to the San Diego Natural History Museum's acoustics collection, as well as for research and analysis in commercial bat software. Don began conducting this acoustic research on the park's bat population in early 2020, following a fire in Borrego Palm Canyon. If time and conditions permit, he will lead the group outdoors after the lecture to see if he can detect the calls of active bats. At the ABDNHA Library. GP $12, M $10, V $8. Register online, or call the Nature Center at 760-767-3098.
Register here for the program.
Speaker: Hal Cohen, Hawkwatch founder
Learn about the Swainson's Hawk and its incredible 6,000-mile migration from Argentina to the skies above Borrego Springs, on its way to Alaska. Hal will share highlights of this migration, hawk natural history, hawkwatch history, and invite your participation in the hawkwatch. Following the talk, interested participants are invited to attend the evening watch (one hour before sunset to dark). ABDNHA Library. GP $12, M $10, V $8. Register at abdnha.org or call us at 760-767-3098.
Register here for the program.
Speaker: Botanist Kate Harper
Is there such a thing as ADULT botany? Botanist Kate Harper says there is as she explains in her presentation how human sex and plant sex have surprising comparisons – and even more surprising differences! Come experience a racy romp through the world of plant sex. An extensive handout is included. In the ABDNHA Library. GP $12, M $10, V $8. You can register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Register here for the program.
Leader: Bruce Kelley
Hornblende canyon is a beautiful canyon with interesting rock features along the way. This is also one of the best places in the park to see Dudleya. (See the Dudleya Presentation on March 13.) This beautiful succulent grows in several places along Hornblende Canyon. Meet in the parking lot of ABDNHA no later than 7:50 a.m. Call the Nature Center to reserve.
Leader: Pam Blake
This is a variation on Pam’s ambles, focused on plants. We will enjoy a slow stroll through the desert, discussing various plant adaptations to life in this challenging environment. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9:30 and be back before noon after a relatively short and easy walk. Call the Nature Center to reserve. Activity repeats 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds! The BRAG club field trip is every 2nd Wed, meeting in the ABDNHA parking lot. Note: Field trips may start at 8:00 am or 9:00 am, depending on the destination. We usually try to get back to Borrego around 3:00 pm.