Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers

Typically, the Torote Tree (Elephant Tree) grows only in the harshest deserts of Mexico, but we have a small population here in Anza-Borrego, its northernmost range. 3 mi RT, 600’ vertical, sandy tread with a few loose rocks and step-ups. Travel time is 75 minutes each way; not suitable for passenger cars, but okay for high-clearance all-wheel drive SUVs. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.

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 Dec. 20, Jan. 11, and Jan. 25.

Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer

Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 7:50 a.m. to depart promptly at 8 a.m. to set up a car shuttle. We'll leave a set of cars at Culp Valley Camp, then drive up to the Jasper Trail, park the rest of the vehicles, and begin hiking. We'll hike 3 miles down the trail toward Culp Valley Camp, then turn west to explore the Peña Spring area and the top of Hellhole Canyon. Then, we’ll head back to Culp Valley and the first set of cars. We'll hike approximately 5.5 miles mostly downhill, with about 500 feet of elevation gain at the end. The route may be overgrown, making long pants, long sleeves, and hiking poles recommended. Limited to 12 people. Call the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098.

Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub, ABDNHA Volunteers

Hike 4 miles, 500’ gain. Hike with us cross-country up Juanito Canyon to the top. There are plenty of big rocks to scramble up and around, but nothing too difficult. Then we descend the trail through pretty Glorietta Canyon and walk 0.6 miles on the road back to the cars. Dirt road suitable for all cars. Max 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks and water. 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: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer

Rated 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 Fish Creek trailhead. We travel 12 miles to the entrance of Sandstone Canyon, then drive 1.5 miles to the end of the jeep trail, where we will take lunch and take photos. We will return by the same route to the paved road. Bring food and water. Wear weather-appropriate clothes and bring a hat and chair.  We will be using 2-way GRMS radios on channel 15. No charge. Space limited. This is a member-priority trip. To register, call or visit the ABDNHA Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

** Level 4: 4WD with short wheel base REQUIRED due to deep sand, large rocks, steep sections, large obstacles, or rough conditions

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.

THIS HIKE IS CANCELLED.

Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers

We will be visiting two sites along the west shore of the Salton Sea, which can be very hit-or-miss. We have been treated to a 30-minute spectacle of a Sora feeding at our feet, but occasionally, if hunters are in the area, we've seen very little. Fortunately, most of the time we see Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, Sora, Stilts, Grebes, Dowitchers, and lots of peeps, between the two sites, about 1.5 miles total walking, no elevation gain, excellent footing. Travel time in each direction is about one hour.  Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 am. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Bring lunch/snacks, water, and binoculars.

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.

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. 11, and Jan. 25.

Speaker: Astronomer Randolph Baron

What in "heavens" is a star factory? Join us and find out. In the ABDNHA library. General Public $12, Members $10, Volunteers $8. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.  Half-hour lecture followed by stargazing. Stargazing may be cancelled with cloud cover.