Lecture: Dudleya, California’s Unique Succulent

Speaker: Jeff Moore, Author, Owner of Solana Succulents  Dudleya are beautiful succulents native to California, with some occurrences in northern Baja, Mexico, and Oregon. Jeff’s presentation will cover most of the currently described species in California and Baja, following the flow of his new book, co-written with Jeremy Spath and Kelly Griffin. Dudleya are found in some of the most stunning locations along the California coast—complete with cliffside backdrops and vast ocean vistas, and their photographs are breathtaking, as Jeff will share during the presentation. Jeff first became interested in Dudleya when he saw some at the San Diego County Fair in the early 1980s. He began selling them in his spare time, which eventually led to the opening of Solana Succulents in 1992. GP $12, M $10, V $8. Register online or at the Nature Center by calling 760-767-3098. Register here for the program.

Continue ReadingLecture: Dudleya, California’s Unique Succulent
Read more about the article Lecture: Plant Sex – Everything You Didn’t Know to Ask about Sex in the Desert

Lecture: Plant Sex – Everything You Didn’t Know to Ask about Sex in the Desert

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.

Continue ReadingLecture: Plant Sex – Everything You Didn’t Know to Ask about Sex in the Desert
Read more about the article Lecture: Native American Life, Use of Native Plants

Lecture: Native American Life, Use of Native Plants

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.

Continue ReadingLecture: Native American Life, Use of Native Plants
Read more about the article Lecture: Revealing the Wonders of Five Iconic Desert Plants

Lecture: Revealing the Wonders of Five Iconic Desert Plants

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.

Continue ReadingLecture: Revealing the Wonders of Five Iconic Desert Plants

Talk & Walk: Plants of Anza-Borrego

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.

Continue ReadingTalk & Walk: Plants of Anza-Borrego

Hike: Exploring Coyote Canyon

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.

Continue ReadingHike: Exploring Coyote Canyon

Talk & Walk: Plants of Anza-Borrego

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.

Continue ReadingTalk & Walk: Plants of Anza-Borrego

Hike: Plant Amble (Easy)

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.

Continue ReadingHike: Plant Amble (Easy)

Hike: Exploring Coyote Canyon

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.

Continue ReadingHike: Exploring Coyote Canyon

Talk & Walk: Plants of Anza-Borrego

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.

Continue ReadingTalk & Walk: Plants of Anza-Borrego