Sunset and Moon Rise at Font’s Point

Leader: Mike McElhatton, ABDNHA Education Director This has become an annual ABDNHA end-of-season program. We leave Borrego in time to be at Font's Point when the sun sets, and we stay until the moon rises, and a little longer if we like. The sun sets at 7:28 p.m., and the moon rises at 7:53 p.m. Meet at ABDNHA parking lot at 6:15 p.m. Bring chairs, snacks to share, and a beverage of your choice. 4WD recommended. No charge, but space is limited and registration is required. Call the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve.

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4WD Tour: BBQ at the Calcite Mine – FULL (Waitlist)

Leader: Ed Pollock, ABDNHA Volunteer *** THIS PROGRAM IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA AT 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist *** We meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9:00a.m., then drive Highway S22 to the Calcite Mine turnoff at South Palm Wash, just before the county line. At the bottom of the hill, there's time for an optional guided hike into Palm Wash slot canyon - the site of Mike McElhatton's popular full moon hikes. Afterward, we regroup and drive to historic Calcite Mine, a couple of uphill miles on a fairly easy dirt road, with some narrow shelf driving and sharp turns on this scenic route. At the mine, there's time for individual exploration. This is the last BBQ trip of the season. Meat and utensils are supplied. If you wish, bring a side dish to share and your own drinks. Camp chairs and small camp tables are helpful. All properly functioning AWD vehicles are welcome; full gas tank and extra water are required. After our meal, we regroup and return to Hwy S22, where the trip ends. We should be back in Borrego at 4 pm. No charge. Call or visit ABDNHA Nature Center 760-767-3098 to reserve.

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Hike: Santa Ysabel-Kanaka Loop (Moderate)

Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer This hike covers 7 miles of the upper Santa Ysabel East Preserve from the trailhead on Farmer's road to the Kanaka Loop and back. The hike is rated Moderate for hiking on old farm roads and some rolling hills with minimal elevation gain. Bring 1 to 2 liters of water, and wear comfortable hiking boots with good tread. Mett at 7:50 a.m. at the ABDNHA Parking lot, or at 8:45 a.m. at the trailhead on Farmer's road. After the hike, we could stop for lunch in Julian or Wynola before returning to Borrego Springs. Call 760-767-3098 or come in to reserve. No charge.

Continue ReadingHike: Santa Ysabel-Kanaka Loop (Moderate)

4WD Tour: Truckhaven Trail, 17 Palms, 5 Palms, Pumpkin Patch – MEMBERS PRIORITY TRIP

Leader: Todd Link, ABDNHA Volunteer *** Level 4 Vehicle: 4WD (NO AWD) Higher Clearance REQUIRED due to deep sand, medium rocks, steep or uneven sections, or rough terrain - Vehicle must be in good condition with a full tank of gas *** Join us for an off-road sightseeing adventure starting at ABDNHA. We'll head East on S22, air down our tires on Truckhaven trail, and visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP) and Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (OWSVRA) attractions. We'll follow Truchaven trail to Tule Wash, stopping at 17 Palms and 5 Palms Oases. We'll then break for lunch at Pumpkin Patch in OWSVRA, also accessed via Tule Wash. Afterwards, we'll backtrack to ABDSP for a scenic drive to Vista Del Malpais via Basin Wash, with short segments on Cut-Across Trail and Fault Wash, then visit the vista point via Short Wash. At the vista, enjoy beautiful views of the Borrego Badlands and surrounding mountains, with time to explore the ridge trail. Finally, we'll return to S-22 via Thimble wash and head back to ABDNHA. Dress for the weather, bring a lot of water. Trip lasts about 4.5 hours, depending on stops. No charge, but space is limited (MEMBER PRIORITY TRIP) Call 760-767-3098 or visit ABDNHA Nature Center to reserve.

Continue Reading4WD Tour: Truckhaven Trail, 17 Palms, 5 Palms, Pumpkin Patch – MEMBERS PRIORITY TRIP

Hike: Volcan Mountain Preserve (Fairly Strenuous)

Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer This hike is a 5.6-mile round trip with 1,300 feet of elevation gain. We'll hike up the main trail to the summit, then take the Five Oaks Trail on the way down. This hike is rated Moderately Strenuous for hiking steep hills to the summit and rocky terrain on the Five Oaks Trail. Bring 1 to 2 liters of water and snacks. Wear comfortable hiking boots with good tread. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m to arrange carpool. People driving from San Diego can meet us at Farmer's Rd at the trailhead at 8:45. After the hike, we could stop for lunch in Julian before returning to Borrego Springs. Call 760-767-3098 or come in to reserve. No charge. Max 15 people.

Continue ReadingHike: Volcan Mountain Preserve (Fairly Strenuous)

Borrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

Co-Leaders: Hal Cohen and Jonathan Berman Go birding around town with local birders. We'll search for spring migrants, such as Warblers. Orioles, Grosbeaks, and others we may find. Beginners and all levels welcome. No charge, but please register at ABDNHA Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, phone number: 760-767-3098. Meet at ABDNHA at 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, water. Limit: 10.

Continue ReadingBorrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

Borrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

Co-Leaders: Hal Cohen and Jonathan Berman Go birding around town with local birders. We'll search for spring migrants, such as Warblers. Orioles, Grosbeaks, and others we may find. Beginners and all levels welcome. No charge, but please register at ABDNHA Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, phone number: 760-767-3098. Meet at ABDNHA at 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, water. Limit: 10.

Continue ReadingBorrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

Borrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

Co-Leaders: Hal Cohen and Jonathan Berman Go birding around town with local birders. We'll search for spring migrants, such as Warblers. Orioles, Grosbeaks, and others we may find. Beginners and all levels welcome. No charge, but please register at ABDNHA Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, phone number: 760-767-3098. Meet at ABDNHA at 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, water. Limit: 10.

Continue ReadingBorrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

Borrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

Co-Leaders: Hal Cohen and Jonathan Berman Go birding around town with local birders. We'll search for spring migrants, such as Warblers. Orioles, Grosbeaks, and others we may find. Beginners and all levels welcome. No charge, but please register at ABDNHA Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, phone number: 760-767-3098. Meet at ABDNHA at 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, water. Limit: 10.

Continue ReadingBorrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

Borrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

Co-Leaders: Hal Cohen and Jonathan Berman Go birding around town with local birders. This week, we'll visit the hawkwatch morning site, since the hawkwatch is not officially over until April 15. Then, we'll continue our search for other spring migrants, such as Warblers. Orioles, Grosbeaks, and others we may find. Beginners and all levels welcome. No charge, but please register at ABDNHA Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, phone number: 760-767-3098. Meet at ABDNHA at 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, water. Limit: 10.

Continue ReadingBorrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)