Borrego Walkabout (Easy) – CANCELLED

Leaders: Selden McKee, ABDNHA Volunteer *** THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELLED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT *** 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.

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Read more about the article Program: The Trail Less Traveled – Baja

Program: The Trail Less Traveled – Baja

Speaker: Alan Ehrgott Author Alan Ehrgott’s (The Elusive Conquest of Queen Califa) fascination with Baja started in the 1970s when he hiked the entire 1050 mile length of the peninsula, following a mix of the Camino Real, the old route established by the Spanish that led from mission to mission, as well as the far more rugged route through Baja’s mountains, where isolated ranches continue to exist today. While things are far more developed along the heavily travelled Mexico Highway 1, life in the isolated ranches have changed far less. In his presentation, Alan shows parts of his original journey, and tells the story of the natural and cultural history of Baja, including the existential conflict between native tribes, Spanish conquistadors and Jesuit Priests, and he highlights points of interest such as the UNESCO Indigenous giant rock murals in the Sierra San Francisco. In the ABDNHA library. Register online or call 760-767-3098. GP $12, M $10, V $8. Register here for the program.

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Borrego Walkabout (Easy)

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.

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Read more about the article Lecture: Life in the Borderlands – the History of Crossing the California-Mexico Border

Lecture: Life in the Borderlands – the History of Crossing the California-Mexico Border

Desert Lecture Series Speaker: Immigration Historian Deborah Kang, Ph.D. In the early 1900s, people freely crossed back and forth between California and Mexico because federal immigration laws were not strongly enforced, and the two sides were often regarded as parts of the same community.  World War I and the Mexican Revolution led to this change, as strict regulations were imposed amid growing concerns about foreign enemies and immigrants. Residents in the borderlands strongly objected because they relied upon easy crossings for their society, family ties, and economy.  Their objections led to enforcement being relaxed once again.  Our speaker tonight, Deborah Kang, is an immigration historian who will explain the evolution of laws and practices along the California-Mexico border, from around 1900 to the present day.  Join us at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. The program is free for ABDNHA members, and $10 at the door for the general public. Seating is first-come, first-served.

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Read more about the article Lecture: Native Baskets – Function and Art – CANCELLED

Lecture: Native Baskets – Function and Art – CANCELLED

THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELLED. Speaker: Robin TenEyck Woven baskets have served essential functions in societies worldwide for thousands of years. However, there is also an artistry to creating beautiful baskets, and Robin TenEyck has been weaving exquisite ones for many years. In tonight’s program, Robin displays some of her baskets as well as Kumeyaay and Diegueno baskets from her collection. She also discusses the history of basket making among Southern California’s native people, and how the arrival of the railroads in California led to a significant shift from utilitarian to decorative baskets, prompting the establishment of trading posts and a growing interest in collecting baskets for display as artwork. At the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

Continue ReadingLecture: Native Baskets – Function and Art – CANCELLED
Read more about the article Lecture: Native Baskets – Function & Art

Lecture: Native Baskets – Function & Art

Speaker: Robin TenEyck Woven baskets have served essential functions in societies worldwide for thousands of years. However, there is also an artistry to creating beautiful baskets, and Robin TenEyck has been weaving exquisite ones for many years. In tonight’s program, Robin displays some of her baskets as well as Kumeyaay & Diegueno baskets from her collection. She also discusses the history of basket making among Southern California’s native people, and how the arrival of the railroads in California led to a significant shift from utilitarian to decorative baskets, prompting the establishment of trading posts and a growing interest in collecting baskets for display as artwork. At the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

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Borrego Walkabout (Easy)

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.

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Lecture: Where it All Began, El Presidio of San Diego

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: Kiwanis Wash (Easy) – FULL (waitlist)

HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer Just 5 minutes from ABDNHA is a little-visited wash that gives you that far-afield experience. Easy, flat terrain. Convenient street-side parking. See the tallest of ocotillos, mysterious holes drilled in sandstone walls, and the mysterious Kiwanis item! Learn a bit of local history. Under 2 miles RT. Meet at ABDNHA parking lot. Wear hiking shoes, hat, bring water. Register at the ABDNHA Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

Continue ReadingHike: Kiwanis Wash (Easy) – FULL (waitlist)