ABDNHA: What We Do

ABDNHA provides desert information as well as educational and recreational activities for both members and the general public, including hikes and walks, birding, tours, stargazing, bike rides, special events and an annual series of educational lectures. Our mission is to enhance the understanding, appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of the Anza-Borrego Desert and surrounding area

Educational Programs and Activities

ABDNHA offers educational programs and activities for desert lovers throughout the main season, including lectures, astronomy viewing, webinars, guided hikes, dog-friendly hikes, and popular 4WD trips. These programs are funded by memberships, donations, and sales at the Desert Nature Center.

ABDNHA Activities

Desert Nature Center

The ABDNHA Desert Nature Center combines nature displays, visitor information, a gift shop, and a bookstore. It offers books, guidebooks, maps, apparel, gifts, and children’s items, while providing visitor information and desert guidance to tens of thousands of people each year.

Desert Nature Center

Visitor Plaza

The ABDNHA Visitor Plaza, located outside the Desert Nature Center, features twelve interpretive panels about ABDNHA, Anza-Borrego, hikes, wildlife, wildflowers, photography, and more, along with a large park map to help visitors explore the region.

Visitor Plaza

ABDNHA Publications

ABDNHA publishes books, brochures, The Sand Paper newsletter, and the Desert Update email to help people stay informed about the Anza-Borrego region. Popular publications include the Weekender’s Guide and Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert Volumes 1, 2, and 3.

ABDNHA Publications

School Programs

ABDNHA conducts regularly scheduled educational programs for school children within the Borrego Springs School District, from elementary school through high school.

Community Partner

ABDNHA partners with local organizations including the Borrego Village Association, the San Diego County Revitalization Committees, and the Borrego Dark Sky Coalition to support tourism, community initiatives, dark sky efforts, and shared visitor resources such as the Borrego Events community calendar.