ABDNHA: Who We Are
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) is an award-winning, community based, educational non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Established in 1971, ABDNHA is devoted to enhancing the public’s understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the Anza-Borrego desert as well as enriching the lives of those who live in and visit the community of Borrego Springs.
ABDNHA’s Desert Nature Center and Store at 652 Palm Canyon Drive was opened in 1999 as headquarters for educational programs and special events. Since its founding, ABDNHA has published numerous books about the Anza-Borrego region. The Desert Nature Center offers one of the finest natural history book stores in the West.
ABDNHA Staff
- Betsy Knaak – Executive Director
- Mike McElhatton – Education Director
- Paula Brents – Office Manager
- Kathy Scheets – Operations Manager
- Mary Ann Lord – Sales Associate Lead
- Maggie Walters – Sales Associate Lead
- Jennie Edwards – Sales Associate
- Natalie Germuska – Sales Associate
- Nathalie Larive – Sales Associate & Operations Support
- Pat Matthews – Sales Associate
- Genie Osborn – Sales Associate
ABDNHA Board of Directors
- Sanjiv Nanda – Board Chairman
- Don Barrie – Board Member
- Betsy Knaak – Executive Director
- Mike McElhatton – Program Director
- Joe Migliore – Board Member
- Phil Newbury – Board Member
- Don Rideout – Board Member
- Marcy Yates – Board Member
ABDNHA Volunteers
Of course, ABDNHA would not be able to do everything it does without the help of all of our wonderful volunteers who help with all of these activities!
- Lead hikes & 4WD trips
- Offer lectures on many desert-related topics
- Help in the Nature Center
- Help out with special events, such as the Attic Sale, the Chili Fest and the Garden Tour
- Perform light maintenance tasks on the building and in the Desert Garden
- Assist with The Sand Paper, such as writing articles or doing the layout
- Assist with administrative tasks, such as stuffing envelopes
Click here for more information on volunteering.