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.