The Legacy of Female Leadership Continues
Sara Husby Takes the Helm as ABF’s New Executive Director
Desert Update
By Briana Puzzo, Education Manager
No. 88 Fall 2017
Photo: Jim Roller
In our fifty-year history, Anza-Borrego
Foundation has accumulated an impressive roster of female leaders who have shaped the direction of our organization. Since ABF’s humble beginning with Josephine Read, ABF’s first president in 1967, we have had a robust group of women help lay the foundation for the successful nonprofit partner that we are today.
That legacy of strong female leadership continues now in 2017 with the selection of new Executive Director Sara Husby. Sara comes to ABF from the Sacramento area where she served as executive director of the conservation nonprofit Tuleyome since 2010. She was a principal player in the campaign to permanently protect the Berryessa Snow Mountain area, a 100-mile stretch of mountains that include some of the most scenic and biologically diverse landscapes in northern California. During the seven-year campaign, Sara worked closely with a coalition of local, state, and national stakeholders, including groups in opposition to the proposal. These actions culminated in the 2015 declaration by President Obama of Berryessa Snow Mountain as a National Monument.
It takes many skills to successfully run our small but complex 50-year-old nonprofit. Determination, passion, focus and skillful relationship building are all necessary—and are exemplified in the pioneers who guided ABF in its early years.
Josephine Read
Harriet Allen
Determination: Two of ABF’s founders, Josephine Read and Harriet Allen, helped pioneer the idea of “making the Park whole.” Josephine—or Mrs. Henry T. Read, as she’s referred to on an old ABF brochure, a sure sign of the times—served as ABF’s first president for 16 years. She was a determined, rugged little lady who drove a large 4WD vehicle in which she could hardly see over the steering wheel. An outspoken conservationist, Harriet Allen was on our Board of Trustees from 1967-1986 and served as president for five of those years. Allen was one of the leading activists who spent eight years tirelessly working for the 1994 passage of President the landmark California Desert Protection Act. Obama congratulates Harriet’s life was dedicated to protecting natural lands, especially the desert, and speaking out Sara Husby against threats to its native landscapes. in the Oval Office.
continued on page 4
From the President Welcome to fall and the beginning of the most popular season in Anza-
Borrego Desert State Park. This is not only a time to look back and reflect on the milestones of our 50th anniversary year, but to also look ahead with great anticipation. This is a season of change and we have lots of exciting news to share with you.
BOARD of TRUSTEES: Ernie Cowan PRESIDENT
Bill McDonald
VICE PRESIDENT
Janie DeCelles TREASURER Ralph Singer SECRETARY
TRUSTEES: Sharon Goldsmith John Peterson Philip Pryde, PhD Bill Reavey Lynn Rhodes Jim Smith Joan Schneider, PhD Linda Tandle Dick Troy David Van Cleve Mike Wells, PhD ABF STAFF: Sara Husby EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Brianna (Bri) Fordem
DONOR RELATIONS MANAGER
Julie Gerson
LAND PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Kathy Jorgensen
SALES ASSISTANT
Ashley Kvitek
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Nicki Moore
INTERPRETIVE SALES MANAGER
Lauren Poole
STAFF ASSISTANT
Our 50th year allowed us to proudly promote the fact that we have added more than 55,000 acres to the Park through the acquisition of inholdings. Many of these parcels were critical to maintaining public access to some of the most beautiful areas of the Park. We have our members, donors and partners to thank for our land conservation successes. This was a year when social media impacted us like never before, as word of the spring wildflower “Superbloom” spread like wildfire, attracting visitors in unprecedented numbers. While this presented some unique problems for the community of Borrego Springs, it also allowed ABF to connect with thousands of people to advance our mission of support and preservation of the Park. There were other challenges as our executive director, Paige Rogowski, moved on to Sacramento in a new job with State Parks. Transitions are always difficult, but the dedicated ABF staff continued their excellent work while we searched for a new leader. In June, Sara Husby joined us in that leadership position, bringing with her seven years of experience as an executive director to launch us into our next 50 years of success. She shares the passion all of us at ABF have for the preservation of open space and protection of public lands. We expect Sara will be a dynamic force in advancing our land conservation efforts, youth and adult education programs, and research partnerships. On a personal note, my two years as President of the ABF board ends in December, but a talented leadership team has been lined up for 2018. Many of you may know Dick Troy, who will be the new board president. Dick has not only devoted seven years of service to ABF, but is retired from the California Department of Parks and Recreation as deputy director. Dick brings tremendous experience and a lifetime of connections to his new leadership position. I have enjoyed the honor of being president during ABF’s 50th year, and look forward to remaining on the board as we move forward with your continued support. The ABF board is composed of amazing talents and experience, incredible enthusiasm, and sometimes divergent viewpoints. But ABF has been incredibly successful because of the common bond in our passion for the Park. As you enjoy the desert this fall, and the solitude, beauty, mystery and discovery it offers, we hope you will continue to contribute to the one organization whose only mission is to preserve and support Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Passion for the Park is what binds us all, and as state budgets ebb and flow and the Park faces fluctuating staffing challenges—and continually increasing visitation numbers—it’s your passion for this place that will ensure it is forever preserved.
Briana Puzzo
EDUCATION MANAGER
ANZA-BORREGO FOUNDATION PO Box 2001 587 Palm Canyon Drive #110 & 111 Borrego Springs, CA 92004 (760) 767-0446 www.TheABF.org Info@TheABF.org Anza-Borrego Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt [IRS code 501(c) (3)] charitable organization DESERT UPDATE: ABF Staff Sara Jacobi Gaugler DESIGN
Printed in U.S.A. on 50% post-consumer recycled paper.
Ernie Cowan, President
SAVE THE DATE
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER Back to the Future... Looking to the Next 50 Years
2018
Saturday, March 3 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center
Superintendent's Corner Farewell to Two Long-Time District Employees By Norb Ruhmke, District Superintendent II (Acting)
As the temperature rose in the desert, so did the retirements! The Colorado Desert District saw two key park employees retire after decades of state service to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the Colorado Desert District. Kathy Dice, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Sector Superintendent, retired on July 1, 2017, after 35 years of service with California State Parks. Kathy worked for the National Park Service before starting her career with California State Parks. She started as a Park Aide and a Park Interpretive Specialist at the San Diego Coast District in the summer of 1983 and in September 1986, she became a State Park Ranger Kathy Dice served as ABF’s Cadet. In 1987, she graduated Cooperating Association from the DPR Academy and was Liaison (CAL) for eight years. assigned to the San Diego Coast District. In 1997, she transferred to the Colorado Desert District as a State Park Ranger. In 1999, she promoted to Supervising State Park Ranger at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. In September 2005, she promoted to State Park Superintendent II for the Salton
Sea Sector. In 2009, she returned to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with a promotion to State Park Superintendent III., where she remained until her retirement. Kathy Dice was very involved in all aspects of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Sector operations. We appreciate all her hard work and dedication of the past 35 years. L.Louise Jee, the Colorado Desert District’s Research Analyst II (GIS), retired on June 30, 2017, after over 21 years of service with California State Parks. L.Louise started her California State Parks career in September 1984 as a Senior Park Aide at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. In September of 1996, L.Louise became an Environmental Services Intern (Seasonal). In June of 2000, L.Louise promoted to a Research Analyst I (GIS), and in January 2006, L.Louise rose in the ranks to a Research Analyst II (GIS). We thank her for all her hard work and dedication of the past 21 years of service. Whether it was map making or complex audio-visual needs, L.Louise was always there to lend a hand to ABF.
Thank You! Thanks to everyone that participated in our various 50th Anniversary activities. We were so happy to see you all out and about, enjoying the desert we’ve been working to protect for 50 years. From being named Grand Marshal at the season’s kickoff Borrego Days Desert Festival to our April 1st 50th Anniversary celebration that closed out an eventful spring, and everything in between, we can’t thank you enough for the support you’ve shown us. Here’s to our next 50 years of supporting Anza-Borrego Desert State Park!
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Focus: Roma Rentz and her protégé, Delores Lukina, spent a combined 41 years providing direction to our land acquisition program as members of the Board of Trustees. Their laser focus, skillful negotiating and patience in acquiring inholdings have resulted in an additional 40,000+ acres of preserved park land. In 1996 Roma was named Roma Rentz “Honorary Ranger” in recognition for her years of service to the California State Park system. Delores later received the Medallion Award, the state’s highest recognition for volunteer service. ABF is fortunate to have had these two persistent women guiding the acquisition program as volunteers, saving ABF thousands of dollars that would have been paid to an employee to fundraise and execute the purchases.
Delores Lukina is honored as EarthShare California's Star Volunteer of the Year for her dedicated work to ABF's acquisition program.
Passion: If there’s a park matriarch, many would consider Diana Lindsay a strong candidate. The Park became part of Diana’s DNA at a very young age, motivating her to spend nearly 30 years on the ABF Board of Trustees, twice serving as president. Diana started and edited ABF’s newsletter Desert Update—yes, the one you’re now holding—in 1991. She also victoriously led ABF’s campaign against SDG&E’s Sunrise Powerlink transmission line project that was routed through the Park. Her passion and seemingly endless energy resulted in guide books that put Anza-Borrego and the Foundation “on the map” for many new visitors. Diana was named “Honorary Ranger” and received the Medallion Award in recognition for her volunteer work.
Diana Lindsay is named "Volunteer of the Year" by the North County Philanthropic Council in 1999.
Relationship Building: Linda Tandle was hired as ABF’s first executive director in 1995 with a specific mission: to develop positive relationships with the local community. Under Linda’s talented direction, she established a high level of professionalism at ABF that became well known in the state land trust community and state park system. Linda received the “San Diego Women Who Mean Business” award from the San Diego Business Journal in 2000. Paige Rogowski, who preceded Sara Husby as executive director, also successfully cultivated many relationships and diligently built the development office (of one!). Linda and Paige put significant 4
Fall 2017 Desert Update www.TheABF.org
time into reinforcing some of our most valued relationships: those with our Anza-Borrego Desert State Park partner. Crucial to our success was the rapport built with female leaders in the park system like L. Louise Jee, former Colorado Desert District’s Research Analyst II (GIS), and former Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Sector Superintendent Kathy Dice. Thanks to the strong relationships built and nurtured over the years, ABF is now a prominent figure among the cooperating associations for the state.
Roma Rentz, Linda Tandle and Diana Lindsay stand before the ABF donor wall during the first annual “Taste of Borrego” fundraiser.
These leading ladies have played a key role in growing our organization into what it is today. But now, we look at our future— our next 50 years. After interviewing and selecting Sara to lead ABF, our board’s Transition Committee believes she brings each of these qualities, and more. Linda Tandle, now an ABF board member, was a member of the team who hired Sara. “When I think of Sara, what comes to mind is that she has the ‘gumption factor.’ Though it's not a word you hear very often, it includes many of the qualities I see in Sara: initiative, resourcefulness, confidence, courage, boldness, determination. My hope for her is based on my own 15-year experience at ABF working to implement its mission with some of the most dedicated people I've ever met. It was one of the most exciting and satisfying experiences of my life. I hope that for Sara, too.” A fundamental part of ABF’s mission is to partner with and support California’s largest state park. Sara’s experience collaborating with public lands agencies has perfectly positioned her to lead ABF into our next 50 years. Her determination and focus showed through at an early age. Sara not only worked her way through high school in Chicago but she was also the first in her family to graduate from college. Receiving her UC Davis degree in community and regional development (with an emphasis in public policy and planning) is one of her proudest moments. Sara and her two dogs now call Borrego Springs home. She is warm, outgoing and, as a trained and certified auctioneer, not afraid to be in the spotlight. She is passionate about the preservation of open space, protection of public lands, and the continued success of the Foundation. Coincidentally, Sara now heads an all-woman staff, who she hopes will grow professionally and personally under her leadership. “It is such an honor to be able to lead Anza-Borrego Foundation into its next 50 years. As soon as I drove down Montezuma Grade, I knew that I was home. A part of me felt whole; I was at peace; I was connected to a land foreign but familiar to me at the same time. I am so excited to begin strategic planning in 2018 and to help shape the future of the organization. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.” Sara plans to build on what has been accomplished and honor those leaders, women and men alike, who have come before her. And she looks forward to meeting and hearing from supporters like YOU!
Why I Give: Sharing the Joy of the Park Jim and Linda Roller We are pleased to introduce you to Jim and Linda Roller. These two exemplify the Park and ABF partnership with their roles as volunteers, donors and truly passionate advocates of the Park. Brought to the Park in the early 70s by their friends, they were enchanted by their first camping experience near Truckhaven Rocks. The powerful wind and harsh sand had them swearing to leave as soon as morning came, but a sunrise opening up to beautiful clear skies and a day of hiking and exploring was enough to keep them coming back for more every spring thereafter. Their love of the area grew and they dreamed of having a winter home in Borrego Springs. After they retired they bought a little “getaway home” for the occasional weekend. They found themselves returning more often and decided to sell their other home and move to Borrego Springs full time in 2004. As they spent more time in Borrego Springs and out in AnzaBorrego Desert State Park (both on the two wheels of a mountain bike and the four wheels of a Jeep), they decided to give back to this place and signed up for the ABDSP Visitor Center Volunteer training class in 2005. Since then, the Rollers have been valued members of the volunteer team, with Jim having served six years on the Steering Committee and Linda currently in her third year. And their contributions don’t end there. Not only are they part of the fantastic crew that staffs the Visitor Center and gives out invaluable information to tourists, but they took it upon themselves to become Adopt-A-Wash volunteers, monitoring the route from Culp Valley, down Grapevine Canyon to Tamarisk Grove Campground. In addition to their direct volunteer support of the Park, Jim and Linda are annual donors to ABF, helping to support educational programs in the Park.
Jim, along with his friend Gary Haldeman, initiated the ABF Bike Rides and Bikes & Brews program to introduce people to the mountain biking opportunities in the Park. Those rides are now on their fourth very successful year! Jim loves leading the rides, as they offer him a chance to get outside and introduce other bicyclists to this wonderful place while he sneaks in a little interpretation about the areas they ride through. Both Jim and Linda thoroughly enjoy working at the Park Visitor Center and love seeing visitors’ excitement and joy at the prospect of experiencing this natural beauty we are so lucky to live in. Talking to and sharing experiences with visitors is always fun, but Jim and Linda also greatly value the lifelong friendships they’ve made with other volunteers—people who share the same appreciation and love for the Park that they do. As always, we offered up the hypothetical question everyone loves to answer: If you had a million dollars and could support the Park with it in any way you wanted, what would you do? For Jim and Linda, their response was the picture of partnership. Jim would set up an endowment through ABF that would continue supporting the wonderful education programs for generations to come. Linda would make the money available to hire more rangers and fund the resources needed to protect our Park, as well as build a new beautiful headquarters building, which our hardworking Park staff so deserves.
Supporters like Jim and Linda give in so many ways, big and small. Special thanks for their direction and camera work during the most recent ABF staff photo shoot.
Borrego Badlands Moonlight Bike Ride December 30, 2017 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Jim Roller and Gary Haldeman $25 / $20 for ABF Members After some brainstorming, Jim and Gary have mapped out the perfect route and are ready to lead a magical moonlight ride through the Borrego Badlands for experienced mountain bikers! We will start at Thimble Trail and make our way through the Badlands to the junction of Buttes Pass Road and Hwy 78. This is a strenuous 19-mile ride for experienced riders only; advance registration is required and space is limited. Photo: John Michnowicz
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Each class in this series of in-depth explorations begins with an evening lecture at the Steele/ Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center and continues the following day with a field trip that provides an enriching hands-on experience in the Park. The series is presented in partnership between ABF, UC Irvine’s Steele/ Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Golden Eagle Research in Southern California November 10-11, 2017 Instructor: Robert N. Fisher, US Geological Survey The status of golden eagles in coastal southern California has been uncertain. Learn the findings from the USGS multi-year survey and tracking program of golden eagles that addressed questions regarding habitat use, movement behavior, nest occupancy, genetic population structure, and human impacts on eagles. $60 / $50 for ABF Members; Lecture only: $5 Seldom Seen Stones: the Robert Begole Collection of “Palaeolithic” Stone Tools from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park December 16, 2017 Instructor: Curtis Runnels, Boston University Large bifacial stone tools that resemble early Palaeolithic stone tools from Africa, Europe, and Asia were collected in the park by Robert Begole many years ago. In this talk, the Begole artifacts are compared with stone tools from other American sites, which are being studied to determine the age and cultural connections of these possibly early stone tools. In a handson session following the talk, Dr. Runnels will examine some of the most characteristic stone tools from the Begole collection. $35 / $25 for ABF Members; Lecture only: $5
High and Dry: Aquatic Invertebrate Adaptations to Life in the Desert January 19-20, 2018 Instructor: Kate S. Boersma, University of San Diego Desert-dwelling aquatic organisms have a wide range of adaptations that allow them to survive in an environment with no guarantee of water. In this course we will learn about the aquatic invertebrates of the American Southwest and how they thrive under extreme environmental conditions. On Saturday we will visit local aquatic habitats and sample Anza Borrego’s native aquatic invertebrate communities to see these often-overlooked animals in action. $60 / $50 for ABF Members; Lecture only: $5 Social Organization, Trade, and Warfare amongst the Prehistoric Peoples of the Anza-Borrego Area Underwritten in memory of Fran Medema February 23-24, 2018 Instructor: Richard L. Carrico, SDSU Most of us know the Anza-Borrego region has a long and rich history that stretches back thousands of years. But how did the First People of the region organize their internal affairs, their external relations, and their settlements on the land? In this overview presentation we will use archaeology, history, and native oral traditions to look through the mists of time to explore the rich culture, trade networks, art, astronomy, medicines, economy, and more of the region’s First People. The answers may surprise you, inform you, and give you a far better understanding of the cultures and people who occupied the region for the last 10,000 years. $60 / $50 for ABF Members; Lecture only: $5
Photo: Jeff Young
Peninsular Bighorn Sheep: Cross-border Landscape Connectivity and Population Genetics March 9-10, 2018 Instructors: Lisa Nordstrom & Mathias Tobler, San Diego Zoo
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Fall 2017 Desert Update www.TheABF.org
DECEMBER 1–3, 2017 Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center Borrego Springs, CA Join us for a three-day educational event
where anthropological research and cultural heritage raise public awareness and understanding to promote respect for our past and an appreciation of diversity.
SUBJECTS & SPEAKERS
AGENDA
Ӿ The Archaeology of the 130,000-year-old Cerutti Mastodon Site – Steven R. & Kathleen Holen
Friday, December 1 Welcome Reception & Poster Session
Ӿ Hydrogeologic Effects of Kumeyaay Rock Drop Structures – Michael Connolly Miskwish (Kumeyaay) Ӿ The Ethnobotany Project: Contemporary Uses of Native Plants – Deborah Small & Rose Ramirez (Chumash ancestry) Ӿ Science Explorers Club on Indian Reservations in San Diego County – Eleanora (Norrie) Robbins , PhD Ӿ Colorado Desert Rock Art – Steven M. Freers
Saturday, December 2 Speaker Presentations Sunday, December 3 Morning Field Tours & Cultural Demonstrations
Ӿ Keynote Address: Cultural Resources in State Parks – Russell Cahill
JOIN US Symposium (includes Friday Welcome Reception; meals on Saturday are not included): $45 Public Admission, $25 Student Rate
Sunday Field Tours: $15 per person
REGISTRATION & DETAILS TheABF.org/2017symposium 760-767-0446 www.TheABF.org Desert Update Fall 2017
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Botany Society Native Plant Sale November 24 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Learn about our desert’s native plants at this free annual event. All plants offered for sale will be native to the Lower Colorado Desert, and volunteers will be available to answer questions. Plants may be preordered from a list at www.anzaborregobotany.org.
Southwestern Desert Bats April 27-29, 2018 $195 / $175 for ABF members Discover what makes bats critical components of our desert ecosystem with internationally known instructor Dr. Patricia Brown. Dr. Brown has conducted bat research for the past 50 years and will introduce participants to the world of bats and techniques used by scientists to study these amazing mammals. The 3-day class (Friday evening to Sunday noon), based out of the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center, includes daytime lectures and nightly field work using ultrasonic bat detectors, mist-netting and night vision equipment to observe wild bats. Registration fee includes lunch on Saturday; participants must provide all other meals. Dorm-style lodging with shared kitchen is available at the Research Center for $25 per night.
Bob and Mark’s Excellent Birding Adventures
Join retired ABDSP Ranger Bob Theriault and retired ABDSP Superintendent Mark Jorgensen for birding tours in the Park— and beyond. Desert, Sea and Mountains Birding Class March 23-25, 2018 $140 / $110 Member Price This three-day birding class will visit a variety of ecosystems: Borrego Valley, Salton Sea and the desert mountains. The class is intended for birders of all levels and abilities. Madera Canyon Birding Tour May 6-11, 2018 $750 per person (ABF members only) This season’s members-only birding trip takes us into beautiful Madera Canyon, located on the north slope of the Santa Rita Mountains—one of Arizona’s hottest birding locations. Birders of all levels are invited on this one-of-a-kind tour. Registration includes double-occupancy lodging at Santa Rita Lodge (no singles available), about 45 miles south of Tucson. Each unit contains an efficiency kitchen. Plan to eat sack lunches in the field. Trip cost does not include meals or transportation. Limited to 12 birders
Give Back by Giving Time...Volunteer with Us! Your time is valuable—and what better way to spend free time than donating it in support of your favorite park? Whether you volunteer in our offices, at events, in our store, or in the field, you will be making a difference in what ABF and the Park can accomplish. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is looking for service-minded people willing to volunteer their time in the largest state park in California. If you’re interested in becoming an ABF volunteer, contact Education Manager Briana Puzzo at briana@theabf.org. Become an Anza-Borrego Visitor Center Volunteer Park staff will be offering a training course this fall and winter for volunteers who are interested in working at the Visitor Center in Borrego Springs. Visitor Center volunteers answer questions about the state park and offer guidance to visitors seeking to maximize their experience in the desert. A minimum committment of 48 hours per year for a period of three years is expected. Beginning November 3 through December 16 (no class on November 24-25), classes will be held weekly on Friday afternoons and field trips in the Park on Saturdays. On-the-job training will take place in January 2018, with successful graduates beginning to work regular shifts in February 2018. If you are interested in becoming a Visitor Center Volunteer, please contact Visitor Center Manager Sally Theriault at (760) 767-0334, or email Sally.Theriault@parks.ca.gov.
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Fall 2017 Desert Update www.TheABF.org
2017 Fall Programs Visit www.TheABF.org/events or call 760-767-0446 for full event information.
Hikes & Hops and Bikes & Brews $20 / $15 for ABF Members;
One event FREE for new members who joined within the last three months
These fun and relaxed outings connect people with two things in common: a love of Anza-Borrego and craft beer. This is a social hike and bike series in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park sponsored by craft breweries in the region. Join us for a hike and some hops or, if it’s more your thing, a bike and a brew! All events are from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Bikes & Brews Down Grapevine Canyon November 4, 2017 Jim Roller and Gary Haldeman To kick off our fourth season of mountain bike rides in Anza-Borrego, we will follow tradition and head down Grapevine Canyon. Starting in Ranchita off Old Wilson Road, we’ll ride down the exhilarating Grapevine Canyon, and end with a cold beer at Tamarisk Grove Campground. Hikes & Hops at Calcite Mine November 18, 2017 Scott Turner, Co-Author of the 5th Edition of Afoot & Afield in San Diego County Join us for a moderate loop approaching the historic Calcite Mine by way of the access road. Once at the mine, we’ll have a brief discussion of its historical significance while also allowing time for snacking or exploring of nearby Locomotive Rock. The return will take us through a spectacular slot canyon that will deposit us within South Fork Palm Wash before we make the brief climb back to the road. Hikes & Hops at Mountain Palm Springs December 9, 2017 Ashley Kvitek, ABF Education & Outreach Coordinator Join Ashley for a 5-mile hike in one of her favorite spots in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park! We will wind our way through a loop in the Mountain Palm Springs area, visiting 4 different palm groves on our way and perhaps taking a side trip to see the Elephant Trees in Torote Bowl.
Steve Bier Memorial Bike Ride in Fish Creek January 6, 2018 Jim Roller & Gary Haldeman Join Jim & Gary as they ride in celebration and memory of Ranger Steve Bier. Ranger Steve patrolled Fish Creek for a number of years before his passing in March of 2017. His enthusiasm and willingness to share his place in AnzaBorrego with fellow park employees, park partners, volunteers, students, and the world as a whole will be missed. We will take a ride through Fish Creek and up to Loop Wash, making stops at several of the natural wonders Ranger Steve shared with so many people before making our way back to the start. The exact route and details will be available on the website soon. Sheep Canyon Bike Ride February 12, 2018 Jim Roller & Gary Haldeman This ride will traverse Lower Coyote Canyon from the end of the blacktop to Third Crossing and continuing through Collins Valley into Sheep Canyon. This is a strenuous 18+ mile ride that includes a 6 mile climb at the start through some sand, rocks, and water crossings. Blair Valley Bikes & Brews March 31, 2018 Jim Roller & Gary Haldeman Join us for a 12-mile mountain bike ride in beautiful Blair Valley. This moderate route will take us into Little Blair Valley Cultural Preserve and along some of the most popular trailheads in the area.
Bike Borrego offers free bike rentals to any new ABF member; current ABF members receive $10 off rentals. Participants provide their own bike, helmet and any other necessary equipment.
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Not Quite Mike's Hikes
$45 / $35 for ABF Members While we're no "Mike", these hikes are geared towards a more adventurous audience, capable of hiking off-trail over rough terrain for extended periods of time. Hiking will be our focus but you’re sure to learn a thing or two about the Park’s diverse ecosystems along the way. Please visit the website for more detailed descriptions to be prepared before registering.
Goat Canyon Trestle via Mortero Palms January 21, 2018 Scott Turner and Ashley Kvitek 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. This hike is a 5.5-mile, strenuous off-trail adventure that includes a significant amount of boulder hopping and 2,000 feet of elevation fluctuation. We will not go to the Goat Canyon Trestle, as walking on the railroad easement is illegal, but we will head to a fantastic but hard-to-reach overlook that will showcase the size and grandeur of the trestle as it sits within the rugged landscape of Goat Canyon.
Mile High Mountain March 24, 2018 Scott Turner 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. This unofficially named trio of peaks crowning a tan-colored massif near the southeast end of the Santa Rosa Mountains offers one of the more challenging and spectacular day-hiking experiences within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. We will sentence all of our calories to a fiery death as we ascend nearly 5,000 feet over 13.6 miles from the desert floor at the opening of Palo Verde Canyon to the Santa Rosa crest.
Weekly Member Hikes Resume in November This season, ABF is again offering our weekly members-only hikes. Where will you go? Only your leader will know! Each hike starts from the State Park Store and explores a different part of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Our leaders include former State Park staff, ABF staff and ABDSP Visitor Center volunteers, and each leader picks where he/she wants to roam. Hikes are no more than 4 miles and leave from the State Park Store at 8:30 a.m. every Tuesday morning from November through April, or whenever it gets too hot to be out hiking. We will return to the State Park Store around 12 p.m. For more information, contact Ashley Kvitek, Education & Outreach Coordinator, at 760-767-0446 ext. 1003 or Ashley@theABF.org
What We Do The Anza-Borrego Century Circle is an integral group of members who make a substantive impact in our world-class Park. Members have unique opportunities to learn about and share Anza-Borrego Desert State Park through exclusive tours and special gatherings. Becoming a Century Circle member means you are making a critical difference in the success of the Park. How You Can Join We offer three accessible levels of annual membership: $1,000 - $2,499 | Benefactor’s Circle $2,500- $4,999 | President’s Circle $5,000+ | Founder’s Circle TheABF.org/centurycircle
Are You a Century Circle Member? Look for your invitation to an exclusive, intimate concert by classical pianist Daniel Wnukowski at a private ranch in San Felipe Valley on Saturday, December 2. Become a Century Circle member today to make a measurable impact in the Park and receive invitations to special events like this. 10
Fall 2017 Desert Update www.TheABF.org
Treat yourself or someone else this holiday season with a thank-you gift from all of us at ABF! As a thank you for your continued support of ABF, we’re extending our 50th Anniversary t-shirt offer and have put together a book offering a visual representation of some of the most dramatic and iconic features of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Join/Renew as a member or donate $50 or more and receive a vintage-inspired Anza-Borrego Desert State Park t-shirt. --- or --Donate $250 or $20/month for 12 months and receive a copy of THROUGH THE LENS: Capturing the Wonders of Anza-Borrego, an exclusive collection created from some of the best submissions to the Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest. Give online at TheABF.org or call us at 760.767.0446.
We will conserve only what we love... Thanks to the support from members and donors like you, ABF’s education and outreach programs introduced nearly 3,000 people to the wonders of the Park and connected the public with the research and scientific discoveries made in Anza-Borrego. Thank you for helping us make an impact! Symposium – 88 Attendees
Anza-Borrego: In Focus – 426 Attendees
Bikes & Brews – 62 Attendees
Spring Plant Walks – 301 Attendees
Hikes & Hops – 61 Attendees
Photo Contest – 700 Entries
Member Hikes – 447 Attendees
Birding Trip – 10 Attendees
Camp Borrego – 33 Students
Regional Outreach Events – 1,513 People Engaged
Mike’s Hikes – 41 Attendees
www.TheABF.org Desert Update Fall 2017 11
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Anza-Borrego Foundation P.O. Box 2001 Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 17 San Diego, CA
Tax Deduction Fast, Free Towing Easy Process
2018 Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest Entry Deadline: December 1, 2017 Photographers have until December 1, 2017 to submit their photographs into the 2018 Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest! To enter the contest and see the guidelines, dates and deadlines, visit: TheABF.org/PhotoContest Participants and visitors are invited to join us for the Opening Reception at Borrego Art Institute on February 3, 2018, from 6-8 p.m. Proudly sponsored by:
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