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Wishing you and the world peace in the New Year!

Sunrise photo by Laura Roderick, looking toward Borrego Palm Canyon from Lazy S Drive

Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus) on Red Fairy Duster (Calliandra californica) in the ABDNHA Desert Garden. This Fairy Duster, growing next to the bridge in the garden, was covered with blooms and butterflies this fall due to the rain and warm weather.

Photo by Les Kopel

Helio Harvest is harnessing the desert sun with innovative technology to grow tasty fruits and vegetables faster and at the lowest cost. Join Borregan Bill Berkley as he talks about his project, where the growing takes place in “Heliopods,” powered 100% by the sun, using 97% less water and natural aquaponics fish fertilizer. Berkley’s project eschews dirt, petrol-based fertilizers, toxic chemicals, herbicides and pesticides, and unlike conventional farming, there is no pollution of waterways or the aquifer. 

Fri., Jan. 6, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, next to Carlee's

Nonmembers $12, Members $10, Volunteers $8, Lifetime Members Free

Join Michael Wilken in this presentation about the indigenous pottery, basketry, bows and arrows, tools, shelters, musical instruments and other traditional arts of Baja California, along with the individuals who made them, artists he has worked with throughout his life. These objects are very similar to those used historically and pre- historically by people in the Anza-Borrego region.

Sat., Jan. 7, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, next to Carlee's

Nonmembers $12, Members $10, Volunteers $8, Lifetime Members Free

Richard Carrico will show us how wine is made from the planting of vines to harvest, to fermentation, and to the bottling. He will tell some tales of local wine making going back to the 1700s. With more than 40 years of making wine and researching the roots of southern California wines, Richard guides us through 200 years of California wine making. After the presentation, Richard will share some of his local wines, and we’ll have the opportunity to purchase Richard’s History of Wine and Wineries of San Diego County.

Fri., Jan. 13, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, next to Carlee's

Nonmembers $12, Members $10, Volunteers $8, Lifetime Members Free

Biologist Janene Colby shares her on-going research about mountain lion predation on bighorn sheep in the Peninsular Mountain Ranges. Colby explains when, where, and how mountain lions prey on bighorn sheep, and the natural and environmental factors that influence the risk of predation to bighorn sheep.

Sat., Jan. 14, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, next to Carlee's

Nonmembers $12, Members $10, Volunteers $8, Lifetime Members Free

If you have never heard of Khovd, Mongolia, then you likely don’t know that Borrego Springs has a partner city in Mongolia: And Khovd (‘Hovd’) is it, a city of 25,000 in the western part of the vast country. This past summer, a group of five Borregans, including Anne and Jim Wermers, visited Khovd and many other places in Mongolia. Tonight, they share with us their Mongolia adventure, photos, videos, music, and tales of their travels and the interesting people they met.

Fri., Jan. 20, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, next to Carlee's

Nonmembers $12, Members $10, Volunteers $8, Lifetime Members Free

Paul Berstein is the National Historian for the Permanente Federation, and the author of 7 books, including Courage to Heal. Tonight Dr. Bernstein tells a fascinating and little-known story of medical history, a story set in the time of iron lungs, the Great Depression, and World War I, a story that begins in the small community of Desert Center, California, which was responsible for the creation of Kaiser Permanente, the largest HMO in the US. Courage to Heal is an historical novel based on the true story of a Dr. Sidney Garfield and the work he began with his twelve-bed Contractors General Hospital, the first managed care in America, which went on to become Kaiser Permanente, serving over ten million people.

Sat., Jan. 21, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, next to Carlee's

Nonmembers $12, Members $10, Volunteers $8, Lifetime Members Free

The Constellation Orion is one of the iconic sights of the winter sky. Did you know that this beautiful area of the winter sky also includes a "star factory"? Tonight, learn more about Orion and see the star factory in operation. Programs begin indoors with a lecture followed by stargazing in the ABDNHA Garden, weather permitting. Dress for outdoors.

Sun., Jan. 22, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, next to Carlee's

Nonmembers $12, Members $10, Volunteers $8, Lifetime Members Free

In 1925 anthropologist John P. Harrington, sometimes described as an “Angry God,” a genius, an eccentric scholar and other less pleasant terms, conducted extensive field explorations in our region. Accompanied by local tribal elders Harrington recorded rock art sites, places where monsters once lived, ancient village sites, and more. Come along with anthropologist and historian Richard Carrico as he retraces Harrington’s footsteps across our mountain and desert lands. Hike down Grapevine Canyon, climb up Coyote Mountain, look at ancient carvings at Travertine Rock, and follow the mythological trail of the Creator Twins. Want to know the Kumeyaay names for places such as Borrego Springs, or Banner, or……plenty more? After more than 30 years of studying Harrington’s unpublished and often cryptic notes no one knows his treks and travels better than Richard. Come join us for a look at the cultures and landscapes as recorded almost 100 years ago.

ABDNHA DESERT LECTURE SERIES

Fri, Jan 27, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

At the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center, 590 Palm Canyon Drive

Nonmembers $10 at the door, ABDNHA Members Free

Reservations not necessary. Seating is first come, first serve.

David Hogan will tell us about a newly proposed national monument that would include 480,000 acres of the Cleveland National Forest, with connections to Anza-Borrego and Cuyamaca Rancho state parks. The land has numerous indigenous cultural sites and places of significance to native people, along with extraordinary outdoor recreation—the Pacific Crest Trail, Laguna Meadows, Cedar Creek, Three Sisters waterfalls, and areas on Laguna and Palomar mountains.

Sat., Jan. 28, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, next to Carlee's

Nonmembers $12, Members $10, Volunteers $8, Lifetime Members Free

In a dark summer sky we can see the Milky Way as a bright band of light running across the sky. In the winter we can see a similar band of light that is more subtle and not as bright. Why is that? Well tonight we will answer that question and explore other questions about our home galaxy, the Milky Way. 

Sun., Jan. 29, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, next to Carlee's

Nonmembers $12, Members $10, Volunteers $8, Lifetime Members Free

This webinar presentation begins with a full repeat of a program on Albania originally presented by Mike in the ABDNHA Library in December, but with a newly-added short section at the end that includes favorite spots visited in the tiny country of Montenegro after leaving Albania.

From the clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea in the south to the rugged Accursed Mountains in the north, we ride with Mike and Terri McElhatton as they travel through Albania.

Albania suffered through communist dictatorships from the early 1940s to the death of dictator Enver Hoxha in 1991. It is now a safe and fascinating place to visit, where nature abounds. Albania has a unique culture and a friendly population eager to connect with the rest of the world.  

We cross into tiny Montenegro with stops in the seaside resorts of historic Kotor, Perast, a beautifully preserved old town on the Adriatic, and then south to Ulcinj, with a stay in a wonderfully restored castle overlooking the sea, before exploring the mountains and lakes of Dormitor National Park on the border near Serbia and the end of a month-long journey into these two beautiful countries in the Southeast Balkans.

Tues., Jan. 31, 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Zoom Webinar

No charge, but donations appreciated to help cover our program costs. 

Stargazing: Our Moon!

Sat, Dec 31, 6:30 pm

(In-person lecture & telescope viewing)

PROGRAM IS FULL

Hydroponic Growing:

Agriculture of the Future?

Fri, Jan 6, 6:30 pm

(In-person lecture)

Traditional Arts of Baja's

Indigenous People

Sat, Jan 7, 6:30 pm

(In-person lecture)

Vines to Wines:

History, Making, & Tasting

Fri, Jan 13, 6:30 pm

(In-person lecture)

Predator and Prey: Peninsular Big Horn Sheep and Mountain Lions

Sat, Jan 14, 6:30 pm

(In-person lecture)

Mongolia:

A Visit to Borrego’s Partner City

Fri, Jan 20, 6:30 pm

(In-person lecture)

California History: Courage to Heal

Sat, Jan 21, 6:30 pm

(In-person lecture)

Stargazing: The Orion Nebula

Sun, Jan 22, 6:30 pm

(In-person lecture & telescope viewing)

ABDNHA DESERT LECTURE SERIES

On the Trail of the Angry God

Fri, Jan 27, 7:30 pm

(In-person lecture at the PAC)

Campaign for a New National Monument

Sat, Jan 28, 6:30 pm

(In-person lecture)

Stargazing: The Winter Milky Way

Sun, Jan 29, 6:30 pm

(In-person lecture & telescope viewing)

Albania and Montenegro:

Gems of the Balkans

Tues, Jan 31, 6:30 pm

(Webinar)

Rass Point Hike

Sat, Dec 31, 8:00 am

Joan's Traditional

New Year's Eve Hike

Sat, Dec 31. 9:00 am

Full Moon Walk: South Palm Wash

Thurs, Jan 5, 6:00 pm

Truckhaven Rocks Loop Hike

Sat, Jan 7, 8:00 am

Rainbow Wash Natural Bridge

& Arch Hike

Sun, Jan 8, 8:00 am

Borrego Badlands Trifecta Hike

Mon, Jan 9, 8:00 am

The Bench Hike

Wed, Jan 11, 8:30 am

Truckhaven Rocks to Coachwhip Hike

Thurs, Jan 12, 8:00 am

Pam's Ambles

Fri, Jan 13, 9:30 am

Hornblende Canyon Hike

Sat, Jan 14, 8:00 am

Mountain Palm Springs Hike

Sat, Jan 21, 8:00 am

Palo Verde Wash Hike

Sun, Jan 22, 8:00 am

Canyon Con Colores Hike

Mon, Jan 23, 8:00 am

Stonebridge #5 Hike

Wed, Jan 25, 8:30 am

Pam's Ambles

Fri, Jan 27, 9:30 am

Lizard Canyon West Fork Hike

Sat, Jan 28, 8:00 am

Borrego Springs Resort Birding Walk

Thurs, Dec 29, 8:00 am

Salton Sea Visitor Center

Birding Walk

Thurs, Jan 5, 8:00 am

Hellhole Canyon Grove Birding Walk

Thurs, Jan 12, 8:00 am

Local Birding Walk

Sun, Jan 15, 8:00 am

Borrego Palm Canyon Birding Walk

Thurs, Jan 19, 8:00 am

Borrego Springs Resort Birding Walk

Thurs, Jan 26, 8:00 am

Friendly Friday Bike Rides

Every Friday, 10:00 am

Nature Journaling with Pat & Pam

Tues, Jan 3, 9:00 am

Nature Journaling with Pat & Pam

Tues, Jan 17, 9:00 am

Borrego Rock & Gem

Quartzite Field Trip

Thurs, Jan 19 - Mon, Jan 23

Hike and Write: Glorietta Canyon

Sat, Jan 21, 8:30 am

Borrego Rock & Gem Club Meeting

Wed, Jan 25, 2:00 pm

Mix & match these gifts for your party hosts!

Click on items below to shop

ABDNHA Members receive 15% off purchases!

Borrego Desert Nature Center

652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA

760-767-3098

Just west of Carlee's

Hours: Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4

Your purchases support ABDNHA's programs & services throughout the year. Thank you for your support!

Shop at home and pick up in the Nature Center to save on shipping!

ABDNHA Members receive 15% off purchases!

Birds & Blooms Garden Shop

652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA

760-767-5560

Adjacent to the ABDNHA Garden

Hours: Thurs-Sat 10-3:30

Congratulations to our two Chili Fest

raffle winners!

Nancy Batie

Grace Preston

As part of our fourth-quarter membership campaign, new members will receive a copy of our popular "Weekender's Guide to Anza-Borrego" as free gift when joining!

New members who join in December will be entered into a drawing for an ABDNHA gift certificate! One more week to join for the December drawing!

Join ABDNHA and support an award-winning non-profit 501(c)3 nature educational organization dedicated to interpreting and preserving the Anza-Borrego Desert.

As a member, you can enjoy all of the great benefits below:

• Stay informed about the desert and activities
• The Sand Paper Newsletter - 5 per year
• 15% discount at Nature Center and Birds & Blooms Garden Shop!
• Special member appreciation events
• Calendar of activities & reduced price on lectures, hikes, & field trips
• Friendship & camaraderie with other desert lovers, and have a great time
• Support of nature education & desert conservation

Join or give a gift membership anytime throughout the year!

Membership is for 12 months from the month you join.

Join ABDNHA and make the desert a part of your life!

The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to ABDNHA at no additional cost to you.

Press the AmazonSmile button below

and select Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association as your charity.

Welcome our newest Business Member, i-bike borrego!

Website: i-bikeborrego.com; Email: [email protected]; Phone: 619-249-8429

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA, pronounced

"AB-NA") is an award-winning, community based, educational non-profit 501c3 organization, founded in 1971.

We invite you to join ABDNHA 

and make the desert a part of your life!

ABDNHA offers information to visitors and programs to enrich the lives of those who live in and visit the community of Borrego Springs. We sponsor approximately 150 hikes, lectures, tours, special events, and educational programs each year, and we lead conservation and citizen-science programs, including the Borrego Dark Sky Coalition and the Borrego Valley Hawk Watch.

Thank you to all our members and volunteers who support ABDNHA throughout the year

and at year end with their financial contributions and gifts of time, skills, and friendship!

You are the heart of this organization, and we could not do what ABDNHA does without you.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, safe and peaceful New Year!