Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association
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Join ABDNHA and Make the Desert Part of Your Life!
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA, “AB-NA”) is an award-winning, community based, educational non-profit 501(c)3 organization, founded in 1971.
We provide 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. ABDNHA is the sponsor of the annual Borrego Valley Hawkwatch and is a founding member of the Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition.
When you join the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA), you join a community of people who appreciate and enjoy all that Borrego Springs and the Anza-Borrego Desert has to offer. ABDNHA members value education for all age groups, value the environment, and understand the need to spread the word about the Anza-Borrego desert, along with its unique culture and history.
As an ABDNHA member, you get first dibs and member discounts when signing up for educational programs, hikes, 4WD trips, etc. Plus, you receive a 15% discount on purchases in the Desert Nature Center. Members also receive a subscription to our ABDNHA newsletter, The Sand Paper, published 5 times a year.
How You Can Donate to ABDNHA
Your donation supports all the work ABDNHA does, such as offering lectures, webinars, hikes, 4WD trips and many other desert activities. Donations can take many forms.
- Send a one-time monetary donation.
- Send a recurring monetary donation.
- Purchase a gift membership.
- Sponsor a lecture in our annual Desert Lecture Series.
- Donate a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, trailer or RV.
- Donate gently used items for the annual Attic Sale.
- Give a gift in honor or in memory of someone special.
- Become a Desert Guardian by making ABDNHA a beneficiary in your estate plan.
- Offer your time and skills as a volunteer.
Anza-Borrego is an Explorer's Dream
Anza-Borrego is the Ultimate Classroom
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular time of year is between October and April when the weather is usually sunny, mild and pleasant. Summertime may be a bit hot, but it is an excellent time to view the Milky Way under Borrego’s dark skies and get good deals at the various resorts. The town kicks off the “season” with a two-day Borrego Days Desert Festival during late October.
- Drive around to see the 130 metal sculptures scattered around Borrego Valley. Pick up a brochure or a free map at the Desert Nature Center.
- Go on one or more self-guided walking tours around town. Pick up free brochures at the Desert Nature Center.
- Go on a self-guided driving tour to explore Borrego’s agricultural history. Pick up a free brochure at the Desert Nature Center.
- Ride a bike around town.
- Visit one or more art galleries.
- Shop for gifts and books at the Desert Nature Center and other shops around town.
- Enjoy an outdoor (or indoor) dining experience at one of Borrego’s restaurants.
- Visit the State Park Visitor Center.
Public restrooms are available in the following locations in town:
- Christmas Circle
- Borrego Springs County Park behind the Sheriff’s office
- Borrego Springs Library
- The Center, next to Center Market
- State Park Visitor Center
Your dog is welcome to hike with you on any of the park’s dirt roads or on the paved trail between the State Park Visitor Center and Borrego Palm Canyon campground. Please note: Dogs are NOT allowed on any other state park trails or in state park buildings. Borrego County Park, next to the library, boasts two dog parks: one for small dogs and one for larger dogs.
There are so many possible answers to this question! Two of the most popular hikes are Borrego Palm Canyon and The Slot. Borrego Palm Canyon is just a few miles from town, where you can see a pupfish pond, one or more palm groves, running water and possibly bighorn sheep. The Slot is a 20-minute drive from town where you can experience a true slot canyon. Click here for more info on these and other hikes.
Pretty much anywhere, as long as you can get away from bright lights. Popular spots include the Old Springs County Preserve and by any of the metal sculptures.
Nothing. It’s free! The Desert Garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Click here for more information about the ABDNHA Desert Garden.
The ABDNHA Desert Nature Center is a combination of nature displays, information center, gift shop and bookstore. Click here for more information about the Desert Nature Center.
The ABDNHA Visitor Plaza, located just outside the Desert Nature Center, includes 12 interpretative panels about Anza-Borrego and a giant map of the park. This is the perfect starting point for exploring Anza-Borrego! Click here for more information about the ABDNHA Visitor Plaza.
Sign Up for Our Desert Update Email!
Stay Connected to the Desert!
ADBNHA sends out a Desert Update email newsletter to keep readers up to date on what’s happening in the desert and at ABDNHA. Preview upcoming ABDNHA programs and hikes, and enjoy interesting photos and tidbits about the desert.
Sign up for our Desert Update emails to stay current with what’s happening in Anza-Borrego Desert and at ABDNHA. Emails are sent every other Sunday.
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