The Borrego Desert Nature Center has a wide selection of books and gifts for the desert-minded. To place your order, call the Nature Center at (760) 767-3098, or visit us at 652 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs.

Must-Haves for the Desert-Minded

DVD of We Are Still Here We Are Still Here: Katherine Siva Saubel and the Cahuilla Indians of Southern California (DVD)
San Diego County Bird Atlas by Philip Unitt
San Diego County Native Plants, 2nd Ed. by James Lightner
Fossil Treasure of the Anza-Borrego Desert: The Last Seven Million Years edited by George T. Jefferson and Lowell Lindsay

Essential Desert Books from ABDNHA

Cover of Borrego Beginnings: Early Dayis in the Borrego Valley, 1910-1960, by Phil Brigandi Anza-Borrego Desert Region (New Fifth Edition) by Lowell and Diana Lindsay
Borrego Beginnings: Early Days in the Borrego Valley, 1910-1960, by Phil Brigandi
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert: Over 100 Half-Day Hikes by Robin Halford
Guide to Birds of Anza-Borrego by Barbara W. Massey
Old Time Cattlemen and Other Pioneers of the Anza-Borrego Area by Lester Reed

Gifts from the Borrego Desert Nature Center

Photo of earrings, pin, and necklace jewelry with a horse motif available at the Borrego Desert Nature Center
The horse is a romantic symbol for girls of all ages and here are some real beauties. Earrings for pierced ears, an ultra smart pin, a lovely pendant on a silver chain. Created by Native American artisans in sterling silver with inlaid turquoise and jasper mosaic chips. Each piece is unique. Individually gift boxed. $30 each.

Photo of Dragonflies tee shirt for women, available from the Borrego Desert Nature Center
Dragonflies Tee. Our very favorite shirt—pale moss green clay dyed hemp/organic cotton blend with pretty blue dragonflies and flower printed with natural dyes. Pre-shrunk, relaxed fit, falls at hip, scoop neck. Machine wash. Flattering, comfortable, and eco-friendly. S, M, L, XL. $18.95.

Photo of lizard doll (soft) available at the Borrego Desert Nature Center Leapin’ Lizard. Who says lizards can’t be cozy, cuddly companions? This little guy is! And he’s a polyester plush that can be gently washed. Amazing feet, wonderful tail, soft scales, and a smiley face. Sure to be a favorite toy this year. $6.95.

Photo of bloom Desert Queen. Captures the essence of the elusive queen of the night cactus flower that blooms only one night each year. The soft floral scent envelops a spray cologne, hand and body lotion, and bath and shower gel. The beautifully packaged trio is tucked into a stunning burlap bag. Unusual, hard to find, a perfect gift. $68.

Photo of the 5th edition of Afoot and Afield in San Diego County, available at the Borrego Desert Nature Center Afoot and Afield in San Diego County: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide. By Jerry Schad. 250 pages of photos, maps, and descriptions of hikes from the San Diego shore, over the foothills, through the mountains, and across the Anza-Borrego desert. Quick access to info on distance, time, elevation, and difficulty by hiking guru Jerry Schad. Newest editon. $22.95.

Photo of The Healthy Southwest Table, available at the Borrego Desert Nature Center The Healthy Southwest Table. By Janet E. Taylor. A marvelous new cookbook, colorfully illustrated and loaded with sensible information on how to really prepare healthy food. Ah, but the recipes are easy and delicious. Avocados, beans, chiles, cilantro, limes, roasted peppers, salmon. You’ll run to the kitchen! $24.95.

Photo of Seasons in the Desert DVD

Anza-Borrego: Seasons in the Desert. This 56 minute color DVD won three Emmy Awards—best documentary, photography, and original music. As Mark Jorgensen, Supervisor, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, says, “It allows the subtleness of the desert to seep in and captivate your soul.” Share this one with your friends and family. $29.95.

The Healing Flute CD. By Alice Gomez. This suite of Native-style compositions explore the wooden flute’s healing powers. In addition to flutes you’ll hear Native drums, rattles and wind instruments. One of our most popular CDs in the Nature Center. Take a seat in the healing circle as master musicians center your spirit and body. Over 40 minutes of peace and relaxation. $18.95.

Cover of Field Guide to Owls of California and the West. Available at the Borrego Desert Nature Center. Field Guide to Owls of California and the West. Text, illustrations and photos by Hans Peeters. An exquisitely illustrated, thoroughly researched, and engagingly written guidebook. The owl guide many of us have been waiting for! An amazing primer on owl biology and behavior, plus a visual treat and a captivating read. Ornithologist Hans Peeters combines his interests in science and art in this accessible guide, covering all 19 species of owls occurring in North America, 15 of which occur in California. Available mid-October, advance orders accepted. $19.95.

Give an ABDNHA Gift Membership! Introduce someone to the vast wonders of plant and animal life in our desert—also, water, rocks, petroglyphs, history, stars. New member packet includes 6 bird bookmarks, logo decal, and newsletter. Membership includes 5 issues of The Sand Paper newsletter, 15% discount at the Borrego Desert Nature Center, Lecture Series, Tours and Hikes, support of the Nature Center and the future Borrego Springs Desert Museum. $25.

Shop the Borrego Desert Nature Center

Visit or call the Borrego Desert Nature Center for desert books as well as:

Desert maps and guides — Anza-Borrego, Salton Sea, Joshua Tree, Mohave Desert — wildflowers, bird lists and more
Desert fine art — Henry R. Mockel serigraphs, Dennis Mammana photographs, Heidi Osuna pottery
Desert gifts and jewelry — for the home, for someone special including children

If you are looking for a desert book that is not listed here, please visit the Borrego Desert Nature Center at 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, California, or call us at (760) 767-3098. We specialize in hard-to-find desert publications. For our business hours, see our home page.

Please remember: Shopping at the Nature Center assists ABDNHA's educational mission. We appreciate your business.