ABDNHA Home | Activities | February 2012


ABDNHA activities and events February 2012

Feb. 2, Thurs., 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Weekly Beginning Birding Walk
Leader: David Lasley

Learn to identify desert birds. Learn about bird behavior and nesting habits. Walk in and around Club Circle, a good birding area with level, easy terrain.

Meet at the south end of Marker, south of Tilting T opposite the entrance to Borrego Springs Resort. Bring binoculars, bird book, water, walking shoes. Dress for outdoors. Call the Nature Center for reservations. Non-members: $5 donation requested; Members and volunteers: no charge.

Repeats Feb. 9, 16, 23, Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Apr. 5.

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Feb. 3, Fri., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
4WD Tour: Water in the Desert, a Wet, Wild Ride into Ocotillo Wells
Guide: Ocotillo Wells Park Naturalist

Water is the ultimate commodity in the desert. Ride along where water runs as we visit the site of flashfloods, springs, salt-seeps, mud-holes, and the wells of both coyote and man.

Meet at OWSVRA’s Discovery Center at the Ocotillo Wells Ranger Headquarters compound off Highway 78. Require high-clearance, 4WD vehicles. Please be willing to carpool. Bring water & lunch. No charge. Call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Feb. 4, Sat., 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Class: Digital Techniques for Landscape Photography
Instructor: Photographer Mike McElhatton

Use your camera and software to create wide-angle panoramas that combine multiple images. Learn to combine two or more photos taken at different exposures to get the best of both in a single photo.

After a class, we take a hands-on field trip, then return to the classroom to process and view our photos. Digital camera capable of manual exposure settings required. Tripod recommended. Experience not necessary.

Meets at the ABDNHA library. Call to reserve. NM $20; M $15; V $12.

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Feb. 4, Sat., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hike Palm Wash Slot
Leaders: Urmi Ray & Sanjiv Nanda, Paul Larson & Mary Ekelund

This is a strenuous 3 to 4 mile hike. We will follow the jeep road toward the Calcite Mine and then slip into some side canyons for a loop.

Meet at the Nature Center and carpool from there. Bring the usual lunch, water, hat, and sturdy hiking boots. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Feb. 6, Mon., 8 a.m. – Noon
Hike: Ant Hill to Font’s Foot
Hiking Leader: Robin Halford

This is a strenuous 4-mile hike over the sand-covered hills of Ant Hill, then through Borrego Badlands mud hills to the base of Font’s Point.

Meet at the entrance to the county landfill. From Christmas Circle, drive east on Palm Canyon Drive for 4.3 miles, turn right/east on Old Springs Road and drive 0.9 mile to the end of the pavement. We will then drive several miles to the ant hill.

Bring water, hat, snack, lunch, and jacket; wear study shoes. Expect soft sand – 4 wheel drive required. Please be willing to carpool if you have 4WD. No charge. Call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Feb. 6, Mon., 8 a.m.
Borrego Birders
Today's Coordinator: Herb Stone

Meet at Christmas Circle.

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Sahara Mustard, Brassica tournefortii
Brassicaceae

Feb. 7, Tue., 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Sahara Mustard Pulling
Leader: Volunteer Naturalist Mike Bigelow

Volunteer to help remove this invasive weed from key locations within Borrego Springs. No advance training necessary. Mike will instruct.

Mike at the Nature Center at 9 a.m., 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA. Wear work shoes, bring gloves, hat, water. Bring hula hoe and trash bag if you have them. Call ahead to sign up, or just meet

Repeats on Feb. 21.

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Feb. 9, Thurs., 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Weekly Bird Walk
Leader: David Lasley

Learn to identify desert birds. Learn about bird behavior and nesting habits. Walk in and around Club Circle, a good birding area with level, easy terrain.

Meet at the south end of Marker, south of Tilting T opposite the entrance to Borrego Springs Resort. Bring binoculars, bird book, water, walking shoes. Dress for outdoors. Call the Nature Center for reservations. Non-members: $5 donation requested; Members and volunteers: no charge.

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Feb. 10, Fri., 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Desert Gardeners

Meeting at Roadrunner Tree Farm. Open to all. Bring a chair.

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Feb. 10, Fri., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 4WD
Tour: Truckhaven's Treasures
Guide: Ocotillo Wells Park Naturalist

The rugged Truckhaven region is the most recent addition to Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. At almost 8,000 acres, Truckhaven is full of surprises…hill climbs, historic trails, twisting canyon-like washes, even OHV folk art.

Meet the naturalist at Holly Road off of S-22, approximately 3.5 miles west of Hwy 86. 4WD, high-clearance required. Please be willing to carpool. Bring water, lunch, and full tank of gas. No charge. Call the Nature Center to reserve. No charge. Call Nature Center to reserve.

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Angelina Spring, Grapevine Canyon

Feb. 11, Sat., 9 a.m. - Noon
4WD Tour of Grapevine Canyon
Leader: Volunteer Naturalist Deborah Sperberg

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Jasper Trail and lower Grapevine Canyon. We will make stops at Stewart Springs and the important Indian village site at Angelina Springs.

Meet at the north side of Christmas Circle. Bring snack, water, and have full tank of gas. Limit 8 4WD vehicles, please be willing to carpool. Call for reservations and mention if you need a ride.

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Hawk Canyon

Feb. 12, Sun., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tour: Hawk Canyon Geology
Leader: Geologist Don Barrie

Join Mesa College geology professor, Don Barrie, for a "rock tour" of Hawk Canyon, a fascinating gorge next to Borrego Mountain. See examples of sedimentary rock, ancient granitic rock, dramatic jointing, and faulting. Hear about Anza-Borrego's evolving plate tectonic story.

Meet at the Nature Center, 9 a.m.; bring a sack lunch and plenty of water; 4 WD recommended, please be willing to carpool; some easy-moderate walking involved. No charge. Call for reservations at the Nature Center and mention if you need a ride.

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Feb. 16, Thur., 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Weekly Beginning Bird Walk
Leader: David Lasley

Learn to identify desert birds. Learn about bird behavior and nesting habits. Walk in and around Club Circle, a good birding area with level, easy terrain.

Meet at the south end of Marker, south of Tilting T opposite the entrance to Borrego Springs Resort. Bring binoculars, bird book, water, walking shoes. Dress for outdoors. Call the Nature Center for reservations. Non-members: $5 donation requested; Members and volunteers: no charge.

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color photo of Shell Reef, Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
Shell Reef, Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

Feb. 17, Fri., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
4WD Tour: Rock-otillo! The Geology of Ocotillo Wells

Take a trip back in time with a staff geologist from Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. Ocotillo Wells has some spectacular geological formations, and they tell the story of our past, present, and sometimes our future.

Meet at the Discovery Center off Hwy 78. 4WD high-clearance. Please be willing to carpool. Bring water and a lunch. No charge. Call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Two Salton Sea Events

color photo of snow geese at the Salton Sea
Snow Geese at the Salton Sea

Feb. 17, Fri., 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Talk: Amazing Birds of Salton Sea
Instructor: Kurt Leuschner, Professor of Natural Resources, College of the Desert

Did you know that over 420 bird species have been recorded at the Salton Sea? This vitally important habitat lies along the Pacific Flyway and is used on an annual basis by an amazing array of birds. Kurt Leuschner will introduce you to the interesting, colorful, and unusual birds that occur at the sea and prepare you for your next visit to the Salton Sea. (See Feb. 18, Salton Sea trip.)

Held at the ABDNHA Library. Call to reserve. NM: $10; M: $8; V: $7.

Feb. 18, Sat., 7:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Salton Sea Wonders: Geothermal Energy, Geology,
Mudpots, Birds and Folk Art
Co-leaders: Professor Kurt Leuschner, and
Desert Naturalist/Certified Interpretive Guide Joe Migliore

Join two popular naturalists as they team up for the fifth year to show you the southern end of the Salton Sea and its wonders. A special tour of the Cal Energy Geothermal Plant will include a talk on geothermal energy followed by a power plant tour. Then we'll get a close-up look at the gurgling mudpots and mud volcanoes. We'll visit excellent viewing areas for birds that winter at the sea-Sandhill Cranes, Burrowing Owls, Snow Geese, and a mystery bird! Joe will enlighten us with mini-lectures on geology and faulting in the region, and if time permits, we'll finish at one of the Folk Art Hall of Fame's most colorful monuments near world famous Slab City.

Meet at the Nature Center at 7:15 a.m. Bring a full tank of gas, lunch, water, sunscreen, jacket, walking shoes (no open toed shoes), binoculars, and two-way radios if you have them. Note required dress code for the geothermal plant tour: long pants, closed walking shoes, no tank tops. Call soon for reservations. NM: $23; M: $18; V: $16.

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photo of GPS device

Feb. 18, Sat., 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Class: Wilderness Navigation with Map, Compass and GPS
Instructor: Charles Robles

When you are in the field do you have the ability to locate your destination, your location, a suitable route to get from here to there? Want to improve your cross-country land navigation skills? We will start with the basics of what a map and compass are, proceed to the use of a map and compass in hiking and wilderness navigation. We will cover the use of a GPS (participant should have a working knowledge of their GPS) as an aid to the map and compass. Using USGS topographic maps, test your new orienteering skills with the actual navigation of a field course.

This excellent training class will consist of both classroom and field portions; dress accordingly. Additional practice is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will need to bring an orienteering compass, GPS, notebook or clipboard and pencil.

Meet at the ABDNHA Library at 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA. Call the Nature Center at 1-760-767-3098 to reserve. Nonmember $20; ABDNHA Member $16; ABDNHA Volunteer $14.

Charles Robles is a retired Command Sergeant Major and Medic from the Army. He has been teaching Land Navigation to soldiers and sailors within the Army and Navy for more than 30 years. He has also taught Land Navigation to the US Border Patrol and US Forest Service. He has written articles for 4x4 newsletters and is an expert with GPS integration to communications and computer networks, as well as with real-time navigation with map and GPS. In addition, Charles works as an Information Technology Director.

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Feb. 18, Sat., 7:30 p.m.
Stargazing Program
Astronomers Dr. Jim and Grace Rickard

Identify the constellations in our clear desert skies. Telescopes provided for observing Venus, Jupiter, Mars and the Orion nebula. Bring binoculars if you have them, flashlights, warm clothes and chairs.

Sponsored by ABDNHA. No charge or reservations necessary for this excellent program. Hosted by the Borrego Lutheran Church, located on Church Lane. For directions, please call the Nature Center, 760/767-3098. Canceled in case of cloud cover.

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The Fate of Anza-Borrego's Wild Horses



Coyote Canyon, 1990

Feb. 19, Sun., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Where Did Anza-Borrego's Wild Horses Go? PART I
Multi-media presentation and field trip
Presenter: Kathleen Hayden
Ranch host: Kay Levie

In 1971, Congress declared that wild free roaming horses and burros are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West that enrich the lives of the American people. Did you know that the Anza-Borrego desert was home to several herds of wild horses for many decades?

Wild horse champion Kathleen Hayden will speak about the horses that were removed from Coyote Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in 2003, their history, and her struggle to find a permanent home for them. View a dramatic video taken on the day of the round-up. Afterwards, we will all drive to a local ranch to meet and learn about ten rescued wild mares and their nine offspring, all of similar Spanish lineage to that of the Coyote Canyon horses.

The program starts at the Nature Center library and ends at the Levie ranch. (Please see the related Feb. 20 program.) NM:$15; M: $12; V: $10

Feb. 20, Mon., 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where Did Anza-Borrego's Wild Horses Go? PART II
Slide show and field trip
Presenter: Reena Deutsch
Ranch host: Kathleen Hayden

Enjoy a gripping slide show of photographs taken in 1997 for more than 2 hours of close contact with ten of the wild horses living in Anza-Borrego's Coyote Canyon, followed by more recent pictures of them visiting a neighboring ranch shortly before removal. Afterwards, we will drive to the ranch near Lake Henshaw that belongs to Sunday's speaker, Kathleen Hayden, to meet four of the rescued stately stallions that were among those removed by the Park. Bring lunch and picnic on the ranch. Dress for possible cold and windy weather.

Begins at the Nature Center library and ends at the Hayden ranch. (Please see the related Feb. 19 program.) NM: $15; M: $12; V: $10

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Feb. 21, Tue., 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hike: Box Canyon in the Mecca Hills, "The Grottos"
Leader: Naturalist Joe Migliore

Bring a flashlight-it's sandy and short, but very dark. Huge conglomerate boulders have tumbled into and blocked the narrow canyon leaving only dark passages to get through. The hike to and from the grottos takes us along high barren ridges with great views and broad sandy washes amid towering, colorful cliffs.

You will love this delightful, moderately strenuous hike with a little mystery in the darkness! Total of 6 miles and 1,100 ft. up and back.

Meet at the ABDNHA Nature Center at 7:30 a.m. to carpool and/or caravan, or at 8:30 a.m. at the ARCO AM-PM Minimart, 90480 Ave. 66 in Mecca. From Borrego Springs, go east on S-22 to Salton City, then north 35 mi. on Hwy 86/86S to Ave. 66 (Hwy 195). Look for a silver Toyota 4-Runner with ABDNHA signs on the windows. If necessary, Joe's cell is (760) 641-1040. Bring water, lunch, sunscreen, and flashlight. 4WD not necessary.

Call the Nature Center to reserve. NM: $15; M: $12; V: $10.

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Feb. 21, Tue., 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Sahara Mustard Pulling
Leader: Volunteer Naturalist Mike Bigelow

Volunteer to help remove this invasive weed from key locations within Borrego Springs. No advance training necessary. Mike will instruct.

Meet Mike at the Nature Center at 9 a.m., 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA. Wear work shoes, bring gloves, hat, water. Bring hula hoe and trash bag if you have them. Call ahead to sign up.

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Feb. 23, Thur., 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Easy Walk: Glorieta Canyon
Leader: Mike McElhatton

Join ABDNHA Education Coordinator Mike McElhatton for this short hike in beautiful Glorieta Canyon just outside of Borrego Springs. It's a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the scenery, and meet new friends. The hike is about one mile round trip. The trail involves a little climbing and stepping over boulders, but is generally easy going.

Meet at the ABDNHA Nature Center from where we can carpool to our location. Bring water, snack and wear closed walking shoes. No charge; call to reserve.

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Feb. 23, Thur., 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Weekly Beginning Bird Walk
Leader: David Lasley

Learn to identify desert birds. Learn about bird behavior and nesting habits. Walk in and around Club Circle, a good birding area with level, easy terrain.

Meet at the south end of Marker, south of Tilting T opposite the entrance to Borrego Springs Resort. Bring binoculars, bird book, water, walking shoes. Dress for outdoors. Call the Nature Center for reservations. Non-members: $5 donation requested; Members and volunteers: no charge.

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Feb. 24, Fri., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
4WD to Truckhaven's Coral Wash

Join the Ocotillo Wells park naturalist for a guided 4WD tour of Coral Wash in the striking Truckhaven region. Delve into the volatile geologic past and take short walks through hidden side canyons.

Meet at Holly Road off of S-22, about 3.5 miles west of Hwy 86. 4WD, high-clearance vehicles. Please be willing to carpool. Bring water, lunch. No charge. Call the Nature Center to reserve.

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ABDNHA 40TH ANNUAL DESERT LECTURE SERIES

February 24, 2012, Fri., 7:30 p.m.
MOUNTAIN LIONS IN ANZA-BORREGO
Dr. Winston Vickers, Mountain Lion Researcher

Join wildlife researcher Winston Vickers as he discusses the results of a ten year study of GPS-collared mountain lions in and around Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and throughout southern California. Dr. Vickers will talk about the life history of these large predators and the attitudes that rural and urban Californians have towards them.

At the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Seating is limited and on a first-come basis. No charge to ABDNHA Members. For nonmembers, there is a $5 fee at the door, which may be applied to a new membership in ABDNHA. For information, call 1-760-767-3098.

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February 25, 2012, Sat., 10 a.m.
Borrego Rock & Gem (BRAG) Club Meeting
President Bob Veborg

Agenda items include discussion of forthcoming field trips and gem of the month. All are welcome to attend.

Meets in the ABDNHA Library.

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Three Historic Trail Events

Color photo of a desert apricot flower
Desert Apricot Flower

Feb. 25, Sat., 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Picnic at Oriflamme Canyon
Leader: Naturalist Deborah Sperberg

Oriflamme Canyon provides a lovely place to picnic: a stream bed (usually a babbling stream), tall shade trees, rocks to climb, evidence of Native Americans. Great for all ages.

Once a part of the Jackass Mail route to San Diego, Oriflamme Canyon lies west of Granite Peak on the California Riding & Hiking Trail. Access is on a dirt road from the Mason Valley.

Come with or meet us there. Bring chairs, lunch, water, jackets. We will leave Christmas Circle at 10:15. Once there, you're on your own schedule for the return. If meeting at Christmas Circle, please be willing to carpool. No charge, call the Nature Center to reserve and mention if you need a ride.


Cooke's Pass, aka Box Canyon

Feb. 26, Sun., 8 a.m. - Noon
Hike: Box Canyon
Leaders: Naturalists Mike and Jan Bigelow

Join us for a walk into history as we explore a narrow canyon filled with stories of the fabled Mormon Battalion. Soldiers, the Butterfield Overland Mail, and gold-seeking emigrants all came this way. There is a good chance in this three-mile easy hike we will see desert apricot trees in bloom.

Meet at the Nature Center. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snack. No charge; call to reserve.


Warner-Carrillo Home, Warner Springs

Feb. 27, Mon., 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tour: Butterfield Stage Route & Warner-Carrillo Home
Leader: Historian Tom Tefft

Retrace the route of the Southern Emigrant Trail, the route of the Butterfield Stage, the Mormon Battalion, the Army of the West, fur trappers, the California Gold Rush and many others.

The first stop will be Carrizo Gap and the first reliable water since the Colorado River, then follow the Vallecito Corridor to Palm Spring and then on to Vallecito Stage Station for lunch and a tour of the stage station.

From Vallecito we head north along the S-2 which is the route of the trail and end up with a tour of the restored Warner/Carrillo stage station and home. Stand where history was made and learn about the historical significance of each segment of the route.

Meet at the north side of Christmas Circle. 4WD required; please be willing to carpool. If you have a CB radio, bring it but it is not required. There is a $8 fee for all participants to cover admission to Warner-Carrillo house.

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Feb. 29, Wed., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tour: Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
Leader: Refuge Manager Chris Schoneman

Don't miss this easy two-mile round-trip walk with the wildlife refuge manager. Find out about the manmade dikes, the refuge farming, and the numerous types of wildlife, including many species of waterfowl that winter at the refuge.

Following the tour, we take time for lunch and viewing of the birds, such as snow geese, white pelicans and grebes.

Meet at the ABDNHA Nature Center at 9 a.m. We will carpool from there to the refuge. Bring binoculars, birding book if you have one, water, and lunch; wear comfortable walking shoes. Call ahead to reserve your place. NM $10; M $8; V $7.

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