Our January 2008 activities and events include:

Morteros, Kumeyaay Village, Mine Wash

Jan. 2, Wed., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hike - Upper Mine Wash
Co-leaders: Volunteer Naturalists Mary Ekelund and Paul Larson

This is a moderate hike of about 4 miles round trip to explore the geology and flora in the upper reaches of Mine Wash and to enjoy a great view of Shelter Valley far below. Many of the plants here are not found down on the desert floor, and this is an especially good place to discuss the area's geology overlooking the Shelter Valley fault.

We will meet at the entrance to Mine Wash about 2 miles east of Tamarisk Grove on Highway 78. From there we will car pool back into the canyon past the Kumeyaay Indian Village Site. Bring water, lunch, hat and wear hiking shoes. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Say's Phoebe

Jan. 3, Thurs., 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.

Repeats Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28.

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Box Canyon

Jan. 4, Fri., 9:00 a.m. - 2: 00 p.m.
Hike: Geology: Box Canyon/Rainbow Canyon Hike
Leader: Don Barrie

Join Mesa College geology instructor Don Barrie for a half-day "rock walk" through Box and Rainbow Canyons. These two canyons host some of the oldest and most interesting rocks in Anza Borrego.

After meeting at Scissors Crossing (intersection of Hwy 78 & S-2), we'll caravan south on S-2, to the Box Canyon Monument pullout, where we'll explore wonderful exposures of metamorphic rock in the canyon bottom. Then we'll continue south to nearby Rainbow Canyon, for a short walk to see excellent exposures of the striped metamorphic rock that gives this canyon its name.

Meet at Scissors Crossing at 8:45 a.m. 2WD is okay. Bring your camera for many excellent photo opportunities! Total hiking distance: approx. 3 miles (easy to moderate). Bring a sack lunch, water, and hiking shoes. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Palm Wash

Jan. 5, Sat., 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
4WD Tour and Hike - South Palm Wash
Leader: Volunteer Naturalist Deborah Sperberg

This is a short 4-wheel-drive trip followed by an easy 1.5 mile round-trip hike through a beautiful and narrow slot canyon near Calcite Mine. We will be back in time for lunch.

Meet at the north side of Christmas Circle. Ensure you have plenty of gas, water, a hat, and a snack if you wish. Seven 4WD vehicles only; please be willing to carpool. No charge, but space is limited. Call for reservations at the Nature Center and mention if you need a ride.

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Fish Creek Mountains from the Fish Creek Badlands

Jan. 6, Sun., 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Welcome to the Desert
Leader: Naturalist Karyn Barnett

Expert desert naturlist Karyn Barnett will lead us on the road less travelled to find out about local history, the living things that remain here through all seasons, and the unique nuances of Borrego Valley that make it so special. We will caravan from the Borrego Desert Nature Center. High clearance vehicles recommended. Bring water and a snack. No charge, but space is limited. Call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Jan. 7, Mon., 8 a.m.–noon
Borrego Birders
Leader and Destination: TBA

Hawk authority Hal Cohen has re-activated the popular monthly outings of the Borrego Birders. He intends to bring in different leaders. Destinations will depend on the leaders, the participants, and where the birding happens to be good at that particular month.

Meet at Christmas Circle promptly at 8 a.m. Bring water, snacks, binoculars, field guide. Dress appropriately.

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Yuha Basin

Jan. 7, Mon., 8 a.m. - late afternoon
4WD Tour: Exploring the Yuha Desert Part I
Leader: Naturalist Karyn Barnett

More than 230 years ago Juan Bautista de Anza, led his first expedition through this barren place on his way to what was then the little town of San Francisco, California He found water at what became a route of passage for future travelers - the Yuha Well.

We will follow a twenty-mile section of the 1,200 mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. Stops include Anza's Monument, the old Yuha Well, fossilized oyster beds and, time permitting, rock art etched in the desert pavement by Kamai Indians who inhabited the area long ago.

Meeting Place: If you are coming from San Diego, meet at 'Old Highway Cafe' at 9:30 a.m. If you are coming from Borrego Springs, meet at the Nature Center at 8 a.m. and carpool. This is an all day trip and involves lots of driving and several short, easy walks. Come with a full tank of gas. Bring lots of water, lunch, hat, and sunscreen.

Each vehicle will have a radio to hear interpretive tidbits along the way south. Minimum sign ups required. Maximum 8 vehicles; carpooling encouraged; 4WD high clearance vehicles a must. Call the Nature Center to reserve. NM: $28; M: $25; V: $23.

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Belted Kingfisher

Jan. 10, Thurs., 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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Jan 11, Fri., 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Desert Gardeners Meeting and Field Trip

Field Trip to Cuyamaca College's Water Friendly Garden Call the Nature Center for details; deposit may be required.

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Jan. 12, Sat., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Driving/Walking Tour of Selected Anza-Borrego Faults
Leader: Don Barrie

Join geology instructor Don Barrie for a driving/walking tour to examine several of Anza-Borrego's many faults.

Begin at the Nature Center. From here, we'll caravan west, up Montezuma Grade, through Culp Valley, and turn south on S-2, parallel to the surface trace of the Earthquake Valley/Aqua Caliente Fault.

Along the way, we'll stop at several spots to see fault-produced landscape features. After a short walk at Scissors Crossing, we'll head east on Hwy 78, down Sentenac Canyon, stopping along the way to examine the surface topography of the San Felipe Fault.

At Tamarisk Grove campground, we'll pick up S-3 back to Borrego Springs, stopping along the way to see more fault exposures.

Meet at Nature Center at 8:45 a.m. Bring water and sack lunch; 2WD is okay. No charge; call to reserve.

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Goat Canyon Trestle

Jan. 12, Sat., 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The Impossible Railroad through Carrizo Gorge in the Anza-Borrego Desert Salton Sea Geology, Mud Pots, Geothermal Power Plant
and Birds, Birds, Birds
Speaker: Reena Deutsch

This dynamic lecture and slide show will be presented in three parts. Part I will report on the 1907-1919 construction of the historic San Diego and Arizona Railway built by John D. Spreckels to connect San Diego to the railroad network to the east. The hazardous route includes miles of bridges, 21 tunnels, and a 40-mile segment through Mexico. Historic photos highlight the reasons why this line earned the nickname of the "Impossible Railroad." Challenges of building through hostile desert terrain, financial hurdles, war, a deadly epidemic, and recurrent natural disasters were encountered. The eventful operation of the line until the mid-1980s will also be chronicled.

Following a short intermission, you can lean back and enjoy a trip to the remote desert landmark Goat Canyon Trestle as you view the slides in Part II that were taken during the short-lived renewal of passenger rail excursions in 2000. These trips were among the first publicly offered passenger trips by rail into Carrizo Gorge in almost 50 years and were organized by the speaker.

Finally, Part III consists of a brief update on current and planned future operations of this most challenging and ambitious transportation enterprise. At the Nature Center Library. Space limited, call for reservations. NM $15; M $12; V $10

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Jan. 13, Sun., 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Class - Learn the Basics of a Global Positioning System
Instructor: Kurt Leuschner

This class will present the basics of using a hand Global Positioning System (GPS). If you have recently received a GPS or plan on acquiring one, you are invited to attend this class to become familiar with its operation.

Bring your own if you have it; if not, one can be provided for class use. Class will meet at the Nature Center. Call to make reservations. NM: $12, M: $10, V: $9.

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Jan. 14, Mon., 9:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tour: Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
Leader: Refuge Manager Chris Schoneman
Coordinator: Joan Malone

Spend a half day visiting the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. We will start with a guided tour by Chris Schoneman who will take us on an easy 2-mile round-trip walk in the refuge. He will talk about the manmade dikes, the refuge farming, and the numerous types of wildlife, including the many species of waterfowl.

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

Meet Coordinator in the parking lot of the Refuge at 9:45 a. m. Bring binoculars, birding book if you have one, water, and lunch; wear comfortable walking shoes. Space is limited; call the Nature Center for reservations and directions if needed. NM $10; M $8; V $7.

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Jan. 15, Tues, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Dark Sky Community- Educational Talk Co-sponsored by Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association and Anza-Borrego Foundation & Institute
Speaker: Scott Kardel; Public Affairs Coordinator, Palomar Observatory

Spend an evening learning how Borrego Springs can become an International Dark Sky Community.

Dark Skies can provide many benefits for our community and surrounding park. While keeping our skies dark is a worthwhile contribution for Palomar Observatory, they can be important for the economy (USATODAY rated Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in 2003 as one of the top 10 places for astronomers to view the stars), wildlife, reducing global warming and saving costs on energy.

Come find out how we can support "dark skies" by additionally learning how you can properly light your home or business. Call the Nature Center for reservations and location.

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Jan. 17, Thurs., 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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Jan. 18, Fri., 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Desert Literature: Overview in Lecture and Slides
Speaker: Author Ruth M. Nolan, M.A., Professor of English, College of the Desert

Professor Nolan will present an historical overview of landmarks in desert literature-past, present and future. Hear an overview of Nolan's current project compiling and editing a desert literature anthology for a major publisher, Heyday Books. Nolan is a published author, lecturer, and poet.

At the Nature Center. Call to reserve. NM $12; M $10; V $9.

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Jan. 19, Sat., 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Poetry Writing Workshop: Writing Your Inner Desert
Instructor: Ruth M. Nolan, M.A., Professor of English, College of the Desert

This workshop will include reading selected California desert poetry by established poets, and offer stimulating exercises and activities based on interaction with the local desert to give participants the opportunity to use the beauty and mystique of the desert to generate their own poems, in both basic forms and free verse. Discussion and productive workshopping, with plenty of time to write! Nolan is a published author, lecturer, and poet, who has organized and taught many writing and poetry workshops.

Break for lunch at 12:30 p.m. Bring a lunch or visit one of the local cafes. NM $50; M $45; V $42.

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Jan. 19, Sat., 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
4WD Tour for Members - Canyon Sin Nombre
Leader: Volunteer Naturalist Deborah Sperberg

Join us for a full day of 4WD exploring this most beautiful canyon located in the south park.

Meet at the north side of Christmas Circle. Ensure you have full tank of gas, plenty of water, lunch and a jacket (Optional: a folding chair for lunch). Members call for reservations at the Nature Center; no charge; space is limited. If you are holding a reservation and cannot go, please call to release your place so another can attend.

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Jan. 19, Sat., 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Borrego Skies, The Other Half of the Desert
Speaker: Dennis Mammana, Astronomer & Sky Photographer

We all enjoy the beauty of our desert-its flora, fauna, and sweeping landscapes-but often we neglect half of the scene: the glorious and ever-changing desert sky. This evening, join astronomy author and sky photographers (and Borrego resident) Dennis Mammana for a surprising photographic view of this stunning celestial tapestry. Afterwards, you may just find yourself looking up more often! Telescope viewing of the desert sky after the program, weather permitting. Call for reservations, NM $12; M $10; V $8

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Rattlesnake Canyon

Jan. 20, Sun., 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hike: Rattlesnake Canyon Exploration
Leader: Doug Nolff

Join Hiking Leader Doug Nolff for a 4-mile hike inside Rattlesnake Canyon. We will have lots of unique geology and plants to discover and perhaps we will see a bighorn sheep or two. This will be a leisurely hike and nature talk.

We will meet on the north side turnout at mile 31.8 on S-22. No charge; but call the Nature Center to reserve. Bring water, good hiking boots, and snacks for lunch in the canyon.

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Jan. 22, Tues., 10:00 a.m. - noon
*Volunteer Training Series: Night Sky Orientation for Volunteers
Instructor: Dennis Mammana, Astronomer & Sky Photographer

Anza-Borrego enjoys some of the most beautiful night skies in all the world; indeed, this is one of the reasons people visit here. In this information and fun-filled orientation, popular astronomy author and sky photographer Dennis Mammana will introduce volunteers to our starry heavens, provide simple instruction on how to read a star map, and offer an overview of some of the local and online resources that can help desert stargazers enjoy one of our greatest natural resources: the night sky.

Part of the ABDNHA Volunteer Training Series. Volunteers, please call to enroll at the Nature Center.

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Jan. 24, Thurs., 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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Jan. 25, Fri., 7:30 p.m.
ABDNHA Desert Lecture Series
California Condor Program: To Soar in San Diego's Back Country
Presented by: Dr. Mike Wallace, Wildlife Scientist, Team Leader for the California Condor Recovery Program

Dr. Michael Wallace serves the Zoological Society of San Diego as a Wildlife Scientist in the Applied Animal Ecology Division of the Conservation and Research of Endangered Species (CRES) since 1989. He is responsible for coordinating the reintroduction projects of endangered species, such as the California Condor, having over 28 years experience with that species. He directs the effort to re-establish California Condors in Baja California, Mexico, for the Zoological Society. Tonight, hear about the condor's reintroduction program in Northern Baja, their use of the Sierra San Pedro region, feeding, movements, and eventual migration through San Diego County.

No charge to ABDNHA Members. For nonmembers, there is a $5.00 fee at the door, which may be applied to a new membership in ABDNHA. At the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Seating is limited and on a first-come basis. For more information, call (760) 767-3098. Refreshments served following the program. Tonight's program is the second of five in ABDNHA's Annual Desert Lecture Series, which continues monthly through April.

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Garnet, Garnet Wash

Jan. 26, Sat., 10 a.m.
Borrego Rock and Gem (BRAG) Club
President: Jim Havens

First meeting of the New Year. New members and those interested in joining are encouraged to attend. Find out about the upcoming educational programs, trips, activities, and meetings for the 2008 season. Meets at the Borrego Desert Nature Center.

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Fish Creek-Vallecito Badlands

Jan. 26, Sat., 2-4 p.m.
Geology Workshop: "60 Million Years in 60 Minutes"
Leader: Carole Ziegler

Join Geology Professor Carole Ziegler on Saturday for an introduction to the geologic history of Southern California from the coast to the Salton Sea. Meet at the Nature Center. Reservations required. NM $15; M $12; V $10. (Fee is for class session.) See related activity on Jan. 27.

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Split Mountain Gorge

Jan. 27, Sun., 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Geology Field Workshop
Leader: Carole Ziegler

Following Geology Professor Carole Ziegler's class on Saturday, we explore Fish Creek Wash up through Split Mountain. Examine the folding and faulting of the area and see the sediments that been deposited over time. For those interested, we will hike to the misnamed wind caves. High clearance 4WD recommended. Bring water, hat, lunch, notepad. No charge; reservations required. See related activity on Jan. 26.

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Jan. 30, Wed., 1:30 p.m.
All About Gourds Talk and Tour
Speaker: Sally Rosen, Gourd Crafter

Sally Rosen, gourd crafter for over ten years and owner of the "Just Gourdgeous" shop and studio, will reveal the history, characteristics, identification, and uses worldwide of this fascinating plant. Find out about the crafting basics and techniques of this fun and easy craft. Allow 60-90 minutes for the program and questions, followed by an optional 30-minute tour of the gourd shop. Meet at the Nature Center. Call to reserve, NM $7; M $5; V $4.

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Lesser Nighthawk

Jan. 31, Thurs., 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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