Our October 2008 activities and events include:

Oct. 3-5, Friday – Sunday
Birds of Anza-Borrego, a weekend birding course in the Borrego Desert
Instructor: Kurt Leuschner, Professor of Natural Sciences.

Participants of all birding abilities are welcome – also a great course for general desert natural history and for teachers! Caravan to various sites in the Borrego Desert. Learn about the ecology, conservation, and taxonomy of many different bird species. Weather can be variable.

To enroll, call the UC Riverside Extension, 800/422-4900; or email. Course fee is $169 or $155 each for couples and family members. Includes 1.5 quarter units. ABDNHA members receive a $27 discount!

Begins at 7 p.m. Fri. evening. Meet at the Borrego Desert Nature Center. Course continues on Sat. all day and Sun. to 1 p.m.

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Oct. 10, Fri. , 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Desert Gardeners Meeting

Season opening meeting of the local garden group. Meet at Torres Nursery, for ideas for container planting.

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The Carrizo Badlands from the Wind Caves

Oct. 11, Sat. , 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Hike: Wind Caves in Fish Creek Wash
Leader: Joan Malone

Take a visit to the wind caves, interesting formations carved in sandstone by wind erosion. The trail up to the caves is short (1/2 mile) but very steep with loose rock. At the top we will walk among the formations and from a point on a hill we get a magnificent view of the Elephant Knees. We will loop down from the caves to join a drainage (where some boulder scrambling is required) that leads back to Fish Creek Wash. Bring water, snack and wear sturdy hiking boots. Meet at the Nature Center from where we will carpool to Fish Creek Wash. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Oct. 12, Sun. , 9 a.m. – Noon
Guided Discover Walk: Borrego Palm Canyon
Leader: Karyn Barnett

Join naturalist Karyn for a guided nature walk to the first palm grove in Palm Canyon. What animals live in the canyon? Are there any wildflowers blooming? Let's find out together.

Fairly easy walking on uneven terrain; some scrambling over rocks. Bring a lunch, water and wear a hat and hiking clothes.

Meet at the Nature Center; carpooling encouraged. Entrance fee to trailhead is $6 per vehicle. No charge for walk; call the Nature Center for reservations.

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Oct. 18, Sat. , 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Hike: Bitter Creek Spring
Leader: Joan Malone

Spend a morning on this 4-mile hike up Bitter Creek Canyon where you can view the Bitter Creek Spring marked by a cottonwood tree on a hill and see the trough, an old bathtub, where the water was piped for animals. We will wander up the canyon to explore its beauty. Bring water, lunch and wear good hiking shoes. Meet at the Nature Center from where we can carpool. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Stromatelite

Oct. 18, Sat. , 10 a.m.
Borrego Rock & Gem (BRAG) Club

Opening meeting for BRAG,the local rock club. New members and those interested in joining are encouraged to attend this first meeting of the season.

Find out about the upcoming field trip on Nov. 8, and the educational programs, trips, activities, and meetings for the 2008-2009 season. Jim Havens, president.

Meets at the Borrego Desert Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, just west of Christmas Circle.

Learn about BRAG.

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Oct. 25, Sat. , 11 a.m. to Noon
Borrego Days Parade

Special Parade Day offer: Join ABDNHA or purchase a gift membership today and receive a free gift!

You’re invited to set your chair in front of the Nature Center and watch for ABDNHA's entry in the parade. Stop by on parade day for a free souvenir and the book signing and reception at the Nature Center from noon to 3 p.m.

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Oct. 25, Sat. , Noon – 3 p.m.
Book Signing Reception for Lalo Fiorelli

Join us in front of the Nature Center to meet Lalo Fiorelli, author of the beautiful Secret Splendors of the Desert to celebrate the publishing of this new book. Refreshments will be served. No charge.

See related slide program Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.

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Oct. 25, Sat. , 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Slide Show/Talk – “Secret Splendors of the Desert”
Speaker: Author Lalo Fiorelli

Spend an evening with Lalo Fiorelli to explore the making of his book, Secret Splendors of the Desert. Enjoy his story through a computer generated multimedia show, talk and discussion.

Program held in the ABDNHA library. Call the Nature Center to reserve. NM $10, M $8, V $6.

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Oct. 30, Thurs. , 8 - 10 a.m.
Weekly Beginning Bird Walk
Repeats Nov. 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4, 11, 18
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.

See our bird list.

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