Our November 2009 activities and events include:

Nov. 2, Mon., 8 a.m. - Noon
Hike: Marble Canyon
Leader: Robin Halford

Join Hiking Leader Robin Halford for a moderate 5.1 mile hike into Marble Canyon. Explore one of the hidden drainages “in plain view” on the south side of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

This canyon has some uneven walking surfaces, minimal bouldering, interesting geology and cactus adapted to this dry area. This has been a reliable area to find the tall stalks of velvet mallow.

Meet at the parking area for Lute Fault Scarp across from Thimble Trail. From Christmas Circle, drive east on S22 for approximately 12.4 miles to mile 31.9 and park near the roadside phone on the left/north side of S22. Bring water, snack, hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes. No charge, but call the Nature Center to reserve. Space is limited.

Nov 7, Sat., 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hike: Volcan Mountain via Five Oaks Trail
Leaders: Urmi Ray and Sanjiv Nanda

Still too hot in the desert? Join us in the nearby mountains for a hike in the Julian area. This hike is 6 miles round trip with a fairly steep climb and an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet.

Meet at 9 a.m. at the trailhead. Limited trailhead parking. Trailhead is on Farmer Road. To get to Farmer Road take Wynola Road from Route 78. Bring lunch, water, and dress appropriately; it can be cool. Wear sturdy hiking boots. Call the Nature Center to reserve. NM $12, M $10, V $8. (For another hike in the Julian area, see the Kanaka Loop Hike on Nov. 14.)

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Nov. 8, Sun., 10:30 – Noon
History Talk: “Doc” Beaty and Homesteader Days in Early Borego
Speaker: Phil Brigandi, Historian

A.A. “Doc” Beaty (1871-1949) was one of the first homesteaders in the Borrego Valley, and one of the few to stay. He came in 1912 when there were just a handful of settlers in the valley, and lived long enough to see the birth of modern Borrego Springs in the 1940s.

Learn more about the days when “Borego” was considered the most isolated community in San Diego County with historian Phil Brigandi, the author of Borrego Beginnings, Early Days in the Borrego Valley, 1910-1960, published by the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association. Brigandi has been researching the history of the Anza-Borrego area since the 1970s, and interviewed “Doc” Beaty’s daughter, along with many other local pioneers.

Held at ABDNHA Library. Call for reservations, NM $11; M $8; V $7.

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Nov. 8, Sun., 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Tour Old Borego Townsite

Visit the Old Borego Townsite on History Preservation Day sponsored by the Borrego Civic Foundation and ABDNHA.

Tour the historic buildings that were the center of commercial development for Borrego’s homesteaders and farmers in the 1930s and 40s.

Stop by the ABDNHA table under the eaves of the old general store to purchase Borrego Beginnings, Early Days in the Borrego Valley and Old Time Cattlemen. Located at 1580 Rango Way.

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Sandstone Canyon

Nov. 12, Thurs., 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
4WD Tour & Hike: Sandstone Canyon
Leader: Volunteer Naturalist Deborah Sperberg

Directions and details to come.

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Nov. 13, Fri., 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Desert Gardeners Meeting

Open to all. Learn how to construct a raised planter for vegetables using different types of materials and methods.

Location to be determined.

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California Fan Palm, Washingtonia filifera

Nov. 13-15, Friday – Sunday
UCRX Course: Palm Oasis Ecology: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Instructor: Biologist Jim W. Cornett

The desert fan palm (Washingtonia filifera) is remarkable for its value as a home for bark beetles, birds, and small animals who live in the dead fronds. The only palm species native to the western U.S., it can be found at seeps, springs and streams in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

At one time it was thought to be a relic species surviving at only a few isolated localities in remote desert outposts. New studies indicate its numbers are increasing in the Anza-Borrego region and throughout the Southwest.

This course examines the ecological relationships of the desert fan palm to better understand the current expansion in numbers and distribution.

Meet at the Borrego Desert Nature Center on Friday evening at 5 p.m. Course continues on Sat. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Two quarter units available.

To enroll, call the UC Riverside Extension, 800/422-4900. ABDNHA members receive a discount.

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Nov. 14, Sat., 10 a.m.
Borrego Rock & Gem Club

Interested? Please plan to attend. Meets at the ABDNHA Library.

More about BRAG.

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Nov 14, Sat., 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hike: Kanaka Loop Trail in the Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve
Leaders: Urmi Ray and Sanjiv Nanda

Still too hot in the desert? Join us in the nearby mountains for a hike in the Julian area. This 7 mile hike is has some steep parts and 500 feet of elevation gain. The hike takes us across the Santa Ysabel Creek, crosses oak woodlands and open meadows.

Meet at 9 a.m. at the Farmer Road Staging Area of the Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve, one mile north on Farmer Road, off Wynola Road. Bring lunch, water, jacket—it can be cool, and sturdy hiking boots.

Call the Nature Center to reserve. NM $12, M $10, V $8.

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Nov. 14, Sat., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
4WD Self Recovery: Beginning Class & Field Testing New Skills
Instructor: Outfitter & Guide Bill Burke

The morning prepares you and your 4WD vehicle for safe travel in the back country. Learn how to get unstuck and use necessary equipment safely. See various scenarios for self-recovery. Learn to be prepared for a variety of situations in the back country.

The afternoon includes a fun desert excursion to build on the skills learned in the morning, includes driving the washes and hills, learning more about your vehicle, and how to handle it safely.

Class and field session combined into one class, which is different than in years past. Bring lunch, water, and notepad. Register early, a minimum enrollment is required for this class to go; call the Nature Center, (760) 767-3098. A maximum of 10 vehicles is permitted. The fee is per person. The first person in the car is NM $75, M $70. The second person in the car is NM $65, M $60; third person is NM $55, M $50. (This class is a prerequisite to the advanced class offered Nov. 15.)

Visit Bill Burke’s web site at for more information.

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Nov. 15, Sun., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Advanced 4WD Self Recovery Class
Instructor: Outfitter & Guide Bill Burke

We will take our basic knowledge and move along to get in actual winching and recovery strap use. Learn simple field fixes with basic tools. The terrain we choose will depend on which vehicles show up, but will be more demanding than the sandy terrain traversed during the basic self-recovery class, which is a prerequisite to this advanced class. See Nov. 14 for basic class.

Bring lunch and water. Register early, a minimum enrollment is required for this class to go; call the Nature Center, (760) 767-3098. A maximum of 10 vehicles is permitted. The fee is per person. The first person in the car is NM $75, M $70. The second person in the car is NM $65, M $60; third person is NM $55, M $50.

Visit Bill Burke’s web site for more information.

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Nov. 18, Wed., 5:30 p.m.
Volunteer POTLUCK Social

ABDNHA Volunteers, staff, board members, and families are all invited to a potluck social to kick-off the new season at the home of Nancy & Richard Bye on Pecos Drive. Catch up with friends—old and new—after the summer hiatus. Mark your calendars.

Volunteers will receive an invitation. Please RSVP to the Nature Center, 760-767-3098. Bring a book (CD, video or DVD) for the Book Exchange—bring yours to trade and take home something “new.”

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Nov. 19, Thurs., 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Volunteer Training Series:
Half-Day Field Trip to the Desert
Guide: Joan Malone

ABDNHA Volunteers: Mark your calendars for a fun and informative morning getting reacquainted with our magnificent desert. Enjoy a half-day trip with leader Joan Malone. Call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Nov. 20, Fri., 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Volunteer Training Series:
All Day Seminar & Luncheon

ABDNHA Volunteers: Mark your calendars for a special day of expert speakers and socializing. A popular event and great way to start the season! In fall, Volunteers will receive a flyer-invitation with details. RSVP to the Nature Center.

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Nov. 21, Sat., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hike: Elephant Knees

Hiking Leader Doug Nolff leads a 5-mile moderate hike to Elephant Knees in the Split Mountain area. Hike to the top of the Elephant Knees over a marine fossils formation for a wonderful view. Meet at the Fish Creek turnoff from where we can carpool if you do not have a 4WD vehicle. No charge, call reserve.

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Nov. 21, Sat., 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The Fall Evening Sky
Speaker: Astronomer Dennis Mammana

Ever wonder how astronomers can peer into the starry night sky and know exactly what they're seeing? Join Borrego astronomer Dennis Mammana this morning as he reveals their secrets.

In this enlightening class you'll learn how to read a star map, how to use your eyes like a pro, and how to find those seemingly impossible star patterns that have eluded you all your life!

Held at ABDNHA Library. Call for reservations, NM $10; M $8; V $6.

Later tonight, try out your new skills under the real autumn night sky, as Dr. Jim and Grace Rickard share with the public their telescopes and celestial expertise at the Lutheran Church. (See below, Stargazing Program, 7:30 p.m.)

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Nov. 21, Sat., 7:30 p.m.
Stargazing Program
Astronomer Dr. Jim and Grace Rickard

Telescopes provided for observing Jupiter and the crescent moon. Identify the constellations in our clear desert skies. View our neighboring galaxy, the Andromeda nebula.

Bring binoculars (if you have them), warm clothes, chairs and flashlights. Sponsored by ABDNHA, there is no charge or reservations necessary for this excellent program.

We will be hosted by the Borrego Lutheran Church, located on Church Lane. If you need directions, please call the Nature Center, 760/767-3098. Canceled in case of cloud cover.

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Nov. 27, Fri., 7:30 p.m.
Opening of ABDNHA 38th Annual Desert Lecture Series
Wind Birds – Swainson’s Hawks Through the Seasons
Speaker: Hal Cohen, Professor of Biology (ret.)
Sponsors: Ed & Jackie Spacek

Follow Swainson’s Hawks through the seasons as they migrate as far as 7,000 miles from Argentina, Columbia, South America and Mexico to the United States and Canada. Share the spectacle of hundreds of Swainson’s Hawks up close each spring in Borrego Springs, a major staging and feeding stop for the hawks on their journey north.

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 first of five in ABDNHA’s Annual Desert Lecture Series, which continues monthly in January through April.

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