ABDNHA Home | Activities
| January 2010
January 2010 activities and events
Phainopepla
Our January 2010 activities and events include:
- ABDNHA Lecture Series — Ronald R. Swaisgood on
Reintroducing Endangered Species (Rescheduled
for April 9)
- Birding — Borrego Birders
(Jan 4), Beginning Bird Walks (Jan. 5,
12, 19, 26)
- Books & Authors — This Day in San Diego History,
Linda Pequegnat (Jan. 9)
- Classes and Lectures — Desert
Photography (Jan. 16-17), Earthquakes (Jan.
29), Desert Climate (Jan. 30)
- Hikes and Tours — Mecca Hills
Box Canyon (Jan. 2), Oil Exploration (Jan. 7),
Rainbow Canyon (Jan. 9), Seven
Desert Habitats (Jan. 14), San Jacinto Fault
& Ella Wash (Jan. 16), Coyote Canyon Badlands
(Jan. 18), West Butte Borrego Mountain (Jan. 20),
OWSVRA Geology (Jan. 21), Canyon
sin Nombre for ABDNHA members (Jan. 23), Sandstone
Canyon Saddleback (Jan. 24), Box Canyon (Jan. 26)
- Inside OWSVRA* — Oil
Exploration (Jan. 7), Seven Desert Habitats
(Jan. 14), Geology (Jan. 21)
- Meetings — Desert Gardeners
(Jan. 8), BRAG (Jan. 9)
- Photography — Leo Larson
(Jan. 16-17)
*Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
Jan. 2, Sat., 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hike: Box Canyon in the Mecca Hills, "The Grottos"
Leader: Joe Migliore
Grottos in the Mecca Hills? Well, yes. Bring your flashlight…it's sandy and
short, but very dark. Huge boulders have tumbled into and blocked the narrow
canyon, leaving only dark passageways.
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, easy-to-moderate hike with a little mystery in the darkness!
Meet at the ABDNHA Nature Center at 7:30 a.m. to carpool and or caravan.
We will meet our guide at 8:30 a.m. at the Arco Station at Highway 86 and
Highway 195 (Ave. 66), and proceed together to Painted Canyon.
Optionally, meet at the Arco Station at 8:30 a.m.
4 WD may be necessary. Carpool accordingly. Bring water, lunch, sunscreen,
and flashlight.
Call the Nature Center for reservations. NM: 14; M: $12; V: $10.
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Jan. 4, Mon., 8 a.m.
Borrego Birders
Coordinator: Hal Cohen
Meet at Christmas Circle. Location varies monthly. All levels welcome.
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Jan. 5, Tues., 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Beginning Birding Walk
Leader: Mari Thygesen
Start the day right with this easy, one-mile walk around Club Circle, a
good birding area with level terrain. Learn to identify desert birds, their
habitat and behavior.
Meet at the south end of Marker, south of Tilting T opposite the entrance
to Borrego Springs Resort.
Bring binoculars, bird book, and water. Call the Nature Center for reservations.
Non-members: $5 donation requested; Members and volunteers: no charge.
This activity repeats weekly, on Jan. 5, 12, 19, and 26.
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Inside OWSVRA*
Jan. 7, Thurs., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
4WD Tour: Oil Exploration in Ocotillo Wells SVRA
Area Oil! Oil! Oil! proclaims an advertisement from the Ocotillo Wells region
in the early part of this century. Many roughnecks and adventurers traveled
out into our desert in the hopes of striking black gold. Join Ocotillo Wells
naturalist Andy on a tour through Ocotillo Well's past, and the sometimes
desperate search for black gold.
Meet at the Ocotillo Wells SVRA Ranger Station. Ten vehicles max.; please
be willing to carpool. High clearance 4WD vehicle needed. Bring water and
lunch. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.
*Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
See also: Seven Desert Habitats (Jan. 14),
Geology (Jan. 21)
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Jan. 8, Fri., 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Desert Gardeners Meeting
The January meeting will be held at THE GARDEN, located on Palm Canyon Drive,
immediately west of "The Center" shopping center.
Subject: Container gardening - vegetables, herbs, succulents, cacti, flowers
and more. Tips for choosing the right container, care and maintenance.
Dress for the outdoors. Bring your own chair.. No charge. Open to all.
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Jan. 9, Sat., 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hike: Rainbow Canyon
Leader: Doug Nolff
Come visit beautiful Rainbow Canyon. As its name suggests, this small Canyon
contains very colorful banded metamorphic rock. The intimate constricted bottom
gives you the opportunity to playfully negotiate several multi-colored dry
waterfalls.
There should be lots of native plants and flowers to discover along this
3-mile roundtrip hike. The approach to the canyon will include a careful walk
through an impressive cactus garden. With luck, we may see some local wildlife.
It will be a fun adventure!
Meet on Hwy S2 at mile marker 27.7, approx. 11 mi SE of Scissors Crossing.
Bring water and lunch; wear hiking boots. No charge; call the Nature Center
to reserve.
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Jan. 9, Sat., 10 a.m.
Borrego Rock & Gem Club
Please join us. Discuss upcoming programs & tours. At ABDNHA.
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Book & Author Afternoon
Jan. 9, Sat., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
This Day in San Diego History
Book Signing for Linda Pequegnat
You are invited to come to the Nature Center to meet Linda Pequegnat, author
of This Day in San Diego History.
Linda is a part-time Borego Springs resident and retired marine biologist.
Her interest in learning about San Diego's history became a 10-year long project
resulting in the writing of the book. (See related talks at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.)
Jan. 9, Sat., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
This Day in San Diego History
Author: Linda Pequegnat
Come spend 20 minutes with Linda Peguegnat and find out about San Diego History
- and what happened on your birthday.
Held in ABDNHA Library. Please note times. (See related book signing from
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
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Inside OWSVRA*
Jan. 14, Thurs., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
4WD Tour: Seven Desert Habitats of Ocotillo Wells SVRA
Many have looked out into the desert landscape and thought that everything
looks the same. Looks can be deceiving! Ocotillo Wells is home to seven distinct
desert habitats, each with its own plants, animals, and beauty. Join Ocotillo
Wells naturalists for a tour of some of these wonderful habitats that will
highlight this diverse desert.
Meet at the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area ranger station
off Highway 78 in Ocotillo Wells. Ten vehicles max.; please be willing to
carpool. 4WD, high clearance, plus water, lunch. No charge; call the Nature
Center to reserve.
*Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
See also: Geology (Jan. 21)
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Jan. 16, Sat., 9 a.m. - Noon
Tour & Hike: San Jacinto Fault and Ella Wash
4WD recommended
Leader: Geologist Don Barrie
Join Mesa College geology professor Don Barrie for a fascinating walk along
the San Jacinto Fault near Ella Wash.
From S-22, we'll enter the Borrego Badlands at Palo Verde Wash and follow
a dirt road a short distance to Ella Wash. We'll explore exposures of faulted
and folded strata on foot.
Figure about a mile of easy walking. If you've ever wondered how geologists
map active faults, here's your chance to find out.
Meet at the Nature Center. 4WD recommended; bring a snack and water. No charge;
call to reserve.
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Weekend Desert Photography Events
Jan. 16, Sat., 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Program: Desert Photography
Speaker: Photographer Leo Larson
Learn how Leo Larson creates his stunning desert images. The talk will focus
on refining one's photographic vision from mere documentary photography to
photography as art.
At the ABDNHA library. Space is limited; call to reserve. NM $13, M $11,
V $9. (See related reception on Jan. 16 at 5:00, and field workshop on Jan.
17.)
Jan. 16, Sat., 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Exhibit Reception for Leo Larson
You're invited to this open house special reception for Leo Larson,
showcasing his beautiful panoramic photographs of the Anza-Borrego Desert
on display at the Borrego Desert Nature Center. Images are for sale. (See
also program at 3 p.m., and field workshop on Jan. 17.)
Jan. 17, Sun., 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Desert Photography Workshop
Field Guide: Photographer Leo Larson
Participate in an early morning photo shoot workshop with Leo Larson and
learn how to create imagery that takes advantage of the desert's patterns,
colors, textures and design.
Meet at the Nature Center. Bring a camera (film or digital). A tripod would
be beneficial, but is not mandatory. Bring water; wear comfortable clothes
and shoes for a morning in the desert. No charge; call the Nature Center to
reserve. Space is limited to 15 participants.
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Jan. 18, Mon., 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
4WD & Hike: Coyote Canyon Badlands
Leaders: Don Barrie & Karyn
Barnett
Where are the badlands in Coyote Canyon? How did they get there?
Discover the geology and natural history of this area. Bring lunch, hiking
shoes, and jacket. Walking distance is 3 to 3.5 miles on soft sand. 4WD required.
Meet on north side of Christmas Circle, from where we can carpool.
No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.
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Jan. 20, Wed., 9 a.m. - Noon
Hike: West Butte; Borrego Mountain
Leaders: Volunteer Naturalists Mary Ekelund
and Paul Larson
Hike to the top of one of our smaller peaks, but with great views! The route
includes walking on narrow ridges and some scrambling toward the summit. It's
a short hike, about 3-miles round trip, but not for the faint of heart.
Meet at the intersection of Buttes Pass Rd and Hwy 78, 1.5 miles east of
the intersection of Borrego Springs Rd and Hwy 78. Bring water, snack, hat,
hiking shoes. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.
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Inside OWSVRA*
Jan. 21, Thurs., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
4WD Tour: Geology of Ocotillo Wells SVRA
Whoever said that time travel isn't possible, never took a look at a rock!
Take a trip back in time with the geologist of the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular
Recreation Area. Ocotillo Wells has some of the most spectacular geological
formations in the area. These formations tell the story of the past, present,
and sometimes the future.
Meet at the Ocotillo Wells SVRA ranger station. Tour limited to 10 vehicles.
Please be willing to carpool. Bring a high clearance 4WD vehicle, plenty of
water, lunch, and be prepared to "rock out" at Ocotillo Wells! No charge;
call the Nature Center to reserve.
*Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
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ABDNHA 38th Annual Desert Lecture Series
Apr. 9, Fri., 7:30 p.m. (rescheduled from
Jan. 22)
Reintroducing Endangered Species in Southern California
Ronald R. Swaisgood, Ph.D.
Program sponsored by Barbara Oyler
Learn about efforts by the San Diego Zoo to reintroduce locally important
species, including the Pacific pocket mouse, Stephens' kangaroo rat, mountain
yellow-legged frog, desert ortoise, burrowing owls, and California condor.
Dr. Swaisgood is director of the Applied Animal Ecology Division at the San
Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research. He has written popular articles
and been interviewed by the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, NBC Today Show,
and CNN.
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 $5.00 fee at the door, which may be applied to a new membership in ABDNHA.
For more information, call (760) 767-3098. Refreshments served following the
program.
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Canyon sin Nombre
Special for ABDNHA Members
Jan. 23, Sat., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
4WD Tour to Canyon sin Nombre
Leader: Volunteer Naturalist Deborah Sperberg
This trip is for ABDNHA members. 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, jacket, lunch, and a folding chair (opt.). Members call
for reservations at the Nature Center; no charge; space is limited. Please
be willing to carpool as number of cars 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. 24, Sun., 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
4WD Tour & Hike: Sandstone Canyon Saddleback
Leader: Karyn Sauber Barnett
We'll enter June Wash, an area rich in desert agaves, and drive
to the road's end, where we'll begin our 5-mile round-trip moderate hike to
the high point overlooking the Fish Creek area and Sandstone Canyon. The terrain
is rocky and slippery in areas. 4WD required. Hiking poles recommended. Bring
water, lunch, day pack, and hat. Meet along S-2 at Aqua Caliente General Store
just past mile post 39. No charge; call to reserve.
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Desert Apricot, Prunus fremonti (Rosaceae)
Jan. 26, Tues., 9 a.m. - Noon
Hike: Box Canyon
Leaders: Naturalists Mike and Jan Bigelow
Join us for a 3-mile walk into history as we explore a narrow canyon filled
with stories of the fabled Mormon Battalion. There's a good chance we will
see desert apricot trees in bloom. Wear sturdy shoes; bring water and snack.
Meet at the Nature Center. No charge; call to reserve.
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Jan. 29, Fri., 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Talk: Landscape on the Loose: Understanding Earthquakes
Instructor: Joe Migliore
Only three things are certain, death, taxes and The Big One. OK, it may not
happen in your lifetime; but if you're counting on that, you need to listen
to this talk!
There have been earthquakes and other geologic mayhem for almost a quarter
of a billion years around this place we now call California. Geologists tell
us this landscape is considerably overdue to cut loose. Find out what earthquakes
are about and why you should be prepared.
This presentation includes state-of-the-art animation to help explain why
this is Earthquake Country and what is happening when the earth trembles.
At the ABDNHA Library. Call the Nature Center to reserve. NM: $10; M: $8;
V: $7.
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Jan. 30, Sat., 9 a.m. - Noon
Class: Anza-Borrego: A Desert Climate with a Warm Heart
Instructor: Michael Wangler, Professor of
Geography, Cuyamaca College
Whether it be the gentle, life-giving winter rains, the howling springtime
windstorms, the intense summer heat, or the torrential downpours of the monsoon,
the weather of Anza-Borrego is anything but boring.
This class explores the varied weather patterns in the Anza-Borrego Desert.
Learn how seasonal weather patterns are affected by Anza-Borrego's unique
geographic setting. Learn to better understand the day-to-day weather patterns
and to employ your senses for predicting the short-term weather.
Meets at Nature Center, call for reservations. NM: $14; M: $12;
V: $10.
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