ABDNHA Home | Activities | March 2010


March 2010 activities and events


Ocotillo, Fouquieria splendens var. splendens

Here is a list of our activities and events for March 2010:


Coyote Mountain

Mar. 1, Mon., 8 a.m. – Noon
Hike: Paul’s Playa
Leader: Hiking Book Author Robin Halford

This is a strenuous 5.7-mile loop hike, which includes an abandoned jeep road up the south toe of Coyote Mountain, then a hike over to the playa. Expect lots of uneven terrain, some bouldering, several steep sections, and wonderful views of the Borrego Valley.

Bring snack, lunch, plenty of water (not much shade). Meet at Pegleg Monument dry camp, 5 mile east of Christmas Circle where S22 and Henderson Cny Rd intersect. No charge; call to reserve.

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Mar. 1, Mon., 8 a.m.
Borrego Birders
Coordinator: Hal Cohen

Meet at Christmas Circle. Location varies. All levels welcome.

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Mar. 2, Tues., 8 – 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.

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Mar. 4, Thurs., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
4WD: Historical Look at Ocotillo Wells

Explore the history of Ocotillo Wells—from the Anza Expedition to military history and beyond—with the park naturalist as our guide.

Meet at the Ocotillo Wells Ranger Station. Bring a high clearance 4WD vehicle, water, lunch, and a sense of adventure for this fun excursion. No charge, call us to reserve.

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March 6, Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
ABDNHA Native Plant Show & Sale
at the Borrego Desert Nature Center

ABDNHA Native Plant Show & Sale (pdf)

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Outdoor Display of Native American Uses of Desert Plants
Naturalist Marge Hatcher has assembled an extensive exhibit about uses of desert plants by the Cahuilla and Kumeyaay for food, drink, clothing, shelter, and tools. Sample these plants!

9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., & 1 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Native Plant Walks
Sign up for one of two walks led by Volunteer Naturalist Linda King to learn about the local native flora and see what’s in bloom! Easy walking. No charge. Bring water. Space limited, call the Nature Center to reserve.

9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Information Table
Staffed by Borrego Water District Operations & Irrigation Specialists
Representatives of Borrego Water District will provide advice for your irrigation needs and discuss irrigation components (drippers, timers, etc.) on hand, in order to help you decide what to buy. Applications for rebates available through the BWD also on hand, as is information about Borrego’s aquifer and water supply.

9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Information Table
Staffed Morgan Vondrak, by Native Plant Landscape Designer
Bring your ideas and questions for Morgan, who will assist you with expert advice on plant selection and landscape design with native plants for your individual yard or property. She has experience working with all native plant communities in San Diego County. Owner of Argia Designs, she loves to help spread the word about the many benefits of native plants. No charge.

10:30 a.m. – Noon
Presentation: Edible, Medicinal, Material, Ceremonial: Contemporary Ethnobotany of Southern California Indians
Presenters: Deborah Small & Rose Ramirez
Deborah is an artist, photographer, and professor of Visual & Performing Arts at Cal State University San Marcos. Rose is of Chumash descent, a Calif. Indian basket weaver, photographer, and board member of the non-profit American Indian Channel. They have put together a fascinating multi-media presentation of their work documenting the modern uses of native plants of importance to the intellectual, spiritual, and cultural vitality of Indian People. Held in the ABDNHA Library. No charge; space is limited. Call to reserve.

1 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. & 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Native Plant Walks
Sign up for one of two walks led by Volunteer Naturalist Linda King to learn about the local native flora and see what’s in bloom! Easy walking. No charge. Bring water. Space limited, call the Nature Center to reserve.

1:30 -- 3 p.m.*
Workshop: Design with Succulents
Speaker: Gail Van Camp, Artist/Gardener

A hands-on workshop to learn about designing with succulents (cactus included). Gail will share her artistic ideas for containers and plant combinations based on form and color. Learn how to propagate from cuttings and to successfully plant and grow these low-water-use plants. Bring at least one or two small, interesting containers, and gloves and notepad, if you wish. Plants, cuttings, and potting soil provided. Participants plant and take home several specimens. *May go 3:30 p.m. Space limited, call to reserve. 1-760-767-3098. NM $16; M $13; V $12.

The ABDNHA Native Plant Show & Sale is sponsored by the Borrego Water District.

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Mar. 7, Sun., 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Driving Tour: Selected Faults, West Side of Borrego Valley
Leader: Geologist Don Barrie, Mesa College

Join geology professor Don Barrie for a driving tour of selected faults along the western side of Borrego Valley. From the Nature Center, we’ll wind up through Culp Valley and Ranchita. After exploring an excellent exposure of the Agua Caliente Fault, we’ll head south to catch glimpses of the Earthquake Valley Fault, and stop near Tamarisk Grove and Yaqui Pass to see additional faults.

Day includes some short, easy hikes at several stops. 2WD okay; meet at Nature Center; bring water, lunch. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Mar. 9, Tues., 8 – 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.

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Desert Sunflower, Geraea canescens

Mar. 10, Wed., 9 a.m. – Noon
Walk: Follow the Flowers
Leaders: Volunteer Naturalists Mary Ekelund and Paul Larson

Our winter rains foretell spring flowers, and we will find them! Come prepared to drive on our dirt roads and walk in the desert.

Meet at the Nature Center from where we can carpool if necessary. Bring water, hat, and walking shoes.

No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Mar. 11, Thurs., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tour: Meet the Management Team
Guide: Ocotillo Wells Park Naturalist

Join us for a fun and interesting morning at the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. Hear presentations about the many new programs in place at OW, take an off-road adventure, and share an old-fashion barbeque lunch with the staff.

Meet at the Ocotillo Wells Ranger Station. A high clearance 4WD vehicle is required. There is a $5 fee for lunch, payable at OW at the time of the tour, otherwise, no charge. Call the Nature Center for reservations.

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Mar. 12, Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hike: Wildflowers & Geology, Painted Canyon in Mecca Hills
Leader: Joe Migliore, Certified Interpretive Guide and Desert Naturalist

The Mecca Hills are a rising block of sedimentary formations sandwiched between earthquake faults associated with the San Andreas Fault. Tectonic forces are thrusting the surrounding rocks up, while erosion creates a colorful and awesome maze of canyons of tilted sediments. This is also home to an amazing variety of wildflowers. Those interested may take a short side trip into the recesses of Ladder Canyon, a slot canyon, sometimes barely wide enough for the passage of one person.

Bring water, lunch, sunscreen, and camera. This is a moderate walk about 4 miles and requires ascending and descending a couple of ladders over dry waterfalls.

Directions: We recommend meeting at The Nature Center at 7:30 a.m. to carpool and/or caravan to meet your guide at the Arco Station at 8:30 from where we proceed together to Painted Canyon. From Borrego proceed east 25 mi. on S22 to Hwy 86 at Salton City, then north 35 mi. to Hwy 195 (Ave. 66) Arco Station. 4WD recommended; carpool accordingly.

Reservations required. NM $12; M $10; V $9.

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Wild Canterbury-Bell, Phacelia minor

Mar. 12, Fri., 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Introductory Class: Flowering Plants of the Anza-Borrego Desert
Instructor: Michael Wangler, Cuyamaca College

This introductory botany class will focus on the identification of flowering plants found within the Anza-Borrego Desert. Learn how to recognize flower and fruiting structures, differentiate between common families and individual species, and gain experience using a botanical key. A field trip will follow the morning class. (See related field trip, Mar. 12, at noon.)

At the ABDNHA Library. Plan on a 45-minute lunch break prior to the field trip. Bring water & lunch. Please call for a reservation. NM $10; M $8; V $6

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Mar. 12, Fri., Noon – 4 p.m.
Field Trip: Flowering Plants of the Anza-Borrego Desert
Leader: Geographer Michael Wangler

The field trip follows a morning class that introduces flowering plants of the Anza-Borrego Desert. Visit several different habitats and practice using new botanical skills to identify flowering plants in a field setting. Bring water, snack, and dress for outdoors.

Meet at the Nature Center. There is no charge, but reservations are required. Call the Nature Center to reserve. (See related class Mar. 12, 9 a.m.)

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Mar. 12, Fri., 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Desert Gardeners Meeting

No charge. Open to all. Location to be determined.

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Mar. 13, Sat., 9 a.m. – Noon
4WD Tour/Hike: South Palm Wash
Leader: Vol. Naturalist Deborah Sperberg

This is a short 4WD trip followed by a moderate 1.5 mile round-trip hike through a beautiful and narrow slot canyon near Calcite Mine. Back in time for lunch.

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

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Mar. 13, Sat., 10 a.m.
Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG)

New members welcome! Program and meeting at the ABDNHA Library.

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Mar. 13, Sat., 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Program: Lizards of the Anza-Borrego Desert and Beyond
Presenters: Rob Lovich & Larry Jones

For the lizard enthusiast, it is possible to plan a vacation based on the lizards you want to see, and view some stunning backdrops along the way! 

This is exactly what Larry Jones did to photograph lizards and their habitats for Lizards of the American Southwest: A Photographic Field Guide. The merger of Larry with Rob Lovich with their 67 colleagues expanded the effort, and provided coverage on every lizard found in the southwestern U.S.

Now you can follow them on a virtual lizarding vacation across the Southwest with such fabulous venues as the Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Mojave deserts, and the Colorado Plateau. Join the Lizard Crew on a trip to see some of the coolest critters in the American Southwest, from alligator lizards to zebra-tailed lizards and horned lizards to Gila monsters. In addition, you'll be provided with information on recent lizard research, and southwestern lizards conservation needs.

Held in the ABDNHA Library. Space limited, call to reserve. NM $10; M $8; V $6. Book signing following program

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Mar. 13, Sat., 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Book Signing at the Nature Center

Meet herpetologists Larry Jones and Rob Lovich, authors of the new book, Lizards of the American Southwest: A Photographic Field Guide. (See related slide program Mar 13, 2 p.m.)

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Mar. 13, Sat., 7:30 p.m.
Stargazing Program with Astronomer Dr. Jim & Grace Rickard

Telescopes provided for observing red Mars and winter constellations of Orion, Taurus, and 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, 1-760-767-3098. Canceled in case of cloud cover.

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Mar. 14, Sun., 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 topo maps, test your new orienteering skills with the actual navigation of a field course.

Meet at the ABDNHA Library. This class will consist of both classroom and field portions; dress accordingly. Additional practice from 2-3 p.m. Bring an orienteering compass, GPS, notebook or clipboard and pencil.

Call to reserve. NM $20: M $18; V $17.

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Mar. 15, Mon., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Advanced 4WD Self Recovery Class
Instructor: Outfitter & Guide Bill Burke
Prerequisite: Basic 4WD Self-Recovery Class

We will take our knowledge gained in the basic class 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. Bring lunch and water. Bill’s web site is www.bb4wa.com.

Register early, a minimum enrollment is required for this class to go; call the Nature Center, 1-760-767-3098. Maximum of 10 vehicles permitted. The fee is per person. The first person in the car is NM $75, M $70. The second person is NM $65, M $60; 3rd person is NM $55, M $50.

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Mar. 16, Tues., 8 – 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.

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Mar. 16, Tues., 8 a.m. – Noon
Hike: Henderson Canyon
Leaders: Naturalists Mike and Jan Bigelow

Join volunteer naturalists Mike and Jan Bigelow for a moderate hike up Henderson Canyon in search of spring wildflowers.

Meet at the Nature Center to arrange car pooling. 4WD required. Bring lots of water, snack, and hat, and wear sturdy shoes. No charge; call the Nature Center for reservations.

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Mar. 20, Sat., 9 a.m. – Noon
4WD Tour of Grapevine Canyon
Leader: Vol. Naturalist Deborah Sperberg

Spend the morning exploring Grapevine Canyon. This canyon follows the southern edge of Pinyon Ridge and contains several springs that flow into San Felipe Creek. We will make a stop at Angelina Springs, an important Indian village site, and possible a second spring.

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

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Colorado Desert Sidewinder

Mar. 20, Sat., 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Talk: How to Hike & Backpack Safely in the Desert
Speakers: William Kemsley, Jr & Kenn Petch

What are the primary concerns for safety in hiking and backpacking?  Water is foremost, but so is heat. Down the list of hiker hazards are the plants and creatures, which aren’t as severe a risk, but they can be anywhere from irritating nuisances to harmful stings and bites. Learn ways to protect against these dangers, as well as what to do if you happen to become victim of one. Learn where, how, and when to hike, what to expect, and gain information on how to set up camp in the desert. The speakers will also share their preferences in hiking and camping equipment.

Bill Kemsley (http://members.authorsguild.net/wkemsley/) is the founder of Backpacker Magazine and co-founder of the American Hiking Society. His nephew, Kenn Petsch, is his favorite hiking companion. They have hiked and backpacked together for more than 40 years. They have hiked the entire length of the Grand Canyon in every month of the year, visiting some parts of the canyon never known to have been hiked by anyone before. Hikes through the southwest deserts are among their other desert adventures.

Held in ABDNHA Library. Call to reserve. NM $10: M $8; V $6.

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Mar. 23, Tues., 8 – 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.

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Mar. 25, Thurs., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
4WD: Biological Treasures of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

During our program, we will visit with the park’s Environmental Scientist and discuss the parks monitoring programs, as well as see some of the monitoring programs in the field.

Meet the park naturalist at the Ocotillo Wells SVRA Ranger Station. High clearance 4WD. Bring water & lunch. 

No charge, call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Mar. 26, Fri., 7:30 p.m.
ABDNHA 38th Annual Desert Lecture Series
The Hot Garden: Landscape Design for American Deserts
Scott Calhoun

Scott Calhoun, landscaper and author of several books on desert plants and gardening, explains how to translate the natural beauty of the region into gorgeous, yet water-thrifty, landscape designs that complement the existing architecture as well as the surrounding environment.

Refreshments and book signing follow the program.

Program sponsored by John Drum

ABDNHA Members: no charge; Nonmembers: $5.00 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.

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Mar 27, Sat., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hike: Santa Isabel Preserve East
Leaders: Urmi Ray and Sanjiv Nanda

Hike the Kanaka Loop. With meadows of wildflowers, woodlands of oaks and sycamores, and grasslands that wave in the breeze, Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve is one of the prettiest places in the county for a hike. Seven miles roundtrip; about 1,000 ft el. gain (sometimes steep, but good trail).

Meet at the trailhead at 9 a.m.: To get to the Kanaka Loop Trail from downtown Julian, go north on Main Street, which turns into Farmer Road. At Wynola Road, turn right, then left onto Farmer Road again. Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve is on the left, about one mile past the entrance to the Volcan Mt. Wilderness Preserve.

Bring jacket, boots, lunch, water, binoculars. Rain cancels.

No charge, call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Mar. 27, Sat., 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Composting in the Desert: Three Gardeners’ Testimonials
Valerie Lemke, Betsy Knaak, & Sandy Talbert

A talk and demonstration by three hobby gardeners who use different composting techniques, including worm-bin composting, to improve the fertility of desert soil. Compost adds soil nutrients that plants need to thrive and increases water retention in sandy desert soils. Time for questions and discussion.

At back patio of the Nature Center. Bring hat and water. NM$6; M$5; V$4. Please call to reserve.

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Mar. 28, Sunday
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ABDNHA 12th Desert Garden Tour

ABDNHA 12th Desert Garden Tour (pdf)

Tour four private gardens in Borrego Springs!

For tickets call or visit the Borrego Desert Nature Center: 1-760-767-3098, located at 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Email: naturecenter@att.net

ABDNHA Members $14; Nonmembers $18; Volunteers $12

Early-bird Special: Purchase tickets through March 13 and save $2 per ticket!

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Mar. 30, Tues., 8 – 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.

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Mar. 30, Tues., 5:30 p.m.
Volunteer Potluck

Mark your calendar. Invitation will be mailed.

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