Desert to Coast: Family Camp

Our Desert to Coast series explores the connectedness of our local ecosystems from the desert to the mountains to the coast. By partnering with other conservation organizations, our goal is to increase understanding of the varied habitats in California and stress the importance of connectivity, landscape scale ecology, and wildlife corridors. In this series of programs, attendees will get to hear from expert scientists and be guided on hikes in unique locations throughout the County.   

Join the Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF) and the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for an exciting family camping adventure at William Heise County Park! In this program, you’ll learn more about our mountain ecosystem while enjoying a weekend camping under the stars! We’ll provide a full range of activities for the whole family to enjoy! 

• Family-friendly fun: Guided hikes, games, campfire s’mores, and stargazing led by expert facilitators. 

• Hands-on learning: Explore desert wildlife and landscapes with educational activities for all ages. 

• Perfect for all levels: Whether new to camping or experienced, this trip is tailored for everyone to enjoy! 

REGISTER TODAY!

Weekend Itinerary: 

• 4 p.m., Friday, April 11: Park Ranger Welcome by Supervising Ranger Carlos Hinojosa 

• 6 p.m., Friday, April 11: [Public] Star Party with SDAA (Heise meadow or amphitheater, depending on weather/conditions) 

• 9 a.m., Saturday, April 12: Ranger-led hike at Volcan Mountain County Preserve with Santa Ysabel Rangers Annett Bettencourt-Oulette and Doug Andrews (1209 Farmer Road, Julian, CA 92036) – Meet at trailhead along Farmer Rd. 5.5 miles and 1200ft. elevation gain for the full hike, option for shorter hike. Portable restrooms at trailhead. No water. 

• 3 p.m., Saturday, April 12: Hawk Talk with Supervising Ranger Danica Cardiff, followed by Arts & Craft activity (Heise Amphitheater) 

• 9 a.m., Sunday, April 13: Ranger-led Nature Walk with Santa Ysabel Sr. Ranger Nate Pownell, followed by Tree planting! 

Please bring: 

• Hiking shoes 

• Layers 

• Sun protection 

• Water bottles 

• Camping gear (tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads) 

• Food  

Date/Time: 4:00 p.m. Friday, April 11 – 12:00 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2025 (end time is approximate) 

Location: William Heise County Park (4945 Heise Park Rd, Julian, CA 92036) 

Cost:  $25/campsite 

About the Location and Program Leaders: 

William Heise County Park is a 929-acre park is located 4,200 feet above sea level in a forest of pines and oaks at the northern edge of the Laguna Mountain Range.  It is one of the few parks in San Diego County that gets snow every year. 

Forests of oak, pine, and cedar surround quiet mountain meadows.  It offers a peaceful setting for nearly 11 miles of hiking and horse-riding trails. Mule deer and wild turkeys are often seen in the park, and rare animals like bobcats and mountain lions also live here. 

Although its forest may seem timeless, each season brings big changes. From winter snowfall to spring wildflowers, there is always something new to see and enjoy at Heise. 

In addition to trails, you can stay in cabins, trailer sites, tent sites, or a group-tent area. The park also has playgrounds, restrooms with coin-operated showers, and lots of picnic areas. Rangers lead fun activities every weekend, and the park office with a small museum is open during the day or by appointment. This park is a beautiful place for weddings and special events!  

Senior Park Ranger Nate Pownell started his career with DPR as a Park Attendant at Flinn Springs in the summer of 2017 where he would spend 7 years in various roles including Park Maintenance and Park Ranger until he was promoted to Senior Park Ranger for the Mountain/Borrego work group in October of 2024. During his time at Flinn Springs they hosted over 2,500 students from throughout San Diego County public schools via the discovery program in which he was the program lead. Students would enjoy classroom visits and field trips where they would learn about the native chaparral, coastal sage scrub and riparian habitats that surround Flinn Springs. During his tenure, Flinn Springs also became a destination for home school collectives from all over San Diego County as well. In his free time, Nate enjoys hiking with his bull terrier mix, Roy, baking, and attempting to place top 3 in his age group in local 5ks. 

Ranger Annette Bettencourt began her career in parks as a volunteer with the US Forest Service Palomar District in 2017. Then happily joined with the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation as a park attendant at William Heise in the summer of 2018. She then promoted to park ranger in 2020 where she continued her duties at the Heise Campground until transferring to the Mountain/Borrego work group in October of 2024. During that time she served with the William Heise Campground to manage and maintain nearly 1,000 acres containing 117 campsites, 11 miles of trails, several day use picnic areas and Jess Martin Park, a regional sports park in Julian . Since transferring in the fall of 2024 to the Mountain/Borrego team she has been helping to manage and sustain approximately 13,000 acres of property made up of Santa Ysabel West/East preserves, Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, Pioneer Park Borrego Springs County Park, and Old Springs Preserve. In her free time, Annette enjoys hiking, snowboarding, camping, fishing, gardening, drawing, and woodworking. 

Ranger Doug Andrews has worked for twenty-five years as a Paramedic firefighter, flight medic, and an EMT, EMTP instructor. As an avid outdoorsman, photographer, climber, and back country skier, his exploits have taken him around the states and several other countries. He has been a resident of Julian for the past twenty -six years and the last fifteen years has worked in the Santa Ysabel and Volcan Mountain Preserves leading hikes with an emphasis on local history, flora, and fauna. 

Cancellation Policy:   

Cancellation requests must be received at least seven days before the event if you wish to receive a refund. ABF may cancel a program due to inclement weather or low attendance. If ABF cancels a program, we will issue a full refund or credit.