Member Spotlight: Elizabeth Latham
From camping at Bow Willow as a child to introducing her own kids to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park today, Elizabeth Latham has spent her life connected to this landscape. Now serving as an ABF board member, Elizabeth continues her family tradition of exploring the desert’s wild canyons and wide-open spaces—finding freedom, imagination, and solitude along the way.
In this month’s Member Spotlight, Elizabeth shares her favorite places in the Park, the magic of exploring alone as a child, and why she believes the desert reveals truths about people in ways few other places can.
What is your favorite location in the Park?
Sin Nombre Canyon. I feel like it has a little bit of everything, but you never seem to have to share the views. This is also where my parents taught me how to drive.
What is your favorite season in the Park and why?
I prefer the end of the “on-season.” One of the greatest benefits of the Park is the solitude you can obtain. That sense of isolation and disconnect is so important in the modern world.
Tell us about your first experience in the Park.
The first experience I can remember is camping at Bow Willow. I remember exploring the hills by myself. I was never allowed that level of freedom in my day-to-day life, so I relished being able to explore on my own. I scrambled over some rocks and found a set of morteros in the shade of a large granite boulder. My imagination ran wild thinking about the lives of the people who lived there.
If you could be any desert animal, what would it be and why?
A kangaroo rat—they are so scrappy and curious, as well as utterly adorable.
How long have you been visiting the Park?
Since I was a baby. Now I’m enjoying introducing my kids to the Park.
Why did you become a member?
I became a member because I support the mission of ABF. While I’m solidly a free-market environmentalist, I believe the world needs wild spaces. I love that Anza-Borrego allows you to hike anywhere, and I think ABF—with their support, mission, and curated experiences—helps make sure that opportunity is protected.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If you’re unsure if the person you’re dating is the right one, take them out to the desert and see how they respond. Do they whine about the weather? Do they appreciate the biodiversity? Do they help around camp? The desert reveals all.
Want to be a featured member? Email Jaime at jaime@theabf.org!
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