A Smattering of Anza-Borrego’s Natural History with a Bonus Geology Detour (Field Trip)
A Smattering of Anza-Borrego’s Natural History with a Bonus Geology Detour (Field Trip) 
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Includes a one-hour lunch break. End time is approximate.)
Location: TBD – Stay tuned for updates about the location!
Cost: Non-member – $50.00, ABF Member – $40.00, Student – $20.00 Note: A limited number of scholarships are available for those with financial hardship. If you’d like to request a scholarship, please reach out to Samantha@theabf.org with a 2-3 paragraph description about why you want to attend this program and your need for a scholarship.
Description: Join us for a field trip in the Park with two expert leaders sharing insights about the natural history of Anza-Borrego and a deep dive into its geology.
The morning will begin with a guided nature walk led by the one and only Diana Lindsay, naturalist and award winning author of more than a dozen books! Diana literally wrote the book on the Anza-Borrego Desert Region and has been exploring this Park for over 50 years. She is incredibly knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, geology, and indigenous history, and how Anza-Borrego became a State Park. Diana will discuss factors that make Anza-Borrego a desert, strategies of survival for desert plants and animals, how indigenous communities lived and utilized the resources in this region, native versus non-native plants, how resources are currently managed, and how she helps people move beyond the image that there’s “nothing in the desert.”
After a relaxing lunch break, we’ll team up with geologist Chuck Houser to explore Coyote Creek, including Desert Gardens. This fault is part of the San Jacinto fault zone, one of the most seismically active faults in California. Chuck will discuss the visible geomorphology and the landforms that exist because of the fault. The goal is to get you acquainted with what an earthquake fault looks like in the wild! Don’t miss this opportunity to pick the brain of a professional geologist and learn about your favorite rocks.
Hiking & Driving Notes: This field trip will require some driving on dirt roads. AWD is recommended but not required as there will be opportunities to carpool if your vehicle cannot make it.
The morning hike may be up to three miles long, with small hills to climb. We will take our time and move slowly, looking at the environment along the way. Please come prepared with sun protection and plenty of water.
Please bring your own lunch.
Space is limited! Please register in advance. Register Here
Related Events: This field trip will cover information presented in lectures on February 22 and March 1. Join us online the week before or in person the night before! Click here to view details about each:
Making of a Park Webinar February 22
About the Field Trip Leaders:
Diana Lindsay is the author, co-author, or editor of over a dozen award-winning books, including The Anza-Borrego Desert Region, a guidebook to the area and now in its 6th edition and the key resource for this desert area. Diana was the lead editor for Coast to Cactus: The Canyoneer Trail Guide to San Diego Outdoors and leads public walks throughout San Diego County. Diana is passionate about outdoor recreation and the conservation of our local habitats and environment. She was presented the Medallion Award from the State of California for her 30 years of volunteer work on behalf of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and was named a Lifetime Member of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Botany Society based on her vision and leadership skills and creating excellence in education. She is also an honorary State Park Ranger.
Chuck Houser has over three decades of experience in the earth science industry. He is a registered geologist, certified engineering geologist, and certified hydrogeologist with experience conducting investigations on lithological formations. His experience includes environmental site assessments, groundwater monitoring, fault and landslide investigations, groundwater resource studies, geological mapping, and geotechnical investigations.
Cancellation Policy: Notification must be received at least 7 days before the first day of the event if you need to cancel and wish to receive a refund. For cancellations made after the 7-day deadline, we cannot issue refunds for any reason. We understand that unforeseen or emergency circumstances may arise, but our nonprofit organization operates on a limited budget and, while inconvenient, this policy enables us to sustain our programs even with last-minute cancellations. If ABF cancels a program, we will issue a full refund or credit.
