Anza-Borrego Animal Tracking Workshop
Discover the Stories Written in the Sand
Uncover the hidden world of wildlife through the art and science of tracking in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Learn how to identify, interpret, and appreciate the signs animals leave behind—and how tracking connects us to conservation and community science.
What to Expect:
- Learn the fundamentals of animal tracking—what to look for, how to identify tracks, and why tracking matters.
- Get hands-on experience through guided field exercises and the “find-a-mark” activity.
- Explore the diversity of desert wildlife by studying tracks from coyotes, foxes, bobcats, deer, bighorn sheep, rabbits, and rodents.
- Gain ecological insight into habitat use, wildlife corridors, and conservation challenges.
- Connect with community science and discover how to contribute through tracking transects, data forms, and camera trap projects.
Who Should Attend:
- Nature enthusiasts and outdoor explorers
- Wildlife biologists, educators, and naturalists
- Students of ecology or environmental science
- Citizen scientists interested in fieldwork and conservation
- Anyone curious about the desert’s secretive wildlife
REGISTER TODAY!
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the ABF Office (587 Palm Canyon Dr. #122, Borrego Springs, CA 92004). (in The Mall, next to Kendall’s Café). After the presentation we’ll carpool/caravan to the field site in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Cost:
ABF Member: $47 Not a member? Join today for as little as $35 and save!
Non-Member: $55
Student: $23
Cancellation Policy & Scholarships: Please see our FAQs page to read our cancellation policy and learn about scholarship options.
What Previous Attendees Are Saying:
“The presenters, Donna & Arun, were amazing. They knew their subject matter, were engaging, and their love and excitement towards the species made for a special and informative evening.”
“The presenters were so knowledgeable and shared so much information [in] an engaging way. Amazing photos as well. I didn’t attend the field trip but my whole family (kids too!) learned so much!”
Presenters:
Donna Roy and Arun Balakrishnan fell in love with Anza-Borrego when they accidentally first visited the park almost two decades ago and luckily saw Bighorn Sheep on eleven consecutive weekends. Their day jobs as AI/robotics engineer and software security engineer brought them to San Diego. Meeting the Bighorn Sheep started them down the path of learning about ecology and wildlife tracking. Over the years, they have enjoyed volunteering for the annual Bighorn Sheep count, Flat-tailed horned lizard surveys, Christmas bird count, Bio Blitz, tidepool surveys, and more. They are volunteer naturalists for the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, certified California Naturalists via the University of California Environmental Stewards program, and certified wildlife trackers via the Tracker Certification North America Track & Sign certification program. They have served on the board of the San Diego Tracking Team and helped start wildlife track and sign surveys in Anza-Borrego.
This mustard yellow unisex tee features a vintage-inspired design that captures the essence of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The bold, monochromatic artwork showcases a majestic bighorn sheep standing proudly against a sweeping desert backdrop, with a towering ocotillo plant completing the scene. Framed with a classic, distressed print, this design evokes the timeless beauty and rugged spirit of California’s largest state park.
