Beyond the Bloom Botany Retreat
Explore the Hidden Life of the Desert— Botany, Blooms, and Beyond
Whether it’s a superbloom or a subtle bloom, the desert is always alive with stories—if you know where (and how) to look. This immersive weekend retreat invites you to discover the fascinating world of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s plant life, guided by scientists, naturalists, and desert enthusiasts.
From the adaptations of desert plants to the mysteries of dormant seeds, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the landscape—flower-filled or not. With expert-led excursions, engaging presentations, and premium accommodations, this is your chance to connect with nature, science, and a community of curious minds.
Join us for a memorable experience that goes beyond the bloom.
What to Expect
- Two guided field excursions into Anza-Borrego’s diverse plant habitats
- Expert talks on desert botany, seed dormancy, plant adaptations, and more
- Identification of native plants—whether blooming or not
- Insights into climate, ecology, and conservation affecting desert flora
- Premium lodging and delicious meals
- A welcoming community of fellow plant lovers and curious explorers
Who Should Attend
- Plant lovers, from beginners to botanists
- Nature educators, docents, and volunteers seeking deeper knowledge
- Photographers and observers of subtle beauty
- Curious travelers looking for a relaxing and enriching desert experience
- Anyone who finds wonder in the natural world—bloom or no bloom
Date & Time: 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026– 1:00 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2026
Location:
Borrego Springs Resort and Spa (1112 Tilting T Dr., Borrego Springs, CA 92004)
Cost: Includes lodging, meals, and activities!
ABF Member Single Occupancy: $722/person
ABF Member Double Occupancy: $595/person
Non-Member Single Occupancy: $850/person
Non-Member Double Occupancy: $700/person
* This fee will be paid in three installments, beginning with a 25% non-refundable deposit.
| Retreat Pricing & Payment Plan | ||||
| Total Price | ||||
| 25% Deposit (non-refundable, due at registration) | 2nd Payment (37.5%, due 60 days before start) | Final Payment (37.5%, due 30 days before start) | ||
| ABF Member (Single Occupancy) | $722 | $181.00 | $271.00 | $270.00 |
| ABF Member (Double Occupancy) | $595 | $149.00 | $223.00 | $223.00 |
| Non-Member (Single Occupancy) | $850 | $213.00 | $319.00 | $318.00 |
| Non-Member (Double Occupancy) | $700 | $175.00 | $263.00 | $262.00 |
What Previous Attendees are Saying About Our Retreats:
”The retreat was so special. The hosts were engaging and warm and the intimate setting and small group size facilitated sharing and learning amongst all participants that I have not previously experienced elsewhere. So much valuable knowledge was exchanged in a friendly, accessible manner over a short period of time through the perfect mix of presentations, outdoor activity, and downtime. I have a new appreciation for the park and it’s staff/volunteers.”
“Wonderful opportunity to recharge and reconnect with the land and the beauty of the park.”
“I loved the hikes and I very much appreciated the opportunity to get to quietly meet and talk with other participants. The diverse backgrounds, including the presenters, were interesting and I enjoyed our shared meals and casual time after activities.”
What to Bring
- Comfortable hiking shoes or walking sandals
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Water bottle and daypack
- Binoculars or hand lens (optional, for close plant inspection)
- Camera or smartphone for photography
- Warm layers for cool mornings or evenings
What’s included:
- Lodging for two nights
- All meals
- Use of hotel amenities
- Presentations from experts
- Guided activities
Registration:
Payment 1 (Non-Refundable Deposit)
Payment 2 (due January 19, 2026)
Payment 3 (due February 18, 2026
Cancellation Policy: Please see our FAQs page to read our cancellation policy.
Retreat Experts:
Since starting in 2019, Syd Magner’s work at the Colorado Desert District has primarily focused on field botany, co-managing the District herbarium, volunteer management, and invasive species management. He’s especially interested in documenting rare and unusual plants in the District’s remoter areas. He can be found on iNaturalist as “borregodude”.
Dr. Michael G. Simpson is a Professor Emeritus of Biology at San Diego State University (SDSU) and curator of the SDSU Herbarium. He has been with the university since 1986. His areas of expertise are plant taxonomy, plant molecular phylogenetics, and floristics. He currently coordinates and co-teaches a spring course at SDSU, Field Botany of San Diego County. In addition to publishing articles in technical journals, Dr. Simpson is author of the widely used textbook Plant Systematics (Elsevier-Academic Press, 2006; 3rd ed. 2019), winner of the Gleason award given by the New York Botanical Garden. His past work centered on the monocot family Haemodoraceae, a morphologically diverse family distributed in Australia, southern Africa, northern South America and Central America, and eastern North America. His current focus is on the biogeography, evolution, and taxonomy of the Popcorn Flowers, subtribe Amsinckiinae of the family Boraginaceae. He continues to travel to Chile and Argentina toward those research activities. Dr. Simpson also studies biogeographic patterns and processes of plants with an American amphitropical distribution (AAD), those occurring in North and South America but not in the intervening tropics. He is curator of the SDSU Herbarium and is a member of the Consortium of California Herbaria Administrative Committee.
Discover the stunning seasonal blooms of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with this comprehensive wildflower guide. Featuring vivid photographs and detailed species information, this guide makes it easy to identify the colorful desert flowers that emerge after winter rains, from delicate desert lilies to vibrant sand verbena.
