Dear Friends and Stewards of the Anza-Borrego Desert,

My name is Lizbeth Bárcena. I am an ABF and ABDSP volunteer, a California naturalist, a designer by profession, and a resident of Borrego Springs. I am also an emerging nature writer, essayist, and poet, currently writing a book about this desert. As a writer, I often write at the intersection of advocacy and wonder, personal stories and cultural history, but most importantly, I write to witness the beauty and devastation in Nature, to explore grief and love. I write to protect what matters most: the Anza-Borrego Desert.

So when the Golden Pacific Powerlink project moved into the next phase, and SDG&E presented their proposed route for the new 500KV power line earlier this year, bisecting a large section of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, like many, I too felt deeply compelled to do something. This project (if approved) will devastate and destroy the delicate desert habitats and ecosystems. Our beloved desert is at risk. There is a lot at stake.

So what do I plan to do about this dangerous proposal?

I plan to camp out along the proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink route and observe all that the Anza-Borrego Desert has to offer, to witness what there is and what we could lose. I plan to be an observer, take notes and pictures, listen, write, and feel the desert.

And all are welcome to join me!

Come for the campout or stay a little while. Bring your favorite citizen science apps. Bring your binoculars and cameras. Bring your favorite field journal, watercolors, and a pen. Bring your curiosity and love for the desert.

Mark your calendars. Starting on the first weekend in September, for 7 months, I will set up camp along the proposed route going from West to East. Follow me on Instagram @desertdialogues, where you can message me if you’d like to join or have any questions. Stay connected with the ABF for future Powerlink updates.

Dates for the Powerlink Route campouts:

– September 4-6, Stuart Spring/Angelina Spring

– October 2-4, Grapevine Canyon

– November 6-8, Yaqui Flats

– December4-6, Yaqui Wells

– January 8-10, Mescal Bajada/San Felipe Wash

– February 5-7, Nude Wash/Sunset Wash

– March 5-7, Off Kane Spring Road

See also the map below for locations.

Hope to see you there.

For Our Desert,

Lizbeth Bárcena, Borrego Springs, California