Volunteer Spotlight: Matt McArdle
Helping Others Discover the Wonder of Anza-Borrego After Dark
From birding tours to adventure hikes, volunteers play an essential role in helping visitors connect more deeply with the beauty and wonder of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This season, volunteer Matt McArdle has shared his passion for the desert by supporting a wide range of Anza-Borrego Foundation programs—creating memorable experiences for visitors while deepening his own connection to the landscape.
One of Matt’s favorite experiences this season has been leading ABF’s night hikes.
“After dark, the desert comes alive in new ways: vast open skies filled with stars and close-up encounters with wildlife like scorpions, tarantulas, and bats,” Matt shared. “Hiking at night creates a profound sense of wonder and solitude, and it’s rewarding to help others see the desert in the same way.”
For many visitors, experiencing the desert at night is unforgettable. Under some of Southern California’s darkest skies, the Park transforms into an entirely different world—quiet, mysterious, and full of life. Through Matt’s guidance and enthusiasm, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the desert’s hidden beauty and the importance of protecting places like Anza-Borrego.
Matt says he volunteers with ABF because of the organization’s unique role in connecting people to California’s largest state park through education, adventure, and stewardship.
“Through education and adventure, ABF sparks curiosity, learning, and engagement that create lasting memories for visitors while encouraging long-term stewardship and conservation.”
Volunteering has also changed the way Matt experiences the desert personally.
“Volunteering has deepened my appreciation for the desert and strengthened how I observe and understand it. I love sharing that sense of discovery with others. Whether I’m helping someone identify a plant or encouraging them on the trail, every interaction creates meaningful moments that I look forward to.”
When asked what he would say to someone considering volunteering with ABF, Matt’s answer was simple:
“Go for it! You don’t need to be an expert to care about and support this amazing place. Volunteering with ABF gives you awesome opportunities to explore the Park while meeting visitors from all over the world. It’s a welcoming community, and it’s fun!”
Volunteers like Matt help make meaningful connections to Anza-Borrego possible every day. Whether leading hikes, supporting educational programs, assisting with events, or welcoming visitors, ABF volunteers play a vital role in protecting and sharing this extraordinary desert landscape for future generations.