Imagine standing amid the vast, breathtaking landscapes of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, surrounded by rugged mountains, blooming wildflowers, and the serene beauty of the desert. Now envision the crucial role you can play in ensuring that this awe-inspiring natural legacy remains intact for generations to come. Our mission is to protect the Park, and your help is critical to achieving this goal. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California’s largest state park and one of its most significant ecological treasures. It’s a sanctuary for biodiversity and cultural heritage, offering refuge to many plant and animal species and captivating outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Thanks to the generous support of donors like you, we were able to make significant progress in both conservation and education in 2023. We hosted 43 Education Programs, introducing seven new offerings tailored to diverse interests and age groups. These initiatives have provided invaluable opportunities for hundreds of individuals to connect with the beauty of the Park. Notably, our FamCamp program emerged as a standout success, bringing families closer to nature through immersive learning experiences. Ensuring these programs remain accessible to the public is critical in the face of the upcoming budget cuts.
The proposed budget deficit for California in 2024 poses a potential threat to crucial conservation efforts and park services you have come to enjoy. Notably, the proposed budget cut will significantly affect the California State Library Parks Pass, which has distributed over 33,000 park passes, and will limit access to nature for California community members who face financial hardships. In addition, the suggested reduction of $25 million from the General Fund will greatly impact scientific research, park maintenance, educational programming, and the array of enjoyable events that have become integral parts of our collective experience. The complete ramifications of these budgetary cuts, spanning from conservation initiatives to educational outreach and public accessibility, will only be fully understood once the budget is finalized in the Legislature later this summer.
Amidst a year of massive uncertainty, your financial support becomes paramount in helping us navigate these challenges and continues our work in preserving Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s natural legacy. At Anza-Borrego Foundation, we dedicate ourselves daily to safeguarding this Park-—not only for its critical ecological significance but for the collective enjoyment of all. We cherish the desert’s warmth, the tranquility of its trails, and the mesmerizing expanse of stars above. Our commitment extends to sharing these experiences with our children, relishing moments with friends, and finding solace in nature alongside our partners. This profound love fuels our mission, and we believe it resonates with you, too. Your contribution ensures the preservation of this cherished landscape, not just for future generations but for all of us today.
Join us in safeguarding this sanctuary we all hold dear.
