interpretive activities february 2020 · 2020. 1. 21. · february 2020 _____ unless noted, all...

INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES

FEBRUARY 2020

______________________________________________________________________________________ UNLESS NOTED, ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND HELD AT THE VISITOR CENTER

(*$10 DAY USE FEE PER CAR; OPEN DAILY 9 AM to 5 PM) DENOTES PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, (760) 767-4205.

DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS OR TOURS. DOGS PERMITTED ON DIRT ROADS AND PAVED TRAILS. 6 FT LEASH REQUIRED.

Saturday, February 1, 2020 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Tours – Behind the Scenes (1.5 Hours)

Take a tour of the Begole Archaeological Research Center and the Stout Paleontology Laboratory. See some of the amazing collections and ongoing research not seen by other visitors. Meet at the Visitor Center. $25/person.

11:00 a.m. Walk - Garden Walk (45 Minutes) Join a Park Interpreter for a stroll through the Visitor Center Garden to discover special plants of interest. Meet outside the front doors of the Visitor Center.

2:00 p.m. Junior Ranger Family Walk – William Kenyon Overlook (1.5 Hours) Join Park Interpreter Sally Theriault for a 1.5-mile walk on uneven ground to a beautiful desert overlook. Kids 7-12 will receive their Junior Ranger badge. Bring water and wear a sun hat. Please sign up before 1 p.m. at the Visitor Center, or call 760-767-4205 to sign up. Meet at the pullout with the “William Kenyon Overlook” sign, on Highway S-3, just south of mile marker 2.0. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and a hat.

3:30 p.m. Judge Critique: Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest (1.5 Hours) Judge Critique, Borrego Springs Branch Library. Hear from the judges about what made each photo stand out as a winner.

5:30 p.m. Opening Reception: Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest (2 Hours) View beautiful imagery of the Park as we unveil the winners of our 2020 photo contest. Photos will be on display at Borrego Art Institute February 1-22, 2020. Call Anza-Borrego Foundation with questions: 760-767-0446 or [email protected]

7:00 p.m. Campfire – Animal Songs (1 Hour) Join Park Interpretive Specialist Regina Reiter for a lighthearted program about the sounds our Park animals make. You’ll leave with new appreciation for the animals and a song in your heart. Meet at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campfire Center.

Sunday, February 2, 2020 7:30 a.m. Walk - Bird Walk (1.5 Hours)

Join Volunteer Naturalist Ann Keenan for a walk around the Visitor Center vicinity looking for the common birds of our desert. All birding levels welcome. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. Please bring binoculars. Rain cancels.


FEBRUARY 2020




Sunday, February 2, 2020 (continued) 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Tours – Behind the Scenes (1.5 Hours)


12:00 p.m. Walk – Those Amazing Cacti! (45 Minutes) Explore the Visitor Center garden with Park Interpreter Sally Theriault and discover the unique strategies that help cacti survive here. Meet in front of the Visitor Center for this gentle walk.

Tuesday, February 4, 2020 8:30 a.m. Member Hike – Free ABF Member Hike (3.5 Hours)

Meet at the State Park Store in The Mall. Join ABF for our monthly member hikes (the first Tuesday of each month, November through April). Led by retired Park Rangers, various Park enthusiasts, and ABF staff, these hikes will take you to accessible spots throughout the northern area of the Park. Our hikes are a free perk for ABF members. Not a member? Ask about joining at the Visitor Center or State Park Store or visit HTTP:THEABF.ORG/EVENTS to join online. No advance registration required.

Thursday, February 6, 2020 11:00 a.m. Walk - Desert Mart (45 Minutes)

Come stroll down the aisles of Desert-Mart with Certified Interpretive Guide Abby Barker to discover how the ingenious Native Americans used desert plants for their food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Focus is on the three most important plants: Agave, Creosote, and Mesquite. Meet in front of the Visitor Center.

Friday, February 7, 2020 3:00 p.m. Hike – Sunset/Moonlight Hike (5 Hours)

Join Volunteer Naturalists Ted Caragozian and Dan Jellis for a desert hike to enjoy the sunset over the mountains and return under the nearly full moon to get a different perspective of the desert at a surprise location. Bring warm clothes and a flashlight (to be used only if necessary). We will cover as much as six miles and the daylight portion will involve walking over uneven ground. Limited to 15 participants – please sign up at the Visitor Center and include your phone number to receive meeting details.


FEBRUARY 2020




Saturday, February 8, 2020 9:00 a.m. Hike – Rockhouse, Butler Canyon Loop (6 Hours)

Join Volunteer Naturalists Ted Caragozian and Dan Jellis for a strenuous walk up to the end of Rockhouse Canyon Road and beyond. Discover Hidden Spring, explore a wide open desert flat area, and follow beautiful meandering Butler Canyon back to our cars. Bring water, snacks, layered clothing, and wear good hiking shoes. Meet at the start of Rockhouse Canyon Road, near milepost 26 on S-22, east of Borrego Springs, just east of Peg Leg.

10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Tours – Behind the Scenes (1.5 Hours) Take a tour of the Begole Archaeological Research Center and the Stout Paleontology Laboratory. See some of the amazing collections and ongoing research not seen by other visitors. Meet at the Visitor Center. $25/person.


2:00 p.m. Junior Ranger Family Hike in Little Surprise Canyon (1.5 Hours) Join Park Interpreter Sally Theriault for a family hike. We will walk through a canyon, exploring rocks and geology along the way. It’s a short, strenuous walk for adventurous hikers! Kids 7-12 will receive their Junior Ranger badge. Bring water and a hat. Limited to those who have signed up at the Visitor Center before 1 p.m. today! Meet at Hellhole Canyon Parking on S-22, west of Borrego Springs (drive about 0.8 mi. South of the intersection with Palm Canyon Drive).

7:00 p.m. Campfire - Moon Features Come Alive (1 Hour) Have you wondered what the “Man in the Moon” really is? Join Park Interpretive Specialist Regina Reiter for this interactive program to discern the features of the Moon and see a demonstration of the Moon phases. We’ll learn by watching the full moon overhead! Meet at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campfire Center.

Sunday, February 9, 2020 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Tours – Behind the Scenes (1.5 Hours)



FEBRUARY 2020




Sunday, February 9, 2020 (continued) 12:00 p.m. Hike – Discovering the Archaeological History of the ‘Ehmuu Morteros (2 Hours)

Discover the hidden secrets of an ancient Kumeyaay Native American village site. Join Volunteer Archaeologist and Naturalist Sam Webb to explore both rock art and historic milling features. This 1.5 mile hike is over uneven terrain. Be sure to bring the usual water, hat, and sturdy footwear. Meet at the Morteros trailhead in Blair Valley, about 3 miles off Highway S-2 on a dirt road (turn into Blair Valley near mile marker 23). Rain cancels.

1:30 p.m. Walk – Bill Kenyon Overlook (2 Hours) Join Park Interpreter Sally Theriault for a 1.5-mile walk on uneven ground to a beautiful desert overlook. Meet at Yaqui Pass Campground, on Highway S-3, near mile marker 2.0. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring water.

Monday, February 10, 2020 10:00 a.m. Botany Society Lecture – Flora of the Amargosa River Basin, Mojave Desert (1 Hour)

Join Naomi Fraga for an overview of the flora of the Amargosa River region in the northern Mojave Desert and background on the ongoing conservation efforts for the rare plants, including interesting discoveries from the two recent bio-blitz events. Meets at Steele/

Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center at 401 Tilting T Drive, Borrego Springs.

Thursday, February 13, 2020 9:00 a.m. Hike - Hornblende Canyon (4 Hours)

Join Volunteer Naturalists Paul Larson and Mary Ekelund on a moderate hike in Hornblende Canyon. We'll check out wildflowers along the way as we enjoy one of the most beautiful but overlooked canyons in the Park. Bring hiking stick(s), ample water, hiking boots and lunch. Meet at entrance to Blair Valley at 9am. Hike is about 4 miles.

11:00 a.m. Talk - Wings Over Borrego (45 Minutes) Join Certified Interpretive Guide Abby Barker to discover fascinating characteristics of some of our common desert birds. Meet in the Discovery Lab.

Friday, February 14, 2020 8:00 a.m. Walk – Roving Naturalist in Borrego Palm Canyon (3.5 Hours)

Look for Regina Reiter, Park Interpretive Specialist somewhere on the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. She’ll be sharing tips for observing the bighorn sheep, plants, and trail lore. This is not a guided hike.


FEBRUARY 2020




Saturday, February 15, 2020 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Tours – Behind the Scenes (1.5 Hours)


10:00 a.m. ABF Social Hike: Alcoholic Pass (2 Hours) Join us for a beautiful afternoon hike with authors Diana and Lowell Lindsay up to the top of Alcoholic Pass in Coyote Canyon. Limited space available for this intermediate, 2.7-mile (roundtrip) hike. Get your ticket early, $15/member, $20 for non-members. To sign up, visit http://www.theabf.org/hikesandhops2020 or call 760-767-0446.


2:00 p.m. Junior Ranger Family Walk in the Badlands (1.5 Hours) Join Park Interpretive Specialist Regina Reiter for a family walk. We’ll discover the exciting features of this dramatic landscape and take an easy walk to look closely at the desert badlands. Kids 7-12 will receive their Junior Ranger badge. Bring water and wear a sun hat. Meet at the Call Box at Mile marker 34.6 on Highway S-22, east of Borrego Springs. Please sign up before 1 p.m. at the Visitor Center. Call 760-767-4205.

7:00 p.m. Talk – Enjoy Anza-Borrego’s Dark Night Sky! (1 Hour) Winter nights can be perfect for Stargazing in the desert! Explore constellations and learn about the importance of dark skies everywhere. Dress warmly, bring binoculars if you have them, flashlight (red lens is preferable) and your imagination! Look for Sally Theriault, Park Interpreter, at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campfire Center.

Sunday, February 16, 2020 7:30 a.m. Walk - Bird Walk (1.5 Hours)

Join Volunteer Naturalist Ann Keenan for a walk around the Visitor Center vicinity looking for the common birds of our desert. All birding levels welcome. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. Please bring binoculars. Rain cancels.


FEBRUARY 2020




Sunday, February 16, 2020 (continued) 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Tours – Behind the Scenes (1.5 Hours)


2:00 p.m. Walk – Bill Kenyon Overlook (2 Hours) Join Park Interpreter Sally Theriault for a 1.5-mile walk on uneven ground to a beautiful desert overlook. Meet at Yaqui Pass Campground, on Highway S-3, near mile marker 2.0. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring water.

Monday, February 17, 2020 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Tours – Behind the Scenes (1.5 Hours)


11:00 a.m. Walk – Those Amazing Cacti! (45 Minutes) Explore the Visitor Center garden with Park Interpreter Sally Theriault and discover the unique strategies that help cacti survive here. Meet in front of the Visitor Center for this gentle walk.

Thursday, February 20, 2020 9:00 a.m. Hike – Cool Canyon (4 Hours)

Join Mary Ekelund and Paul Larson on a cool trip up Cool Canyon. We’ll hike up many dry falls in the higher country where the flora is different from that of the desert floor. Meet at the intersection of County Highway S-2 and the first dirt road to the west, south of the Park boundary sign just beyond Shelter Valley. Four-wheel drive is not required. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes.

11:00 a.m. Walk - Desert Mart (45 Minutes) Come stroll down the aisles of Desert-Mart with Certified Interpretive Guide Abby Barker to discover how the ingenious Native Americans used desert plants for their food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Focus is on the three most important plants: Agave, Creosote, and Mesquite.


FEBRUARY 2020




Friday, February 21, 2020 11:00 a.m. Archaeology Talk - by Brendon P. Asher, PhD (1 Hour)

This talk will focus on the discovery of the Folsom and Clovis sites in eastern New Mexico. These two sites caused a critical rethinking of the antiquity of human presence in North America and unequivocally demonstrated for the first time human occupations on this continent over 10,000 years ago.

7:00 p.m. – Concert – ABF Front Porch Musical Revue (2 Hours) Join us for the fourth installment of the Front Porch Review—A musical celebration starring Borrego's own super-talented performers! Guaranteed a good time, all in the name of raising funds for Anza-Borrego Foundation to continue fulfilling its mission. Tickets are $20. Visit HTTP://WWW.THEABF.ORG/FRONTPORCH2020, Bighorn Fudge, or call 760-767-0446. We recommend buying tickets in advance. Repeated Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Saturday, February 22, 2020 10:00 a.m. Talk – Murders and Unkindnesses (1 Hour)

Join State Park Volunteer Naturalist Jeff Salton to discover the remarkable differences between Crows and Ravens, and explore some of the mystery and intrigue in the behavior of these two subspecies of the Corvid family of birds. Curious, intelligent, mischievous...all these characteristics, and more, come to life in this interesting discussion of ... Murders and Unkindnesses!



8:00 a.m. Walk – Roving Naturalist in Borrego Palm Canyon (3.5 Hours) Look for Regina Reiter, Park Interpretive Specialist somewhere on the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. She’ll be sharing tips for observing the bighorn sheep, plants, and trail lore. This is not a guided hike.


FEBRUARY 2020




Saturday, February 22, 2020 (Continued) 7:00 p.m. Campfire - Stargazing (1 Hour)

Enjoy a campfire and stargazing with Park Interpreters at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground.

7:00 p.m. – Concert – ABF Front Porch Musical Revue (2 Hours) See description for Feb. 21

Sunday, February 23, 2020 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Tours – Behind the Scenes (1.5 Hours)


3:00 p.m. – Concert – ABF Front Porch Musical Revue (2 Hours) See description for Feb. 21

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 9:00 a.m. Hike – Ash Wash (4 Hours)

Join Volunteer Naturalists Paul Larson and Ted Caragozian for a moderately strenuous hike over uneven and rocky ground to a spectacular exposure of the 760,000 year-old Bishop Ash. Along the way we'll see some interesting remains of pioneer habitation. Wear sturdy shoes; bring water and a light lunch. Meet at the end of the pavement north on Di Giorgio Road.

Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:00 a.m. Hike – Plum Canyon (3 Hours)

Join Volunteer Naturalists, Paul Larson and Mary Ekelund, for a moderate 4-mile hike up Plum Canyon to an overlook high over Earthquake Valley. Discover some interesting plants and geological features along the way. Meet at the entrance to Plum Canyon off Highway 78.

11:00 a.m. Walk - Is a Tree a Tree? (45 Minutes) Join Certified Interpretive Guide Abby Barker to investigate our only native palm tree to find out what makes a tree a tree. You may be surprised.

3:00 p.m. Hike – Lute Fault (3 Hours) Earthquake geology, local history and desert plant life will be the focus of this hike. Meet Volunteer Naturalist Ted Caragozian at the call box across from Thimble Trail on S-22 at Mile Marker 31.9. Bring water and sturdy shoes for this 2-3 mile roundtrip hike on uneven ground.


FEBRUARY 2020




Friday, February 28, 2020 8:30 a.m. Hike – Calcite Canyon Spectacular (5-6 Hours)

Join Volunteer Naturalist Ted Caragozian and explore the sandstone canyon country around the Calcite Mine. You will follow the Middle Fork of Palm Wash up over some small dry falls to a slot canyon, check out the mine, and see a demonstration of calcite’s interesting optical properties. Meet at the Calcite Mine Road, mile marker 38.1 on Highway S-22, east of Borrego Springs. Parking is available on both sides of the highway. Wear sturdy footwear, a hat, and carry water. This hike is rated moderately strenuous.

Saturday, February 29, 2020 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Archaeology Weekend (8 Hours)

Join the Archaeology Society for family activities that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the vast Anza-Borrego Desert, including ancient pottery and basket-weaving techniques as shown by honored guest artisans from Baja California, as well as uses of native plants for food, medicine and construction by Kumeyaay tribes. Handmade craft items by the artisans will be for sale. See details on separate page.

9:00 a.m. Hike – Palo Verde/ Smoke Tree Loop (6 Hours) Join Volunteer Naturalists Ted Caragozian and Dan Jellis to explore Palo Verde Wash, follow the Indian trail past the Moly Mine to the sheep tanks and enjoy the beauty of Smoke Tree Canyon as we loop back to our cars. Meet at Palo Verde Wash, mile marker 32.9 where we will set shuttle cars at our end point 1.8 miles east and begin walking at Palo Verde Wash. Wear sturdy footwear, a hat, and carry water. This hike is rated moderately strenuous.




FEBRUARY 2020




Saturday, February 29, 2020 (Continued) 2:00 p.m. Hike – Junior Rangers Family Hike to Tubb Canyon Overlook (1.5 Hours)

Join Park Interpretive Specialist Regina Reiter for a family walk. We’ll take a moderate walk to a dramatic overlook. Kids 7-12 will receive their Junior Ranger badge. Bring water and wear a sun hat. Meet at the pullout at mile 11.3 on Highway S-22 west of Borrego Springs. Please sign up before 1 p.m. at the Visitor Center. Call 760-767-4205.

3:00 p.m. Violin Concert in Natural Outdoor Amphitheater Setting in Park (2.5 Hours) Join us for a violin concert by violinist/composer Beth Chafey-Hon on LEAP day in the Park, weather permitting! Each original composed musical piece in her new CD release “Desert Song Cycle” will be accompanied by reading of a short poem. Enjoy spending time under awe-inspiring canyon walls with the setting sun and revel in the natural concert acoustics; dress warmly and bring a blanket! This catered fundraiser, including wine and appetizers, will support ABF’s mission to help the Park! Seating will be limited, get your tickets early! $50 for members, $65 for non-members; ticket includes appetizers, wine and the newly released CD. Volunteer opportunities available! Tickets at the State Park Store in the Mall or online at HTTP://WWW.THEABF.ORG/CANYONCONCERT.

7:00 p.m. Campfire - The Amazing World of Bats—Nature’s Tiny Fighter Jets (1 Hour) Though poorly understood and often feared, bats are fascinating animals with incredible skills of flight and nighttime navigation. Join Volunteer Naturalist Don Endicott at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campfire Center for a multimedia exploration of these amazing fliers.

Sunday, March 1, 2020 9:00 a.m. Archaeology Weekend (3 Hours)

Join the Archaeology Society for family activities that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the vast Anza-Borrego Desert, including ancient pottery and basket-weaving techniques as shown by honored guest artisans from Baja California, as well as uses of native plants for food, medicine and construction by Kumeyaay tribes. Handmade craft items by the artisans will be for sale. See details next page.

10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Tours – Behind the Scenes (1.5 Hours)



FEBRUARY 2020




Celebrate Cultural treasures of Anza-Borrego Desert Archaeology Weekend 2020

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, March 1, 2020

For a complete schedule of events, please visit: anzaborregoarchaeo.org/archaeology-weekend Archaeology Weekend is a family-oriented event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the vast Anza-Borrego Desert — and the people who have lived there for thousands of years. The goal is to help promote, preserve and protect the Park’s history and its abundant natural resources through public awareness. Speaker Schedule Subject to Change.

Hands-on pottery making,

Tours of the Archaeology Lab,

Educational displays

Lecture series on current research being conducted in the Park.*

Demonstrations of ancient pottery and basket-weaving techniques uses of native plants Beautiful handmade craft items by native artisans from Baja California will be for sale.

FUNdraiser/Marketplace/Silent Auction that features quality items, all with a “Buy Now” price. Proceeds benefit ongoing archaeology programs at the Park

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. “Obsidian Sourcing, Protein Residue analysis for Cuyamaca Ovals” by Begole Grant awardee Kent Manchen

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. “Research on the Harkleroad Native American Ceramic Vessel Collection, San Diego Museum of Man” by Begole Grant Awardee Susan Hector, PhD

1 – 2 p.m. “Chronological Placement of Circular Rock Features and Rock Cairn Sites Using OSL Dating Method” by Begole Grant Awardee Joan Schneider, PhD

2 – 3 p.m. “Aerial Photo Documentation of Archaeological Features Using Quadcopter Drone-Mounted Camera” by Begole Grant Awardee Chuck Bennett

Colorado Desert Archaeological Society is a core group of specially trained archaeology volunteers who support the archaeology program here at our State Parks: ABDSP, Cuyamaca and Palomar Mtn. The event is free and open to the public (with the exception of the field trips). Please note: There is a $10 parking fee at the Visitor Center.


FEBRUARY 2020




DESERT SAFETY

Carry water AND drink it Saving your water for the hike back has led to death in Anza-Borrego. Drink plenty of water before you leave home, while you hike, and on the return route. If you feel thirsty, it is already too late. Drink lots of water and drink often.

Make sure your vehicle is desert-ready. Equip your vehicle for the desert. You should always carry extra water, a shade tarp, a shovel, a tire pump, and extra food.

Leave snakes alone. Many venomous snakes live in the desert. If you threaten them, they may strike. It is illegal to harass, catch, or kill any snake within Anza-Borrego. If bitten, remain calm and seek immediate medical attention.

Do not split up the group Stay together. Never leave anyone behind to rest.

Prepare yourself. In addition to carrying water, you should have protective clothing, sunscreen, a hat, a good map, food and a first aid kit that includes a comb and tweezers.

Have a plan. Leave all your trip information with a friend. Tell him/her your destination, the route you intend to follow, your expected return time, a description of your vehicle with license plate number, and the time by which he/she should notify park authorities in case you do not return.

When emergencies happen: Stop. Stay calm. Seek shelter. If you are with your vehicle, remain there; do not leave it. Signal with mirrors, white cloth, whistle (three short blasts on a whistle, pause, then three more, repeat frequently), and put your hood up. It is much easier to find a vehicle in the desert than a person!

interpretive activities february 2020 · 2020. 1. 21. · february 2020 _____ unless noted, all...

Documents