Desert UpDate page 1

A Photo by Jeff Young

fter months of stress and uncertainty, California State Parks’ budget rollercoaster finally came to a halt at the end of September when Governor Schwarzenegger announced that all parks would remain open. State parks’ staff, volunteers, and nature-lovers across the state and the country all breathed a collective sigh of relief. The Governor, however, had not restored any money taken out of the California State Parks Department budget. So Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP) will remain open to the public, but drastic cuts mean the Park will still face seasonal closures, service reductions, pay cuts and furloughs, in addition to potential budget threats in the future. “Now that all parks are to remain open, but with no further funding to maintain them, visitors will see a reduction in some services at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park,” said newly named Superintendent Kathy Dice. One of the most noticeable changes in ABDSP is the closure of the Visitor Center on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tamarisk Grove campground will be open Friday to Sunday only, rather than seven days a week. “Basically we do not have money for supplemental seasonal help to assist us with campground and Visitor Center operations or with housekeeping and restroom upkeep,” Dice explained. The state park staff plans to do everything possible to keep the Park operating and provide friendly service to the public. “But even that has limitations,” she said. “We will have fewer rangers in the field and less maintenance staff to keep up with Park needs.”

Changes for Anza-BorregoDesert State Park®

Staff remains optimistic despite cutbacks

Kathy Dice receives Superintendent II bars from retired ABDSP Superintendent Mark Jorgensen when she was named superintendent of the Salton Sea State Recreation Area in 2005.

continued on page 3

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We have come full circle with the seasons here in the desert once more. The shadows are longer and the days shorter. The winter season is upon us. As ABF’s outgoing President, I am proud of all that our organization has accomplished and I look forward to future successes. When I reflect on the many ways ABF supports Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and the successes we have had, I am reminded that everything we do is guided by our mission: To protect and preserve the natural landscapes, wildlife habitat, and cultural heritage of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. When we develop education programs, acquire inholdings for addition to the Park, or advocate for dedicated funding for all California State Parks, we constantly revisit our mission. In this issue of the Desert Update we touch on many of these mission-driven programs, issues and, happily, our successes. With your continued support, Anza-Borrego Foundation will continue to protect the Park for your enjoyment for years to come.Sincerely, Ray MoutonPresident

The walls are built and painted, carpet installed, and furniture relocated. ABF is pleased to announce the completion of our move into new offices on the “main drag” of Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs. ABF would especially like to thank Chuck Bennett, Mark Jorgensen, and Ray Mouton for volunteering hundreds of hours of construction work in the new office, in addition to the countless other volunteers who helped to make our relocation possible. Along with the new office space, ABF has also opened a storefront that will serve as an alternate location for Park visitors to obtain information and purchase maps, guides, and other Park related items when Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center is closed. ABF’s State Park Store is open seven days a week and is located in The Mall, next to Calico’s. Be sure to stop by the next time you’re in Borrego Springs.

It Takes a Village to Move an Office

Official members of ABF’s construction crew, Ray Mouton, Mark Jorgensen, and Chuck Bennett (hard at work putting up drywall)

Thanks to the volunteers who

came out to help ABF on

moving day

President’s Letter

Ray Mouton

Changes for Anza-Borrego Desert State Parkcontinued from page 1

We got an update from Ranger Steve Bier on the whereabouts and well-being of the visiting Gila Monsters featured in our last issue of Desert Update. Ranger Steve reported that all four Gilas were transferred to Forever Wild Animal Sanctuary in Phelan CA, where they are on public display.

Gila Monster Update

No. 65 • Winter 2010 Desert UpDate page 3

Dice, who came to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park as a ranger in 1988, was promoted to the position of Park superintendent after serving as the acting superintendent

since April. Dice’s many years of experience will serve her and her staff well, as she embarks upon what promises to be a challenging season. “I am extremely proud of the staff members at Anza-Borrego and know they are ready to do what it takes as professionals to provide the best experience they can to all who visit this Park and value its resources.” The Colorado Desert District will also see new leadership this season as District Superintendent Mike Wells retires at the end of the year. Ronilee Clark will step in as acting superintendent, while also continuing her role as superintendent of the San Diego Coast District.

“California’s state parks are a source of pride to many communities, generations of families, and visitors from around the world,” said Dice. California’s parks attract 80 million visitors a year but have suffered due to the state’s fiscal crises, like almost every other area of state government. Parks will continue to face the same budget issues year after year unless a dedicated revenue stream is created, separate from the general fund.

Acting District Superin- tendent Ronie Clark plans to split her time between District Head- quarters and the San Diego Coast District.

One potential solution is the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund, a statewide ballot measure slated for November 2010. This proposal would institute an $18 annual State Park Access Pass surcharge on vehicle license fees for all non-commercial vehicles in California. Vehicles subject to the surcharge and all occupants of those vehicles would receive free day- use admission to all California State Parks throughout the year. The Trust Fund would generate an estimated $500 million in annual revenue – enough to keep state parks open and address the backlog of more than $1 billion in deferred maintenance and repairs. The proposed measure has been submitted to the California Attorney General’s office for official ballot title and summary. Early supporters of the ballot measure include The Nature Conservancy, California State Parks Foundation and Save the Redwoods League. A reliable funding source would take an enormous amount of pressure off of state park staff. As Kathy Dice simply states, “We could focus our full attention back to Park resources and serving the public – rather than how to pinch pennies to stay open year to year.” With the threat of another budget battle soon on the horizon, Dice encourages all Californians to let their legislators know they want a dedicated budget for State Parks – that all parks deserve to be properly funded as the jewels and irreplaceable heritage of this state. One of the best ways you can show your support for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and all state parks, is to get out and experience them – wander, explore, hike, observe, stroll, run, camp, marvel – and discover their wonders.

by Linda Tandle, Executive Director

page 4No. 65 • Winter 2010 Desert UpDate

Photo by Steve Bier

Former President Returns to ABF Board After a two year hiatus, we are thrilled to welcome Rick Gulley back to our Board of Trustees. Rick, who played a large role in ABF’s Vallecito Ranch acquisition in 2002, works as Senior Vice President at Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. in San Diego. He also serves as a board member for the Zoological Society of San Diego, Friends of Vista Hill, Rancho La Puerta Spa in

Tecate, Mexico and on the Director’s Cabinet of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He lives in La Jolla with his wife, Tory, and son, Luke. However, a second residence and part of Rick’s heart can be found in Borrego Springs.

ince our formation in 1967, Anza-Borrego Foundation’s primary mission has been to acquire private property (inholdings) within the boundary of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP) for inclusion in the Park. Historically, as properties were acquired, ABF bundled a group of properties in its inventory and transferred them to California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). In return, ABF received a “recovery” of the appraised property value – sometimes as low as 50 percent of the total value. In the last ten years, however, only two transfers of property have occurred due to a lack of recovery funds at DPR. Currently, ABF has a land inventory of 8,455 acres awaiting transfer to DPR, with some parcels acquired as far back as 1992. The value of these properties exceeds $4 million. According to ABF’s bylaws, these lands can be transferred only to DPR. As a land trust monitoring all costs carefully, we are faced with a challenge: how do we continue our mission to acquire remaining Park inholdings given DPR’s current budget woes? In response to this challenge, ABF established a Biological Mitigation Program. Developers and agencies that must meet mitigation requirements for their projects can apply to ABF to “purchase” lands for mitigation purposes. The applicant pays the full market value of designated property that meets the mitigation requirements. Our Biological Mitigation Committee thoroughly reviews all applications; projects are also evaluated by ABDSP officials, and

must not be opposed by any local planning group. Final approval of each project is made by ABF’s Board of Trustees. After approval, mitigation parcels are gifted to DPR. Depending on the timetable for mitigation project completion, which may take many months or years, we are able to meet our mission of transferring lands to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Mitigation funds received by ABF are allocated to our Land Acquisition Fund to help purchase additional inholdings within ABDSP. In addition to the principal mitigation payment, every developer/applicant pays a per-acre stewardship fee, which goes into a trust fund to assist ABDSP in the future management of the land. When acquired lands become part of the Park it enhances manageability. As long as the Park has “holes” there will be increased costs for patrol of boundaries, trespass issues, illegal activities and requests for access across Park property. At one time, more than 60,000 acres of inholdings existed within ABDSP. In our 42-year history, ABF has whittled that number down to 25,000 acres. We are excited about the possibilities of the Biological Mitigation Program. ABF’s first mitigation project is nearly complete, with six more in the pipeline. The Biological Mitigation program is one creative way ABF continues its mission of raising funds to acquire inholdings so that, one day, ABDSP will be “whole.” Only 25,000 acres to go!

S

Rick Gulley

Biological MitigationA Creative Solution to the Land Challenge

Biological MitigationA Creative Solution to the Land Challenge

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January 9 Indio Hills: Mystery Park 16 Plant Communities of ABDSP 17 Rescheduled Mtn. Palm Springs Hike 23 Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves 23 Hike of the Month: Smoketree Canyon 23 2010: A Celestial Preview (Desert Skies Outdoor Lecture) 24 Wreckage of Time: The Fish Creek Badlands 30 Magical Mystery Tour 2010 (Salton Sea) 30 Desert Sky Photography for Beginners 30 “Forbidden Canyons” Lecture at BSPAC 31 Southern Anza-BorregoFebruary 6-7 Archaeology Weekend 6 Hike of the Month 6 Photo Contest Awards Ceremony and Reception 7 Morning Light Photo Safari 13 From Dust to Dust… (Desert Skies Outdoor Lecture) 20 Flowering Plants of the Low Desert 20 Desert Stargazing for Beginners 27 Poles for Hiking and Walking 28 “Fishing in the Desert”

Forbidden Canyons, photo by Ernie Cowan

AnzA-Borrego InstItuteWInter 2010 schedule of events

March 5-7 Vallecito Days 6 Calumet Photo Tour 6 A Celestial Bucket List (Desert Skies Outdoor Lecture) 7 Illustrated Nature Journaling 12-14 Anza-Borrego Institute of Photography 13 Hike of the Month: Harper Cabin 14 Boat Tour through Picacho 27 Flowering Plants of the Higher Elevation Desert 27 “Why Are There Wildflowers?” Lecture at BSPACApril 3 “Fossil Treasures of Anza- Borrego” Lecture at BSPAC 11 Hike of the Month: Lower Willows

Botany Series, photo by Deborah Knapp

page BWinter 2010 Events Desert ConneCtion

lecture serIes

stArgAzIng

PhotogrAPhy

Lectures take place at (BSPAC)Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center at 7:30 pm. A $5 donation is suggested.

ForbiDDen CanyonsJanuary 30, 7:30 pm, Ernie CowanExplore the beauty of the Carrizo Impact Area (off-limits to the public since 1942 due to the dangers of unexploded ordnance) through the magic of the photographer’s lens!

Why are there WilDFloWers?March 27, 7:30 pm Dr. Michael WallEveryone loves flowers…now learn the other half of the pollination story – how insects have colored the desert – from the San Diego Natural History Museum Curator of Entomology.

Fossil treasUres oF anza-borregoApril 3, 7:30 pm Dr. George Jefferson and Lowell LindsayLearn about the tremendous variety of life forms that populated this area long before it was a desert!

Desert skies oUtDoor leCtUre seriesPopular astronomer Dennis Mammana enlightens and inspires us with the mysteries of the cosmos, followed by telescope viewing (weather permitting). Bring blanket and flashlight with red lens or covering to the Nierenberg Plaza at ABDSP Visitor Center. Suggested donation $5 each session. 2010: a Celestial previeW January 23, 7 – 9 pm An exciting new year of celestial events awaits! From DUst to DUst… February 13, 7 – 9 pm Journey back in time in search of our cosmic roots and ponder our ultimate destiny.

Desert sky photography For beginnersJanuary 30, 12 – 7 pm Dennis MammanaIf you enjoy photography and are fascinated by the night sky, this hands-on course is for you! Learn to capture sunsets as well as nighttime photos of the stars, moon and planets. $45 or $35 for ABF members

a Celestial bUCket list March 6, 7 – 9 pm The heavens are filled with amazing sights you won’t want to miss!

Desert stargazing For beginners February 20, 12:30 – 8:30 pm Dennis MammanaThis very popular workshop is designed to help you explore and enjoy Borrego’s unparalleled dark skies. Evening stargazing will follow, for in-the-field practice of new skills. $45 or $35 for ABF members

Desert Skies Outdoor Lectures, photo by Dennis Mammana

morning light photo saFari February 7, 7 – 11 am Paul JohnsonGet tips from a pro on using morning light to capture the magic of Anza-Borrego! $35 or $25 for ABF members

CalUmet photo trek March 5 (evening) and 6 (all day) Ernie CowanPhoto seminar through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Contact Calumet Escondido for more information and to register: 760-737-6002 or www.calumetphoto.com

illUstrateD natUre JoUrnalingMarch 7, 9 am – 4 pm Phil Roullard and Callie MackJournaling, especially when enhanced with your own illustrations, can add much to your enjoyment and remembrance of time in nature. Documenting what you see through photography or by creating sketches is something that can be learned by almost anyone, especially under the guidance of skilled, experienced instructors. $45 or $35 for ABF members

anza-borrego institUte oF photography March 12 – 14 Friday, 6pm - Sunday, 2pm Paul Johnson and Ernie Cowan Improve your skills through three days of intensive sessions with two professional photographers who have been viewing Anza-Borrego through the lens for many years. A Friday evening classroom session and field excursions on Saturday and Sunday provide time for individual attention and plenty of hands-on opportunities to hone skills and techniques that will help you capture the natural beauty of Anza-Borrego, and stretch your creativity into new areas. Students are expected to have a single lens reflex camera with the capability of interchangeable lenses, and will be encouraged to edit and print their work for instructor feedback and a group critique at a later time. $325 or $295 for ABF members

For additional information andonline registration, visit

www.theabf.org

page CWinter 2010 Events Desert ConneCtion

This series will focus on field techniques for recognizing and identifying the plants of ABDSP, their flowers, and the communities in which they live. Sign up for all three and save $10! Call 760-767-4063 for details.

plant CommUnities oF anza-borregoJanuary 16, 9 am – 4 pm Michael WanglerExplore how climate, geology, and topography have helped to shape the plant communities we see in ABDSP today. $45 or $35 for ABF members

drIvIng toursarroyo tapiaDo mUD CavesJanuary 23, 8 am – 4:30 pm Paul JohnsonYou won’t want to miss this popular 4WD tour to explore fascinating geological features! Participants will also hike extensively in the mud caves. $45 or $35 for ABF members

WreCkage oF time: the Fish Creek baDlanDsJanuary 24, 8:30 – 4:30 pm Paul RemeikaExplore the fascinating geology of Split Mountain Gorge and Sandstone Canyon. 4WD required. $45 or $35 for ABF members

magiCal mystery toUr: salton seaJanuary 30, 9 am – 4 pm Richard Orne and Ron PoitrasEnjoy a tour of the wondrous and sometimes mysterious sites surrounding the Salton Sea Basin. $45 or $35 for ABF members hIkes

neW! hike oF the month seriesCall 760-767-4063 or visit www.theabf.org/events for more details and meeting times for these treks into favorite corners of Anza-Borrego! Most hikes will meet at the new State Park Store in The Mall. $10 per hike. January 23 - Ted Caragozian and Paul Larson, Moderate Welcome in the New Year on this hike into Smoketree Canyon! February 6 – Mike Puzzo, Mountain lion expert Moderate

fIeld BotAny serIes

Indio Hills, photo by Steve Bier

Explore various canyons within Grapevine Canyon, while learning about our neighbor, the mountain lion. March 13 – Mark Jorgensen, Strenuous Hike to the old Harper brothers’ cabin. April 11 - Paul Jorgensen, Moderate Hike through Lower Willows and hopefully spot migrating warblers!

inDio hills: mystery parkJanuary 9, 8 am – 4 pm Paul Johnson, ModerateHike to three palm oases hidden away in the Coachella Valley Preserve. 4WD required. $45 or $35 for ABF members

neW! poles For hiking anD WalkingFebruary 27, 8:30 am – 4 pm Jayah Faye Paley and Bob Haxo, PhD., EasyFeel your power and learn how to use your upper body muscles to help preserve your joints and improve your endurance, strength, posture & balance, using top quality poles. $45 or $35 for ABF members

Thanks to our Institute sponsors!

Photography Institute, photo by Kati Cowan

soUthern anza-borregoJanuary 31, 8 am – 4 pm Robert TheriaultA four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for this trip to visit highlights of the State Park along County Road S-2. $45 or $35 for ABF members

Fishing in the Desert?February 28, 9 am – 4 pm Dr. Joan SchneiderJoin a state park archaeologist and explore prehistoric fishtraps and other evidence of life along the shores of ancient Lake Cahuilla. $45 or $35 for ABF members

page DWinter 2010 Events Desert ConneCtion

Contest Divisions: Adult Division: 14 and older Youth Division: 13 and youngerAll photos must reflect the theme of the contest: the unique and natural beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. ®

Categories: 1. Desert plants 2. Desert animals 3. Desert landscapes/ skyscapes/natural features 4. People enjoying the desert 5. NEW! Macro Photography (extreme close-ups)Contest is open to all amateur and professional photographers. Entry Fee: $5 per photo – maximum 5 entries per person.Submissions: All entries must be received at ABF office by January 15, 2010. See our website for Contest Rules and Entry Forms: www.theabf.org/photocontestCall (760) 767-4063.Display of award-winning photos, silent auction bidding, and People’s Choice Award voting will take place at Borrego Art Institute:January 29 - February 6, 201010am - 4pm

2010AnzA-Borrego desert Photo

contest

FloWering plants oF the loW DesertFebruary 20, 9 am – 4 pm Michael WanglerLearn how to identify plant, flower, and fruiting structures in low-desert plants, and gain hands-on experience using a botanical key in the field. $45 or $35 for ABF members

FloWering plants oF higher elevationsMarch 27, 9 am – 4 pm Michael WanglerThis session focuses on the recognition and identification of flowering plants found at higher elevations within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. $45 or $35 for ABF members

sPecIAl eventsphoto Contest aWarDs Ceremony anD reCeptionFebruary 6, 6-9pm Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center & Borrego Art InstitutePhoto Contest judges will share why winning photographs were selected and announce the People’s Choice Award Winners, followed by a 7pm reception at Borrego Art Institute. All photos up for bid in a silent auction ending at 8pm. No charge.

arChaeology WeekenDFebruary 6-7, Colorado District Archaeology SocietyJoin us for a weekend of lectures, field trips, and tours of the Begole Archaeological Research Center. Celebrate archaeology and the vast and varied resources here! Visit www.theabf.org for details.

valleCito DaysMarch 5-6-7 Vallecito Stage Station County ParkExperience what life was like in the 1850’s, in the days of the Overland Mail Route, with demonstrations, re-enactments, and more! For details visit www.theabf.org.

boat toUr throUgh piCaChoMarch 14, 9 am – 4 pm Robin GreeneOur popular jet boat tour on the

lower Colorado River is back, enhanced by more opportunities for paddling to experience the river up close and personal! This trip meets just north of Yuma, and space is limited. For details visit www.theabf.org.

Festival oF haWksMarch 19-20 The Borrego Valley Hawkwatch counts more spring Swainson’s Hawks than any other site in North America – it is possible to see 500 hawks in one day! Be a part of science in action: Join counters at the Evening Hawkwatch Site on Borrego Valley Road (1.5 miles north of Palm Canyon Drive) one hour before sunset. To catch “lift-off” in the mornings, plan to arrive at the Morning Count Site on DiGiorgio Road (2.3 miles north of Palm Canyon Road) between 8 and 9 am.*

haWkWatCh leCtUre: What’s going on in oUr valley?March 20, 2 pm, Borrego Springs Library Community RoomHawkwatch organizer Hal Cohen explains what we are learning about these amazing birds that journey 7,000 miles every year, and why they are stopping off in Borrego Springs!

*While the peak of hawk migration through the Borrego Valley often falls mid-March, counts are variable, and observers will be present at both evening and morning sites beginning February 15 through April 15.

Picacho Boat Tour, photo by Deborah Knapp

Photography Institute, photo by Kati Cowan

This fall, Park visitors had close encounters with dozens of Peninsular bighorn sheep as they came for a drink from the pupfish pond at the Borrego Palm Canyon trailhead. The endangered bighorn have been known to access the pond

for water during September and October. Although the sheep may come close, you should never try to approach or startle them. Ranger Brittany Veater captured this scene, with the sheep lined up hoof-to-hoof.

Borrego Lineup

To join ABF, renew your

membership, or make a donation,

visit www.theabf.org/

support or call

(760) 767-0446

No. 65 • Winter 2010 Desert UpDate page 5

Photo by Brittany Veater

Matthew Van Dam, a graduate s t u d e n t a t U C B e r k e l e y, w a s awarded the 2009 Entomology Grant to study Giant Flower-loving Flies (Rhaphiomidas) in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The Howie Wier Memorial Conservation Grant for 2009 was a w a r d e d t o D e a n L e a v i t t , a graduate student at San Diego State University, who will be studying

two species of night lizard (Xantusia) in and around the Park. T h e C o l o r a d o D i s t r i c t Archaeological Society awarded Begole Archaeological Research Grants in 2009 to Dr. Mark W. Allen, Dr. Barbara J. Roth and Dr. Patrick Sean Quinn. Applications will be accepted until January 6 for the 2010 Howie Wier Memorial Conservation Grant and until May 28 for 2010 Begole Archaeological Research Grants. The ABDSP Paleontology Society accepts grant applications on a rolling basis. Find grant information, including

application materials and previous recipients, on our website, www.theabf.org/research.

Anza-Borrego Institute Research Grant Recipients

Several species of these Giant Flower loving Flies can be found in the Park.

Leavitt’s research will determine how many species of Desert Night Lizard are represented in the Anza-Borrego population. Photo by Marshal Hedin

Mustard, Anyone?by Larry Hendrickson, Senior Park Aide

Park Volunteer Thad McManus helps in the effort to minimize Saharan Mustard in Borrego Palm Canyon. Photo by Larry Hendrickson

Mustard surrounds a creosote bush at the mouth of Oriflamme Canyon. Photo by Larry Hendrickson

page 6No. 65 • Winter 2010 Desert UpDate

ach year, Anza-Borrego Foundation is very grateful for the generous spirit of donors that help make our mission possible. This generosity is evident in so many ways, including gifts of financial support. While giving may seem to be straight-forward, there are many ways that donors choose to make gifts. Careful planning will ensure that your philanthropy objectives are met. Some of the more common ways to make gifts that benefit Anza-Borrego Foundation and our programs are:

Current Gifts The most common way to make

an immediate gift is by writing a check, or using a credit card by phone, mail or online at www.theabf.org. This type of cash gift provides liquidity for us and generates a charitable income tax deduction of the same amount for the donor in the year of the gift. Giving appreciated stock or bonds may provide even greater tax benefits. If you have owned securities for more than a year and the fair market value has increased since you purchased these securities, you can avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable income tax deduction equal to the fair market value by directly transferring these securities

to Anza-Borrego Foundation. IRA rollover gifts are becoming popular with donors who are age 70-1/2 or older. By law, anyone at that age or older must withdraw a certain amount from their IRA each year at which time that income becomes taxable to the account holder. If the funds are not needed, a donor may choose to have the funds rolled directly from their financial institution to Anza-Borrego Foundation. The donation is fully deductible and the donor does not have to pay income tax on the distribution – a double tax benefit. A gift of real estate that has been held for more than a year also

Expressions of Philanthropy

tarting in January, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park staff will offer a series of educational/volunteer training sessions on the removal of Saharan Mustard (Brassica tournefortii), an aggressive non-native annual weed. Saharan Mustard poses a serious threat to our desert wildflower bloom. Total elimination of this invader is not possible, but it can be controlled within selected areas, such as in Borrego Palm Canyon and along Henderson Canyon Road where Park visitors often come to see wildflowers. Saharan Mustard is native to the arid regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe and was probably introduced several times to this continent in the early part of the 20th century. Locally, botanists believe that mustard seeds hitched a ride in the soil with date palm seedlings that were planted in the Coachella Valley in the early 1920s, and since then it has been spreading throughout the arid regions of the southwestern United States. If you are interested in learning more about this invasive plant or would like to participate in its control, look for the educational/training schedule on ABF’s website, www.theabf.org/events. The schedule also will be available at the Colorado Desert District headquarters office, in Borrego Springs. Please call (760) 767-4063 to find out more about this volunteer training opportunity.

S

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No. 65 • Winter 2010 Desert UpDate page 7

Victor and Delya de Llamas were multi-generational Californians, both born in Riverside, who grew over the years to love the Anza-Borrego Desert. Each year, they would eagerly await a visit to see the springtime bloom. Delya Freeman de Llamas’ father was a prospector and most of her childhood was spent in the wilderness of the San Bernardino Mountains and Oregon. Her love of nature stayed with her throughout her life and she became an outstanding amateur botanist and artist. Delya was a descendent of the first Governor of New Mexico, whose son, Juan Bautista de Anza, opened up the overland route from Sonora to San Francisco. Her heritage, as well as Victor’s, included several tribes of California Native Americans. After serving as an aviator during World War I, Victor’s company, Sorin & deLlamas, constructed some of the finer mansions along the cliffs of Laguna Beach during the 1920s. After the stock market crash, he became a produce broker, setting up packing and marketing operations throughout California, Arizona, Utah and Mexico. Victor’s produce business allowed them to explore

every nook and cranny of California. They often remarked on their good fortune to have enjoyed the state’s beauty before post-war development began changing its character. After settling in Chula Vista in the 1950s, they continued to travel the state, including their annual visit to Anza-Borrego. According to Victor and Delya’s son, Lloyd de Llamas, and his daughter Ingrid, “They would have both approved of and appreciated Anza-Borrego Foundation’s work, and [we], their sons and grandchildren, felt that they should be part of it in some way.” The de Llamas Family, generous donors to ABF, also donated a bench in memory of Victor and Delya that now sits under a desert willow tree in the Donor Garden at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center. Anyone who visits can enjoy the desert’s beauty, much as Victor and Delya did year after year. ABF thanks their family for this beautiful tribute.

Why I Give… A Tribute to Desert Beauty

The de Llamas’ bench, in ABDSP Visitor Center’s Donor Garden, looks out across the Borrego Valley.

Victor and Delya, enjoying a visit to the Anza-Borrego Desert

has the advantage of providing you with a charitable deduction based on the current fair market value, as well as bypassing capital gains tax on the appreciation. Artwork and tangible property are also examples of gifts that can, in certain situations, be appropriate. However, to ensure that any tangible personal property qualifies for a favorable charitable tax deduction, please contact Martha Baker, Manager of Donor Relations, in the ABF office beforehand.

Planned Gifts Sometimes planned gifts are

called deferred gifts, referring to specific strategies that (in most cases) benefit a charity at some point in the future, while offering immediate benefits to the donor. A bequest is the most common form of planned gift and is easily accomplished by substantiating your objectives in your will or trust to leave a gift to charity. The gift of fully-paid life insurance is also a good example of a planned gift. By designating Anza-Borrego Foundation as owner and beneficiary of such a policy, you will receive a charitable income tax deduction that, in most cases, is equal to your cost basis in the policy.

Some gifts can generate income for you. The benefits of estate planning compound when you utilize strategies that generate income as well as provide donations to charity. Through our partnership with The San Diego Foundation, Anza-Borrego Foundation offers Charitable Gift Annuities, Pooled Income contracts and Charitable Remainder Trusts – all constructed to produce a predictable income stream each year for the donor and a gift in the future for ABF. Please contact Martha Baker at (760) 767-0446 to discuss your gifting options.

Anza-Borrego FoundationP.O. Box 2001Borrego Springs, CA 92004(760) 767-0446

www.theabf.org

New Members and Donors - August 16 – October 31, 2009

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

page 8No. 65 • Winter 2010 Desert UpDate

Non ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 17San Diego, CA

ABF thanks all of the following for their generous support.General Operating

Marty AllenbyRonald and Ulla BarrPat CarsonFrank and Judy ColverJim and Kathy Dice (in memory of Catherine Stone)Earth Share of CaliforniaMark-Thomas GaleJohn and Susan HeadIvan and Leilani HolmesVictoria and David JamesProfessor Miles Kahler and Steven SchwarzBeverly and Harry KjerDiana and Lowell Lindsay (in memory of Catherine Stone)Diana and Lowell Lindsay (in memory of Harriet Allen)Dr. Robert and Anne MorrisonNetwork For GoodBarbara OylerLinda Tandle

Albert WalterBarbara Washburn and Bill MurpheyWilderness Press, Inc.

Camp Borrego FacilityDuarte Silva

Desert ConnectionThe Springs at Borrego

Land AcquisitionResources Law GroupTom and Diane Tefft Renee Thornton

Paleontology FundGeorge T. JeffersonCraig and Jane MacCloskey

New MembersBerrien and Marcia AndersonJean AndersonJoAnn AndersonNorman and Gwen AndersonNorman and Pamela Barth

Leslie BeaversEdward and Mildred BennettHenry and Mickey BerlinerJim and Linda BilyE.J. and Stacie BrandrethErin BrownSusan BuckleySteve CarnahanPat CarothersCharles CohenGreg CranhamFritz DawsonKaren DinanRobert and Lucy DvorakCarl GarlickGail HannaAnn HatchIvan and Leilani HolmesJ. Chandler JacklichJennie JonesAnn JoplingPatricia A. LouisDana Malone and Wendell WrightJolie MatteisLarry and Marge NielsenFrancisco J. Oceguera

Lisa Pridmore and Richard JensenJudy Ann RectorMichael and Lucinda RobsonElvia RuffinJan RyderJack W. SchlotteRuth SheltonPaul Taylor and Lillian RocheElena and John ThompsonMatthew T. TorresQuyen TranJon Van RhynJoe and Jane WeberJeri ZemonProfessor David Zielinski

Anza-Borrego Foundation would like to thank California State Parks Foundation for their grant enabling an ABF staff member to attend InDesign software training.