Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association

Uncover Anza-Borrego's wonders through education and exploration

ABDNHA Calendar of Events

Uncover Anza-Borrego's wonders through education and exploration

ABDNHA Calendar of Events
Yellow sign for Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association on a building entrance under a clear blue sky

Visit ABDNHA's Desert Nature Center, Gift Shop In Borrego Springs

Your Local Source for Hiking Guides, Wildlife Books, Local Gifts, Expert Guidance, Educational Programs, and More, Located at 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA.

Your Local Source for Hiking Guides, Wildlife Books, Local Gifts, Expert Guidance, Educational Programs, and More, Located at 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA.

  • Small desert roadside building with palm trees and mountains under a cloudy sky

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Borrego Desert Nature Center sign beside a sunny desert walkway with palm trees and mountains

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Colorful art and crafts shop with paintings, sculptures, and gift items displayed on shelves and tables

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Books displayed on a wooden shelf, including colorful travel and cooking titles.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Art booth display of wildlife books, prints, and postcards on shelves and table racks

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Travel brochures and maps displayed on a wooden rack, with colorful postcards and handwritten notes below.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Colorful handmade crafts and small illustrated cards displayed on a shop table and shelves

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Basket of assorted polished stones and crystals on a table at an outdoor market

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Bookstore display with colorful stacks of Margaret Atwood novels on a shelf.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Brightly lit boutique with colorful folded textiles, wooden tables, and shelves of crafts and gifts

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Six colorful ceramic mugs on a shelf, each with white bird designs.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Stuffed animal display with foxes, owls, rabbit, and ram plush toys on a shelf.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Gift shop display with a welcome sign, pottery, wood carvings, and small handmade items on a table.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Rust-colored metal bird sculptures displayed indoors on a wooden shelf, with a larger bird in the center

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Retail store shelves stocked with colorful packaged goods, clothing racks, and wooden display tables

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • A shelf of yellow skincare products, including creams, lotion bottles, and tubes, displayed neatly on a wooden counter.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
Shop ABDNHA Online

Support the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association's mission to educate and entertain through eclectic musical events. Your tax-deductible donations fund concerts for the community and local schools, sustaining the arts in Borrego Springs since 1975. 501c3 Non-Profit Corporation.


Shop ABDNHA Online

ABDNHA Visitor Plaza

Take a leisurely walk around the building for enriching lessons on the area's history, geology, and wildlife, enhancing your Anza-Borrego Desert experience.

Outdoor museum display boards with maps and photos beside a walkway, under a shaded structure
Outdoor museum exhibit panels along a covered walkway beside a stone wall and windows.

ABDNHA Desert Garden 

Visit & Relax

Visit & Relax

ABDNHA Desert Garden 

Explore the ABDNHA Desert Garden in Borrego Springs, where artistic landscapes meet a vibrant ecosystem of desert flora and fauna, open daily from sunrise to sunset. Enjoy shaded walkways, wildlife sightings, and a glimpse into local history, all in a serene setting.


This public oasis welcomes visitors for leisure and small-scale events by reservation.


Learn More
Borrego Dark Sky Coalition logo on an orange oval with black and white text

About The Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition

In 2007, Borrego Springs residents formed a committee to achieve Dark Sky Certification from the International Dark Sky Association, culminating in the approval of a comprehensive 90-page application in 2009, which included a lighting survey, educational initiatives, lighting modifications, and regulatory assurances for sustained low light levels. Learn more on darksky.org!


>>An Enlightening Interview, New Dark Sky President -  Article by Nancy McRae


“THE SAND PAPER” ABDNHA MEMBER NEWSLETTER

"The Sand Paper," published five times a year by ABDNHA, features in-depth articles on the Anza-Borrego region, ranging from natural history to cultural insights. Members receive early access to event information and exclusive opportunities to engage with the content and community activities.

Learn More
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association circular logo with desert animals and a starburst

ABDNHA (founded 1971), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educates and inspires desert appreciation. Visit their store (652 Palm Canyon Dr.) for info & events! Donate today and make a difference.

Donate Donate

Become a Member of the ABDNHA, a community passionate about desert education, conservation, and sharing its wonders.


Become a Member! Become a Member!
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum entrance with sign, adobe-style building, desert landscaping, and palm trees

The Impact

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA)

The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) plays a pivotal role in both the local community of Borrego Springs and the wider appreciation of the Anza-Borrego Desert region.



Here are some key impacts of the ABDNHA:

Educational Outreach

ABDNHA's educational programs, lectures, and tours provide invaluable learning opportunities for all ages. By offering a deeper understanding of the desert's ecology, geology, flora, and fauna, ABDNHA fosters a greater appreciation and respect for natural environments among residents and visitors alike.

Conservation Awareness

Through its various initiatives, ABDNHA raises awareness about the importance of conserving delicate desert ecosystems. Its efforts help to protect and preserve the natural beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert for future generations, highlighting the critical balance between human activity and environmental stewardship.

Civic Participation

ABDNHA acts as a community hub, bringing together people with a shared interest in the desert's natural history and cultural heritage. Its events and programs create a sense of community among Borrego Springs residents and provide an inviting atmosphere for visitors, enhancing the social fabric of the area.

Economic Contribution

By attracting visitors to Borrego Springs for hikes, lectures, and special events, ABDNHA contributes to the local economy. Tourists and participants in ABDNHA programs often support local businesses, lodging, and dining establishments, thereby boosting economic activity in the region.

Research

ABDNHA supports and often collaborates in research projects and documentation efforts related to the Anza-Borrego Desert. These scholarly activities contribute to the scientific understanding of the area, adding to the body of knowledge on desert environments and informing conservation strategies.

Cultural Preservation

ABDNHA's work extends to the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Anza-Borrego Desert, including the history and traditions of its native peoples. By educating the public about the region's rich cultural past, ABDNHA ensures that this important aspect of the desert's identity is not forgotten.

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association


P O BOX 310

652 Palm Canyon Drive.

 Borrego Springs, CA 92004


Office: 760-767-3052

Desert Store & Nature Center:

760-767-3098

Learn More About Anza Borrego

By Riverside Astronomical Society, Inc. (RAS) • September 9, 2026
The Nightfall Star Party & Imaging Conference returns to Borrego Springs on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6–7,
Star map of Perseus and Cassiopeia with the Perseids radiant marked between them
By Dennis Mammana • August 6, 2026
The Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 13, 2026. Get tips for the best viewing experience in Borrego Springs!
By Dennis Mammana • July 29, 2026
Experience stunning stargazing in Borrego Springs from Aug. 2-8, 2026. Join us for celestial wonders & the Nightfall Star Party in November.
By Dennis Mammana • July 23, 2026
Catch Mercury & Mars at dawn in Borrego Springs. Don't miss the Perseid meteor shower! Join us for stargazing tips and updates.
By Dennis Mammana • July 18, 2026
Explore the Summer Triangle from July 19-25, 2026. Learn about Vega, Altair, and Deneb's stories in the night sky.
By Andrea McKenna • July 13, 2026
Experience the Perseid meteor shower in Borrego Springs. Enjoy lower hotel rates & local attractions. Plan your summer getaway today!
By Andrea McKenna • July 12, 2026
Reserve Your Spot for the Lunar Eclipse Spectacular
By Andrea McKenna • July 12, 2026
Join the Borrego Night Sky Tour with Dennis Mammana for a night of stargazing & telescope viewing. Experience the beauty of the cosmos!
By Andrea McKenna • July 7, 2026
Experience stunning Night Sky Tours in Borrego Springs. Join us for telescope tours & celestial events. Reserve your spot today!
Show More
Borrego Springs Community Concert Association banner with an orange “SCHEDULE” button on a blue background