Service in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

The Trip

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP) takes its name from the early Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza (whose 1775-76 overland route from Mexico to San Francisco Bay passed through what is now the park) and from the Spanish word for sheep (specifically the endangered peninsular bighorn whose habitat includes Anza-Borrego Desert State Park).

This spectacular desert park is the largest state park in California and the largest desert state park in the nation. The park is more than 1,000 square miles, including 456,000 acres of designated wilderness and 110 miles of trails.

We would like to acknowledge that the lands of the Colorado Desert District -- which include Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Palomar Mountain State Park -- sit upon the lands within the Ipai, Tipai and Kamia (Kumeyaay), ?ívil~uqaletem (Cahuilla), Xawill kwñchawaay (Cocopah), Kuupangaxwichem (Cupeño), and Payómkawichum (Luiseño) nations. We would like to recognize their long traditions of being the first stewards of the land since time immemorial, which continue in the present and will continue into the future. We strive to be respectful of the rich cultures and traditions of these nations.

Seen by biologists as one of "the planet’s biodiversity hotspots," the park supports a remarkable array of plant and animal life that is as varied as the physical terrain. We could see coyote, black-tailed jackrabbit, desert iguana, road runner, rock wren, and phainopepla -- and if we are extra lucky, the bighorn sheep. Along with the desert wildflowers and a variety of cacti, there will be towering ocotillo, smoke tree, and the endangered California fan palm. Though the stunning wildflower displays make it into all the publicity about Anza Borrego, they really only happen about every 10 years. Not to worry -- there will be amazing plants and many will be in bloom.

The Project

We will be manually removing invasive annual plants, including the Saharan mustard (Brassica tournefortii). Our goal will be to remove the invasive plants before they have had a chance to produce seeds.

Saharan mustard is native to the arid regions and deserts of North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. Botanists believe it was introduced to Southern California in the early part of the twentieth century, along with date palms that were imported for cultivation.

We will work with small hand tools designed to remove weeds without disturbing native vegetation. We may also use stirrup hoes (a long-handled tool with an oval cutting edge). Detailed instruction in plant recognition and proper removal techniques will be provided by the park staff.

Getting There

The closest major airport to Anza-Borrego is San Diego International, which is just over a two-hour drive away. There are two good routes from San Diego, both on well-traveled interstates and/or state highways. An alternate airport is Palm Springs International, which is also two hours from the campground. Detailed directions to our meeting place will be provided by the trip leader, as well as roster information to facilitate ride sharing. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader. 

Accommodations and Food

We will be tent camping in Borrego Palm Canyon Campground in a site designated for groups. The campground has bathrooms, running water, and showers.

All meals and plenty of snacks will be provided from dinner the first night to breakfast the last day. We provide healthy, nutritious, vegetarian-friendly meals. California is considered the salad bowl of America and the options to purchase local, organic vegetables are abundant. To the extent possible, the cook will use these local sources when planning our menus and purchasing our groceries. Menu planning also has to take into account that the only refrigeration will be using coolers with ice, some foods must be protected from animals, and only portable propane stoves will be available for cooking.

We’ll have a group commissary with everyone taking turns assisting the cook and cleaning up afterwards. Come with the attitude that food is part of the adventure. Before applying for the trip, people with food allergies, and/or strong food preferences must contact the cook and leader to see if accommodations are possible.

Trip Difficulty

This trip will be moderately strenuous. Average daytime temperatures are in the high 70s to low 90s and you will be working in the sun. This could add to the trip difficulty for those not accustomed to working in warmer weather. One of our worksites is accessed by a rocky, uneven trail that includes a bit of boulder scrambling. Our off-day activities will involve hiking and you will want to be in good shape for maximum enjoyment. You will need boots while we are working on the project and they are recommended for hiking, as well.

Our work will be the removal of the invasive plants using light-duty hand tools. Health and safety are priority, and you are the best judge of your abilities. We'll each work at our own pace.

Equipment and Clothing

The State Park will provide the tools for the work project. In addition to your regular camping gear, come prepared to work with sturdy boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sturdy work gloves. Because of the warm weather, you will want lightweight and light-colored clothing. You will need a day pack to carry your lunch, water, raingear, sunscreen, etc.

We will provide food and the necessary equipment for cooking it. You will need personal eating utensils, such as bowl, cup, and spoon. A plastic food container with a tight-fitting lid is necessary for carrying your lunch to the work site each day.

We will also provide a first-aid kit for emergencies, but you should bring any personal medications you require. Please do not forget that all participants must have a current tetanus shot within the past 10 years. This injection is most commonly available from your doctor or at your local public health department for a modest cost.

A full list of needed equipment will be sent to you after you've been accepted onto the trip. If you have questions, please contact the trip leader. 

References

• Hogue, Lawrence, All the Wild and Lonely Places: Journeys In A Desert Landscape. Island Press.
• Lindsay, Lowell & Diana, The Anza-Borrego Desert Region: A Guide to the State Park and Adjacent Areas of the Western Colorado Desert.  Wilderness Press (includes separate map).
• Munz, Philip A., Introduction to California Desert Wildflowers. University of California Press.
• Lindsay, Diana, Anza-Borrego A to Z: People, Places, and Things. Sunbelt Publications.
• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638 

Conservation

While there is concern that the spread of Saharan mustard and other invasive plants will greatly reduce the wildflower displays in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, what is at stake is of much greater significance. As with any extremely invasive plant species, the health and diversity of an entire ecosystem can be threatened. We will be working on this very important restoration project while learning about other conservation issues being addressed in the park.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.