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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 over 1,000 square miles and includes about 456,000 acres of designated wilderness and 110 miles of trails.

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.

The Project

We will be manually removing an invasive annual plant known as Saharan mustard (Brassica tournefortii). Our goal will be to remove the mustard 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.

Itinerary

We will assemble at Borrego Palm Canyon Group Campsite in the late afternoon on Sunday, February 17. After orientation and introductions, we'll set up our base camp for the week. We will work four days in all, taking two days off to explore and/or relax. Hiking, birding, botanizing, photographing, and stargazing are all free-time possibilities. The trip will conclude the morning of Sunday, February 24.

Getting There

The closest major airport to Anza-Borrego is San Diego International, and it 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.

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.

Come with the attitude that food is part of the adventure. Trip menu planning considers that there will be no refrigeration other than coolers with ice, and that food must be protected from animals. We provide healthy, nutritious, vegetarian-friendly meals, with occasional meat on the side.

We have a group commissary, with everyone taking turns in food preparation. Before applying for the trip, people with food allergies and/or strong food preferences must contact the cook to see if accommodations are possible.

Our first meal will be dinner on day one and our last meal will be lunch on the final day.

Trip Difficulty

This trip will be moderately strenuous. Though average daytime temperatures are in the mid- to high-70s you will be working out in the sun. This could add to the trip difficulty for those not accustomed to working in warmer weather. 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 -- they are recommended for hiking, as well.

Our work will be the removal of mustard plants using light-duty hand tools. Health and safety are very high priorities, 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 leather 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 Stare 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: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638
  

Conservation

While there is concern that the spread of Saharan mustard 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.

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Leader:

Didi Toaspern is very excited to again be leading the service trip to Anza-Borrego. She has been leading service trips since 1986. Many have been in her home state of California, but she has also led or cooked on trips in Idaho, Utah, Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming. For her, service trips are a magical combination of challenge, friendship, exertion, and fun.

E-mail: dtoaspern@sbcglobal.net

Cook:

Arlene Jamar has been the cook for several Sierra Club service trips in the western U.S. and Canada. She carefully plans meals that are tasty as well as nutritionally balanced. Arlene also enjoys the satisfaction of accomplishing hard work in beautiful wilderness setting along with the fellowship of others with similar interests. Arlene began her involvement with nature as a Girl Scout and enjoys many outdoor activities. When not involved with outdoor activities, she enjoys playing music and dancing.

E-mail: toad@foothill.net

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Carpooling
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Wilderness Manners