WHY I GIVE

By Jaime Purinton, Communications Manager

In the expansive terrain of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, many stories unfold that tell a story of connection and dedication. For Paulette Donnellon, a devoted board member of Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF), the Park represents not just a beautiful landscape but a cherished part of her life's journey, connecting her to her work with ABF.

In 1976, Paulette's life took an evolutionary turn when she moved from Canada to Southern California. At nine years old, her first encounter with the desert held the promise of Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner adventures. Yet, reality surpassed expectations as she discovered a vibrant ecosystem, lush with vegetation, and a Road Runner quite different from its animated counterpart.

Growing up in Escondido, weekends became synonymous with family trips to the desert. Every Saturday, from late fall to early spring, Paulette, her parents, and her brother explored various corners of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. These early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong love affair with the Park, an enduring connection that has deepened over 40 years of exploration, revealing new areas, flora, and fauna.

Paulette‘s early experiences in the Park laid the foundation for a lifelong love affair with the Park, a connection that has deepened over 40 years of exploration, revealing new areas, flora, and fauna.

Paulette's involvement with ABF is more than a position on a board; it's a calling born from a friendship and a shared passion for education. Serving as a board member for the San Diego County Office of Education representing District 4, which includes inland North County, including Borrego Springs, Paulette's journey with ABF began through a connection with fellow board member Ernie Cowan, a friend since the late 1980s. Ernie recognized the synergy between Paulette's role in education and the mission of ABF and extended an invitation for her to join the board, and she eagerly embraced the opportunity. The Park, with its unique landscapes, became Paulette's "happy place," and supporting educational opportunities for all visitors became a cause she wholeheartedly championed.

Paulette's commitment to giving back stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of education and outdoor experiences. As an educator and nature and wildlife photographer, she sees herself as a bridge connecting people to the Park's captivating essence. Her images serve as windows into the beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, inspiring connection and wonder.

Active collaboration with ABF allows Paulette to broaden the range of educational opportunities available to the Park’s visitors. Her involvement reflects a dedication to the belief that we are all lifelong learners, and immersing ourselves in the beauty of natural wonders, wildlife and history is essential.

Beyond land conservation efforts, Paulette emphasizes the robust educational programming undertaken by ABF. The foundation collaborates with schoolteachers, immersing them in the Park's ecosystem and the historical utilization of park resources. This knowledge is then integrated into classrooms, enriching the educational experience for generations to come, while building future advocates.

As a nature enthusiast and avid explorer, Paulette finds joy in meeting fellow hikers on the trails and navigating the desert in her white Jeep, equipped with her nerdy glasses and a not so nerdy camera. The Park, for her, is a unifying force, creating a sense of community among all who share a love for it. She extends an open invitation to those who cross paths with her: don't hesitate to say hello, for she's eager to hear what others love about the Park.

In Paulette Donnellon's story, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is not just a destination; it's a cherished chapter in a life dedicated to exploration, education, and community. Her dedication and passion attest to the influence of the Park, shaping lives and nurturing connections that reach across generations.