Annual Update 2022

DESERT UPDATE

Everything you need to know about Anza-Borrego Foundation and how we meet our mission to protect Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

CONSERVING LAND FOR THE FUTURE

A look back at our land program for the past year. pg. 3

WHY I GIVE

Interview with dedicated volunteers, Tom & Stephanie DiPalma. pg. 7

YEAR IN REVIEW

Our 2021-2022 annual report.

Board of Trustees

Bill McDonald- President Lynn Rhodes- Vice President

Linda Tandle- Secretary

Janie DeCelles- Treasurer

Trustees

Dick Troy

Ernie Cowan

Sharon Goldsmith, Ph D

Phil Pryde, Ph D

Jim Smith

Dave Van Cleve

Wendy Youngren

Maris Brancheau, Esq

Paulette Donnellon

Staff

Brianna (Bri) Fordem- Executive Director

Briana Puzzo- Finance & Operations Director

Julie Gerson- Land Program Manager

Lauren Sexton- Office Administrator

Mario Mouett- Retail Director

Jaime Purinton- Communications Manager

Kendall Abady: Development Manager

Karin Eugenio- Corporate & Government Affairs Specialist

Samantha Young- Education Manager

Kathy Jorgensen- Lead Foundation

Ambassador

Shelley Anderson- Foundation

Ambassador

Anja McGuire- Lead Foundation

Ambassador

Bob McGuire- Lead Foundation

Ambassador Contact

Anza-Borrego Foundation

PO Box 2001

Borrego Springs, CA 92004 760-767-0446

www.theabf.org info@theabf org

With unprecedented support from donors and members during the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic, ABF was both fortunate and dedicated to leveraging that assistance to make additional progress in 2021-22. Bolstered also by the long-awaited transfer of more than 17,000 acres of land to the Park, ABF took strides this past year to forge a bold vision of excellence, organizational stability, collaboration with the Park and growth

In May 2022, ABF board members and staff, along with Park representatives gathered for a two-day strategic planning session While previous strategic plans covered a three-year time frame, we sought this time to extend the vision to five years, 2022-2027, while still identifying key action steps for the early years of the plan

We agreed to be “fearless” viewing the near future. Not “reckless.” We pledged to use resources wisely, ensuring that plans and actions were sustainable We committed to concentrating on important focus areas and only to consider opportunities that were central to the ABF mission.

The focus areas we identified were both internal and external. Listed not by priority or urgency, they are:

• organizational and board development

• land acquisition

• Park partnership and collaboration

• community outreach and communication

• education

• advocacy

• retail

• finances

• fundraising/development

Exciting initiatives in many of these areas have already begun Staff and board members, joined by new members of each, have collaborated in reaching out to diverse community groups, local legislators, regional education and conservation organizations and others to spread the message that ABF is eager to engage with them in joint efforts.

In the pages that follow, you’ll learn more about new staff members in education and corporate/government affairs, important areas for attention. You’ll also hear from two volunteers and donors about “Why I Give,” view a statistical presentation of the year gone by, view outstanding images and find out more about ABF’s very popular annual Photo Contest, and get an update on our fundamentally important activities regarding land.

The last few years remind us that plans are an expression of optimism, that individuals and organizations can meet and overcome challenges. ABF, as I mentioned above, is fearless in looking ahead, buoyed by its growing internal fortitude and strength and by the sustained support of people like you. Thank you

McDonald ABF President

Bill

LAND CONSERVED IN 2021 / 2022

Base of Montezuma Grade: 07/30/2021

The 275 19 acres is located at the base of Montezuma Grade. Actually, two parcels, this donated land is an important addition because it straightens and simplifies the boundary between the park and a residential area.

Old Springs Corridor: 08/06/2021

Within one of our six critical focus areas this 320-acre purchase is habitat to Least Bell’s Vireo, Flat-tail Horned Lizard. it is an area known for a spectacular spring wildflower bloom and faces illegal off roading threats.

Coyote Canyon: 01/13/2022

Two parcels, located in remote areas of the park, accessible only on foot The 20-acre parcel is located in state wilderness area The second, 5-acre parcel that is also located in a Wilderness area, is in the far reaches of Butler Canyon at about 2,000 feet elevation.

CONSERVING LAND FOR THE FUTURE

By: Julie Gerson, Land Programs Manager

Imagine arriving at your favorite AnzaBorrego Desert trailhead, only to find a gate with a "no trespassing" sign; or setting up camp in a quiet corner of a wash, only to have someone tell you to move because this is their private camp site.

These are true scenarios that have happened just in the last year. They are the types of situations that Anza-Borrego Foundation is actively working to eliminate by securing the remaining private inholdings within the Park.

The hot summer season in the desert is typically a quieter and slower time for the park and Anza-Borrego Foundation, but land conservation has been the exception, despite impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

LAND CONSERVED IN 2021 / 2022

Kane Springs Road: 01/13/2022

This 10-acre parcel is in an undisclosed location due to the sensitive cultural resources located on the property. Flint flakes, pottery shards and "sleeping circles" are just a few items that were left there There is evidence of illegal off-road activity in this area, so securing land like this is very important to protect the natural and cultural resources.

Coyote Canyon: 05/23/2022

This 10-acre parcel is mountain lion, Desert Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, and Quino Checkerspot Butterfly habitat

Glorietta Canyon: 06/22/2022

160 acres was purchased with an anonymous donor's donation. This purchase preserves access into the canyon (in private ownership, there could have been issues with public access) This inholding was also the most significant piece, at 160 acres, left along that corridor

CONSERVING LAND FOR THE FUTURE CONTINUED......

In 2021 / 2022, 800 acres were purchased for preservation and the pace is not slowing.

When the historic land transfer of 17,697 acres from ABF to the California Department of Parks and Recreation finalized after a multi-year process in August of 2021, there were already another couple of thousand acres waiting on the ABF books. A new land package of 3,156 acres owned by ABF has been assembled and an application submitted to Park headquarters in Sacramento to start the transfer process.

Newly purchased lands include access points to popular hikes, critical habitat for threatened or endangered species and many cultural sites. Acknowledging the people who lived in this desert for centuries before us, and preserving their cultural sites, is an important legacy and educational opportunity for visitors to the desert.

The importance of continuing to secure remaining inholdings of land is critical to the integrity and management of this vast Desert Park; currently about 14,000 acres of privately held land remain within Park boundaries. Conflicts can occur when landowners restrict public access to popular areas or close roads that have been used for decades by the public. Wildlife corridors and important habitat can be fragmented by clearing or fencing and the wilderness experience can be greatly diminished for visitors seeking the peace and solitude of the beautiful wide open desert vistas that Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has to offer.

Our Mission

To protect and preserve the natural landscapes, wildlife habitat and cultural heritage of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and its surrounding region for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Photo: Rebecca Kuritz

WHY I GIVE

By Kendall Abady

Stephanie and Tom DiPalma are Bay Area natives who have been visiting Borrego Springs for the past 10 years. In fact, they love it so much that they recently purchased a home in town. They first started coming to Borrego Springs for the biking opportunities. Upon their arrival, they were floored by the vastness of the Park and fell in love. Stephanie became so passionate about

the Park that she wanted to become a docent at the Visitor’s Center but was unable to because she couldn’t attend the classes as they took place while her and Tom were back in northern California. The Park’s Superintendent at the time recommended that she check out ABF for volunteer opportunities and her and Tom have been some of our most dedicated supporters ever since.

Support can mean a lot of different things. To the DiPalma’s, it means volunteering at our events and helping our staff however they can.

The DiPalma’s have been instrumental in many of our programs and through their involvement with our State Park Store, they are also responsible for those amazing bike jerseys you see.

Stephanie says, the Leave No Trace initiative is

because

vital

“we are loving our Parks to death, and we need to educate everyone so the Park is not damaged” and she now “sees people making an effort to keep the Park pristine”.

When asked about their favorite programs at ABF, they responded land acquisition, the Leave No Trace initiative and, of course, the Photo Contest which they have been involved in for many years.

Tom feels that ABF's effort to purchase land within the boundary of the Park is very exciting as it “affords more access to the tremendous areas of the Park so we can appreciate even more of it”. Stephanie says the Leave No Trace initiative is vital because “we are loving our Parks to death, and we need to educate everyone so the Park is not damaged” and she now “sees people making an effort to keep the Park pristine”.

As for the Photo Contest, it is no surprise that they love it because it gives them “a glimpse into what others see as b t ithi th P k d it t t h th t st

Welcoming New Staff:

Karin Eugenio Government & Corporate Affairs Specialist

Karin Eugenio was raised in Imperial Valley, then attained a bachelor’s degree in Literature and Writing at CSU San Marcos and later received a master’s degree in Rhetoric and Writing Studies from SDSU. Karin taught K-12 in San Diego and San Francisco and began teaching English and Communications at Imperial Valley College. In 2017, she became a lecturer at SDSU, Calexico.

In 2018, Karin was elected to the city council in the City of Imperial, CA, and served as the mayor of Imperial in 2021. In June 2022, Karin was elected to the Imperial Irrigation District as a board director for Division Five and will begin her term in December 2022. Karin has a seven-year-old daughter named Spencer and they enjoy traveling, exploring nature, listening to music and frequenting parks.

In her new position as the Corporate and Government Affairs Specialist, Karin continues building relationships with local corporations and legislators to support ABF's mission. Karin’s goals are sharing and expanding knowledge to both fundraise and spread the word about our work.

Welcoming New Staff:

Samantha Young Education Manager

Samantha is an education program leader and facilitator, an evolutionary biologist and anthropologist by training and is on a quest to understand systems and how they came to be. She has devoted herself to sharing the beauty of nature with all ages for nearly 20 years. Samantha worked on the community engagement team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, where she developed and implemented communitybased conservation & education programs in San Diego and Latin America. Most recently, she’s been an adjunct professor facilitating community college, university and graduate-level science courses. Samantha is fluent in Spanish and has worked in rural and urban, local and international settings, training educators, students, and citizen scientists, creating science and outdoor education curriculum, leading workshops, and evaluating programs.

Samantha’s experiences have taught her to be compassionate towards many world perspectives and resilient in difficult conditions and with challenging people. She believes in inquiry-based learning and building capacity in communities to empower people who are ultimately the caretakers of their natural surroundings.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park holds a special place in Samantha's heart, and she is excited to join the Anza-Borrego Foundation to focus on developing, implementing, and evaluating education programs. When not adventuring in the desert, Samantha spends afternoons at the beach with her husband, three-year-old daughter, and 13-year-old husky/shepherd. She practices yoga and the aerial arts and attempts to incorporate ancestral traditions into her modern life.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”–Margaret Mead

Since 2006 amateur and professional photographers have participated in the annual Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest with the hopes of placing in one of the six categories. From photos of bighorn sheep to tiny flowers to starry skies, one by one, these photos inspire those who view them to love this desert just a little

more. Over the years, these entries have turned into thousands of photos that tell the story of how special this Park is.

NEW CHANGES FOR 2023

To keep up with technology and trends and stay relevant, we have made minor changes to the contest over the years, and this year is no exception. Because of the high quality and technology of cell phone cameras, we have eliminated the cell phone category and now allow cell phone photos in every category. We replaced the cell phone category with nightscapes to show off our stunning night skies and highlight the Park's International Dark Sky status!

Park

Over the years, these entries have turned into thousands of photos that tell the story of how special this

is.

HONORING OUR LONGEST SERVING VOLUNTEER, PAUL JOHNSON!

After 15 years, head judge Paul Johnson will “retire” from the Photo Contest. The contest would not be what it is today without Paul’s generous involvement. Paul was instrumental in creating the contest back in 2006, with the goal of bringing more awareness about the Park to the public. Paul started with the Park in 1973 as a Park Naturalist and taught photography at community colleges in San Diego. This experience gave him the skills to develop the contest rules and judging guidelines. Because of his role as the Park's go-to photographer in their resources department, Paul was the perfect fit and remained involved with the contest each year, helping to screen the entries and lead our judging process. From the start, Paul was insistent that the contest offer a learning opportunity for participants. A large

part of his role has been presenting the winning photos at the Judge Critique, to share what made the winners stand out.

Paul’s experience as a photographer working in the Park gave him incredible insight into the lengths some photographers went to capture the amazing shots that were entered. Paul says volunteering with the Photo Contest has been a "labor of love,” and he has enjoyed offering the opportunity

Paul removing invasive plants in the Park.

to take better pictures.

We will miss his passion, leadership and expertise, and know that his legacy will live on through every photo submitted.

THANK YOU, Paul, for all you have given over the years to help us successfully share the beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with thousands of people through the Photo Contest!

Paul in Henderson Canyon

A YEAR IN REVIEW

July 2021-June 2022

July 2021-June 2022 marked an unprecedented time for us. It was a year that started still very much in tune with caseloads of COVID-19, sensitivity to gathering and hosting programs or meetings in person while still striving to meet our mission. We celebrated the finalization of our largest land sale to the state, added two new team members in fundraising and education and ended the year returning to in-person programming. It was a year of maintaining optimism and our nimble qualities as we attempted to gracefully surf the wave of change, challenges, and success.

A Letter From our Executive Director, Bri Fordem

One of the most significant outcomes of last year was the finalization of our education and organizational strategic plans. The creation of these plans resulted in a five-year road map to meet our goals as the official cooperating association to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with special attention to the impact and need for education. As we surge ahead with these intentional and integrated plans, we are excited to share more with you on our continued communications via email, social media, programming and our newly updated website coming in early 2023.

As you review our organization's stats from last year, you may notice new categories and significant changes to our percentages from prior years, Land Sales and Planned Giving. Both areas are not something we typically plan for or can rely on from year to year as their nature is embedded in several uncontrollable variables. We are incredibly thankful for these income areas, regardless of their nature, and we plan and act conservatively to align with our goals in sustainability and resilience.

Land Sales:

As you are likely aware, we transferred ~17,600 acres of land that we had purchased and held to become parkland over the last 25 years. This massive transaction took just over five years to complete for several reasons, but one of the most critical was the process of qualifying for federal grant funding (Land Water Conservation Fund) to help cover the cost for ABF to buy the land. Essentially, we are reimbursed through grant funds for a percentage of that land's cost, which is a major portion of what you see for our income last year. This is a special kind of income as the percentage paid to ABF comes back to us with several restrictions and the opportunity to continue our land conservation program. Most of this income was divided into Wilderness Lands, General Land Inholdings and Park Support. The first two are relatively self-explanatory, but Park support has been split into two Park Support Funds that will soon be developed into a more formal program for distribution to qualifying Park projects and programs. We plan to announce this new program later in 2023.

Planned Giving:

Through the years, we have learned of donors who have held a very special place in their hearts for this amazing desert, so much so that they have named ABF as the beneficiary of their trust or estate to help us continue fulfilling our mission. I am always in awe of those who have put so much planning and intentionality into leaving a legacy for something they feel passionate about. I am truly honored to be working for an organization that can help facilitate a meaningful legacy for this one-of-akind place. These gifts are mostly a surprise to us and are received in a very special way. Unlike a regular donation, planned gifts are reviewed by our trustees to first meet the donor's wishes and any critical needs of the organization with final priority to support our Legacy Fund. Started less than a decade ago, our Legacy Fund's goal is to grow to support all of ABF's operational needs so that 100% of every dollar we receive from our donors can go directly to supporting programs, services and Park vitality. Our priority for these gifts is to truly create a lasting impact, as we know these donors have given a lifetime of effort for a legacy and want this special Park to go on for others to enjoy the same way they did.

Conserve

It is only through conservation that this land will be available for future generations to experience.

Completed the largest land transfer in Park history by transferring 17,597 acres to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Purchased 800.19 acres of private inholdings for conservation, including land in critical areas of Glorietta Canyon, Coyote Canyon, Old Springs Corridor and Kane Springs Road

Created a 4,313-acre package to be transferred to the Park and permanentely protected Founded the Bighorn Sheep Conservation Fund to help support the needs of this endangered species in this region

At the end of the day, it is all about Park support. We achieve this in ways that are sometimes challenging for the public to see. We support the largest, most underfunded Park in the California State Park system. We are both honored and invigorated to bring constant innovation and creativity to how we do this. You may see retail, land conservation and education programs, but we are managing so much more behind the scenes. Managing Park relationships between our staff and Park staff and volunteers, submitting program grant applications for research needs in the Park, building new education collaboration opportunities and understanding Park needs to support quality visitor experiences. We stay ready for news of Wildflower blooms and other emergent events that our nimble nature can respond to for safety, financial support and continued protection of the Park. All of this is only possible because of people like you, our dedicated Park lovers who want to see this place only change for the better and be preserved for all to have that moment we all know for ourselves when we take a deep breath and notice the impact this place has on us. It's one in a million and worth all we do and will continue to do. As we look ahead, our mission holds strong, and while there is always uncertainty, we have a vision and will be fearless in reaching our goals, taking calculated risks and conservative action for long-lasting impact. This place deserves nothing less!

Sincerely

Executive Director