2 minute read
A Note From The Education Manager
By Samantha Young
Thank you for reading through this magazine! We're proud of how this first issue has come together. It's been a labor of love based on the strong desire to share current research and conservation in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with you. While research might be the first line of defense in conserving nature, sharing that work with the community is the ultimate decider of whether our natural resources will remain intact for present-day and future generations to enjoy. And it's not just about enjoying nature. I know from experience (and from the research) that nature is the best medicine for humans: we need the outdoors to be happy, healthy and to remember our humanity.
Education is our greatest hope of protecting the natural spaces in this world. By sharing this research and facilitating experiences in Anza-Borrego with school children, teachers, and the public, Anza-Borrego Foundation is working to break down barriers, increase awareness of conservation issues, spread wellness, and build future leaders. Our education programs span six areas:
Guided Hikes and Drives
Research-Based Education
Virtual Access
Teacher Professional Development
K-12 Field Trips
Developing Career Pathways
We're committed to increasing access to this incredible State Park and outdoor recreation by providing scholarships, student discounts, grant funds, virtual programming and working with underserved populations.
We hope you agree that Anza-Borrego Foundation provides a vital service to our community - that of directly protecting the land and facilitating others to want to protect the land. We are the official State Park partner, with programs vetted and approved by the Colorado Desert District Superintendent. We work with the Park to create lifelong desert lovers, bring experiences in nature to those who haven't had them, and create new desert advocates who will steward and benefit from this incredible natural resource for years to come. If you feel called to join us on this mission, you can attend one of our programs, join us as a volunteer, or donate here. All donations received at this link will directly support our growing Education programs. I do this work that I love because I feel called to protect this magical desert with a team who I know also loves their work, and we are honored to serve this community.
Thank you, and I hope to see you in the desert soon!
