Feature Article

Celebrating 40 years as
PARTNERS WITH THE PARK
Diana Lindsay

The evolution of the Anza-Borrego Foundation and Institute is a story of dedicated people who believe that “Parks are Forever” – and are willing to do whatever it takes to protect and support our grand, scenic park. It all started with a problem that needed to be solved. When Anza-Borrego Desert State Park was formed, private parcels were scattered within its borders – a daunting 68,000 acres owned by over 1,700 individuals. It was a management nightmare-in-the-making.

On February 17, 1967, at a meeting convened in Palm Springs, State Park Commissioner Horace Parker (also the author of a classic guidebook) presented his detailed study of the problems created by in holdings. A resolution was then passed calling for the state to become a catalyst in forming an organization modeled after the Save-the-Redwoods league (at the time acquiring lands from donors and willing sellers).

A call to protect the Park was answered by the leadership of the Desert Protective Council, the Sierra Club, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and the Nature Conservancy. Hosted by Park Superintendent Wes Cater, the first order of business was to find a way to handle collected funds – for which the Desert Protective Council’s Josephine (Jo) Read volunteered her organization’s services. This prompted Horace Parker to suggest that the group be a committee of the Desert Protective Council. So voted. And that the name be the Anza-Borrego Committee. Accepted.

The very first addition to the Park was a five acre gift from Jim and Peggy Whitehead.

An ever-energetic Jo Read was named the committee’s chair. She was a small, feisty woman who drove a large red Chevy Blazer. Her head, covered by an Anza-Borrego Committee base-ball cap, was barely visible above the steering wheel. What she lacked in size she more than made up in her determination to make the Park whole. It was hard to say “No” to Joe Read. Through her efforts, the region’s garden clubs became a primary source of funding in these early years as they purchased individual “Desert Gardens.” The cost: $55 each. To this day, the clubs continue their support. As well, Jo initiated an annual “Desert Walk.

In 1988 the group was reorganized as the non-profit Anza-Borrego Foundation to enable it to accept title directly from land owners – a problem when it was a committee of the Desert Protective Council. Though separate, the two organizations continue to work hand-in-hand. Currently, both jointly oppose Sempra Energy/SDG&E’s Sunrise Powerlink transmission line and the surrender of Desert Cahuilla lands east of the Park to out-of-control off-road recreation.

Decade by Decade
In its first decade, the Anza-Borrego Foundation transferred almost 4,000 acres of in-holdings to the state.

In the next decade, a state matching program reimbursed 50% of appraised property values, increasing funds available for land purchases – and almost doubling the acreage transferred to the state.

By the close of its third decade, the Foundation had transferred a total of 25,000 acres to the state, and had received the prestigious Chevron Conservation Award. In large part, the award was due to the dedication of Acquisitions Chair Roma Philbrook Rentz. In recognition of her twenty tireless years of service on the Foundation’s board, she was named an “Honorary Ranger.”

At first a closed organization with no open enrollment, the Foundation now warmly welcomed members and began the publication of a quarterly newsletter, our Desert Update. With Linda Nordstrand (Carson) hired as development director, we became an Earth Share affiliate and initiated a first campaign to acquire land adjacent – as well as within – the Park. It was successful, and the wetlands of the historic Sentenac Ranch became park land. This and prior acquisitions garnered The Land Trust Alliance Achievement Award of 2002. In years following, a series of ranches were added: the Lucky 5, Vallecito, Mason Valley, Tulloch, and Las Arenas.

Looking to the Future
From a group meeting over kitchen tables to Linda’s office in her garage to more spacious offices in Borrego Springs Mall, the Foundation has grown and changed. In 2003 the Foundation joined forces with State Parks and the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center to create the Anza•Borrego Institute, and to become the Park’s sole cooperating association. As such, we underwrite scientific research and annually offer an exciting variety of educational camps, tours, workshops, hikes, and lectures.

Reluctant to do so in the past, we no longer hesitate to campaign against threats to the Park such as transmission lines through dedicated wilderness and illegal off-road mayhem.

As always, we continue to acquire and deed over park land… so far a grand total of 43,000 acres.

We look forward to a long and rewarding partnership with America’s largest – and finest – desert state park.

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