Anza-Borrego Foundation

With 36 million people in the state today and an anticipated 50 million three decades from now, the thirst for land is almost insatiable.  While the development of new land is an integral part of economic and social growth, so is the protection of natural areas that are California’s most precious resources. The specific pressure that is on the Colorado Desert that surrounds the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is intense, with 20 million people living within driving distance of this natural jewel. The population base in Southern California is putting pressure on natural undeveloped land for everything from homes to wireless cellphone towers to garbage dumps. All of which have a huge impact on the health of our natural resources, plants and animals of these protected lands. Every unprotected piece of desert is at risk.Through land acquisition, education, interpretation and education we protect this land and inspire a new generation of environmentally conscience individuals to continue this important work.

For 48 years Anza-Borego Foundation (ABF) has worked alongside Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to ensure a sustainable desert. We protect the futures of more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, as well as the wilderness experience for the nearly 2 million visitors who enjoy the park each year. At just over 630,000 acres (1,000 square miles), Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California, and the largest in the lower 48 states. It is home to endangered peninsular bighorn sheep, mountain lions, golden eagles, endangered and rare reptiles, birds and plants.  

Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF) began in 1967 with the purpose of assisting the park with public support. ABF’s primary objective was acquisition of lands that would make the Park whole and enable better management of wildlife habitats, and protection of more than 5,000 Native American and early historical sites, unique geological formations and an area rich with paleontological treasure.  In 48 years, ABF has secured more than 52,000 acres for the park. In that time ABF has also developed education programs through formal classes for adults and K-college students, scholarship programs for researchers, partnerships with UC Irvine at the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center and educates underserved youth with 5th grade environmental education camps.

Help us continue to protect and educate about this natural jewel. You can make an impact by giving to preserve the often overlooked natural resources of the Anza-Borrego region.