Anza-Borrego Foundation Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Free Weekends at Borrego Palm Canyon

Free Celebration Weekend Set for April 1-2 in Support of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Borrego Spring CA— How do you protect and preserve Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California – with its 600,000 acres of flora, fauna, hiking trails, free camping, archeological sites and much more? That’s the job of the Anza-Borrego Foundation, celebrating its 50th anniversary this desert season.
For its golden anniversary, Anza-Borrego Foundation is offering “BPC for Free” – seven weekends of free access for new visitors to the Park’s most popular hiking trail. Borrego Palm Canyon (BPC) is a family-friendly, three-mile hike known for its oversized palm tree grove and bighorn sheep sightings, culminating in a palm oasis and waterfall. BPC for Free is available one weekend per month through the season. Upcoming free dates are:

• March 25-26
• April 1-2 – just added

Passes are limited to 100 vehicles per weekend and must be reserved in advance at www.theabf.org/BPCforFree. Spanish-language materials are available at www.theabf.org/bpc-gratuito.
“For five decades, Anza-Borrego Foundation has supported the Park, its natural landscapes, wildlife habitats and cultural heritage for present and future generations to enjoy,” said President Ernie Cowan. “We hope BPC for Free will encourage new visitors to check out Borrego Palm Canyon and explore the rest of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which is free every day.”

A scenic two-hour drive from San Diego, Riverside and Palm Springs, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is an 83-year-old desert escape beloved by one million visitors each year. Anza-Borrego Foundation provides financial support for park programs, acquires land for conservation in and around the Park, educates the public about the Park’s resources and supports research relevant to the region.
The Foundation’s accomplishments include adding 54,000 acres to the Park, providing education programming for more than 13,000 children and adults, helping create the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center with University of California, Irvine, and funding The Stout Paleontology Laboratory and the Begole Archaeological Research Center.
Anza-Borrego Foundation will culminate its 50th anniversary celebration the weekend of April 1-2. On Saturday, Apr. 1, from 2-5 p.m. at the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center, the Foundation will celebrate with good company, live music, food by Kesling’s Kitchen and Nickel Beer’s specialty ABF 50th Anniversary brew. The $55 ticket includes guest’s choice of one exclusive tour, beginning on the morning of April 1 before the main event. More info. at www.theabf.org/50thCelebration.
Anza-Borrego Foundation sponsors include Bike Borrego, Borrego Outfitters, and La Casa del Zorro Resort & Spa. To learn more, plan your visit, become a member or volunteer, visit www.theabf.org.

About Anza-Borrego Foundation

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this desert season, Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF) is the official nonprofit partner of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. ABF provides financial support for Park programs, acquires land for conservation in and around the Park, educates the public about the Park’s resources and supports research relevant to the region.
In addition to raising private funds to support park programs and projects, ABF offers an extensive selection of guidebooks, clothing and other products in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s Visitor Center and State Park Store.
To learn more, plan your visit, become a member or volunteer, visit www.theabf.org.