Podcast: The Magic of Anza Borrego Desert

Timestamps:

• [1:53] Bri’s journey to becoming Executive Director of the Anza-Borrego Foundation.

• [3:49] The foundation of the Anza-Borrego committee in 1967.

• [5:31] Expanding the mission beyond land acquisition to include retail locations and educational programs.

• [5:36] The Anza-Borrego Desert's role as a regional asset.

• [8:02] The synergy between the park and the town in creating a world-class destination.

• [11:08] Types of properties acquired by the foundation.

• [12:37] What makes Anza-Borrego magical to Bri.

• [15:09] Youth programs at Anza-Borrego State Park.

• [18:14] The park as a living laboratory and the research support work being done.

• [19:47] The Anza-Borrego In Focus program offering lectures and field tours by local researchers.

• [21:29] Advancing landscape-level conservation policies and practices.

• [22:42] Creating wildlife corridors with the park.

• [23:19] George Marston's role in establishing the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

• [25:17] Biggest threats to the Anza-Borrego Desert.

• [27:19] Bri’s enthusiasm for new programs to showcase the desert's beauty.

• [28:48] How people can get involved, including through shopping!

Memorable Quotes from Bri Fordem:

• “For the last 55 years that has been one of our flagship pieces, buying up the land and transferring it to the park.” — Bri [5:06]

• “We’re able to live, work, and play in this county — to have the ability to recreate in its wilderness but also find spaces to live comfortably in urban environments.” — Bri [7:33]

• “To me, the desert is the ultimate representation of resilience and adaptation.” — Bri [13:02]

• “This place has been transformed into an epicenter of regional research. And we play a role in that with the park as the public arm of that work.” — Bri [19:03]

• “The staff of the park has been given this incredible resource, and they’re working to ensure that it continues to thrive and be a place of research for everyone.” — Bri [22:19]

• “The forefathers of our country had a vision of wild spaces and people and I think that as we continue to develop San Diego, I really want people to understand the foresight and the deep value of what’s been established here and that we value this place.” — Bri [24:50]

• “I just think everyone needs the opportunity to visit and be struck by what Anza-Borrego has to offer.” — Bri [28:05]

Explore the magical wonders of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and learn how you can get involved in its ongoing conservation efforts!

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