Podcast: The Magic of Anza Borrego Desert
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Bri Fordem and Anza-Borrego Foundation's Efforts
In this episode of The Finest City, Bri Fordem, Executive Director of the Anza-Borrego Foundation, explores the park’s conservation efforts, ecological significance, and community benefits. Learn about the enchanting wonders of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and discover how you can get involved in ongoing educational, research, and conservation efforts.
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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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Learn More About The Anza Borrego Desert Area

