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Photograph from Anza-Borrego Desert Paleontology Society Archives
Thanks to member Myrl Beck for authoring this overview of the Society!
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Photo from ABDPS archives

Who We Are

We are a diverse collection of enthusiastic amateurs who assist in the preservation, protection and scientific study of the unique fossil assemblage found in the rocks of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.  Some of us are year-round Borrego Springs residents and others are seasonal visitors (snowbirds).  We have widely varying backgrounds, but we share at least one important characteristic: none of us (except the District Paleontologist) has had the least bit of formal training in what we do.  But the Anza-Borrego Desert Paleontology Society offers an "on-the-job" certification training program; there are members of the Paleontology Society who have become expert in the study and analysis of fossils. But you don't have to know anything about paleontology, or any other science, to become a productive and valued member. 
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Photo from ABDPS archives

What We Do

About once a month,  under the leadership of the program's State Park staff and District Paleontologist, we go into some (often) remote and little-visited corner of the Park, on a Field Survey, to look for fossils.  Field work usually involves a moderate amount of hiking: some of us scramble around on the summits of the hills, while others stroll up some gentle wash.  Fossils can be found in either place. Any fossils found are "located" (using GPS equipment), described, and collected.  On return to the laboratory we clean the fossils, treat them with preservatives, glue them back together if broken, and try to identify them (once again with the help of the professional staff).  Once cleaned, preserved and identified they are cataloged (curated) and placed in the collection for future researchers to study.  Some of the fossils we find are so large that they require machinery to collect (a few years ago a mammoth skull was collected by helicopter).  This is the kind of fossil you dream of discovering.  Others are so small that they are barely visible.  Most make the trip back to the laboratory in a backpack.
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Photo from ABDPS archives

Why We Do This

It is fun, and all in the name of science!  We get to explore remote places safely, with friendly companions - laughter and friendly banter is common.  There are many opportunities to learn interesting things; we have regular enrichment lectures from visiting experts. If you would like to join the Paleontology Society, you would be welcome.  To become a member you must first become a State Park Volunteer and then take our Certification Training Program.  The course will expand your knowledge and give you hands-on experience working with fossils. Don't worry about your age or your educational background. Just attend the first meeting of the season (usually the 2nd Friday in November) and see what you think. 
​Photographs from Anza-Borrego Desert Paleontology Society Archive
Contact Us by Email: [email protected]
Call Dr. Lyndon Murray: 760-767-4974