Dates:
Anza-Borrego Desert
Site Leaders
Sadie Ford
TRIP INFO
Type of Service
Environmental
Site Partner(s)
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Nathan Kim
Departure Date
2/28/2026
Return Date
3/7/2026
Cost/Person
$975
Sadie Ford
Nathan Kim
Sadie Ford is a second year originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is majoring in commerce and planning to concentrate her studies in accounting and marketing. She enjoys spending her time hiking, trying out new coffee shops, and exploring Charlottesville. On grounds, she plays clarinet in the Cavalier Marching Band and Basketball Band, volunteers with Alpha Phi Omega, and is a member of the Advertising and Marketing Association.
Nathan Kim is a third-year neuroscience major who plans to double major in environmental science. He is originally from Stafford, Virginia, but now lives in Locust Grove, Virginia. He is also a member of the Cavalier Marching Band and plays clarinet! Other extracurriculars include VISAS and the Cavalier Symphony Orchestra. In his free time, he enjoys trying new food spots (and cooking), going on runs, listening to music, and yapping with friends.
Trip Logistics
Our trip will start Saturday on 28th! We’ll be using that day to travel to California. We plan on using 2 rental cars for transportation on the trip. At the park, we will be camping outside. Although they have camping gear for us, everyone should be expected to have a sleeping bag and sleeping pad ready to go! At the park, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be made by us typically in pairs. After our trip, we will make our way back to the airport and depart back to Virginia! If you would like to be dropped off and and picked up from the airport, that is perfectly fine.
Participant Requirements
Our volunteer shifts will start at 8 am and end at 3 pm each day. Get ready to work hard to help improve the environment!
Service Activities
During the trip, students will spend four full days volunteering at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, assisting park rangers with conservation and maintenance projects from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Service work may include trail restoration, native plant care, and habitat preservation to support the park’s desert ecosystem. Afternoons and evenings will feature group hikes, exploration, and shared dinners at the campsite to unwind and connect. Between service days, the group will also have opportunities to explore San Diego, visit beaches and nature reserves, and enjoy local attractions.
Recreational Activities
We plan to spend Sunday going on a longer hike in the state park, such as Borrego Palm Canyon, West Butte Borrego Mountain and The Slot, or Hellhole Canyon Trail. On days we have service, we will try to do a shorter hike/activity in the afternoon or after dinner, such as exploring wind caves, looking at cacti, stargazing, or squeezing through slot canyons.
Wednesday will be our designated free day with a day trip into San Diego where we will decide on fun activities and enjoy a meal together in the city.
This activity list is adaptable!
Community/Area Background
The Anza‑Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California experiences extreme desert conditions- expect high daytime temperatures, especially in open sun, and cold nights once the sun sets. Hydration, sun protection (wide-brim hats, UV-block clothing), and layered clothing for sudden drops in temperature are essential for your community-service trip.