Join authors Mike Wells and Marie Simovich at the Julian Library for a lecture based on their award-winning book A Natural History of the Anza-Borrego Region: Then and Now.

A Natural History of the Anza-Borrego Region: Then and Now by Mike Wells and Marie Simovich, evolved from a course taught at the University of San Diego by the authors over a 16-year period. It tells the story of how the desert landscape evolved over time and how the organisms that inhabit the desert have adapted to the conditions of heat, aridity and high soil salinity found there. To adapt to these conditions organisms have taken many different evolutionary pathways resulting in amazing biological diversity. The most interesting and typical examples of these adaptations will be presented along with sample illustrations taken from the book. The infographics in the book were created by Diolinda Monteiro and the fine illustrations by Anne Kowalski. The book was awarded a gold medal for Contributions to Publishing by the Commonwealth Club’s California Book Awards. This award is given to “innovative or essential book projects, which celebrate and showcase California and its richness”.