Ever heard of a Drumstick Truffleclub fungus? Well then you’re in for a real treat. Then become part of the club, you won’t regret it!
Featured Creatures of October ’22
Learn about some of the creatures I observed in Northern California in October of 2022. Parasitizing fungi, salamanders, slime molds, a special frog species, and more!
Frightening Fall Fungi
Witch’s Butter? Jack-O’-Lantern? Bleeding Tooth? Many fall fungi of Northern California are fruiting, just in time for the spookiest time of the year. Take a look at some of the most “frightening” fall fungi.
The Summer of Stoneflies
Every summer an insect arises to the forefront of our search image. This summer, the stonefly, Order Plecoptera commanded our explorations. Learn about this interesting insect and a few rarities we observed in this blog post.
Deadfall & Falling Over Dead, iNatting the Tchaikazan-Spectrum-Yohetta Loop
If it wasn’t the bug kill that drove us crazy perhaps it was the milage and heavy bags that had us falling over at the end of the day. Then how could this be potentially our most favorite backpacking trip of all time? Take a read to find out why.
Itchy in the Itchas. iNatting in the Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park
You’ve probably never heard of the Itcha Mountain Range in British Columbia. But after reading this blog, I’m sure this artic-like tundra with Woodland Caribou, Mountain Goats and views for days you’ll be itchin’ for a trip.
Oooo La La Orchids, Costa Rica Blog pt. 3
Would you travel to Costa Rica to hunt for orchids? That’s exactly what we did, and found an incredible diversity of species, structures, colors and sizes. From the 2-3 mm flowers to ones the size of tennis balls the world of orchids is one to admire and fascinating to learn about.
Three Months in Fernbrook, What Two Naturalists Got Up To
Ooooo boy, spenidng three months in San Diego County lead to many interesting observations and adventures. Take a read of the mysterious critters we documented!
Nature Journaling, Monday to Friday: Backyard Flowers
Looking for a way to combine your creative side with an interest in botany or nature? Nature Journaling is the activity, the practice, the mindfulness activity for you! Each day Monday to Friday I journaled a flowering plant that was currently blooming in my backyard in Fernbrook, CA.
Naturalist Trip Log, Costa Rica, pt. 2
Interested in what a Costa Rica trip looks like for two naturalists interested in birds, plants, insects and more? This is the post for you.
What’s going on with these lichen-covered leaves? Costa Rica Blog Pt. 1
While walking through the jungles of Costa Rica I noticed how most leaves had moss, lichens, algae and liverworts on the upper surface. What’s the story here? That’s what I investigate today.
I Heart Nature
Do you love nature? Do you occasionally see heart shapes while in nature? I do. This week I compiled all those photos and reminensed about the moments I stumbled upon these mostly naturally shaped hearts. ❤
Sweepin’ for Bugs
Ever curious how entomologists, experts and total noobs find insects? What is sweep netting? As a beginner in the insect-finding-game I’ve found using a sweep net to be very useful, so I investigated what it’s all about, and highlight a few recent insects found through the tactic!
Why So Many Yellow and Purple Flowers?
Why were all the flowers I was seeing in Central CA yellow and purple in color at the end of summer? Take a read to see what I discovered, or didn’t . . .
What I learned from The Cougar Conundrum, by Mark Elbroch
Even though I finished reading The Cougar Conundrum by Mark Elbroch I am still thinking of multiple topics months later. Whether you are passionate mountain lion advocate, or just curious about this beautiful creature take a read of my thoughts on the book, and then go read it for yourself. You will absolutely learn more than expected.
Chloe Van Loon's Nature Blog 