Curious about what sea slugs can be found during the winter in SoCal? Here are the slugs we found while tidepooling in San Diego this winter. Hint: lots of tiny cuties!
Baja Buddies: the Boojum Tree & Cacti
While driving through Baja California the Boojum tree, and the tall and lanky cacti really stood out in the diverse landscape. If interested in exploring their desert adaptations or just admiring the photos, this post is definitely worth your time.
California’s Flaming-Trumpet, Collomia rawsoniana
Some botanical trips take us to the most random and remote parts of California. This beautiful and elusive plant was no different! The Flaming-Trumpet, Collomia rawsoniana is truly a botanical beauty!
Floral Friday: Ramshaw Meadows sand verbena, Abronia alpina
A sand verbena in the alpine of the Sierra Nevada Mountains? What? It’s pink and purple, and forms a beautiful little cluster? Read all about this fascinating plant worth a backpacking trip to meet. Let me introduce you to Abronia alpina.
Floral Friday: Spanish Needle Onion, Allium shevockii
This blog post documents an adventurous quest to locate the Spanish Needle Onion, also known as Allium shevockii. Despite unforeseen setbacks like a flat tire, we eventually found the plant on June 4th. The Spanish Needle Onion is a rare species found in a limited area of the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, growing in metamorphic talus outcrops within specific forest communities. A fantastic flower to start of the “Floral Friday” blog series.
Tidy Tips, an overlooked California superbloom superstar
Ever heard of the flowering plant called ‘Tidy tips?’ If so you’ve probably visited a superbloom site this year in California. If not these adorable flowers of the genus Layia are sure to delight your senses. Learn about four species in this blog post, afterwards you’ll be itching to go find some for yourself.
California’s Forgotten Corner? It’s a Naturalist’s Paradise
Do you know who and what adventures await you in the most southeast corner of California? In my opinion, it’s a naturalist’s paradise in spring. Don’t skip out on this unique area of California.
One iNaturalist Observation a Day, 2022 Edition
What does the daily practice of making one iNaturalist observation a day look like? Take a read of this blog post highlighting one observation per each week of 2022. Insects! Fungi! Wildlife! Plants! Costa Rica! Canada & California! Perhaps you’ll be inspired to start your own streak of observing something in nature every day!
Featured Creatures of November ’22
What do sea slugs and fruiting fungi have in common? Both are poppin and full of color in Northern California throughout November of 2022. Fall and winter is full of diversity!
Are you a member of the Drumstick Truffleclub Club?
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.
Chloe Van Loon's Nature Blog 