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.
iNatting Big Creek Provincial Park, British Columbia
Ever wondered how I document nature in remote parks of British Columbia? This is the post for you. Bugs, bears, and botanical beauties!
Hunting Robber Flies (Asilidae) in the Chilcotin Mountains of British Columbia, Canada
Robber flies captured my attention over a year ago. They are charismatic, great hunters, and come in such a variety of colors and shapes. I’m sure after reading this post you’ll have a new appreciation for this diverse genus.
Northern California Plant Relicts, four plants still kicking it after millions of years
Ever wondered about what plants still exist from when dinosaur’s stomped around? I researched a little bit about four Northern California plants I found while living there in the spring of 2021.
Calochortus, The Coolest Lilies of California?
Have you ever found yourself oo-ing and aww-ing over a Mariposa Lily? Or a Cat’s Ear Flower, or a globe flower? Well you were looking at the Calochortus genus! It’s a beautiful and interesting genera, let me tell you a bit about it!
Five Fantastic Fire Following Flowers
Fire is a natural process is in California’s natural history. Once a wildfire has come and gone the landscape can be transformed into a sea of color, it’s not all doom and gloom. I investigated five fire following plants and tell the tales of how I stumbled upon them.
Marin County and Beyond! What this naturalist got up to in April
Wow, April was the month of wildflowers! Exploring from our home base in Mill Valley we camped, hiked and explored many different habitats in order to see as many flowers as possible. If you are curious and want to see a sampling of our finds and hear about the corresponding adventures, read on!
Chloe Van Loon's Nature Blog 