Chloe Van Loon

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.

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.