This rare plant sure made us drive, drive, drive to reach it, reminding us it really is all about the journey. Come along on the journey of appreciation for the small and spikey Howell’s Tauschia.
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Two New Species of Nudibranch Described from California
Unlike my last new species post (April Fools, if you didn’t notice the date ;), these two new species are real, and they live right off the coast where many of us tide pool: Doto urak and Doto kwakwak. Neither of these species in the Doto family are very common and only have a few…
Hearts in Nature, because we all need a lil love nowadays
A second round collection of hearts I’ve found in nature has arrived. This time with more meaning. I hope you enjoy the lil stories and context to where each was found, then go out and find your own.
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: 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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Fantastic Fruits of the Forest Floor
At this time of year in California mushrooms are popping out of the ground like mad! Their bright and various colors inspired me to take a look into why they are so colorful!
Unbe-LEAF-able Leaves
Sometimes little moments in nature just force you to put on the brakes and admire what you almost stepped over. This happens a lot to me, and today I wanted to share my little collection of beautiful and unique fallen leaves.
Chloe Van Loon's Nature Blog 