It seemed a no-brainer to grab an opportunity to explore two of the Channel Islands with ecologist-extraordinare Kurt Leuschner, a professor at College of the Desert in Palm Desert. Anacapa Island, the barren rookery for hundreds of Western Gulls, and Santa Cruz, the lushest and largest, offered two …
Great Hikes: Two Special San Bernardino National Forest Hikes
This is one of a dozen favorite hikes in the Inland Empire. Search 'hikes' for my others. To escape our inferno heat in the Inland Empire (inland east of Los Angeles), I like to run to the forest. Here are highlights from two favorite San Bernardino National Forest hikes -- John's Meadow and the …
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My, What Rains Bring to the Desert in Spring – Anza Borrego
We've had 17 inches of rain in our inland Southern California city this rainy season. That's a lot for us. Our nearby deserts have received about half that. Along with pleasant temps, this translates into stunning wildflower and cactus flower displays which began in February. For locals, it's not …
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Salton Sea Tour highlights… burrowing owls, sandhill cranes, shorebirds aplenty
Last weekend my husband and I did a Salton Sea tour through the Living Desert Museum in Palm Desert, led by College of the Desert professor Kurt Leuschner. For those who don't know Kurt, he is a birding, wildlife and ecologist extraordinaire. We saw so many birds, and learned so much --including …
Wildlife Aplenty on an Hour Walk at Wildwood Canyon State Park
A rattlesnake, numerous species of butterflies, cliff swallows bathing....... I'm so glad I went, even though I had only an hour for a quick walk while my husband was at an art class. I chose Wildwood Canyon State Park in Yucaipa CA, which I wrote about in this March hike to Hunt Ranch. Great …
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Great Hikes (and Camping): Wind Wolves Preserve
If you're looking for a place in the southern half of California to hike or camp that features few people, running streams and waterfalls, and a wild land full of wildlife, head to Wind Wolves Preserve. As word gets out this place it won't feel so remote very long. Set aside by Wildlands …
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