The Science Behind Nature - in Layperson Speak
Who doesn’t want more butterflies in their yards? You need nectar plants of course. But if you want to watch all the butterfly stages -- which means your plant’s leaves will get eaten by the growing caterpillars -- you need to include specific host plants, such as milkweed for monarchs, or thistle …
Continue Reading about Attracting Pollinators and Butterflies to our Yards
Note: See comments below for discussion on native vs tropical milkweeds We planted a couple milkweed (Asclepius curassavica or tropical) plants three years ago. But - no monarchs or caterpillars. The last six months the milkweed thrived and climbed seven feet up into our magnolia tree, and also …
With summer in full force in our yard, there's a variety of subjects on my mind, including missing lizards, mating beetles and even something for plant lovers - so I thought I would provide an update on previous subjects I've written about. Painted Lady: Part of the Circle of Life I had a number …
Continue Reading about A Potpourri Post: Lizard Update, Beetles and Frustrating Grasses
An article I wrote about rats, snakes and bees appeared today in our local paper. Since I gave an update about rat poison and wildlife last month, let's talk snakes. I like snakes. I know I'm unusual in this, perhaps because I didn't have brothers that terrorized me with them (real or not), and …
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 …
Continue Reading about Great Hikes (and Camping): Wind Wolves Preserve
It's springtime in the nature world. We came across two mating lizard couples yesterday while many others are running around like cuckoos trying to get into the game. (… looked up cuckoos and they're a family of birds that include roadrunners.) The season of love has also struck other animal …
