The Science Behind Nature - in Layperson Speak
A version of this is appearing in our local paper - here it is with more photos, and links to resources and other articles I've written As I soak in the early summer wonders of fledgling birds, growing lizards and ripening berries, I also realize that it’s tough times too. Even with that wonderful …
Continue Reading about Helping Our Natural World – Trees, Birds, etc
Note: It's 'I found a baby animal' time! So I'm republishing this 2018 article with a couple updates. Raptor rehabber Kandie Cansler of Bear Paw Ranch Wildlife Rehab, who helped rehabilitate an injured red-shouldered hawk we found, provided the following list of common questions, and …
Continue Reading about It’s Springtime…. What to Do with a Found Baby Animal
Our huge Agave bloomed. In After 11 happy years in our yard, our Agave -- which I thought was a Mr. Ripple but is some kind of Mexican Agave hybrid with rippled edges -- started its shoot last spring. Agave flowering stalks are habitat heavens, so we watched the wildlife parade come through. It …
Looking for a remote and different hiking experience? The Wildlands Conservancy's Mission Creek Preserve outside Desert Hot Springs California features a birder's paradise wetlands surrounded by a healthy desert landscape. In a transition zone, the Preserve contains plants from both the Sonoran and …
Continue Reading about Favorite Hikes: Mission Creek Preserve for Solitude & Desert Habitat
Note: Click here for a brochure for So CA now available on this subject! I wasn't sure how to title this article -- as it's about best tree and shrub trimming practices. But it also stems from disturbing reports of commercial tree trimmers deliberately harming nests. I'll go with the more positive …
Continue Reading about When to Trim Trees and Protect Nesting Wildlife
It’s finally cooled down here in California and fall is a great time to reflect on what’s done well and what hasn’t in our yards. And also ponder what we might do differently. In Southern California - unlike in the Midwest where I grew up - there’s no rest for the weary since fall through winter are …
