Exploring Urban Ecosystems and Patch Ecology

Category: Fieldnotes

Best Hiking Shoes for Wide Feet with Plantar Fasciitis

First let me say this isn’t a sponsored post. Finding the perfect pair of shoes for hiking, walking, or everyday wear was daunting. Especially for my wide size 14 feet dealing with plantar fasciitis. However, Keen Targhee III shoes were an instant hit for my outdoor adventures. With their sturdy construction and innovative features like…

May 12, 2024
CA Native Plants in Bloom in March

As winter relinquishes its hold and whispers of spring begin to stir, California’s landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color and life. March marks the onset of this enchanting season, when native plants burst forth in a breathtaking display of blossoms, heralding the arrival of warmer days and rejuvenation. Join us on a journey…

February 28, 2024
Observing Placerita Canyon

Last week I had the opportunity to observe Placerita Canyon in Newhall, California. Come along and join me on that naturalist outing.

June 8, 2023
Observing the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve in May

An observation of the Joe Behar trail at the Victory Trail Head in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space in Woodland Hills, CA.

May 27, 2023
Observing the Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park and Garapito Canyon Trail

Striking out on a mid-week trek, I observed the native plants and habitats of the Santa Monica Mountains in May.

May 18, 2023
Observing the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve in May

An impromptu naturalist trip around the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve in Los Angeles in the month of May, 2023.

May 16, 2023
Observing the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve in July

California Naturalist Outing Sepulveda Basin Wildlife reserve11 a.m.-1 p.m. Route: Entering space from the dirt parking lot below the archery fields. Weather: Hot, 80 °F at start and 101 °F at end. Sky was mostly clear, air was humid and heavy. Location in May, 2023 I began this excursion by entering from the north of…

July 31, 2022
Upper Arroyo Seco – Visit 5

On this journey into the Upper Arroyo in Pasadena, my goal was to reach and observe the path up to the Gould Mesa Trail camp.

April 12, 2022
Upper Arroyo Seco – Visit 4

For this trip into the Upper Arroyo, our goal was to look at the oak forest up into the El Prieto Trail.

April 5, 2022
Upper Arroyo Seco – Visit 3

On this trip into the Upper Arroyo in Pasadena, I traversed through the cool damp riparian creek which was flowing briskly with the rain run-off from the day before.

March 29, 2022