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Responsible Tidepooling in California: How to Explore the Intertidal Zone with Care and Integrity
To ensure the wonder of the tidepools endures for generations to come, responsible and ethical practices are essential — this is where the value of exploring with an expert guide truly shines.
Nov 113 min read


Creature Feature: Leopard Shark
If I was going to share my personal space with a shark, I’d probably pick this month’s creature feature: the Leopard Shark
Sep 22 min read


Creature Feature: Yellow-faced Bumble Bee
This month’s featured creature is one of the most commonly seen native bees in San Diego: the Yellow-faced Bumblebee
Jul 242 min read


Check Out Our Flower Photos
Last month, I hosted my first-ever Wildflower Photography Workshop.
Jun 52 min read


The CNC Results Are In!
One weekend in April, for the last nine years, nature lovers like you and me have taken to the streets (and trails) to document wildlife in their cities for the City Nature Challenge.
May 61 min read


Creature Feature: Chaparral Yucca
If you venture into San Diego's parks and wildlands this time of year, you're likely to see what look like bright, white flames rising above the green scrub.
May 62 min read


A Tale From the Tidepools
Here's a little inspiration from the San Diego coastline!
May 31 min read


Creature Feature: Anna's Hummingbird
They're tiny. They're pretty. They're charismatic. What's not to love about hummingbirds?
Mar 132 min read


On Wildfire...
On August 16, 2020, an unusual "dry lightning" storm rolled across the region. I slept through the storm's 2500 lightning strikes, and awoke to more than 650 wildfires in its wake.
Jan 312 min read


Creature Feature: Chamise
This month's creature feature is perhaps one of the most relevant plants to wildfire in California. Meet Chamise.
Jan 312 min read


Native Plant Holiday Wreaths!
Pictured above is a wreath I made last week, with cuttings from the Point Loma Native Plant Garden.
Dec 20, 20241 min read


Creature Feature: Toyon
Just in time for the holiday season, this month's creature feature is one of our most festive native plants: Toyon
Dec 20, 20242 min read


The Seed of an Idea
Before going live with North Star Naturalist last spring, I needed to figure out my logo. For a long time, I considered the symbolism of the acorn.
Nov 12, 20241 min read


Creature Feature: Weird Duck Medley
In honor of Weird Duck Time, I wanted to highlight some of the beautiful ducks that grace our lakes and estuaries this time of year.
Nov 12, 20241 min read


We Are But Wee Babes! (Conservationally)
Last month, I went on an adventure I never expected to do in my life. I hiked in the Alps! Sure, I only hiked a four-mile trail, but my heart rate rose to 178 bpm on the final climb, so... it counts!
Oct 11, 20242 min read


Creature Feature: Coyote Melon
Halloween is coming and pumpkin patches are popping up all over town. But did you know San Diego has a native pumpkin too?
Oct 11, 20241 min read


Creature Feature: Figeater Beetles
Figeaters do not bite or sting, but they are excellent pollinators and make nutritious snacks for the birds and mammals that can catch them.
Sep 5, 20241 min read


Ah, Pandas.
After years of negotiations with Chinese conservationists and government officials, the San Diego Zoo hopes to breed two giant pandas over the next ten years. This is fun news, but I'm all about native species here!
Sep 4, 20242 min read


Creature Feature: White-lined Sphinx Moth
These things are big. The caterpillars, also known as hornworms, are juicy chonkers. The chrysalis is the size of your entire thumb.
Jul 31, 20242 min read


Creature Feature: Fragrant Sumac
Meet fragrant sumac, also known as basket bush. This plant, along with its close relative, skunkbush sumac, are just two of several poison oak look-alikes in San Diego.
Jun 28, 20241 min read
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