More Flowers in Bloom - South Stagecoach

Finally got around to taking those Ground Pinks at South Stagecoach, right up from the Nix Nature Center's main parking lot. Unfortunately, it was still overcast and most flowers were closed, (ok ok it also was only 8 AM) Photos of the Ground Pinks can be seen HERE.









Also, made an awesome discovery today! I learned about Lacepods! And look at how awesome the fruits of lacepods look! Photos of the lacepod can be seen HERE.
















But that's not all. Check out the awesome, often overlooked MINIATURE LUPINE (lupinus bicolor) - Click HERE to see the Photo Album of Mini Lupine.

(Note: my finger is directly next to the blooms - not in front - check out that size!!!)





Got some photos of Blue-Eyed Grass right outside of the Nix Nature Center... Click HERE TO SEE ALBUM.












And took better photos of those Johnny Jump Ups on South Stagecoach trail... Click HERE for Album.
More information to come on all!

Red-Tailed Hawk it is :)

Thanks to John Krill of www.lagunabeat.com for posting his latest photos of the red-tailed hawk that has been at Main Beach for quite some time now, viewable HERE.
So, after all, it is a red-tailed hawk! :)
John makes an interesting observation that the seagull and pigeon count is way down, and also that one of our locals lost a white parrot to the hawk about two weeks ago.

UPDATE on 15 March 2009: the OC Register printed this article on the 10th of March, regarding the lost parrot at Main Beach, due to the hawk: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/turly-banana-beach-2330764-hawk-birds

Out at Willow on a Sunday Afternoon

Yesterday from 11 to 3 I was at the Willow Staging Area, greeting all of the fantastic bikers and hikers that came to enjoy Laguna Canyon. The weather was perfect - just enough warmth to enjoy hiking/biking in the shade, but cool enough to avoid overheating on those upward steep slopes. Len Gardner came to show me some examples of California Plantain that he had signaled earlier this month at Mary's Trail, and that I found later that afternoon where Dick Newell had indicated, at the start of Lower Laurel. I was surprised to learn how small California Plantain was... just about the length of two quarters back-to-back! Read about the endangered Quino Checkerspot Butterfly, which depends on California Plantain, in Clicking HERE.

At 3 pm, I did the Laurel Loop (Lower Laurel to Willow) and took my time observing the changes in the landscape, especially on Lower Laurel. Here is the report.

• The False Indigo is leafing out a bit more.
• The canyon pea is developing more and more, blooming as it can. There are many more pink flowers than purple on Lower Laurel, compared to the more dominant purple flowers on Little Sycamore, from what I can remember.
• The mulefat is blooming more and more.
• I believe to have seen the snowberry in bloom (from what I saw from a distance, staying on the trail and looking onto the slope to the left of me).
• The caterpillars and ladybugs are in great number and are absolutely loving the Common Fiddleneck.
• The blue dicks are opening up in great quantities everywhere.
• The Coast Indian Paintbrush is adding that awesome, bold orange-red color to our sagegreen hills in scattered streaks.
• The invasive, non-native mustard is more conspicuous now, as it has grown taller.
• The Mexican Elderberries are filling out now with more and more leaves.
• Many California Poppies are to be seen on the initial climb at Willow, from the Willow staging area. By 5 pm, they were closed up... but still so fantastic to see!
• I saw some full California Manroot prickly gourds near Post 2, up at the top of Willow.
• I took some photos of flowers that I haven't immediately identified yet, more commentary on them soon.

Many photographers came out to Willow, yesterday, as well. While most of them did seem pretty content with the photographs that they were able to take of the canyon, I did meet one who didn't find enough "wildlife" and seemed pretty disheartened about it all. In Laguna Canyon, it's true that it does take a certain amount of luck to meet up with deer, coyotes, or bobcats, and that our birds often hide in the trees and bushes off-trail. But there is still so much to enjoy on the trails here, if not the music of the wind whistling through our oaks and sycamores, then the heartbeat of the earth and the scents of our native plants. Don't be surprised if you come to the canyon searching for one experience and find yourself leaving with another.

Please visit Laguna Canyon Foundation's website: www.lagunacanyon.org
In these tough economic times, our Non-Profits are Suffering... Please Support Laguna Canyon Foundation with Your Generous Donations. Thanks!

Village Laguna & No Plastic Bags in Laguna Beach!

Over the weekend, I met two wonderful individuals belonging to the non-profit organization "Village Laguna" in front of Whole Foods Market on Ocean Ave, in Laguna Beach. They were holding petitions in their arms for residents and non-residents of Laguna alike to sign, to eliminate plastic bags from all of Laguna Beach's stores. Of course, I immediately went over to add my name to the ever-growing list of names - for about three years, now, I have become accustomed to bringing my own bags (I've even got a favorite canvas one that has transported everything from cilantro and toothpaste to clothes, books, and appliances) and over time, I have noticed, with amazement, how many bags I have actually kept out of our landfills.

For those of you who are forgetful and have difficulty in breaking routine, I will grant you that it does initially take a bit of effort to remember to put those reusable bags in your car trunk or in a visible spot by your front door so that you'll use them on your next outing, but after a few weeks and with enough motivation, I guarantee that you'll find using a re-useable bag to be an easy and beneficial new habit in your life.

Anyhoo, back to this weekend's encounter with Village Laguna. As I was signing the petition, one of the members of Village Laguna also spoke to me about their project against the Aliso Creek Area Redevelopment Plan, which is explained, on their website, HERE. Of considerable concern (among many troublesome issues that this said "redevelopment plan" would bring about) is the degradation and destruction of Laguna's natural wilderness from the construction of yet another completely unnecessary golf facility. With plans for "massive grading, [...] the construction of a golf facility on a ridge, the creation of artificial landforms both in the canyon and on the Hobo-Aliso Ridge, and the import of dirt from one to supply the other," this Aliso Creek Project promises no happy future for our natural environment - and MUST BE STOPPED ASAP.

The folks at Village Laguna are doing a fantastic job in preserving Laguna's natural interests, but they are looking for more members and voices. Visit their website today, at http://www.villagelaguna.com to learn more about them, and ask yourself what YOU can do to make a positive difference in Laguna Beach.

The South Coast Wilderness Educational Program - Laguna Canyon Foundation

Click Here to Access Nature In Orange County's Website Page on Children's Educational Programs in the Natural World of OC

Laguna Canyon Foundation is a non-profit organization working to "preserve, protect, and enhance" the South Coast Wilderness. The last few years have been a time for incredible growth in the educational department of the Laguna Canyon Foundation, and their small grant-driven school programs have evolved into quality, standards-driven field studies.

Please click on the link above or below to access NIOC's page on Educational Programs for Children. At the bottom of the page, in the "Attachments" section, you will find a PDF Brochure on LCF's Educational Prgrams, including "Signs of Life" for 1st Graders, "Everybody Needs a Rock" for 2nd Graders, "Adapt to the Habitat" for 3rd Graders, "Connections" for 4th Graders, and "Rock, Rock, Rockity Rock" for 6th Graders. Program goals and descriptions are available on the PDF brochure. More information is available from Kimberly Leeds, Education Director for the Laguna Canyon Foundation, at education@lagunacanyon.org - 949-510-9341.

* Note: a $5 donation is requested for each participant of LCF's educational programs. Donations go directly into offsetting the foundation's costs. (Jennifer's note to readers: it's well worth it!!!!)

Click Here to Access Nature In Orange County's Website Page on Children's Educational Programs in the Natural World of OC

Also, in the News:

Laguna Canyon Foundation
Camp Sage
August 3- 7 and August 10-14

M-F 8:30- 1:00 PM
20 students per week ages 7-11
$ 150 Per camper per week

Monday - Nature Connections: Introduction to the Coastal Sage Scrub Community
Tuesday - Awareness and Senses: Opening our senses to increase awareness of the nature in our every day experiences.
Wednesday - Inspiration, Exploration, and Focus- A chance for each child to find a secret spot and to explore and deeply connect with the rhythms of nature (journaling, poetry, and sharing)
Thursday - Human Impact on the Environment- A day to examine our footprint on the planet and how we can preserve, protect, and enhance the wilderness
Friday - Integration and reflection- a final hike in the park exploring all of our new talents for understanding nature.

Overview: Each day will begin with a circle of gratefulness honoring each individual for his or her contribution to the whole group. Multiple explorations into the wilderness with inspiring activities adapted from the Leopold Education Program, Joseph Cornell, and John Taylor- "Coyote Mentoring"

Led by: Education Director, Kimberly Leeds, Education Coordinator Meghan Lockwood.

Plantago Erecta (California Plantain) also in bloom

Update: Both Len Gardner and Dick Newell have signaled the blooming of Plantago erecta (Cal. Plantain) along Mary's Trail and Laurel Canyon. Len first announced it on the 25th of February. We'll try to get out and photograph it as soon as we can.

More Flowers in Bloom in the Canyon! :)

Hello to all of you wonderful Laguna Canyon lovers!
We're having a party today! Well, it seems like it, at least, with all of the fun photos that we have now, that we took yesterday, March 1, 2009 on Lower Laurel Trail in Laguna Canyon (accessible only by foot from the Willow Staging Area / Parking Lot or Willow Trail or Upper Laurel Trail).

Here are the magnificent flowers we observed yesterday on Lower Laurel:

• Blue Dicks
• California buttercup
• Canyon Pea
• Chickweed
• Common Deerweed
• Milkmaids were doing well and just developing in some areas of Lower Laurel, while we had spotted them in December at the Aliso and Wood Canyon park.
• Miner's Lettuce (bigger flowers now)
• Mulefat
• Rattlesnake Spurge
• Shortpod Mustard (non-native invasive)
• Sycamore in bloom! :)

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS OF GREAT EXCITEMENT:

1. The Lance-leaved Dudleya was shooting up its stalks! :)
2. The California False Indigo was leafing out... slowly :)
3. The Poison Oak is leafing out!
4. Bush Mallow had some new leaves as well...

Going back to the Flowers in Bloom, At the Nix Nature Center, one could also see:

• Johnny Jump-Ups (Lots of them!)
• Storksbill
• Red Maids
• California Poppy
• Tidy Tips
  

Also, how about the FUN INSECTS we saw on Lower Laurel :) ? We saw a few butterflies (too fast to photograph), a caterpillar on common fiddleneck, and a lovely ladybug on grass! :)

There were no California Poppies on Lower Laurel yet. We have had reports of them up on the ridges. We saw them last week on Serrano Ridge.

There are still lots of Toyon berries on the Toyon trees on Lower Laurel.

It was super-hot this weekend, reaching at least 87 degrees F in the canyon (when I was there!). Now we are being blessed with a little bit more rainfall - as I write this post it is raining in Irvine, CA, about 6 miles from the Lower Laurel Trail. Check the status of Park Closures in Orange County before you go out hiking: www.ocparks.com.

More soon!

Still doubts on the bird seen Wednesday

See post below with the photos of the bird:
We need all of your opinions! What is this bird exactly?
Someone else "in the know" thinks it's a large, young female red-tail hawk...
So I ask all of you, what is this bird?

More plants in bloom

Hello all ~
Just a note to mention that we are aware that there are a lot more plants in bloom in the canyon than what we have been able to post thus far. Thanks for your patience as we get all of the data together. ~ Jennifer

Correction : it's a juvenile osprey! :)

Well, in the midst of my excitement about the wonderful bird I saw the other day (see previous post), I immediately assumed that it was a peregrine falcon. Laura at the Nix was kind enough to let me know that it actually looks more like a juvenile osprey. I'll be correcting the previous post for search purposes.
Thanks, Laura, for the information!

Peregrine Falcon in Laguna

Hello to all!
On Sunday, Laura at the Nix Nature Center had spotted a Peregrine falcon in the early morning. Today, Wednesday 25 February, at roughly 2:20 PM, I spotted it at the Laguna Beach Gazebo right above Main Beach, while taking a break from work. When I first saw the falcon, it was majestically flying over my head (about 30 feet above me), its beautiful wings stretched wide and far; I ran to get my camera, and when I came back, I found it on a tree overlooking the ocean, resting, while the countless crows were cawing at it from the nearby palm trees.


If only you could have been there to hear all the commotion, and to see this magical bird!!! It was So COOL! :)

*** Note on 27 February 2009: According to Laura at the Nix Nature Center, this looks to be a juvenile osprey, not a peregrine falcon. It is so awesome, nonetheless!

*** Note on 13 March 2009: We have come to the conclusion that it is a red-tail hawk. See later posts for more discussion about it. Obviously, I'm going to have to spend some time learning about my birds! But for now, I'm sticking to the plants. :)

Little Sycamore / Serrano Ridge Update

Hello All!

Well, FINALLY I was able to get out and hike Laguna Canyon's trails a bit today. I spent a good 3 hours 30 minutes up on Little Sycamore & Serrano Ridge (Went all the way to the 73 underpass leading to Upper Laurel Trail). A lot of flowers were in bloom... so exciting. Tomorrow (Monday) I will be uploading all my photos to the Picasa Web Albums so that you can view them (by plant name).

At the Nix Nature Center, there was a list of flowers in bloom on the Daily Wildlife Sightings white board. Here is what was listed:
- Fiddleneck
- Blue Dicks
- Wild Cucumber
- Popcorn Flower
- Wishbone Bush
- Fuchsia Flowered Gooseberry
- Monkey Flower
- Milkmaids
- CA Poppy
- Tidy Tips
- Goldfields
- Johnny Jump-Ups
- Ground Pink
- Miner's Lettuce

On top of that, I found:
- California Butterweed
- Chaparral Nightshade
- Other Nightshade
- Chia
- Encelia Californica
- Indian Paintbrush
- Menzie's Red Maids
- Canyon Pea

Check Back with us tomorrow (in the evening) on both this blog and our main website, www.natureinorangecounty.com, along with the Photo Albums for more photos.

Final update, from my good friend Len Gardner: According to Ranger Barbara of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, "rainfall since July 1 now stands at a little less than 11 inches. She didn't have an exact figure but that is a very healthy number for this time of year. They are expecting a big wildflower year, lots of publicity and lots of visitors."

See you on the trails! Keep them safe and clean!

Update on Laurel Canyon's Plants in Bloom

With all of this rain and cold weather, along with the recent busyness of my life, I have been unable to get back out on the trails in Laguna Canyon to see what's coming out in bloom. Luckily for all of us, Len Gardner has been hitting the trails and has been kind enough to inform us of the excitement that's going on recently:

The number of types of plants in bloom has increased considerably since last month. In the stretch above the waterfall, we now have California Buttercup along with the Milkmaid, which have become noticeably "long in the tooth." They are now more like dowagers than maidens. There are far more of them than the buttercups. In the lower canyon, poison oak is just coming into leaf. Some individual plants are fully leafed out.

A pleasant surprise on Bommer Ridge was Johnny Jump-up in full bloom in its little swale near signpost 2.

Other things in bloom, which I didn't see last month, are Rattlesnake Weed, paintbrush (don't know which one), White Nightshade and Redberry, which has a very inconspicuous flower. It's so inconspicuous that I have to wonder how it gets pollinated.

There is continued blooming of Wild Hyacinth, Common Fiddleneck, Canyon Pea, California Poppy, Wild Cucumber and Fuschia-flowered Gooseberry. Some of the Wild Cucumbers (on the lower Willow Road) are already well into fruit.

A young scrub oak growing near the Willow Road had lots of catkins hanging down and quite a bit of new foliage. It was doing well.

Speaking of catkins, some willow catkins are out too.

Thanks, Len, for sharing this information!
If all goes well, I might be able to hit the trails tomorrow with my camera and notepad.
More soon.
Jennifer

With the Rain, More Blooms

Right before the heavy rains began, Dick Newell of www.octrackers.com led a group through Laurel Canyon and notes the following plants sighted in bloom:

Fiddleneck, Blue Dicks, California Poppies, Fuchsia Flowering Gooseberry,
Chaparral Pea and lots of Milk Maids. All the willows are showing off
their catkins.

Reading about all of these plants makes it tempting to go out on the trails and see them in person - but remember, patience is key! Please wait until the parks are officially re-opened before you go out hiking/biking - trampling around in the mud worsens trail conditions and negatively affects the wildlife.

What's In Bloom : Feb 1, 2009

Len Gardner was kind enough to note the following plants in bloom today, Feb 1, 2009. He writes:

Just to summarize what our group saw today in the way of new blossoms on
Serrano Ridge, Popcorn Flower, California Poppy and Wishbone Bush are all
flowering.
Some Deerweed on the ridge are also also putting out their very
first flowers of the season. I know we saw some at lower elevations in bloom a
month ago, but they were outliers. The main group is coming in now.