Articles

The fetid adderstongue bloom.

Blooming California Fetid Adderstongue

Caitlin Dempsey

In February, look for the rare California fetid adderstongue blooming near the Bridle Trailhead at Thornewood Open Space Preserve.

A northern harrier in flight.

Northern Harriers in the Silicon Valley

Caitlin Dempsey

Northern Harriers are a familiar winter sight in Silicon Valley, flying low over wetlands and grasslands in search of prey.

Three turkey vultures on a light pole.

What is That Turkey Vulture Doing?

Caitlin Dempsey

Curious about turkey vultures overhead? This guide explains their kettling, feeding, and group behaviors seen across the Santa Cruz Mountains.

A misty look through moss covered trees.

Things to Look For on Your Winter Hike

Caitlin Dempsey

Cooler months bring fungi, bright berries, moving wildlife, and winter migrant birds to Santa Cruz Mountain hikes.

A view straight up a grove of redwoods.

Fog Sipping Coastal Redwoods

Caitlin Dempsey

The tallest trees in the world, the coastal redwood trees of Northern California, have a remarkable ability to use fog as a source of moisture.

A view up to the canopy of a grove of redwood trees.

Forest Bathing in the Coastal Redwoods

Caitlin Dempsey

Coastal redwoods offer a unique blend of sensory, emotional, and physiological benefits that make them a wonderful place for forest bathing.

A bird with a black crested head and dark blue body with wings outstretched on a branch.

Wing-Spreading in Steller’s Jays

Caitlin Dempsey

Wing-spreading is a type of social display by Steller's jays meant to ward off trespassers.

A western meadowlark perched on a blue wooden railing.

MeadowLarks Versus Horned Larks

Caitlin Dempsey

The western meadowlark and horned lark look similar but belong to entirely different bird families and have distinct behaviors, songs, and appearances.

An orange and white striped sign slanted down with a raven perched at the top against a cloudless bright blue sky on a sunny day.

What Those Orange and White Striped Signs Mean

Caitlin Dempsey

Paddle markers are signs that point down to the location of a natural gas pipeline buried underground.

A field of pink flowers against dried grass.

Clarkias: Summer blooms in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Caitlin Dempsey

As spring wildflowers fade from Bay Area preserves, one group of native plants continues to add color well into summer.

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