NATURE IN ORANGE COUNTY - THE BLOG

New Address for Laguna Canyon Blog

2009-10-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!
Please note that the Laguna Canyon Blog's address has changed!

You can now visit the blog at: www.lagunacanyonblog.com

Thanks!
Jennifer

Natural History Lecture Series at the Orange County Great Park

2009-09-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

On the Orange County Great Park's website, http://www.ocgp.org, one can find this very exciting announcement: (Click here to access their page directly)

October 8 and 22, 2009
7:00 PM, at Second Harvest
Free Parking & Admission

The Orange County Great Park will be a new center for experiencing our natural world, and understanding how people and our environment can advance together. The first expression of this mission is a new public and free evening lecture series offering new insights into our natural and dynamic world of Southern California. Our first speakers this fall will confront issues critical for us to have a sustainable world.

After the presentations, there will be ample time for a public discussion of the issues these fascinating speakers will present to us.

Lectures will be held adjacent to the Great Park in the Executive Conference Room of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, 8014 Marine Way, Irvine, CA. Please enter Marine Way from Sand Canyon Avenue and follow the signs to Second Harvest Food Bank.

For information please call 949-724-7420.
Lecture Schedule

Native California Bees Looking for New Real Estate
Thursday, October 8, 7:00 PM
Presented by Gordon Frankie, Ph.D., Professor of Entomology at UC-Berkeley
Pollinators are necessary partners for our food supply, critical for California agriculture, as well as sustaining our natural habitats. Dr. Frankie is a world expert on the ecology of bees and their fascinating adaptations for survival. After years of studying tropical and California bee species, he has begun to focus on our urban environments, understanding the hundreds of bee species around us, often ignored, and their role in sustaining our home gardens and communities. Have you thanked a bee today? Let Dr. Frankie tell you why you should!

21st Century Megafires in Southern California: Adapting to Fires in Paradise
Thursday, October 22, 7:00 PM
Presented by Jon Keeley, Ph.D., U. S. Geological Survey, and Adjunct Professor of Ecology, UCLA
Wildfire! A constant concern and fear for our human communities, and a big factor that molds the natural world around us. We struggle against fire, every year, yet the plants and animals of our region have managed to survive for eons under the pressure of regular and devastating fires. Dr. Keeley is a world expert on the “ecology of fire,” how plants manage with this stress and how the habitats around us persist and change as fires sweep through. How do they do it? What does the future hold for our communities as the frequency of wildfires changes as our climate changes?

PARK(ing) Day in Orange County

2009-09-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

This is a fun idea that definitely makes a statement! See information below.

Friday, September 18th, 2009

9:00 AM

Location: Old Town Orange, Plaza square park, Orange, CA 92866

PARK(ing) Day 2009

CALL TO ACTION!

who: business, organization, school
what: design & create a public park in a parking stall
when: Friday, September 18
7-9am: setup, 9am-1pm: event
where: Downtown Santa Ana, Old Town Orange

Join the EGB-OC and AIA-COTE in organizing our 2nd annual PARK(ing) Day Orange County.

Started by Rebar, San Francisco art and design collective, PARK(ing) Day is an annual, one-day, global event where artists, activists, and citizens collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spots into public parks. Original concept by Rebar. www.rebargroup.org

Visit www.parkingday.org for more information about this worldwide event.

Full Moon Creative Writing Workshop at the Red Rocks with Thea Gavin

2009-08-13T22:19:00.000-07:00

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
Thea Gavin is at it again with her fantastic Creative Writing Workshops! Please read below for the details.

Full Moon Creative Writing Workshop at the Red Rocks
September 4, 2009 : 6-9 PM
Hosted by Thea Gavin & the Irvine Ranch Conservancy

After a fun introductory exercise to warm up our creative writing muscles, we will stroll over to Red Rocks, where we will spend an hour enjoying the peace of evening and writing quietly until the moon comes up over Old Saddleback. Bring a chair or blanket to make your writing time more comfortable. Adults and children over the age of 16 please.

As of this posting, there are 9 spaces left!

Led By	Irvine Ranch Conservancy
Activity Date	9/4/2009
Time	6:00 PM
Activity Type	Hiking
Distance	1-2 mile(s)
Duration	3 hour(s)
Guided	Docent-led
Recommended Age	16+
Level of Interpretation	High

Additional Information
Please email info@irconservancy.org

Reserve your space by visiting http://www.irvineranchwildlands.org/activities/index.asp today!

Why Steelhead Trout Are Valuable Species In Our Streams

2009-06-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

by Roger von Bütow, Clean Water Now! Coalition (CWN!C)

Aliso Creek Steelhead Trout
Drought cycles and resulting fresh water resource depletions renew the century-old battle in California to find a sustainable balance of protected wilderness and increased human population demands in our home state. Many of these skirmishes wind up in courtrooms, the issues confused in the layperson’s mind by the labyrinth of regulatory edicts and hearing room proceedings.

Portrayed in the media as pitting “Humans vs. Nature,” zero-sum games, many residents are unaware of the nexus between preservation and restoration of eco-systems for threatened or endangered species and improved safe environs for us all. A recent decision by NOAA’s National Marines Fisheries Service due to years of lobbying by the Clean Water Now! Coalition (CWN!C) provides an excellent example of how these local grass roots efforts succeed in assuring future generations of the heritage they and their children deserve.

CWN!C is a watershed protection group focused upon reversing the water quality impairments that affect aquatic and riparian biota. In the case of Aliso Creek, a renowned polluted watercourse rife with the “toxic soup” of urban runoff, we find the formal recognition last month (Feb. 2009) by NMFS of the creek as one of Southern California’s Distinct Population Segments for the federally endangered Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to be fortuitous. Illegal dumping, past and present, of contaminants upstream that have impact spans of decades haunt this and many of California’s watersheds. Increasing urbanization continues a drip feed of carcinogenic substances unabated through urban runoff.

Frustrated by little change in the watershed for years, several years ago Board member Mike Hazzard and I formed a working group, Friends of the Aliso Creek Steelhead http://www.alisocreeksteelhead.org/. The only watchdog organization to achieve any significant enforcement actions by Cal/EPA within the Aliso Creek Watershed, CWN!C knew that water quality and habitat monitoring continued to show degradation and entropy. Many indigenous species populations were either decimated or non-existent due to abuse. We were confounded by local jurisdictional denial of steelhead historical presence in Aliso, so we developed a detailed database to support our contention and provided it to NMFS.

Sometimes a fountain pen or the tap of a few computer terminal keys by regulatory overseers can do what threats, cajoling, demands and even sound science cannot. In this case, O. mykiss also enjoys a more elevated status because it qualifies as an Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU): It is a separate species from its cousins, unique to the Mediterranean climate of Southern California and Northern Baja Mexico.

“Anadromous,” it migrates from salt to fresh (where it spawns) back to salt water during its life-cycle, and you may know it as the beautiful multi-colored Rainbow Trout, its resident incarnation. Adapted to the warmer, more ephemeral coastal streams of our area, this opportunistic salmonoid can survive environs with less oxygen than its northerly counterparts. Remarkably, it need not return to the watercourse or estuary where it as born.

If a stream has steelhead in it, then one can assume it’s safe and healthy enough for human immersion. This is what USEPA Clean Water Act guidance requires of these types of waters “fishable and swimmable”. O. mykiss’ three primary necessities, low toxicity, low temperature and high dissolved oxygen (DO) content are the markers biologists have encouraged our state public agencies to honor for optimal water quality objectives and standards. What’s good for the steelhead all over California is therefore actually good for humans too.

What’s next? For us the sustaining of our contention regarding O. mykiss by NMFS will assist us in reversing the distress within this watershed. Higher standards will be integrated in the regulatory oversight food chain, almost every water-related project will get closer planning scrutiny and hopefully not require litigation or enforcement action to do so.

For the steelhead it’ll mean eventual restoration and recolonization, a Southern California native fish given a chance to finally come safely home again. Someday, a child will gaze into this creek with wonder and awe at this amazing survivor if we’re successful.

Roger von Bütow is the Founder & Executive Director of the Clean Water Now! Coalition (Est. 1998) website: http://www.cleanwaternow.com/

He’s also a professional environmental consultant, ecological journalist, the Beach Manager for Cal Coastal Commission volunteer beach cleanup programs in Laguna Beach, and several years ago initiated the Proud Community Affiliate program in Laguna for Keep California Beautiful: http://www.keepcaliforniabeautiful.org/.

He can be reached at: rogerbutow@cleanwaternow.com

We haven't left Orange County (or Earth for that matter), we're just super busy!

2009-06-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my loyal followers!
So sorry for the lack of posting since *gasp!* mid April! As you can imagine (or already well know), keeping up two blogs and a website takes many hundreds of hours - hours that I have not currently had the past few months!
Of course, if you have any observations that you'd like to share with the community here on the blog or on the website, please feel free to contribute! I will post your entry upon approval, ASAP!
Thanks!

Village Laguna Hosts the "Aliso Canyon Tour" Saturday, May 2nd

2009-04-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2009, Village Laguna is hosting:
the ALISO CANYON TOUR at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park: 28373 Alicia Parkway just south of Aliso Creek Road, Laguna Niguel

Parking available, follow signs.

Departures at 9, 10, 11 a.m., and noon.

Brief description: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is managed and protected to preserve natural processes. The County’s proposed “SUPER” project would bring significant changes to the canyon floor, realigning and channelizing the creek and installing a series of dams.

SPACE IS LIMITED-- RESERVE YOUR SEATS by calling 949-494-3624 or emailing barbara.metzger@worldnet.att.net

RSVP by Wednesday, April 29

Visit Village Laguna online at www.villagelaguna.com

Creative Writing in Baker Canyon, Irvine Ranch

2009-04-26T23:07:00.001-07:00

Today, Thea Gavin's Creative Writing Group was able to go to Baker Canyon on Irvine Ranch lands and take in sweet afternoon inspiration. As a part of the group, I relished in the opportunity to get out there in the wild far from the cars and civilization, in an area I had never trekked before. I also was able to test out my new point and shoot camera that I will be using on my hiking trips (my other one is just too bulky for the job).

A few photos of our experience can be found here.

However, I took a lot of photos of the plants out there that I haven't included in the Baker Canyon Photo Album, because they are now sorted in their respective folder according to what they are! Yerba santa, golden yarrow, black sage, California Plantain, Chamise, etc.

Thea Gavin is looking for creative writers to participate in her project of creating an anthology of works, be it poetry or prose, on the natural lands of Orange County. Visit her website at : http://www.theagavin.com/ for more information on her own work, and http://www.ocnaturewriting.com/ for more information on her project.

Live Web Cams at the Starr Ranch Sanctuary

2009-04-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

This is the ultimate treat for those (like me) who just love watching our wild animals carry on their lives without the interference of human activity.

The Starr Ranch Sanctuary currently has two live web cams running:

Click HERE to go to their Live Barn Owl webcam page - on the left hand side you will also see a link for their Black-chinned Hummingbird's live cam.
The Live Barn Owl webcam has audio and infrared capabilities so that we can see and hear what's going on both during the day and night. The Black Chinned Hummingbird's cam has no audio/infrared. Both are a delight to watch!!!

Click HERE to learn more about the Starr Ranch Sanctuary!

All Ages Art Workshop in Bommer Canyon

2009-04-15T10:45:00.001-07:00

All Ages Art Workshop in Bommer Canyon!
May 2nd 2009 - 9am to 12pm
Unleash your inner artist and join us for a fun and casual morning
of creative arts in Bommer Canyon. We will have several stations set
up with artists offering small lessons on painting, writing, fiber arts,
photography, and more. You are also welcome to bring your supplies,
set up in the Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp and spend the morning
writing, painting, drawing, or whatever it is you like to do!
Bommer Canyon is located in Irvine, near UCI and Concordia
University. Upon registration you will receive directions.
All ages are welcome!
This program is FREE, but you must register in order to attend.
Register at the following website:
www.irvineranchwildlands.org/activities/
For more information please call Evelyn Brown at
(714) 508-4768.

Cougar / Mountain Lion & Bobcat Presentation tomorrow, Thursday 2 April at the Muth Center, Newport Beach

2009-04-01T20:54:00.001-07:00

Last Minute Newsflash! from Dick Newell of OCTRACKERS:

The City of Newport Beach's Animal Control Department and Orange County Parks is hosting a presentation regarding research on our local cougars and bobcats on Thursday evening, April 2nd at the Muth Center in Newport Beach. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 pm., and the presentation will start around 7:00 p.m. and will conclude before 9:00.

The center is located on the south-east corner of University Drive and Irvine Avenue in Newport Beach. There is ample free parking in the public lot that is located above the interpretive center.

Speakers for this event include Orange County Ranger Donna Krucki and Don Millar and Dick Newell of OCTRACKERS.

You are most welcome to join us and thank you in advance for the possible use of your photos and for your support of our educational outreach.

Dick Newell

www.octrackers.com

Project BudBurst & the USA National Phenology Network

2009-04-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

Here are two exciting projects that all amateur and serious plant lovers in Orange County can participate in, on the scientific level, without having to join a formal scientific study/group:

The first one is called "Project BudBurst" - you can learn all about Project BudBurst HERE.

The second one is called the USA National Phenology Network - click HERE to learn about it.

Basically, you have the opportunity to record your observations about the plants that you regularly visit in Orange County, whether it be on the trails or in some other area. The data that you contribute will be used to better understand climate change and other aspects of nature that we have yet to fully understand.

I, personally, am participating in both, contributing my observations to both projects regarding the False Indigo (Amorpha fruticosa) that we have in Lower Laurel Canyon at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park - and will probably add a few other favorite plants to my list. It is fun to know that our observations count in the scientific world, even though we do not necessarily have a scientific background or degree!

Chris Prelitz, New Leaf America, Sustainability and Living Green

2009-03-26T23:55:00.000-07:00

Orange County is a wonderful place to be when you're in need of an expert in a particular field of study. With our cultural, social and educational diversity, it seems as if everyone has an experience or perspective to share, adding to the dialogue that constantly enriches each of our lives.

Where our environment and "green living" are concerned, Orange County is blessed to have Chris and Becky Prelitz, two Laguna Beach locals and dedicated advocates for sustainability.

If you "Google" search Chris Prelitz, you'll instantly come across www.prelitz.com, a simple site on Chris Prelitz's background, calendar of upcoming events, etc. You'll learn that he formed New Leaf America in 2008 (Visit New Leaf America, at http://newleafamerica.com - it's a site definitely worth checking out) - and that he's done a lot of amazing projects and home transformations, both here in Orange County and across the nation.

On the Meetup page for Going GREEN in Orange County, word has it that Chris Prelitz is scheduled to present his new book, Green Made Easy at Oasis Child on Friday, April 10 at 7 PM . (Click here to visit Oasis Child online.) However, Chris Prelitz's site, www.prelitz.com, gives the date of April 3. We will try to confirm the correct date as soon as possible... but no matter what day he presents his book in Laguna, check it out online and in the bookstores ASAP!

About the Mushrooms in Orange County

2009-03-20T21:43:00.001-07:00

I wish that I had had the time in February to write about the various mushrooms in our hills and parks that popped up during the rains of February. Fortunately, the Los Angeles Times covered it to some degree on February 4, 2009, mentioning the Wild Mushroom Walk led by Greg Miller that took place at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach (read article HERE).

There are definitely some interesting points and ideas to take into consideration, where mushrooms are concerned. Take this excerpt from the LA Times's article:

Miller estimates that hundreds of species grow in Orange County, including at least 30 at the Environmental Nature Center alone. He knows of only one other place -- the Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy in southern Orange County -- that hosts organized mushroom walks, weather permitting.

"Any place that has good vegetation and rainfall is good for mushrooms," he said.

Although some mushrooms have hallucinogenic effects, Miller said, most hunters are in it for the taste.

Yet looks can be deceiving. Some species are "edible if you like eating wood," he said. And others, when ingested, cause a slow and agonizing death.

For that reason, the biologist urges inexperienced mushroom hunters to get help from experts and for experts to exercise care.

A more recent article in the LA Times, dating March 12, 2009, shows just how dangerous eating our wild mushrooms can be, when one does not correctly identify them: "Man, 82, Dies From Eating Wild Mushrooms" CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE. The article notes that,

This year's relatively wet winter has produced a bumper crop of mushrooms, both edible and toxic, health experts say.

Illness caused by eating poisonous mushrooms is not unusual. In California last year, 895 people were sickened by mushrooms, health officials say. Of those, five had major health problems, such as liver failure leading to coma, liver transplant or renal failure requiring dialysis. One died. Most cases result in mild symptoms such as dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps, according to officials at the California Poison Control System.

The article goes on to explain how toxic and non-toxic mushrooms can often look alike, and how it is often exceedingly difficult, even for a well-versed mushroom connoisseur, to correctly identify them. Among the good bits of advice one finds in the article: never take the opinion of another amateur as confirmation of a mushroom's toxicity, and always make sure to consult with a true mushroom expert before nibbling away.

So what is the best way to appreciate our local mushrooms, after a rainy day, or along moist areas of our trails? Snap a picture of them, sit down next to them and draw them with colored pencils, write about them, see how they add to the beauty of our natural landscapes - and leave them right where they are, planted in the earth, so that the natural habitat can take care of them!

The Grizzly Bear National Monument & The California Chaparral Institute

2009-03-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

An important email written by Richard Halsey on March 13, 2009 was forwarded to me this week regarding the Grizzly Bear National Monument. I am including it in its entirety, to pass along the word. I recommend watching the YouTube video (link provided below). Please pass along this information to your friends and family. I also strongly suggest you check out the website mentioned at the very bottom of the message (www.californiachaparral.org) - it's a great resource for more information about... our California chaparral!

Dear Friend of the Chaparral,

It’s time to celebrate what was once the chaparral’s most dominant mammal, the California Grizzly Bear, by setting aside the area where the last one was killed in southern California in 1908.

The Grizzly Bear National Monument within the Cleveland National Forest.

Watch more on YouTube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQWfJ8sWAtk

Spread the word. Begin talking to your US Congressional and US Senatorial representatives.

The Grizzly Bear National Monument will help spread the word about the fragility of nature and the importance of recognizing what has been lost so we don’t lose anymore.

Obtain additional information here:
http://www.californiachaparral.org/natforestplan.html

Best,

Rick

The California Chaparral Institute
...the voice of the chaparral
www.californiachaparral.org
P.O. Box 545
Escondido, CA 92033
760-822-0029

The Importance of Sharing Observations With Others - Retrieving Bird Band Numbers

2009-03-17T21:51:00.001-07:00

On 15 March 2009, at approximately 12:30 PM, I was exiting the 5 North at Jeffrey, when to the side of the road I noticed a very large bird, dead and lying on its side along the white painted line. Of course, my sighting was a quick one, as I was exiting the freeway at approximately 60 MPH, and so only got a quick glimpse of it through my windshield and then a backwards look in the rearview mirror.

My initial guess was that it was a red-tailed hawk, because we see so many of them on the large street and freeway lamps all along the 133, parts of the 5 and the 405. I also thought it was a hawk because every time I have tried to identify large birds otherwise, they have always ended up being red-tailed hawks! However, I was not sure.

In any event, during the afternoon I thought about whom I might contact, if anyone, to let them know of what I saw. I figured that Laura at the Nix Nature Center in Laguna Canyon would be an excellent person to start with – for she is quite knowledgeable about our surroundings, the birds, and is in touch with many fascinating people. So I sent her a quick email late in the afternoon and let her know where I saw the deceased bird.

The next day, 16 March 2009, I learned that Pete Bloom went out to retrieve the bird – it turned out to be a Great Horned Owl, banded as a nestling in Mason Park on 4-24-08, by Joe Papp and C. Thomas – Territory #GHO –OR-066. Its band number was 788 46681 with an auxiliary number of 067. I was then asked to report the band number on http://www.reportband.gov/, which I did- I am now expecting a “Certificate of Appreciation with additional information on the banded bird” in the mail.

Before I began volunteering for the Laguna Canyon Foundation, I would have never thought to contact anyone about a dead animal on the side of the road; without knowing that there are scientists and volunteers outdoors in Orange County studying the various animal and plant populations, I would have never thought that such an observation as mine even mattered that much. I write this post tonight, therefore, not only to share my little story with you all, but also to let you know how our observations of the natural world can be valuable to many more people than simply ourselves. As Pete Bloom wrote to me yesterday, the discovery was “maybe not a happy ending but a meaningful one” for this Great Horned Owl.

If you also have sightings that you would like to share, but don’t know whom to contact, feel free to contact me and we’ll see what we can do, together, to get your information into the right hands.

The Nature Writing Journey - A Creative Writing Workshop with Thea Gavin: UPDATE #2

2009-03-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

Just got a message from Thea Gavin, announcing that the Irvine Ranch Conservancy website is now ready for registrations for the Creative Writing Workshop starting on April 5, 2009.

Please go to www.irvineranchwildlands.org
Click on "Let's Go Outside"
Click on "Activities"
Scroll down to change the month to "April"
Find the program listed under "4/5/09" (It also is flagged "new" in the left margin)
Click on the link and follow the directions to sign up.

Please only sign up if you can make all 6 meetings.
Thea and I hope to see you there! :)

Previous Posts on NIOC - The Blog:
Update #1
Original Post

Transition Laguna

2009-03-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

Going through my Green Emails today, I came across an important meeting that will take place on Friday, March 13, 2009 at 6:30 PM, at the Center for Spiritual Living OC, led by leaders of Transition Laguna:

"Organic Dinner and Eco-Presentation: Transition Town Movement"

The meeting is to address what the global "Transition Town Movement" is all about, and to discuss what Transition Laguna has already accomplished, as the "10th official transition community in the USA and the 129th in the world" (Transition Laguna website).

I urge you to check out Transition Laguna's website at http://www.transitionlaguna.com/ for more information about this meeting and about this wonderful new movement.

Earthquakes in OC

2009-03-05T22:24:00.000-08:00

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a magnitude 2.0 earthquake occurred at 6:03 p.m. off Newport Coast Drive, in the Newport Coast area. It is the fifth earthquake in Orange County this week!

See the information HERE: http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/recenteqs/Quakes/ci10379889.htm.

The Literature on the Plastic Bag Ban in Laguna Abounds!

2009-03-05T21:33:00.000-08:00

Just after writing my little post below, I discovered an article about this proposed ban on plastic bags in Laguna Beach on the OC Register online. CLICK HERE to read the article, entitled, "Could Laguna Beach be first in county to ban plastic bags?"

Village Laguna & No Plastic Bags in Laguna Beach!

2009-03-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

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.

West Nile Virus in Birds of OC, and Lyme Disease Killers (Western Fence Lizard)

2009-03-04T22:36:00.001-08:00

The OC Register has reported the first documented case of the West Nile virus in Orange County in a bird this season - in a crow - found dead in Irvine at the end of February 2009.
The find seems to be "ringing in [the] West Nile season" in Southern California, as the article mentions, however, there is good news to be told - "Vector Control, which tracks animal diseases that can jump to humans, is finding more West Nile antibodies in the blood of wild birds." Conclusion: be aware of any insect bites you may get while outdoors, but don't let this phenomenon scare you from being outside.
Read the entire article HERE.

On a somewhat related note, I thought I'd share that on a recent hike with some naturalists, I was also told that the common western fence lizards found in our natural surroundings produce a canceling effect on the Lyme disease bacteria that our OC ticks can sometimes hold and transmit. According to Berkeley scientists, "ticks who feast on the blood of the common western fence lizard are purged of any Lyme disease bacteria hiding in their gut," leaving them disease-free and incapable of transmitting the disease to their next contact. (See the article posted HERE for more details - it's rather fascinating!).

No Fishing Zones off Orange County - New Marine Protected Areas

2009-03-04T18:24:00.001-08:00

I came across an interesting article on the OC Register Online today, entitled, "No-fishing zones off OC? A first look at rough maps," written by Pat Brennan, green living & environment editor for the OC Register. It discusses the recent sketching out of proposals to establish new Marine Protected Areas off the coast of Orange County, which would prohibit sportfishing and other activities from certain marine zones.

The article opens up like this:

The question: Should some parts of the Southern California coast, including Orange County’s, be declared off limits to sportfishing to protect marine habitat and wildlife?
The answer: Perhaps, but it’s going to be a fight.

Read the OC Register's full article HERE ... and let us know what you think by commenting to this post!

Beach Clean-Up March 21, 2009, 9 AM - Noon

2009-03-02T18:50:00.001-08:00

We at NIOC are happy to see a March Beach Cleanup being organized here in Orange County. Time: March 21, 2009 from 9 AM till Noon (Although, you can always go to the beach, anytime, rain or shine, and clean it up for as long as you'd like!)
Hope to see you all there.
For more info: Contact Roger Butow at Clean Water Now! http://www.cleanwaternow.com/

John Krill of LagunaBeat.com has posted this event on his Laguna Beach blog. Click HERE to see his posting.

Hike-OC: Orange County's Best Hiking from Trailmaster John Mckinney

2009-02-24T23:48:00.000-08:00

Hike-OC: Orange County's Best Hiking from Trailmaster John Mckinney

A quick note for those who are unfamiliar with John Mckinney's website http://hike-oc.com ... when you have a few moments... check it out! With information on Orange County's Trails (including a special page on the Best Trails of OC), on Geography, on the necessary Permits and Fees required when visiting our County's parks, etc., this site is easy to navigate and VERY helpful!

Have you come across a website/blog on Orange County trails/nature that you'd like to share with us? Don't hesitate! Email us today at info@natureinorangecounty.com!

Major Updates to NIOC Website

2009-02-23T13:51:00.001-08:00

Hello! Today we have been working hard on adding a list of plants/wildflowers in bloom to our main website. You may now see this page HERE. This page is also featured as one of the "NEW" additions on the site's main page.

We've also been improving our photography skills, and think that you'll find the most recent shots of the wildflowers to be a lot more impressive. To view all of our photos thus far posted online, please visit Nature In Orange County's Photo Albums HERE.

We are developing a "Wild Encounters" page as well - which will highlight special encounters that we have with wildlife as soon as they happen. We urge you to participate with us in this project - if you ever run into an animal and share a moment with it, please share this moment with us! The "Wild Encounters" page can be viewed HERE.

Of course, one of the best experiences that you may be able to have outdoors in Orange County is giving back to the natural community in VOLUNTEERING your time. Visit our developing page on Volunteering Outdoors HERE.

And please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions/comments you may have. We invite you to contribute to our site as often as possible. Contact Jennifer at info@natureinorangecounty.com today!

The Nature Writing Journey - A Creative Writing Workshop with Thea Gavin: UPDATE

2009-02-22T23:30:00.001-08:00

For those curious about seeing the official flyer for Thea Gavin's Creative Writing Workshop in nature (@ the Irvine Ranch Conservancy), please click HERE (scroll down to the attachments section of the page to view the PDF file). For more information, please contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, or Thea Gavin, directly. Thanks!

CLEAN Education - Volunteer Opportunity

2009-02-18T22:05:00.000-08:00

This just in, from a message from the Orange County Chapter Society for Conservation Biology:

A new non-profit focused on climate change education for elementary students is looking for volunteers. CLEAN Education - www.cleaneducation.org - will be presenting at the OC Water District Education Festival on April 28th and 29th. They have some really fun activities set and will be testing out some significant portions of their curriculum. They would love to have one or two volunteers to help them out on either the 28th or the 29th. They will train the volunteer(s) and then they get to have lots of fun teaching children about climate change and water!

If you are interested, please check out their website, and email Mary Anderson at the following address.

maryanderson@cleaneducation.org
www.cleaneducationn.org

FUEL - The Movie - See it in Irvine

2009-02-18T21:33:00.000-08:00

As a member of the Meetup group "Going Green in OC," I got this reminder that the movie "Fuel" is in Irvine starting on Friday. To see the trailer, click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIcOCtGkjbE

Learn more about the theater meeting in Irvine here (might require registration in Meetup group):
http://www.meetup.com/goinggreenorangecounty/calendar/9772158

More general information about the film:

www.thefuelfilm.com

"Fuel" is a vital, superbly assembled documentary that presents an insightful overview of America's troubled relationship with oil and how alternative and sustainable energies can reduce our country's -- and the world's -- addictive dependence on fossil fuels.

The film's structure is built around director-narrator Josh Tickell's personal journey of enlightenment, which started in childhood after moving with his family from idyllic Australia to murkier Louisiana, where he came to realize the oil-rich environment was being ravaged by the omnipotent petrochemical industry. Later, as a young adult, he spent 11 years crossing the country in his vegetable oil-powered "Veggie Van," promoting biofuels and compiling footage for what would become this impressively comprehensive film.

The events of Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina factor in both visually and thematically, providing provocative anchors for the movie's indictment of what Tickell believes is the Big Oil-cozy, ecologically indifferent Bush administration. Johnny O'Hara's WGA Award-nominated script doesn't dwell on muckraking, however; it's more focused on broadly inspiring viewers than preaching to the converted.

Interviews with a wide range of environmentalists, policy makers and educators, along with such "green" celebrities as Woody Harrelson, Sheryl Crow and Larry Hagman offer serious fuel for thought -- as well as for action. Smartly animated interstitials, memorable archival material and a lively soundtrack round out the fast-paced proceedings.

-- Gary Goldstein "Fuel." MPAA rating: unrated. Running time: 1 hour, 51 minutes. At Laemmle's Sunset 5, 8000 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 848-3500; AMC's Loews Broadway 4, 1441 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica. (310) 458-6232.

Let me know what you think! - Jennifer

The Nature Writing Journey - A Creative Writing Workshop with Thea Gavin

2009-02-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

In my last two posts I mentioned a creative writing workshop that Thea Gavin, Orange native, poet, Irvine Ranch Conservancy docent, & college writing professor, has been putting together. The outline for the course has just been sent to me - and so it is with great excitement that I post it here for you all to view.

All those interested in the course should contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy for more information on registration.

The Nature Writing Journey
Writing Workshop
…wild words for local landscapes

Wallace Stegner, in his essay “A Sense of Place,” writes about the importance of literature in making a place significant:

“... no place is a place until it has had a poet . . . . No place, not even a wild place, is a place until it has had that human attention that at its highest reach we will call poetry. What Frost did for New Hampshire and Vermont, what Faulkner did for Mississippi and Steinbeck for the Salinas Valley, Wendell Berry is doing for his family corner of Kentucky, and hundreds of other place-loving people, gifted or not, are doing for places they were born in, or reared in, or have adopted and made their own.”

Even before I had read Stegner, though, I heard local naturalists talk about the fact that Orange County needed its own environmental literature to help connect people to the land so that they would appreciate it—and maybe want to protect it.

In this spirit, and in light of the recent efforts of the 2007 and 2008 Heritage Art Exhibitions to preserve and share the beauty of the Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmark via plein air paintings, this class is dedicated to communicating the ecological magnificence of our Orange County wild places.

Instead of pigments and paint brushes, participants in this workshop will use words to paint their pictures in poetry and prose. Our subject will be the wild spaces of Orange County, and our goal will be to present them in compelling, imaginative language that will preserve the stories and scenes for this and future generations to enjoy. Speaking of enjoyment . . . contrary to what many folks experienced in their formal schooling, writing can—and should—be fun. The ability to laugh is the only prerequisite for this course.

This free, 6-week writing workshop is limited to 12 participants who will spend Sunday afternoons wandering in, and writing about, some beautiful, local wild places in the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Fremont, Blackstar, Baker and Limestone Canyons. (Mother’s Day weekend the class will meet on Saturday instead of Sunday, just in time to watch the full moon rise over Old Saddleback.)

Workshop dates: 4/5, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/9, 5/17. (No workshop Easter weekend.)
Workshop times: 4- 6 pm, except for 5/9, when we’ll meet 6-8 pm to watch the moonrise.
Workshop facilitator: Thea Gavin—Orange native, poet, Irvine Ranch Conservancy docent, college writing professor.

The Rain, the Glorious Rain

2009-02-07T10:35:00.000-08:00

While we in Orange County might not have an immediate affinity for the rain, as we have been spoiled by our "328 days of sunshine a year and an average daytime temperature of 73 degrees" rain does bring us many gifts to be joyous about. And among those many gifts, one of my favorites is the opportunity to watch our trails, canyons and valleys green up.

While the trails are closed until further notice (expect closures for around three days after the final rain ends, but check www.ocparks.com for more official information) you can find much joy in driving past or through our canyons, pulling over to the side of the road and looking at the beautiful scenery, or in taking the time at home to read up on our fauna and flora, as well as on the trails that you have yet to bike/hike.

Here is a link to the Data Map for the last 24 hours of rainfall in Orange County: http://www.ocwatersheds.com/envres/Rainfall/data/stormmap_24.asp

Finally, I apologize for my lack of posts these past few weeks - life has been exceptionally beautiful, yet busy, for me lately - however, I will attempt to show more discipline and post more useful, current information onto my blogs and websites ASAP! Of particular note will be more information about a literary project on the natural world of Orange County that is taking shape in Irvine, and a more detailed list of the blooming plants appearing on our trails.

Check in again soon! And thanks for your continued support.
Jennifer W.

Nature Networking - Online, In Person, or Both?

2009-01-24T19:26:00.000-08:00

In September of 2008, I created this blog, my Laguna Canyon blog, and my website, www.natureinorangecounty.com, with the intention of staking out some kind of intellectual territory online and sharing my interests in OC's nature with my fellow cybernaut. At the time, I was convinced that the Internet would provide the "nature networking" tools that I was lacking, for I had no idea where our local conservancies and parks were, and had even less of an idea about how I should go about in finding them. I figured that if I created something with the keywords "nature" and "Orange County," those who shared my interests would eventually find me online, contact me, and the networking process would begin.

Yet while the Internet does undoubtedly facilitate communication between total strangers to some degree, I never found the satisfaction that I expected from it. Since September, only two fellow OC nature enthusiasts have contacted me - far from the number I had initially imagined in my mind. What's more, despite all of my elaborate searches on Google, I myself was unable to come across the many handfuls of groups, associations, and classes that are actually out there, in REAL LIFE, growing and prospering every month. No matter what terms you type into that elongated rectangular search field, you will never be able to find all of the addresses, names and numbers of those who are just as passionate as you about OC's wilderness...

Truly, if I have learned anything over the past four months, it is that you have to personally talk to other hikers, bikers, docents and rangers in order for the nature networking to truly take form. It's been in volunteering for the Laguna Canyon Foundation that I've met some of OC's most knowledgeable naturalists, and it's been in personally asking the latter thousands of questions that I've been able to get the answers I've been seeking.

And now, in my fifth month of networking personally in the field, my efforts are coming full circle, and proving fruitful online. Just a few days ago, a fellow friend & naturalist sent an email to the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, introducing my website, blogs, and interest in nature to them. And today, I received a wonderful note from Thea Gavin, who after reading about my website from the email to the IRC, had the generosity of sharing her own site and projects with me. Tonight, with her permission, I share her two websites with all of you ~ with the hopes that a ripple effect has begun, that our network is becoming larger, and that you, dear reader, will eventually contact and join us, not only online, but also in the hills and canyons.

Thea's first site, Orange County Nature Writing, is a true gem, sparkling from all sides with inspiration and passion for Orange County's Nature. The web address couldn't be simpler: www.ocnaturewriting.com. (Why I never found her site in my searches, however, proves my point on how essential it is to personally meet those in the field, rather than staying behind your computer screen!)

Thea's second site, "My Wild Orange County, Poems & Pictures, Here & There" is also a special treasure for us here in Orange County, accessible at this address: http://www.theagavin.com. Take a look at her beautiful photos, read her work - I'm sure you'll be impressed!

As I leave you with these two links tonight, I cannot help but reflect upon the seemingly delicate balance between my Internet postings and the personal interaction that I have sought since September 2008. While it is tempting, in today's Twitterian age, to feel completely connected to other groups with merely a pad of keys underneath your fingertips, we must not forget the value of the shake of two hands and the exchange of a smile. May both approaches, in balance, bring more of us here in Orange County together, and may our network grow stronger in the weeks and months to come.

Tongashila, Pilamalaye.

Milkmaids (Cardamine californica) are in bloom at Aliso and Wood Canyon

2009-01-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

*** The original, complete post has been published on my Laguna Canyon Blog - CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE LAGUNA CANYON BLOG.

Walking along Wood Creek Trail yesterday, 18 January 2009, we came across some beautiful Milkmaids in bloom... however, as we had forgotten our cameras, we decided to return today, 19 January 2009 to give them their 15 minutes of fame online.
CLICK HERE to view the Milkmaids in NIOC's Photo Albums.
Also of particular interest were the various mushrooms scattered about here and there.
CLICK HERE to view the entire mushroom photo album in NIOC's Photo Albums.

More to come soon! Please check out my Plant of the Week Page on my main website, www.natureinorangecounty.com, updated every Monday.

No worries, we're still around! =)

2009-01-17T16:34:00.001-08:00

A Big Thank You to You, Loyal Follower of NIOC online.

Not to worry - we're still around, hiking the trails, photographing the plants, animals and tracks, and participating where we can in the environmental / nature related events of Orange County. You will probably notice that our emphasis is slowly shifting to the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Southern Orange County - as most of our time and efforts are concentrated in that area (hey, you can't be everywhere at once!). However, we still are actively looking for contributors to the site - be you young or old, a novice or a mentor, a hiker, biker, etc... we need you and your insights on the natural world of Orange County.

So, contact us today at info@natureinorangecounty.com and let us know how you can help. Little anecdotes, interesting observations, inspiring photographs, questions or comments - ALL ARE WELCOME here at Nature In Orange County.

We'll be out in the hills tomorrow and have more to report soon. Tongashila, Pilamalaye!

Early Blooming for Common Deerweed (CA Broom / Broom Lotus, Lotus scoparius)

2008-12-14T23:02:00.000-08:00

While hiking Little Sycamore Canyon today, in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, I came across an early bloomer - strangely early, perhaps...

Take a look at these photos of Common Deerweed, taken on a chilly Sunday afternoon, today 14 December 2008 at around 2:45 pm.

According to calflora.net, Common Deerweed "blooms from March to August" (visit the entire page on deerweed HERE (http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/commondeerweed.html). So, this specimen was at least 3 months early!!! What's going on???

To visit all NIOC's photos of Deerweed, visit: http://picasaweb.google.com/NatureInOrangeCounty/CommonDeerweed#

Cold, But No Big Rain Yet... So we're all out and about! (Even the Snakes!)

2008-12-14T17:17:00.000-08:00

It's been pretty cold outside, lately - but we haven't gotten any significant rain, and the OC Parks have remained open, much to the joy of all of us who hit the trails this weekend.

Even the snakes were out and about, despite the chilly air!

Here is a Western Patch-Nosed Snake (Salvadora Hexalepis), found on top of Serrano Ridge, near the Intersection of Little Sycamore and Serrano Ridge, in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (parking at the Nix Nature Center, Click HERE for information about the Nix Center!). Photos were taken at 1:45 pm, on 14 December 2008.

For more information about this awesome snake, click HERE! (http://lagunacanyon.blogspot.com/2008/12/western-patch-nosed-snake-salvadora.html).
Stay tuned for more updates! And stay warm!

Weather Update for This Weekend

2008-12-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

Hello all!~
If you are planning on going hiking this weekend or early next week, be advised of the special weather report released by the National Weather Service concerning the next few days:

COLD AND RAINY WEATHER PATTERN FOR SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA... A DEEP LOW PRESSURE TROUGH DEVELOPING OVER THE WEST WILL SEND A SERIES OF WEATHER SYSTEMS INTO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NEXT WEEK... BRINGING PERIODS OF RAIN AND MOUNTAIN SNOW AT TIMES.

THE FIRST CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION WILL BE THIS WEEKEND AS THE MARINE LAYER RAPIDLY DEEPENS. A BETTER CHANCE OF MORE SIGNIFICANT PRECIPITATION WILL BE MONDAY AND TUESDAY WHEN A STRONGER STORM MOVES INLAND. COOLER WEATHER WITH PERIODS OF RAIN WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MUCH OF NEXT NEXT WEEK.

PRELIMINARY RAINFALL ESTIMATES THIS WEEKEND THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF NEXT WEEK RANGE FROM ABOUT ONE TO TWO INCHES WEST OF THE MOUNTAINS... TWO TO FOUR INCHES ON THE WEST FACING MOUNTAIN SLOPES AND UP TO ABOUT AN INCH IN THE DESERTS.

SNOW LEVELS WILL START OUT ABOVE 7000 FEET AND THEN LOWER TO ABOUT 4000 TO 5000 FEET MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY... ALTHOUGH IT COULD GET LOCALLY LOWER. THERE COULD BE ONE TO TWO FEET OF SNOW AT THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF THE SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS WITH ABOUT HALF A FOOT IN THE SAN DIEGO MOUNTAINS AND ON THE PEAKS OF THE SANTA ANA MOUNTAINS. SNOW... BLOWING SNOW AND DENSE FOG WILL MAKE TRAVEL HAZARDOUS THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS DURING THIS PERIOD.

PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN WILL INCREASE THE FLASH FLOOD POTENTIAL.

RESIDENTS LIVING IN AND BELOW RECENTLY BURNED AREAS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR POSSIBLE FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOW. PEOPLE PLANNING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SHOULD MONITOR THE LATEST WEATHER FORECASTS.

(Found at: http://weather.msn.com/bulletin.aspx?wealocations=wc:USCA0573&q=Laguna+Beach%2c+CA+forecast:bulletin)

As always, make sure to check out http://www.ocparks.com/ for any park closures and alerts. Stay tuned!

Biggest Full Moon in 15 Years - Tonight!

2008-12-12T15:13:00.000-08:00

Read up on the biggest full moon in 15 years, tonight, HERE: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/weather/article5327206.ece

More exciting news to come SOON!

It's not a giant ant... it's a Jerusalem Cricket!

2008-12-09T22:04:00.001-08:00

Have you ever been out hiking the trails of Orange County, and come across this wonderful creature?

Well, if you don't take the time to look at it real hard, you might first think that it is an enormous ant (its length gets up to 69 mm). But, in reality, it is a Jerusalem Cricket (or a Stenopelmatus fuscus if you prefer).

But Wait! Further research will show you that it's not even a cricket... or a "true bug" for that matter! (So what the heck is it?)...

Wikipedia has some general, quick information that you might want to check out. CLICK HERE FOR WIKIPEDIA'S ARTICLE ON JERUSALEM CRICKETS
There also is a neat audio on that Wikipedia page - make sure to click on the drumming "song" to hear it.

First Mystery Solved! It's Hypoxylon thouarsianum! (it's also a mouthful!)

2008-12-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

For those who recall, on 23 November 2008, I posted two sets of Mystery Phenomena on this blog, and asked if anyone could identify them for me. Well, luckily for me today, while spending some time at the Nix Nature Center, I came across photos of both Mystery Phenomena in the USDA's Publication, A Field Guide to Insects and Diseases of California Oaks (July 2006). Here's one of the two mysteries, solved! Click on the link to see the photos, and read all about it below!

Hypoxylon thouarsianum (Click Here to Access NIOC's photos)

Hypoxylon thouarsianum
Distribution/ Hosts

Hypoxylon thouarsianum occurs throughout much of California. Its reported range also includes the southeastern US, Central and South America, and parts of Africa, including South Africa and Tanzania. It occurs on CA black, blue, coast live, interior live, canyon live, and valley oak, as well as tanoak. It is occasionally found on other species including hackberry and avocado.

Symptoms

Black hemispherical fruiting bodies (stromata) of Hypoxylon thouarsianum develop, sometimes in great numbers, on the surface of dead bark or wood. The fungus causes a white rot of the sapwood of living trees and dead wood. Sapwood decay caused by Hypoxylon thouarsianum in trees affected by Phytophthora ramorum canker may be quite extensive and may lead to branch or trunk failure.

Agent Description

Immature stromata that emerge through the bark over wood colonized by Hypoxylon thouarsianum are initially rounded, black, smooth, and glossy and covered with a thin, fragile membrane. This short-lived membrane ruptures, revealing a layer of powdery, dark olive green asexual spores (conidia) on the surface of the new stroata.

Importance

This fungus appears to be of little consequence in healthy trees, but can quickly overrun severely stressed tres and trees with extensive Phytophthora ramorum cankers. Sapwood decay caused by this pathogen probably plays a role in rapid tree death that occurs in some Phytophthora ramorum-infected trees.
(Information taken from pages 102-105)

If you want to keep living in OC, stop breathing???

2008-12-02T22:41:00.000-08:00

This article dates back to November 12th, but it has a lot of good information that we should be aware of EVERY SINGLE DAY...
The headline says it all:

Air pollution kills more people than car accidents in Southern California, OC researchers say

Yikes...

"Green OC - Living Green in Orange County"

2008-12-02T22:35:00.000-08:00

For those of you who haven't checked out the OC Register's "Green OC" section online, the link is HERE: (http://greenoc.freedomblogging.com).

There's a lot of neat stuff & articles on there! So hurry up and click, already! :)

Still some muddy areas on the trails - Use Caution

2008-12-01T14:31:00.000-08:00

Though most trails reopened after the heavy rains on Saturday, 29 November 2008, caution is still to be taken when biking/hiking/riding on OC trails. For further information, contact OC Parks; website: ocparks.com.

Plant of the Week on NIOC's Website

2008-12-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already taken a look at the beginnings of NIOC's "Plant of the Week," take a moment to do so! Every Monday, a different plant found in Orange County will be showcased, with little tidbits of information and a special slideshow of photos taken by the NIOC crew.

Plant of the Week on NIOC's WEBSITE - CLICK HERE!

OC Parks Still Closed

2008-11-28T20:43:00.001-08:00

With all the rain that Orange County recently got, most Orange County parks are still closed. Check up with www.ocparks.com for more information.

And, if you're in the mood for an OC Register article on the same news, read HERE.

Month's worth of Rain in 6 Hours

2008-11-26T08:27:00.000-08:00

Take a look at the amount of rain that poured onto Orange County from 9 pm on 25 November to 5 am 26 November, as seen in THIS ARTICLE:

Yorba Linda: 1.93 inches

Huntington Beach: 1.81 inches

Corona del Mar: 1.81 inches

Costa Mesa: 1.85 inches

Westminster: 1.69 inches

Newport Coast: 1.65 inches

Brea-Olinda: 1.57 inches

Laguna Canyon: 1.57 inches

Laguna Beach: 1.54 inches

Irvine: 1.38 inches

Laguna Niguel Lake: 1.38 inches

Villa Park Dam: 1.34 inches

Garden Grove: 1.26 inches

Santa Ana: 1.28 inches

Anaheim: 1.22 inches

San Juan Capistrano: 1.22 inches

El Toro: 1.22 inches

Upper Oso Creek: 1.22 inches

Upper Harding Canyon: 01.10 inches

Upper Silverado Canyon: 1.02 inches

Coto de Caza: 0.91 inches

---> Keep in mind that OC's November Rainfall Average is 1.31 inches!

OC Parks Are Closed Due to Muddy Conditions today.

Also from the OC Register:
What Are Mudslides and What Are Debris Flows?
How to Prepare for Mudslides and Debris Flows After a Fire
How to Stabilize Your Soil and Prevent Erosion

Another MUST READ article on the Rains Tonight!

2008-11-25T22:29:00.000-08:00

Click Here for Article on Heavy Orange County Rain Storm Tonight

After the fires, the rains...

2008-11-25T22:14:00.001-08:00

The Orange County Register always has important news on the fires/rains in the area. Click on the following link for a good article on the threat of heavy rains in OC's recently burned areas (esp. in Yorba Linda): http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-sandbags-rain-2238999-hillsides-barriers.

From the article, of note, pertaining to Yorba Linda:

According to National Weather Service predictions, a storm currently just off the coast may bring an inch of rain or more to Yorba Linda.

Rain is expected through Thanksgiving Day, said Moore after talking with weather officials. “Our most critical event could be tonight. We're supposed to get the heaviest rain — about 1 1/2 inches — in a six hour period between 10 (p.m.) and 4 (a.m.).”

That sort of rainfall, he said, is almost certain to trigger a mandatory evacuation.

Residents of Orange County have often had to face the threats of mudslides due to heavy rains after devastating fires. Let's all come together as a community and do what we can to help those who are affected by the weather and fire season. Let this also serve as a reminder of our close connection to the Earth and the elements - in our modern age, we cannot separate ourselves completely from nature - it plays a constant role in our lives, whether we want it to or not!

*** On a side note: OC Parks closes the trails once 1/4" (0.25 inches) of rain has fallen, for 48-72 hours. Check http://ocparks.com for more information on park closures.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Ocean Conservancy

2008-11-24T14:18:00.001-08:00

A short video reminder from the Ocean Conservancy of how important the ocean is in our daily lives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9FEPieaIaU

Hi ho, Hi ho, It's Off to Work We Go...

2008-11-23T21:56:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have been following our blog and website, we are happy to announce that improvements are currently being made on the main website (Click HERE to Visit NIOC's Website). Of particular interest:

A "Plant of the Week" page has been established - visit the site weekly to learn about a different plant found in Orange County.

A "Kid's Corner" has also been created ~ links, book & CD titles, and educational programs all focused on children's Nature activities will become increasingly available over the next few weeks.

Nature In Orange County is also on Facebook (Click HERE to visit NIOC's Facebook Page). Become a Fan ~ it is an easy way to spread the word about us to your friends and colleagues!

Strange and Mysterious? You betcha.

2008-11-23T20:33:00.000-08:00

Today we took a fantastic little stroll at Aliso and Wood's Canyon ~ and came across some interesting phenomena. Who can identify them? All responses should be sent to info@natureinorangecounty.com. Many thanks!

Mystery phenomenon #1

Mystery phenomenon #2

The California Native Plant Society - OC Chapter

2008-11-19T21:42:00.000-08:00

We at Nature In Orange County have just joined the OC Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) - and we think you should, too!

Check out all of the wonderful news, photos, and information at CNPS's main website:
http://www.cnps.org/ and then go to CNPS's OC Chapter: http://www.occnps.org/

Simply AWESOME - Naturalist For You

2008-11-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

You MUST check out this site: http://www.naturalist-for-you.org
It's simply awesome.

OC Register's "Fire Central" Page

2008-11-17T16:50:00.000-08:00

Check out this page for more information about fires in OC:

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sections/news/firecentral/

A Great Site to Check Out

2008-11-17T11:00:00.001-08:00

Here's a website you won't want to miss: Dick Newell's OC Trackers!

http://www.octrackers.com/

While the site isn't quite up yet, we have been promised that it will be soon - so bookmark this great address for future reference, inspiration and wonder!

Google Maps has Major Fires displayed

2008-11-16T22:45:00.000-08:00

Click Here to Access the Google Map for OC Fires

NIOC's Photos - Mostly identified! :)

2008-11-16T22:42:00.000-08:00

Hi all ~

I've been able to identify most of the plants that I have photographed as of yet! Hooray! (or at least I think... one never knows! =) )

Check out the albums (over 100 of them!) here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/NatureInOrangeCounty

Thanks! And stay vigilant out there during this scary Fire run...

Laguna Canyon Foundation is on Facebook!

2008-11-16T22:33:00.001-08:00

Want to know what's going on in Laguna Canyon? (Of Course!)

Want to meet some really fun people, and join a community of volunteers, docents and naturalists? (YES! YES! YES!)

Check out Laguna Canyon Foundation on Facebook, HERE:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Laguna-Canyon-Foundation/31600053858

Orange County Fire Authority Emergency Website Page

2008-11-15T20:19:00.001-08:00

http://www.ocfa.org/ocfamain.asp?pgn1=3

CalFire Blog - Check it Out

2008-11-15T20:16:00.001-08:00

Check out this blog - with many great links: http://calfire.blogspot.com/2008/11/new-start-orange-county-highway-91.html

Fire Alert - Round 2, Part 2

2008-11-15T20:02:00.000-08:00

From KTLA's Online Article: http://www.ktla.com/landing_topstories/?Brush-Fire-Destroys-Homes-in-Corona-Yorb=1&blockID=135884&feedID=1198

Please check with your local authorities for current evacuation news and other important information.

Fire Alert - Round 2

2008-11-15T08:46:00.000-08:00

With the recent and ongoing fires in Montecito and Los Angeles, the strong winds and high temperatures of yesterday and today, we should all be reminded of the HIGH RISK OF FIRE in our OC Parks.

In Laguna Canyon, Laguna Beach, the Fire Alert flags are back up to warn passer-bys of the deadly combination of dry fuel and a spark of fire - be it a cigarette thrown out the window, a machine improperly used, a natural brush spark, etc.

Let us all remain vigilant as the weather conditions maintain a perfect nightmare scenario. Report any suspicious activity to local authorities immediately.

Humidity levels are below 15%. As of 9:20 AM, humidity in OC is around 2-6%.

Posts On Hold Until Further Notice

2008-11-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

Hello -
Thanks for checking up on us and our blog.
Nature In Orange County's Blog is Temporarily on Vacation :-)

Please enjoy the links available on both the blog and website, as well as NIOC's photos, and get out on the trails/out to the beaches/ OUTSIDE SIMPLY PUT whenever possible!

If you have information or thoughts to share, please email us.
Thanks again - we hope to post something soon (give us a week or two)...

Cheers!

Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau to promote green initiatives

2008-10-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest scoop on "Greenness" in Laguna Beach, CA:

The Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau is planning on promoting green initiatives on a new website, www.greenlagunabeach.com (not up yet as of 22 Oct 2008). Businesses are invited to share their green ideas/programs with the bureau.

"Even if you have done something as simple as recycling your newspapers,"Lorna Piercy wrote in an email to Laguna businesses today, "we would like to hear about it."

More green ideas are expected to be shared during the bureau's annual holiday party on December 1st.

Nature In Orange County gives kudos to the bureau for this first step in bringing a higher, "green" awareness to businesses in the community. Let's hope that this movement will thrive and improve our understanding of the needs of Orange County, and our responsibilities to the natural resources that surround us.

Camp Pendleton and a Sea of Tomatoes

2008-10-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the Laguna Canyon Foundation treated their volunteers to a field trip to Camp Pendleton. While out of the boundaries of Orange County, Camp Pendleton shares the same plants and ecosystems with the OC, as well as the same environmental challenges.

The highlight for me was to see a Native American rock site - visit NIOC's website page on the Native Americans in Orange County for photos and more information.

Right before lunch, we passed by a sea of tomatoes - most of which were ripe/over ripe and rotting on the vines... I do hope that these tomatoes will be collected soon and put in the markets... it would be such a waste, otherwise! Can you fathom how many tomatoes were out there???!!! and right by the 5 freeway!

Lastly, if you've got a few minutes to spare, check us out on Facebook and become our FAN: Nature In Orange County's Facebook Page. Thanks!

Low Tides at Laguna Beach Make For Great Tide Pool Viewing!

2008-10-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled (and very impressed) to see so many tide pools this afternoon at Main Beach at around 5:15 PM. It was amazing to see Bird Rock so close-up and personal, without hundreds of feet of water between us!

Pictures of the memorable hour I spent alone at the tide pools:
Low Tide - Tide Pools at Laguna Beach 16 Oct 2008

Videos that I took, available on YouTube:
Low Tide #1
Low Tide #2
Low Tide #3

Cheers!

Fire in Cleveland National Forest

2008-10-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

From an Article in the OC Register Online, seen at 6:02 PM
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/low-cleveland-firefighters-2196453-blaze-forrest

"Firefighters battling fire in Cleveland National Forest

OCFA crews called to fire near 91 and 241.

By KIMBERLY EDDS

The Orange County Register
CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST – Dozens of firefighters are battling a brush fire in the Cleveland National Forest about a half mile south of the 91 freeway.
Thick black smoke could be seen for miles as Orange County Fire Authority helicopters flew over the flames dropping water and trying to snuff out the blaze in the remote area near Sierra Peak. The blaze broke out just before 4 p.m. amid high temperatures and dangerously low humidity.
Firefighters have set up a command post at the Green River Country Club, and were making quick work of the blaze, which had scorched an estimated 18 to 20 acres, according to OCFA reports.
OCFA was working with fire crews from the U.S. Forest Service and Anaheim Fire Department to keep the flames from getting out of control. More than 20 fire engines, two water-dropping helicopters, two hand crews, four water tenders, two bulldozers and one fixed-winged aircraft were called in to battle the blaze, according to OCFA reports.
Crews had been on standby around the county this week in anticipation of the high fire danger weather and erratic Santa Ana winds.
The 91 freeway remains open at this time.
Wildfires that raged earlier in the week began to finally lie low Wednesday as the Santa Ana winds faded, but warnings of risky conditions continue through Friday because of low humidity, which makes it easier for brush to burn."
More to come.

Newport Beach Bans Styrofoam at Restaurants!

2008-10-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

Yay!
Look what I found in the OC Register Online today:

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-styrofoam-newport-2195993-ban-made

We all need to be more aware of how many plastic, paper and styrofoam products we use when eating out, and reduce as much as possible!

All OC Parks Reopened; Red Flag Warning Remains

2008-10-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

From the www.ocparks.com website: http://www.ocparks.com/newsroom/default.asp?Show=1001885&subshow=A

All Parks Reopened; Red Flag Warning Remains

Four parks closed due to high winds on Monday.

by Marisa O'Neil, Public Affairs Manager on 10/14/2008

Four OC Parks facilities that closed due to high winds reopened to the public on Tuesday morning.

Rangers on Monday closed Laguna Coast and Aliso & Wood Canyons wilderness parks and Irvine and Santiago Oaks regional parks as a fierce Santa Ana windstorm blew across Orange County. Though the parks reopened on Tuesday morning, the County remains under a red flag warning, meaning a high fire danger, until 6 p.m. Tuesday night.

Park visitors are asked to exercise caution and to remain aware of their surroundings. Report any wind damage, smoke or fire to the Park Ranger.

Rangers will be keeping a close eye on areas of dry brush.

Monday's windstorm damaged trees and signs in some OC Parks.

Check your park of choice's page on this site for the most up-to-date information on conditions and closures.

From the OC Register: "Fire watchers on alert in the canyons"

2008-10-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

From the OC Register online:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fire-volunteers-canyons-2178206-county-watch (Article below):

Fire watchers on alert in the canyons

Volunteer force says it will be well prepared when winds whip up fire danger.

By MARK EADES and PAT BRENNAN

The Orange County Register

Comments 0 | Recommend 2

The fire watch volunteers in the canyons are ready for the upcoming fire season.
Wearing bright green vests, with "Fire-Watch" signs on their car doors and toting radios, volunteers from the canyons will be on patrol this year watching for any potential arsonists, careless smokers and other fire dangers during times of high winds and peak fire danger.
Devastating fires have occurred throughout the western United States already this year, said Orange County Fire Authority chief Chip Prather. The agency is working with the volunteer programs in all the canyons and with a group with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy.
"We can't do this alone," Prather said. "We need the help of these volunteers."
The volunteers from each group will work with each other and with groups such as the Inter Canyon League in the county's eastern canyons.
During times of fire alerts, the volunteers will make their presence known, talk to members of the public – and do things like note down license plates of cars in wild land areas in case a fire breaks out later.
The fall months, especially October, are the Santa Ana wind months, and the fire-watch volunteers are expecting an active season. Dry conditions are making Orange County's vegetation especially vulnerable.
"I think that just our appearance of being there makes people aware of the danger," said volunteer Judy Andreosky. "Hopefully, our presence will be a deterrent to people who are not there for the right reasons."
Volunteers don't act as law-enforcement officials, but can report suspicious activity to authorities.
To be better prepared for future fires, OCFA is in the process of acquiring 11 "brush" engines for wildfires, and training helicopter pilots with night vision goggles. The agency has purchased seven of the compressed air fire-retardant foam units, which can spray homes ahead of wildfire, with five more on the way. One unit has been deployed in Silverado Canyon, and another in Coto de Caza.

Contact the writer: meades@ocregister.com or 949-454-7352

Google Maps has Major Fires displayed

2008-10-13T18:01:00.001-07:00

Visit: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=103014136534897026967.000459297be1421fde023&ll=37.492294,-118.937988&spn=8.57416,14.0625&z=6 to see the major fires in California at the moment.

Fire in Newport Beach

2008-10-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

From KTLA's news online, seen here: http://www.ktla.com/content_landing_page/?Brush-Fire-Threatens-Homes-in-Newport-Be=1&blockID=97895&feedID=171 at 5:58 PM

October 13, 2008
NEWPORT BEACH -- A brush fire burned at least 100 acres in the Bonita Canyon area of Newport Beach Monday afternoon.
Four water-dropping helicopters and 15 ground crews were battling the blaze, which was reported around 3:30 p.m. The fire broke out somewhere off Bonita Canyon Drive, according to Newport Beach Fire Department spokesperson Jennifer Schulz.
An evacuation was issued for homes in the neighborhood east of San Miguel Drive, but the order was later halted, according to Schulz.
She said the fire was contained, with just some spot areas of flames remaining.

Keep our Natural Parks Safe: REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY, STAY VIGILANT!

If anyone has any photos of this fire, or has extra information to share, please comment!

UPDATE 6:27 PM: THE OC REGISTER HAS ARTICLES ONLINE, such as THIS ONE

Crkkkkkkk! Snap! Trees Down due to Santa Ana Winds...

2008-10-13T09:47:00.001-07:00

In Irvine, as in many Orange county cities, the trees have been affected by the high Santa Ana Winds.
Here is but an example of a fallen tree in a residential area...
Be careful about where you park your car today!

Red Flag Weather Conditions - Wilderness Parks Closed

2008-10-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Due to a high risk of FIRE (low humidity + Santa Ana winds), our Wilderness parks have been closed. Please be extra vigilant when driving through sensitive areas, refrain from smoking or any activity that could set off sparks, and do not visit the parks until the county and rangers announce their official reopening.

For more information on the status of your favorite regional/wilderness park, visit: http://ocparks.com

What Happened to my Mushroom???

2008-10-10T16:53:00.001-07:00

So pleasantly surprised was I to discover a fantastic mushroom in my garden this morning at 8 AM...

So disappointed am I now, only 9 hours later, to find it GONE, with the stem all shriveled up!

What happened? Who is a mushroom expert??? Tell us, please!

There's a Mushroom in my Garden!

2008-10-10T08:46:00.001-07:00

Who can identify this mushroom for me? :)

It's about 2.5 inches tall.

More pics at : http://picasaweb.google.com/NatureInOrangeCounty/Mushrooms#

Thanks!

Planet Earth Online

2008-10-09T18:50:00.001-07:00

Just discovered a great site: http://planetearth.nerc.ac.uk/

In particular, watch the Deepest Living Fishes Caught on Camera (Video)
"Scientists filming in one of the world's deepest ocean trenches have found groups of highly sociable fish swarming over their bait, nearly five miles (7700 metres) beneath the surface. This is the first time cameras have been successfully recovered from this depth." Dates from: 07 October 2008

Do you smell a fire?

2008-10-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

Stepping outside this morning, I smelled the all too familiar smell of fire...

From the OC Register online, one can read:

"CAMP PENDLETON – A fire that burned more than 1,000 acres of open brush in
Camp Pendleton, sending thick plumes of smoke that were visible from Oceanside
to north Orange County, was completely contained this morning after a
multi-agency effort put out the flames, officials said.
Fire officials estimate the fire burned between 1,400 to 1,900 acres of brush inside the base, said Marine Sgt. Michael Knight. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Fire officials are searching for hot spots inside the burned area to make sure the fire cannot be reignited, said Marine Sgt. Darhonda Rodela, a spokeswoman for the base.
"They're pretty optimistic at this time," she said.
The smell of smoke from the fire was noticeable across the county, which was first
reported to be burning after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Residents from Coto de Caza
reported finding ash in their yards this morning from the flames."

Read the rest of the article here:http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fire-pendleton-camp-2185424-base-officials

Another article: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/base-fire-oceanside-2185195-range-reported

Though it's at Camp Pendleton, and not in Orange County, we're all connected... whatever goes into the air comes up to us... Whatever nature is charred affects us in multiple ways...

CREEC: California Regional Environmental Education Community

2008-10-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

California Regional Environmental Education Community

CREEC's Mission Statement:

"The California Regional Environmental Education Community (CREEC) Network is an educational project whose mission is: To develop a communication network which provides educators with access to "high quality" environmental education resources to enhance the environmental literacy of California Students.

The CREEC Network is the best source for Environmental Education resources in California."

(Taken from website on 8 October 2008 - "CREEC Mission")

In Orange County: Orange County CREEC

Orange County: A Biodiversity Hotspot

2008-10-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the natural world of Orange County is part of the California Floristic Province, one of the world's Biodiversity Hotspots?
I'll let you click on the link above and read all about it!

Protect our Water - Keep it Clean

2008-10-08T21:17:00.001-07:00

The OC Watersheds Program - Something You'll Wanna Check Out!

Of Particular Interest, You'll Wanna See THIS PAGE: Introduction to the 24 Hr.Water Pollution Hotline

Also, Check out the California Coastal Commission HERE... You'll be glad to know of it.

Scorecard.org : See How OC rates in Pollution

2008-10-08T21:13:00.001-07:00

A good (yet seemingly old) site on Polluters/Pollution in any county - just enter your zip code and see the results!

http://www.scorecard.org/index.tcl

Also, if you have extra time and want to delve into a more complicated website, The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable is at www.p2.org (that's an easy address, huh?)

Nothing like a few rainbows to color your day

2008-10-08T19:26:00.001-07:00

Taken by a dear person who will remain anonymous on 04 October 2008 in Aliso Viejo, right after a gentle rain.

1st Annual "No Plastic Left Behind" at Orange Coast College - Oct 11

2008-10-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

The following was found at: http://www.earthresource.org/campaigns/CAPP%20Conference/CAPPconference08.html

Get Involved:
1st Annual "No Plastic Left Behind"
A Campaign Against the Plastic Plague Conference
A workshop for youth and activists from around the world to take action

Saturday, October 11, 2008
8:15 am Registration
9 am to 5 pm Conference
Location: Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Hosted by Earth Resource Foundation & Orange Coast College Recycling Center

Your host for this Activist and Youth conference is Earth Resource Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, whose mission is to empower businesses and the public with the tools needed to make environmentally sustainable choices and changes where people live, work and play. Our Co-host is Orange Coast College Recycling Center, a leader in community recycling. Proceeds from the conference will allow us to continue to grow the CAPP campaign and support all our volunteers and partners.

Limited number of student and work scholarships available - details on the registration page

Join us at 7:45 am for a 1/2 hour yoga and meditation session in the beautiful outdoor horticulture center

Campaign Against the Plastic Plague Resources

Healthy Air Walk October 19, 2008

2008-10-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

The following was found at: http://alac.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=278325

Dollars Raised for Healthy Air : $26,856

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE, ALDRICH PARK

Healthy Air Walk: Sunday, OCTOBER 19, 2008

Event Location, Irvine, CA

Event Check-In Starts at 8:00 a.m.
Walk Starts at 9:00 a.m.

Event Goal $200,000

Californians breathe some of the unhealthiest air in the nation, and American Lung Association-funded research shows that air pollution can worsen and even cause lung disease.

Together we can help everyone breathe easier

Healthy Air Walks bring together people who want to fight lung disease by cleaning the air we breathe. Every step we take now toward improving air quality gets us closer to a world free from lung diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

Supporting Healthy Air is Easy

Asking friends, family and co-workers to donate to this crucial effort is easy. In fact, you will probably find they are ready to join you to walk to improve the air we breathe.

106 Photo Albums Available for Viewing!

2008-10-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

Wow! Although we're not done putting up all the photos we have taken outdoors in Orange County since 2005, there are now 106 Albums up on our Picasa Albums page! (we know that LOTS OF THEM aren't appropriately named yet... thank you for your patience!)

Please visit our photos here: http://picasaweb.google.com/NatureInOrangeCounty

And we would love your input... please email us at info@natureinorangecounty.com to tell us what you think!

Thanks!

Other OC Blogs to check out

2008-10-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

A quick post!
Surfing the net this evening, I found these other OC blogs created by other passionate naturalists in Orange County. (Many are not up-to-date or regularly updated, but it's nice to read them anyways - there's a lot of various insights and facts to learn...)

Have fun!

http://orangecountynaturalist.blogspot.com/
http://bioticspark.blogspot.com/
http://revolvingrock.blogspot.com/ (Astronomy in OC)

Update Oct 5, 2008: This blog is so awesome! Thanks to Cindy for contacting me!
http://bugsafari.blogspot.com/

The Air We Breathe in Orange County

2008-10-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

I hesitated for a second before starting this new post. "Why write about the Air in OC?" my half-awake brain asked me - "You're broadening your subjects out, it has nothing to do with the plants and animals of Orange County!" And yet air is one of the most important parts of our natural world (if not the most important!) without our air, life as we know it could not exist!

Hence a few links to websites/PDF files that I have found that I feel are of interest:

Nature In Orange County's Website now has an "AIR" rubric and page:
http://sites.google.com/site/natureinorangecounty/air-in-oc

If you have a particular interest in Orange County's air and would like to contribute to our site/blog, please contact us at info@natureinorangecounty.com.
Thank you!

Marine Debris - A Good Reminder

2008-10-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

A Big Thanks to the Ocean Conservancy for reminding us on the dangers of trash in the ocean - A quick, two page PDF file is accessible here: http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/DocServer/MarineDebris.pdf?docID=4441.

It's easy to take for granted the beautiful coastlines of Orange County... Even if many of us haven't made a trip to the beach in over a year, let's admit it: it is comforting to know that the ocean is there. But for those who have gone out and looked closely at the beach this year, it is obvious that the ocean needs our help... trash is constantly spewing out onto our shores from distant lands, and our local trash is going out to sea... If we don't help clean up this mess, who will?

A few months ago I saw an outstanding documentary online, still available for viewing, on "Garbage Island," aka "a patch of garbage the size of Texas floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean." Watch it here: http://www.vbs.tv/shows/toxic/garbage-island/ ... Try to watch the entire documentary (even though it gets disgusting/depressing)... it will leave a lasting mark on your conscience and inspire you to make a difference!

Finally, let's make an effort to clean up our beaches at least twice during the year... you know, on those days off, those unexpected free hours during the week, etc. ... and if doing it solo is too quiet, grab a friend or two! You're sure to make some good memories together.

How to Get Involved - Adopt-A-Park Program

2008-10-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, so you're driving past the parks of Orange County, walking on the beaches, or just watching the grass grow in your front yard, and then it hits you - you feel the need to get involved in the natural community! You're not sure when, where, or how... but you know that it would feel great to meet new people, discover the natural history of your surroundings, and help promote an increased awareness of OC's resources.

If you turn to the internet for guidance, I suggest visiting Adopt-A-Park, OC Parks' Volunteer Program, which serves over 30 OC Parks facilities in Orange County. Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Adopt-A-Park, taken directly from the Adopt-A-Park Volunteer Manual:

What does it mean to Adopt-A-Park?
As an Adopt-A-Park volunteer, you can assist with beautification of over 39,000 acres of spectacular resources. We want you to help in preserving and maintaining the natural beauty and allure of these distinct landscapes and facilities, striving to maximize the outdoor experience for locals and visitors alike.

What can I do as an Adopt-A-Park Volunteer?
There are many ways you can be a part of our Adopt-A-Park Volunteer Team. From being a trail monitor, to creating a new trail; Planting gardens to maintaining present ones; Staffing an interpretive center to leading nature walks for visitors, the possibilities are endless.

There are many perks in being an Adopt-A-Park Volunteer - besides the obvious joy in working in/for nature with other like-minded individuals, you often get free access to the parks (no parking fees), expense reimbursement, formal and informal recognition - and the Adopt-A-Park program carries Volunteer insurance.

If you are looking to make a difference in your community, to add more joy into your life, and to connect with nature in Orange County, this is an excellent way to go!

(All information has been taken from the Adopt-A-Park Volunteer Manual; the author of this post is, as of the posting date of 1 Oct 2008, not affiliated with Adopt-A-Park in any way. Please contact Adopt-A-Park directly for more information on their program. Thanks!)

First Rain & More Plants Photographed

2008-09-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well, looks like we got our first real rain in a long time here in Southern Orange County!

Yesterday, Sept 28th, I went to Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and took some more photographs of the plants along the trail... I also got some nice insect and snake shots!

After taking about 80 high-resolution shots from that little walk, my photo albums on Picasa have increased in size (and there are a lot of plants that I still need to identify... bear with me, it's a lot of work!) You can see the increase in volume here: Nature In Orange County's Photos.

On September 27th, the Laguna Canyon Foundation had their Volunteer Orientation from 9-1:30 at the Nix Nature Center. What a wonderful group of volunteers, rangers and staff! Everyone had a great time learning about the various volunteer possibilities - from trail maintenance and native plant restoration, to participating in the various hikes, tours, and events, there was something for everyone to get excited about! For more information on the next orientation, visit: http://www.lagunacanyon.org/

Finally, a little note: We at Nature In Orange County realize that both our blog and website have only been covering the events, plants and trails of Southern Orange County. We apologize for not including Northern Orange County in our posts and articles... Yet we thank you for your patience... as the blog and website grow over time, we are sure that more attention will be paid to the natural world of Northern OC.

Curious about the Plants of OC?

2008-09-27T00:10:00.000-07:00

9-26-08: Oscar F. Clarke's Flora of the Santa Ana River and Environs (2007) is a great reference on the plants that can be found in the area... I highly recommend it! More good reads/references will be available (with a bit of time, bear with me...) on N.I.O.C.'s WEBSITE, at: www.natureinorangecounty.com, at this page: Important Books.

Green Jobs in OC

2008-09-26T23:43:00.001-07:00

9-26-08: This post is almost coming too late, but it's worth noting that tomorrow is National Day of Action for Green Jobs. Visit http://www.greenjobsnow.com/ and enter in your zip code to find activities in OC to participate in tomorrow (Saturday, September 27, 2008)!

One Earth, One Dream Environmental Festival, Oct 2-5 LAGUNA BEACH

2008-09-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

ENDANGERED PLANET FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE FIRST
ANNUAL ONE EARTH | ONE DREAM ENVIRONMENTAL FESTIVAL

OCTOBER 2 – 5 AT FESTIVAL OF ARTS GROUNDS IN LAGUNA BEACH

Four Day Event Features “Life on the Edge” Symposium October 2– 5

and the “Autumnal Green Festival” October 3 - 5

Event is Open to the Public and Includes Interactive Workshops, Renowned Speakers, Seminars, Live Entertainment, Films, Art, Children’s Workshops, Fashion Shows and More Than 50 Green Exhibitors

Guest Speakers Include Former UN Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury

and National Geographic EcoAmbassador Chris Jordan

LAGUNA BEACH, CA – September 2, 2008 – Endangered Planet Foundation, in partnership with the Festival of Arts, Laguna Beach Magazine, and the Laguna Beach Visitors and Conference Bureau, presents One Earth/One Dream, the West Coast’s premier environmental festival, October 2 – 5, 2008 at the Festival of Arts grounds in Laguna Beach.

Several thousands of people per day people are expected to attend this Southern California festival, which celebrates the earth and the transition being made toward a sustainable future through interactive workshops, world-renowned speakers, seminars, live entertainment, film, art, children’s workshops, fashion shows and more than 50 green exhibitors.

“The goal of One Earth/One Dream is to increase awareness of our impact on the planet and explore what each of us can do to sustain our only home,” explains Charles Michael Murray, founder and CEO of Endangered Planet Foundation. “We want to seed the vision that we are in humankind’s finest hour. We have the technologies and the brain power and compassion to engage in local and global solutions—together. We expect to showcase by celebration and dialog that we can make this a better place for our children’s grandchildren.

One Earth/One Dream includes two main events: “Life on the Edge” symposium October 2 – 5 and “Autumnal Green Festival” October 3 – 5.

“Life on the Edge” symposium is held in the Festival of Arts’Forum Theater and features renowned guest speakers (including Former UN Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury and National Geographic EcoAmbassador Chris Jordan), panel discussions on topics ranging from sustainable building design to innovations in fuel cell technology, film screenings (including The 11^th Hour and Pangea Day), and more.

“Autumnal Green Festival” is a three day event held on the Festival of Arts grounds (including the Irvine Bowl Amphitheater). The Festival features health, wellness and nutrition presentations, live music, children’s events and performances, Art Miles Mural Project, and more than 50 green exhibitors offering a variety of innovative products, information and demonstrations.

LIFE ON THE EDGE KEY SYMPOSIUM ACTIVITIES AND TOPICS

The Life on the Edge symposium will feature key note speakers, panel discussions, and selected film screenings:

Keynote addresses by former UN Ambassador Chowdhury and National Geographic’s EcoAmbassador Chris Jordan
Panel Presentations on Clean Air and Climate Change moderated by Scott Samuelsen, Ph.D., Director of the National Fuel Cell Research Center and Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Irvine
Film screenings of The 11^th Hour and Pangea Day
Showcase awards ceremony of the Toshiba Green Innovation OC Award Winners
Other panel discussions include environmental ethics and clean air and
climate change

SYMPOSIUM DETAILS

Thursday, October 2, The symposium gets underway on at 6:30 p.m. when Endangered Planet Foundation welcomes opening keynote speaker Chris Jordan, National Geographic’s EcoAmbassador, followed by an hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting reception and networking at Tivoli Terrace restaurant. Meet Symposium Chair Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury (Former Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the United Nations) along with other symposium presenters.

Friday, October 3, features a 9 a.m. keynote address by former UN Ambassador Chowdhury, followed by a panel discussion on environmental ethics presented by University California, Irvine. After lunch, Chris Jordan offers a keynote address, followed by a panel discussion on sustainable building design and the Toshiba showcase of green innovation award winners. The day concludes with the 4:30 pm screening of the film The 11^th Hour.

Saturday, October 4, begins at 9 a.m. with a welcome by former Ambassador Chordhury, followed by a keynote address from Wayne Nastri, Regional Administrator (Region 9), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. At 10:30 a.m. is a panel discussion on innovations on fuel cell technology and transportation, moderated by Scott Samuelsen, Ph.D., Director of the National Fuel Cell Research Center and Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Irvine. After lunch, Richard Henrikson, P.E., President, Henrikson Owen + Yang, moderates a panel discussion on greening venues and events. Next, Chris Prelitz, Prelitz + Partners, offers a presentation on thriving post petroleum and passive solar. The day concludes at 4 pm with the screening of Pangea Day.

Sunday, October 5, begins at 9 a.m. with former Ambassador Chordhury discussing the UN role in environmental action, followed by a keynote address from Jack Broadbent, Executive Officer/Air Pollution Control Officer, Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Following that is a panel discussion on clean air and climate change. After lunch, Dr. Robert Sears discusses “The Whole Family, followed by a panel discussion presented by USC on environmental action points for the next administration. The symposium concludes with a guest speaker (TBA), closing remarks, and a film.

AUTUMNAL GREEN FESTIVAL OVERVIEW

The Autumnal Green Festival has seven thriving villages that will be open throughout the event:

Eco Village: Features a variety of the nation’s leading green businesses and ecological products and services providers. Over 25 exhibitors work together to create an area that features clean energy, renewable energy resources, education workshops and cutting edge technology dedicated to environmental preservation and sustainable lifestyle practices.
Earth Moon Children’s Interactive Area: A family-friendly event featuring kid’s activities and entertainment with various acts, artists and workshops, children focused exhibitors, vendors and educational programs for the whole family.
Clean Energy and Alternative Fuel Vehicles: This exhibit promotes the latest advancements in automotive technology and alternative transportation.
Family Health and Wellness: This includes over 20 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in healthy active lifestyle, yoga, natural food and natural organic cuisine.

The Innovative Home: This area contains over 20 exhibits showcasing various ways to improve sustainability through home products, waste management, furniture, architecture, cleaning supplies and more.
Permaculture:
Integrated Systems that run on the cycles of the sun and earth with food systems supported by nutrient (waste) cycling systems, linked to water harvesting, conservation, and reuse strategies surrounding your shelter, powered by the sun.
Art Exhibit: Local and national artists fitting the Endangered Planet criteria will showcase their environmentally friendly artwork which will include recycled materials, natural paints and environmental themes.

DAILY FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

Friday, October 3: Villages and exhibits open 1 pm to 8 pm. Highlights include music by guitarist Kristopher Szasz, performance art by Terrell, children’s music by Cheryl Procaccini, a children’s organic fashion show, family yoga and flute, “Green for Kids,” and an opening celebration at 6 pm with Taiko drums, Japanese drums, and flute.

Saturday, October 4: Villages and exhibits open 10 am to 8 pm. Highlights include yoga and flute music, poems and guitar music, family health and nutrition, organic fashion show, haute trash fashion show, kids’ music, exhibitor demos, Art Miles mural project, performance art, and reggae bands Kurt Mahoney and Roots Foundation.

Sunday, October 5: Villages and exhibits open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights include yoga and flute music, poetry and guitar, health and wellness, children’s parade, organic fashion show, children’s music, and African music and dance.

TICKETS

Tickets for the “Life on the Edge” symposium are $55 pre-sale and $65 at the door for the Thursday evening VIP reception with Chris Jordan, $195 per day Friday through Sunday, or $395 for all three days. Symposium tickets include Festival admission.

Tickets for the “Autumnal Green Festival” are $7 per day general admission before 6 pm and $5 per day for veterans, seniors, firefighters and police officers; $15 per day general admission after 6 pm and $10 after 6 pm for veterans, seniors, firefighters and police officers. Three day passes are available for $15 general admission or $10 for veterans, seniors, firefighters and police officers.

For tickets or more information, call 949.497.5690, or visit OneEarthOneDream.org.

In addition to Endangered Planet, Festival of Arts and Laguna Beach
Magazine, event partners include Laguna Beach Visitors and Conference
Bureau and OC Innovation. Event sponsors include Toshiba, SCE, Super
Color Digital, and Global Imagination.

Event proceeds benefit Endangered Planet Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the survival of the Earth through the arts, education, dialog, the dissemination of knowledge and the recognition that advances in technology can provide many of the answers which will lead to a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.endangeredplanetfoundation.org.

Shaw's Cove, Laguna Beach

2008-09-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

Updated 9-23-08

Today I had the luxury of enjoying a nice afternoon at Shaw's Cove in Laguna Beach. With green flag conditions (ok, it was better than green flag, the ocean was like a swimming pool today) and a beautiful blue sky, I was in heaven.

Tonight's post is focusing on the videos of the animals and plants that we can see when at Shaw's Cove.

The first batch (in a series of three) is what male seagulls do when they have territorial issues. These are small little videos that I took with my camera while relaxing on the beach today. You can see them here:
Seagull shouting #1
Seagull shouting #2
Seagull shouting #3

The second batch are wonderful videos on Shaw's Cove (in the water) that I have found on YouTube that I am absolutely thrilled to have found.
Shaw's Cove Scuba July 2006
Harbor Seal at Shaw's Cove
Shaw's Cove Freediving

For those of you who love crabs, here!
Sheep Crab
Crab Attack

And you gotta love octopi :)
Octopus #2 at Shaw's Cove

Photos to come soon :)

A Noteworthy Site (Pun Intended - You'll See Why!)

2008-09-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

While I was mingling with the wonderful folks at Main Beach this morning for the California Coastal Cleanup, I met the founder of "Birdsong and the Eco-Wonders" - Check out her music and website here: Birdsong and the Eco-Wonders.
A permanent link has also been placed to the right, under "Other Important Links."

September 20, 2008 : CA Coastal Cleanup Day : The Results

2008-09-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

This morning at 9 A.M. I went down to Main Beach in Laguna Beach to participate in the Coastal Cleanup (9 AM - noon). The first person to greet me at Main Beach was Roger Butow, founder of Clean Water Now! (check out the links on the right, his site is there too!) - it was great to finally meet him. While we were chatting, I asked him if he knew the creator of Laguna Beat (now my favorite Laguna Beach blog), and he said, "John! Yeah, he's right over there! Do you want to meet him?" adding a quick, "do you like him or not?" (and yet, even though I had never met him before, in reflecting on this matter, how could I not like John? ... His "You Suck at Parking" (or Driving, or Stopping) photos are hilarious, and it is so awesome to have daily shots of Laguna!) So I answered, "I like him!" and Roger took me over to meet John Krill. Awesome!

After socializing with two great individuals that I had already come to appreciate on the net, it was time for me to get to business - Cleaning up the beach! I picked Main as I always do, because it is the beach I always come to before/after work, or on my off days... I have a special relationship with it, and I always feel better when I take off my shoes, walk the shoreline barefoot, sing quietly to the sand and waves, and breathe in that salty air. With two distinctly colored and large trash bags and one clear plastic glove, a pencil and an Ocean Conservancy checklist of things I might find, I set on my way to pick up some trash!

Among the more consequential things I found: a pair of women's sunglasses, a leather belt, and a black shirt. Of course, there were the usual cigarette butts, plastic wrappers, straws, glass bottles, plastic bottles, bottle caps (and why aren't these recyclable, by the way?) - I was spared the used condoms this year, but perhaps someone else this morning wasn't so lucky. While there weren't great masses of people this morning, groups of friends, groups of children, and a couple moms with their kids were doing a good thing for the ocean.

Here's the "update" (results so far) on the Laguna cleanup from John's site "Laguna Beat" (Which you can also see HERE):

Update from Roger Butow, founder of Clean Water Now!:
Number of participants including staff: 320
Trash: 538 lbs.
Recycled: 396 lbs.
Miles of beach: 6 miles
Miles of Aliso Creek streambed: 1.5 miles
Total: 7.5 miles

Anyhoo, at 5:30 PM I returned to the beach, being idealistic, and fooling myself into thinking that after such an extensive search by all the volunteers, I would find Main to be spic-and-span. Alas, by 5:30, the beach was newly littered by irresponsible beach-goers and the ebb and flow of the sea, spitting out new items that it was choking on for who knows how long. I think that the biggest problem is parenting - we desperately need more good parents who will instill essential values in their children's minds (such as picking up your mess, leaving the places you visit better/cleaner than they were when you first got there, etc.). It always surprises me to see how many soda cups and burger wrappers are left behind, right there on the sand, and how many people just walk on by, as if all this trash was a natural part of the scenery.

Anyways, the next Coastal Cleanup Day is on December 6th, 2008 from 9 AM - noon (though you can always stay later, or come at any time, any day of the year!) :) I'm pretty much sure to be there, hope to see you too!

Where Are All the Children? Where Are The Adults?

2008-09-17T19:43:00.001-07:00

My fondest childhood memories are those of me playing outside in the backyard, amongst the fallen leaves, the wet earth, the various spiders, rollie-pollies, and furry, thick, neon-colored caterpillars... With my small hands on the ground, my nose and lungs taking in the sweet scent of dirt and twigs, my fingers softly tickling the backs of the rollie-pollies to see them curl up into dark-grey balls... There was nothing better than those short, quiet little moments between Mother Earth and Me.

Those were the (not-so-distant) days before internet, cell phones, wireless video game consoles, wifi, Starbucks, iPods, iThis and iThat. (I like to call it: iDon'tHaveALifeAnymore). Remember the mid-to-late 80s and early 90s? Things were so simple! Kids were outside, yelling, leaving their bikes everywhere on the street. I even got yelled at by a neighbor for riding my bike across his front yard all the time!

But in such a short period of time, things have changed. Where have the children of the next generation gone? Where are the 7-15 year-olds? Are they all online? Texting eachother from their rooms? Stuck in front of the computer or TV? And where are we, the adults, the parents, the working individuals? Have we all become accustomed to living walled-in on six sides, even on the weekends? Have we forgotten that there is an outside world to interact with, to learn from, and to help?

On August 20th, 2008, I went to the ENC in Newport Beach for a lecture entitled: "The Mentoring of Regenerative Living" by Jon Young, author of the soon-to-come-out book Coyote's Guide. He spoke a little about Richard Louv's best-selling book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, one that I am inspired to read as soon as I get some quality reading time! But most importantly, during his lecture, Jon reminded me of how important it is for parents to ensure that their children get enough time outside, without electronic devices of any kind (yes, the cell phone has got to go, too!) so that they can start tuning in to the natural world, develop their imaginations, and discover the beauty of the trees, plants and animals that surround them everyday.

Of course, this new "prescription" isn't limited to children - adults desperately need to reconnect with Mother Earth as well! For me, it comes down to what I call the "Quality of Life" question. How much technology are we willing to be bogged down by before we step away from it (if but for a moment) and decide to go outside and breathe?

Maybe it's not a question of technology, but rather one of lethargy, ignorance, or what the French like to call a "je-m'en-foutisme" (nicely put, an "I don't care" attitude). You don't have the time. Or the inspiration. Or an idea of where to go.

Whatever the reason for our staying-indoors way of life, might I suggest a small, yet amazingly positive revolution, one I call "I'm Going Out" (or for the fans of acronyms, "I GO"). We in Orange County are so fortunate for the plethora of natural resources and parks available to us on a daily basis. On the right of my blog are several links leading to the parks and Conservation groups in the area. Take the time to discover a place you have never been before! If you're unsure of the way, google map it! Ask a friend! Get involved in a hiking group, or call up the nearest nature center for advice! Take your kids, your partner, your dog, but most importantly, be sure to take yourself
(and all of you - mind, body and soul)!!! Breathe in and out the fresh air. Look all around you, and see what is looking at you. You'll be happy you did.

Share the Road in Laguna Canyon

2008-09-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

A quick post I wrote on my Laguna Canyon blog about SHARING THE ROAD with bicyclists: http://lagunacanyon.blogspot.com/2008/09/when-driving-through-canyon-share-road.html
More posts and photos to come this week! Please contact me with suggestions/comments! :)

Also: wikipedia on SR-133: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_State_Route_133

The Nursery At Willow

2008-09-14T21:21:00.000-07:00

Another great blog to check out (especially if you're a local and want to get involved, or are looking for more information about the canyon's happenings and native plants) : http://hijoley.blogspot.com/
Thanks Robert!

NATURE IN ORANGE COUNTY - THE BLOG

New Address for Laguna Canyon Blog

Natural History Lecture Series at the Orange County Great Park

October 8 and 22, 20097:00 PM, at Second HarvestFree Parking & Admission

Lecture Schedule

PARK(ing) Day in Orange County

Full Moon Creative Writing Workshop at the Red Rocks with Thea Gavin

Why Steelhead Trout Are Valuable Species In Our Streams

We haven't left Orange County (or Earth for that matter), we're just super busy!

Village Laguna Hosts the "Aliso Canyon Tour" Saturday, May 2nd

Creative Writing in Baker Canyon, Irvine Ranch

Live Web Cams at the Starr Ranch Sanctuary

All Ages Art Workshop in Bommer Canyon

Cougar / Mountain Lion & Bobcat Presentation tomorrow, Thursday 2 April at the Muth Center, Newport Beach

Project BudBurst & the USA National Phenology Network

Chris Prelitz, New Leaf America, Sustainability and Living Green

About the Mushrooms in Orange County

The Grizzly Bear National Monument & The California Chaparral Institute

The Importance of Sharing Observations With Others - Retrieving Bird Band Numbers

The Nature Writing Journey - A Creative Writing Workshop with Thea Gavin: UPDATE #2

Transition Laguna

Earthquakes in OC

The Literature on the Plastic Bag Ban in Laguna Abounds!

Village Laguna & No Plastic Bags in Laguna Beach!

West Nile Virus in Birds of OC, and Lyme Disease Killers (Western Fence Lizard)

No Fishing Zones off Orange County - New Marine Protected Areas

Beach Clean-Up March 21, 2009, 9 AM - Noon

Hike-OC: Orange County's Best Hiking from Trailmaster John Mckinney

Major Updates to NIOC Website

The Nature Writing Journey - A Creative Writing Workshop with Thea Gavin: UPDATE

CLEAN Education - Volunteer Opportunity

FUEL - The Movie - See it in Irvine

The Nature Writing Journey - A Creative Writing Workshop with Thea Gavin

The Rain, the Glorious Rain

Nature Networking - Online, In Person, or Both?

Milkmaids (Cardamine californica) are in bloom at Aliso and Wood Canyon

No worries, we're still around! =)

Early Blooming for Common Deerweed (CA Broom / Broom Lotus, Lotus scoparius)

Cold, But No Big Rain Yet... So we're all out and about! (Even the Snakes!)

Weather Update for This Weekend

Biggest Full Moon in 15 Years - Tonight!

It's not a giant ant... it's a Jerusalem Cricket!

First Mystery Solved! It's Hypoxylon thouarsianum! (it's also a mouthful!)

If you want to keep living in OC, stop breathing???

Air pollution kills more people than car accidents in Southern California, OC researchers say

"Green OC - Living Green in Orange County"

Still some muddy areas on the trails - Use Caution

Plant of the Week on NIOC's Website

OC Parks Still Closed

Month's worth of Rain in 6 Hours

Another MUST READ article on the Rains Tonight!

After the fires, the rains...

Happy Thanksgiving from the Ocean Conservancy

Hi ho, Hi ho, It's Off to Work We Go...

Strange and Mysterious? You betcha.

The California Native Plant Society - OC Chapter

Simply AWESOME - Naturalist For You

OC Register's "Fire Central" Page

A Great Site to Check Out

Google Maps has Major Fires displayed

NIOC's Photos - Mostly identified! :)

Laguna Canyon Foundation is on Facebook!

Orange County Fire Authority Emergency Website Page

CalFire Blog - Check it Out

Fire Alert - Round 2, Part 2

Fire Alert - Round 2

Posts On Hold Until Further Notice

Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau to promote green initiatives

Camp Pendleton and a Sea of Tomatoes

Low Tides at Laguna Beach Make For Great Tide Pool Viewing!

Fire in Cleveland National Forest

"Firefighters battling fire in Cleveland National Forest

OCFA crews called to fire near 91 and 241.

Newport Beach Bans Styrofoam at Restaurants!

All OC Parks Reopened; Red Flag Warning Remains

From the OC Register: "Fire watchers on alert in the canyons"

Fire watchers on alert in the canyons

Volunteer force says it will be well prepared when winds whip up fire danger.

Google Maps has Major Fires displayed

Fire in Newport Beach

October 8 and 22, 2009
7:00 PM, at Second Harvest
Free Parking & Admission

Event Location, Irvine, CA

Event Check-In Starts at 8:00 a.m.
Walk Starts at 9:00 a.m.

Event Goal $200,000