Spring is glorious—the onslaught of colors, the symphony of singing birds and buzzing bugs, the feel of the soggy earth as it trembles to life once again. There is so much beauty to soak in and so little time. At the very least, I have to get out to the north side of Mount Diablo to see the fairy lanterns and the ephemeral waterfalls; hike up Indian Joe Creek Trail at Sunol Regional to look for…

Milkweed is often dismissed as a roadside weed, yet few native plants in North America are as powerful, versatile, or historically important. From sustaining iconic butterflies like the monarch, soldier, and queen, to providing fiber, food, and even life-saving materials, milkweed earns its reputation as a truly magical plant—one whose value stretches far beyond its delicate flowers and drifting…

The American badger (Taxidea taxus) is easily my favorite mammal that lives here with us in Livermore, California.

As part of my California Naturalist course 5 years ago, our instructor Leticia Gallardo had a unique February assignment for us: write a Valentine to nature.  Choose some animal, plant, or fungi found in California and profess our love to them in a poem.  So, this February, I share with you my poem to the California bay tree (Umbellularia californica). 

Livermore is fortunate to have amazing owls around the park. These birds of prey are vital to the ecosystem because of their ability to keep rodent and insect populations down. There is much to learn about these fascinating creatures! Here is a short synopsis about two owls you may be lucky enough to spot in the open spaces of Livermore Valley.