May the beams of sunlight wrap their warmth and light around you while we unite for a common cause–humanity. We are with you and will continue to be. “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all.”—Emily Dickinson
Wild cucumber is a native vine that grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. It is native to SoCal and Baja California and when in bloom has small white flowers and green fruits that look like oblong spiked balls. The plants use a twisty technique to “grab on” to other branches and limbs. If you follow the vine to the ground there is usually a sizable root ball. The fruit is bitter, so humans (and most animals) don’t eat … Read More
Acorn woodpeckers are found throughout the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. These woodpeckers are known for hoarding acorns and nuts; and eating insects. Food is stored in granaries and hold thousands upon thousands of nuts/acorns. Woodpeckers excavate cavities for nests in dead or living tree limbs, utility poles, buildings, etc. There are usually 3-6 eggs per clutch with an incubation period of 11 days. Have you seen any woodpeckers in the Corridor?
We managed to get some fresh air yesterday, as allowed by the Governor’s Executive Order, by visiting Chino Hills State Park just after the trails had opened. It was peaceful, it was quiet, and a few others had the same idea. Here is a short video from Upper Aliso Trail. Please stay safe. We will get through this together—enjoy the beauty of nature.
Castor bean is a non-native plant that grows in disturbed areas and along roadways. Its leaves are easy to identify and its seeds (which are NOT actually beans) are used to make castor oil. Additionally, they contain ricin–a water soluble toxin–which in its purified form can kill an adult with just a few grams. Both the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority and Chino Hills State Park are doing their best to remove plants like these (and others) to make the … Read More