In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we are celebrating the plant adaptation of “tiny leaves.” Plants with small leaves have less surface area for the sun to reach and therefore the plant loses less water from evapotranspiration. Tiny leaves helps plants in our ecosystems preserve water. Yay for tiny leaves!
Here is another plant adaptation for our Mediterranean climate. Small hairs on the leaf (called trichomes) help keep the plant cool and protect it from the sun. The hairs reduce the rate of water loss (through transpiration) by deflecting the effects of wind, heat, and direct sunlight. Sycamore leaves are also hairy. Similarly, the hair on our own heads also serves the same purpose.
Spent some time in Chino Hills State Park this weekend. It was perfect weather. Let’s hope today’s storm helps our wildlife and plants replenish just a bit.
One of the things we try to do is educate supporters about the natural world, because when you know it you love it–and when you love it you fight for and care for it. This article does a great job explaining “geographic literacy” and how our landscapes are connected to one another (and us to them). How geographically literate are you? Read the Los Angeles Times article.
Nature has been a place for people to gather, to learn, to recreate, to regroup, to find beauty, to regain strength, and more. It has been especially challenging with the park closures related to the pandemic to not be able to access these sacred spaces. Even more recently inequities in experiences was brought to light. To honor all who love nature, who want to share in its healing powers, who want positive experiences in the wilds, we ask that you … Read More