Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor Archives | Page 8 of 14

Wild Cucumber

by Melanie Schlotterbeck on March 26, 2020 with No Comments

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

by Melanie Schlotterbeck on March 25, 2020 with No Comments

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?

Mule Deer

by Melanie Schlotterbeck on March 20, 2020 with No Comments

Mule deer are found throughout western North America. They are named for their large ears, which look ears that belong on a … you guessed it … mule. Mule deer are ruminants, which means they ferment plant material before digesting it. For the tail, those are blacktipped (see the photo), unlike the “white tailed” deer. Mule deer are found throughout the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Please know that we are with you in spirit during this trying time and send … Read More

Fiddlenecks Delight

by Melanie Schlotterbeck on March 19, 2020 with No Comments

Named because their stem curls over the top of the plant resembling the head of a fiddle, fiddlenecks are found throughout California. The brightly colored yellow and orange(ish) annual flowers bloom in a curl. We’ve seen them across the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. May these photos continue to inspire you with beauty, peace, and calm. Remember to breathe deeply when you need to. One step at a time.

Article in California Oaks Publication

by Melanie Schlotterbeck on February 28, 2020 with No Comments

Last year, Hills For Everyone was asked by the California Oaks/California Wildlife Foundation to write an article on our work protecting Coal Canyon and the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. The publication was released and we uploaded it to our website. Check out the article on page 2. View the California Oaks Newsletter.