Nature Exploration – Suburban Nature Explorations

Swarm: Ladybug Clusters

It’s that time of year, when the ladybugs return to Redwood Regional Park in Oakland, California. I haven’t hiked out to see them yet this season, but I’ve heard from others that the clusters are back (I’ll head out next week to see for myself and take more photos). Until then, here are a twoContinue reading “Swarm: Ladybug Clusters”

Natural Slide: Beautiful View

I can’t imagine a climbing log with a better view! On the Cypress Grove Trail… a 0.75 loop trail, perfect for hiking with kids. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California Photos taken September 15th, 2013

Silent Saturday: Nature Journaling

“The most important thing we can teach our children is to observe well.” -Ernst Mayer, Evolutionary Biologist Learning about animal tracks and signs, and journaling their observations. *** An awesome, free, naturalist-led class! Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley *** Interested in learning more about nature journaling? I highly recommend the book, Keeping a Nature Journal: DiscoverContinue reading “Silent Saturday: Nature Journaling”

Silent Saturday: Nature’s Balance Beam

Photo taken July 30th, 2013 Near the Wading Hole, Pescadero Creek San Mateo Memorial Park

Climb on a Giant Tree! San Mateo Memorial Park

How often do kids get to climb on a really, really large tree? You’ll find the “largest tree” on the Sequoia Trail (at less than a mile long, the trail is perfect for young kids). The trailhead is in the Tan Oak Picnic Area. See trail description and hiking map here.. Sequoia Trail. Note thatContinue reading “Climb on a Giant Tree! San Mateo Memorial Park”

Animal Fun! Sulphur Creek Nature Center, Hayward

I’ve been wanting to write about the Sulphur Creek Nature Center for a long time now. When my son was two and three, we visited the center regularly for their awesome toddler wildlife classes (for 1-3 year-olds). I found it was the best place in the San Francisco East Bay to give my son hands-onContinue reading “Animal Fun! Sulphur Creek Nature Center, Hayward”

Rock City: Mount Diablo State Park

Love this place!! Great for both kids and adults… huge sandstone rock formations to climb, small caves to explore, gorgeous views, fun hiking trails… what’s not to like?? You’ll find Rock City in Mount Diablo State Park, on South Gate Road, near the Live Oak Campground. For more information about Mount Diablo, visit the website…Continue reading “Rock City: Mount Diablo State Park”

This Beautiful World Through His Eyes

I often wonder what he’s thinking… *** WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: The World Through Your Eyes *** You may also enjoy: The Calming Effect of Nature on Children

Summer Solstice: Sunset from Mount Diablo

A beautiful welcome to Summer! Photos taken June 21st, 2013 Juniper Campground, Mount Diablo State Park

The Marsh: Coyote Hills Regional Park

When I need a break from the summer-dry hills that surround our home, one of my favorite local escapes is Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont for a walk on the boardwalk through the marsh. Photos taken June 9th, 2013

Play! Blake Garden

Blake Garden in Kensington may be the best botanic garden in the Bay Area for nature play. A favorite feature for my son is the Create-with-Nature Zone, which is stocked with sticks, rocks, flowers, and other nature items for kids to play and build with. The second best feature here is the bamboo tunnel sculpture. Continue reading “Play! Blake Garden”

Silent Saturday: Explore! California Academy of Sciences

Photos taken January 29th, 2013 California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco Also see… The Living Roof: California Academy of Sciences

Ladybug Clusters: Redwood Regional Park

Photos taken January 27th, 2013 Redwood Regional Park, Oakland Interested in going? The ladybugs cluster at Redwood Regional Park between November and February. You’ll find them at the intersection of the Stream and Prince Trails. Look on, around, and behind the bench, as well as across the trail, near (and on) the sign. You canContinue reading “Ladybug Clusters: Redwood Regional Park”

Citizen Science: FrogWatch 2013

As I sit here at my computer with the backdoor open to allow some fresh air into our home, I’m listening to the lovely sound of frogsong. The chorus is coming from the creek on the other side of our backyard fence. Up until today, we’ve only been hearing one frog at a time. Suddenly,Continue reading “Citizen Science: FrogWatch 2013”

The Calming Effect of Nature on Children

One of the great things about playing in nature is that bouts of exertion and excitement are often interspersed with quiet, contemplative time. I don’t have to recommend these quiet moments… my five-year-old sits down and calms himself entirely on his own whenever he’s inspired by the beauty around him. I often wonder what he’sContinue reading “The Calming Effect of Nature on Children”

More Fun with Animal Tracks

This past weekend, we attended a fun nature class at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. This free class for children aged 5+ and their family, called Family Nature Hour, is held on Saturday afternoons throughout the year. Each week a different concept from the natural world is covered. The one we attended on SaturdayContinue reading “More Fun with Animal Tracks”

When the tide is low, head out to the rocky, north end of Natural Bridges State Beach to explore the tide pools. Look for sea stars, hermit crabs, sea anemones, sea urchins, and more. So fun! For more information about Natural Bridges State Beach, visit the California State Parks website… http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541 If you’re here betweenContinue reading “Explore the Tide Pools, Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz”

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