When I think about some of the items I am drawn to while shopping, I find myself in awe and appreciation of antique maps and globes. So of course when... read more →
Photo by Jerry Kirkhart Have you noticed those rather large, shiny black beetles crawling around your yard? Many people call them “stink bugs,” but they aren’t the real stink bugs. ... read more →
We’ve had a new treat on the Central Coast in the past few years--glowing blue waves!!! The glow is caused by wave action that disturbs millions of microalgae called dinoflagellates,... read more →
Rachel Carson said, “Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life." Back in 1979 I was a mom with 2... read more →
I am not a professional botanist; however, I have always had a fascination for botanics. As a biology major of Cal Poly, I took several botany classes with Dr. Kiel... read more →
Camper Lillie shows off her finished seastar - photo credit Camper Parent Jen Lillie really enjoyed the week this week, and has been sharing her knowledge with us daily. Robin... read more →
You know when you meet someone and they exude a certain quality that just says “good human?” Well that is Hayley Nenadal. Last May, we were contacted by Hayley, a... read more →
Why, Diatom Art, of course! Each section in the photograph above is a microscopic diatom shell. Diatoms are phytoplankton, or microalgae. Their shells are made primarily of silica, which is... read more →
The Speedy Little Sand Crab The Pacific sand crab, (Emerita analoga), aka mole crab , is a small invertebrate decapod crustacean — meaning it lacks a backbone, but has five... read more →
Photo courtesy of Faylla Chapman Stone Gardens—what are they? Well, this isn’t exactly the beach, but this particular garden is right beside the beach. If you go to Morro Rock,... read more →