purple and gold
Tag: santa monica mountains
goat buttes
Marley Peifer and I hung out at Malibu Creek State Park for the day, geeking out on plants, rocks, reptiles, bryophytes, fungi, birds, insects and water. We also talked a little eco-philosophy and discussed different definitions of biodiversity.
Calochortus catalinae
The Santa Catalina mariposa lily is endemic to Southern California. It is native along the coastline in grasslands and open chaparral and woodlands habitats, especially on the Channel Islands and in the Santa Monica Mountains. It is considered rare due to habitat loss, so I am always happy to encounter it in the wild.
Silene laciniata
Also known as cardinal catchfly, Mexican campion, Mexican-pink, and campion. I know these flowers are a favourite of hummingbirds, but do they catch flies, as one of the common names suggests?
Stachys bullata
Hedge nettle is a native mint endemic to these parts. Even though it has ‘nettle’ in the name, it doesn’t sting. It has a strong and interesting smell.
thumbnails
I had a short but indefinite amount of time to fill. Rather than starting a full illustration, I practiced sketching value thumbnails.
inside outside
monochrome landscape
After my shift at the Visitor Center, I sat by the creek and sketched the view.
Keckiella cordifolia
I love these delicate little chalice-like seed pods.
Zuma Canyon trail
Thanks to blogging, I know that the last time I hiked this trail was in March 2024, as part of the whole Backbone Trail. I saw a striped racer that day; it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a snake, now I come to think about it. But it’s sure nice to witness the return of the wildflowers.
hashiworks 