Plunge Into a California Tide Pool

Take minute to cool off and unwind with the creatures of a California tide pool. 

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California's kelp forests and tide pools are filled with biodiversity, color and patterns. Look for the bat star, ochre sea star, the sea star's tube-shaped relative the sea cucumber, California's state saltwater fish–the garibaldi (it's the same color as our state flower the golden poppy), a small swell shark and more.

These creatures represent the vibrant community of life found in California's tide pools and kelp forests. See them up close at the Channel Island National Park Visitor Center.

some fish hide in plain site

For more Earth Minutes on sea life:

Visit a Kelp Forest at CA Science Center
Birds and Marine Mammals of CA Channel Islands
Swim Australia's Great Barrier Reef
Sea birds of the Great Barrier Reef
Meet the Dugong

Float back each week for a new Earth Minute.

Discover the Headwaters of the Los Angeles River

Do you know the L.A. River? Really?

Discover the River walkway from the Headwaters to DeSoto Ave.

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They say the river begins where Bell Creek and the Calabasas Arroyo combine. Since the 1940s that location has been fixed just north of the intersection of Owensmouth and Vanowen in Canoga Park. (Just a skip away from the Topanga Mall.)

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The sculpted 'V' of the waters coming together forms a jut of land that is topped with the Canoga Park High School sports field. From Owensmouth east, a foot path has been added along the River. Native plants provide habitat for butterflies and birds, while thin riffles of water flow over narrow sandbars on a cement stream bed. 

It's quite beautiful really: the lines of the bridges, sweeping fins of concrete, heron-themed gateways.  

During a walk from Owensmouth to DeSoto and back, I saw a variety of bird species, including yellow-rumped warblers, a pair of white-crowned sparrows, and a black phoebe. 

small group of migrating least sandpipers

 Least sandpipers (Calidris minutilla) were stopping to feed on watery insects. While, American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) played 'catch the stone' mid-air over the water.

There were views of the Santa Susana and Santa Monica Mountains, where the water originates.

Benches built along the pathway offer respite for a thoughtful moment. Trash cans and dog waste stations are plentiful. Walk the north side of the River and the path will take you under Canoga Ave.

I'm excited to embrace the L.A. River as a place to visit, but this ideal is fragile. Neglect and trash can quickly mar the opportunity. Let's take ownership of our river. Use the plentiful trash cans and dog stations. We have a chance to recreate something soulful and living. Let's not allow apathy and ignorance to destroy this chance for a Walk by the River.

Discover more walks with wildlife around Los Angeles
Hidden Gardens of L.A.

Other Rivers and Streams:
Hike Limekiln Canyon Park, CA (Pacific tree frog, western fence lizard) 
Malibu Creek - Feel the Cool in Malibu Creek State Park, CA 
Arroyo Seco - Angeles National Forest
Discover Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, CA  
The Voices of a River - (Lamoille Canyon, Ruby Mountains, Nevada)
Floating the Outlet Stream - Squanga Lake, Yukon, Canada (arctic grayling)
Take a Cruise on the Yellow Water, Kakadu, Australia (birds & saltwater crocodile)

Visit weekly for a New Earth Minute.

   

Look Closer at Malibu Creek State Park

Look Closer at Malibu Creek State Park.

 

Although at first glance the California chaparral may seem devoid of color - look closer and the bright colors shine through in the details!


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Take a walk in Malibu Creek State Park along the walking trails. 

Look closer at the contrast of the dandelion!

Look closer at the bee on the native sage blossom!

For more on the park, visit us at TheEarthMinute.com
 See our post.

Malibu Creek State Park  is located four miles south of Highway 101 on 

Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road. 

Or 6.5 miles north up Malibu Canyon Road from Malibu and Pacific Coast Highway {California Highway 1}.

Visit Conejo Valley Botanical Garden - Hidden Gardens L.A. #4

On a recent trek to Thousand Oaks, CA, we happened upon the Conejo Valley Botanical Garden. This Hidden Garden is slightly west of Los Angeles, but definitely a local hidden treasure.
 
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Maintained by community efforts, this quiet hillside Botanical Garden encompasses 33 acres of different garden areas and wildlife habitat with views of Thousand Oaks’ rolling hills. The large area provides space for a variety of oaks and bird species that depend on these magnificent trees. We saw acorn and Nuttall’s woodpeckers, as well as a northern red-shafted flicker.

Look For:

• Fifteen specific garden areas: including rare fruit, bird habitat, oaks, sage, native and drought tolerant species
• Water features: a small stream and waterfall in the bird garden which attracts a range of birds
• Wildlife: not only does the area attract birds, look for mammals as well, like the introduced eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), and local reptiles like the western fence lizards (Sceloporus occitentalis)

Special Opportunities: The vistas are beautiful and the range of vegetation offers flowering plants even in winter. Native plant areas provide an example of how you can create wild California habitat in your own yard. Plants are well labeled and well-established specimens show plant size.

The Specifics:

• Open - Daily, except holidays, 8 AM to Sunset; Free to the public.
• Parking - Ample free parking
• Restrooms - Adjacent at the park community center
• Kid Friendly - In general a wonderful “wild” place to explore. There is also a "Kid’s Adventure Garden" and a play area in the adjacent park.
• Accessibility - Pathways vary from wide with minimal grade to narrow trails with steps. A varied stroll through the garden is possible on the wider path and signs do note “slope.” Pushing a wheelchair through the garden is possible with effort.
• Dogs - Dogs are welcome on a leash. Make sure to clean-up after your pet and be respectful of wildlife.
• Restrictions - Parking may be less available on weekends as the park is used by local picnickers and sporting groups.

For More Information: Conejo Valley Botanical Garden website

Find out about more Hidden Gardens in the Los Angeles Area

• Visit Pierce College Botanical Garden
• Visit Malibu Legacy Park
• Visit Orcutt Ranch Park
• Discover Southern California

Visit The Earth Minute weekly to experience a one minute adventure.