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Friday, May 29, 2015

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!


HD

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}.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

A Springtime Walk through the Gardens of Versailles

One of the most famous gardens of the world is outside
of Paris at the Palace of Versailles .

Take a walk with us through the springtime air....



HD 

The sky was stunning as the sun flitted between the clouds.
There are many kilometers to walk around the gardens and view the grounds. 
Boating is even available on the Grand Canal! 


Visit the fantastic website for more on the design and history of the gardens.


For more one minute trips around the world, visit and subscribe at TheEarthMinute.com

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Malibu Creek - Feel the Cool in Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek is a small stream in a big city.

Take a walk in Malibu Creek State Park along the streambed. 



HD
Without this bit of water flowing down to the ocean, many native plants and animal species would find it very hard to make it during a California drought season.

 

The 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}.
 
Native Oak Trees

From the Malibu Creek State Park website...

Campsites

Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding
Some Accessible trails
Dogs on a leash are allowed in the Park's day use areas and campground. 
Dogs are not allowed on the backcountry trails or dirt roads. 


DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Environmental Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Interpretive Exhibits
Excellent Nature & Wildlife Viewing


OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Pay Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Drinking Water Available




Friday, May 8, 2015

Ruffled Feathers - What's That Bird?

Sometimes an Earth Minute is a chance encounter with a youngster waiting for its parents by the side of a road.



If that road is through Yellowstone National Park's Hayden Valley, the creature could be any number of species.

Can you identify this youngster when you have a close-up view?

HD

Did you know it was a common raven (Corvus corax)?



The nasal bristle feathers on the very thick beak, tell you this is a raven and not an American crow. The pink lining of its mouth and the downy chest feathers tell you it is still a youngster. It could fly, but seemed to be choosing to stay out of the stiff wind. Eventually it flew off, but we're not sure who enjoyed watching whom most.  

See other Earth Minutes of Yellowstone National Park

See more Earth Minutes with birds and wildlife

Visit TheEarthMinute.com each week 
for a new natural world encounter

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Discovering Epiphyllums - Blooming Tropical Cactus

Commonly known as epiphyllums, these flat-stemmed cactus with large vibrant blooms are hybridized from ancestors that live in the nooks and crannies of trees in the forests of Central and South America.

Take a minute to discover the diversity of epiphyllum blooms.

HD

Epiphyllums are epiphytic; like many orchid species they grow on other larger plants, but cause no harm to their host. In southern California epiphyllums can be very happy on a patio or terrace. They thrive on little soil, mottled shade, minimal water, and good air flow.

Ours is a micro-habitat. Native bees, like the Valley carpenter bee, pollinate them and a juvenile alligator lizard lives beneath the pot.


The Epiphyllum Society of America keeps records on the over 700 named hybrid varieties. Like orchids, epiphyllums have an amazing diversity. These blooms were on display at the Southern California Spring Flower Show. The Epiphyllum Society hosts their annual show May 16-17, 2015 at the Los Angeles Arboretum.


Visit the Earth Minute each week and discover something new in the natural world.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Visit Southern California Flower Show


Weary of the drought? Visiting the Southern California Flower Show is a sure pick-me-up.

Display gardens offer inspiration with California native plants and drought tolerant options. 

Potted indoor plants and fairy gardens can be successful on a water budget.


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This was the 2014 Show. This year's show promises to be just as colorful and beautiful. If you haven't been, you should experience:

South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa




More Earth Minutes with flowers:


Visit TheEarthMinute.com each week for a new 1-minute vacation

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Come Whale Watching off the Coast of California

We set out on a sunny February afternoon for a cruise out of Ventura, California.


Come whale watching with us! 


HD
 
Two California Gray Whales swimming together

Each whale's tail has different markings, so individual can be identified with a good pair of binoculars, or a good camera.



It was a beautiful time on the water with Island Packers Cruises!

For more travels in California or around the World
join us at TheEarthMinute.com