Whether it's wildflowers, birds, reptiles, whales, or seasonal bugs you're following, spring is always a scramble. (Slightly) sunnier weather is coaxing plants and fungi out of the ground, and luring all kinds of animals from their dens, including us. 

We encourage everyone to spend as much time outside as you can in the coming months. Our biodiverse county is on full display right now—it is pulsing with life! Enjoy, stay alert, and leave it better than you found it. 

Up For a Challenge?

How about an outdoor competition that helps wildlife?

It's that time of year again—the largest community science event in the world is here! Our collective goal? Document as many organisms as we possibly can.

Like a school yearbook provides a snapshot of our lives, the City Nature Challenge gives us a clearer picture of the wildlife around us and how it's changing over time. 

This international city-wide competition takes place from April 28 to May 1. On Saturday, April 29, there are at least nine different guided walks happening around the county! Tap the button for details.

Learn more

Mosquito Hawks, Skeeter Eaters, or Gollywhoppers?

Meet one of our most misunderstood locals.

Is it a giant mosquito, a flying spider, or none of the above? 

? If you're like most San Diegans, these large, clumsy insects are beating themselves to death at your porch light this time of year. No, they aren't spiders or mutant mosquitos. They're flies. Extra clumsy, extra gangly flies.

? Despite the funny names we call them, crane flies are harmless and don't eat mosquitoes. Most adults don't eat at all, relying instead on the energy they stored as young, plant-eating larvae. Imagine spending your entire adult life running on the energy you consumed as a child!

? We have around twenty species of crane flies in San Diego, and in spring, many of them are out looking for love.

Learn more about what our local wildlife is up to this spring in the video Here

The Mountains Are Calling...

And the deserts. And the beaches. And the chaparral. And the city parks. And the...

Need help finding flowers? Check out this map of Anza Borrego's best wildflower viewing spots, and check out our recent super bloom video on Instagram or Facebook. 

The grunion are running! Well, technically they're flopping. These small fish breed—or spawn—on our darkest beaches each spring. Though late at night, it is a phenomenal event to behold. Their next runs will be April 21-22 and May 6-7 around 10:30 PM. 

Did you know you can get native milkweed seeds mailed to your door for a few dollars or less? Just mail your contribution to the folks at Live Monarch. Even better, come to The Nat on Saturday, May 13 to get yourself a free, ready-to-plant native milkweed! Learn more here. 

If it's moths you prefer, join the San Diego River Park Foundation for a family friendly bat walk and blacklight mothing event, on May 20 from 6:30-9 PM at Grant Park. Registration required. (The author of this newsletter will be there!)

Hike of the Month: Bow Willow to Mountain Palm Springs

Yep. It's a wildflower hike. 

Where: Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Why: This trail is quite dry most of the year, but our wet winter has brought the area to life!
What You'll See: After you begin, take a short (and spicy) detour to Torote Bowl, filled with forest of elephant trees, or torotes. The bowl has great views of the Carrizo Badlands to the east. Back on the main trail, multiple spring-fed palm groves make a nice place to snack in the shade. Bugs, reptiles, flowers, and big horns abound—take it all in! 
The Terrain: This is an easy 4-mile loop with an elevation change of 400 feet. Map and trail details here.
Know Before You Go: Check the weather before heading out (things are warming up), and always bring plenty of water and sun protection. More info about Anza Borrego Desert State Park here. 

Where else can you hike for wildflowers? Check out our Canyoneers' Four Great Hikes for Wildflowers blog by tapping the link Below.

More Hikes