Did you know our researchers spend many of their workdays in the great outdoors?

Sure, they also have plenty to do inside the Museum, but spring and early summer is "field season"—a time when many of our staff are trekking all over SoCal and the Baja California Peninsula for the sake of science.

Recently, our herpetologists have been counting endangered tadpoles in the mountains, our entomologists have been collecting insect DNA across the county, and our ornithologists have been surveying birds on protected lands. Like many of you, they cherish their time outdoors, even if it's for work. 

We hope you find some time this month to explore, get a closer look, or just be in nature, too. There's a whole lot happening this time of year.

See you out there

Come nerd out with our experts
Our insect researchers are hosting a free moth party!

Moth Week is upon us! Celebrate with our Entomology team on Friday, July 28, during Nat at Night with a free, all-ages blacklighting event! From 8-10 PM, our Entomologists will have a UV "blacklight" and sheet set up outside the Museum to attract all kinds of nocturnal insects like moths, beetles, katydids, and more.

We'll also have beautiful specimens from our collection on display and can answer all your burning questions about bugs!

Tap the button and scroll to "upcoming" events to learn more. 

Yeth! Moths!

Flight of the Figeaters
Our favorite green beetles are here! And no, they're not dangerous. (Unless you're fruit)

These clumsy, green jewel-like beetles are just beginning to emerge and will be all over San Diego soon. Here's all you need to know about them before they make their annual debut!

- Often mistaken for Japanese beetles, figeaters are a type of scarab beetle native to the southwestern US, Mexico, and Central America. They extended to coastal California when agriculture expanded in the mid-1900s.

- Figeaters eat soft fruits like prickly pear, peaches, and yes, figs. Their mouthparts are too weak to rip open healthy fruits, so they usually take advantage of damage done by other animals.

- Summer is mating season, when these beautiful bugs are out in force, looking for love. They often lay eggs in compost piles, mulch, and manure. After a year, their chonky, white grubs will pupate, or transform, and emerge from the ground as adults again next summer

- Why do figeaters fly so randomly and bump into things (and you)? No reason. They are not after you—they are just bad fliers.

Learn what other creatures are out and about during summer by tapping the button below. 

Summer wildlife in SD

Summer Activity Round-Up
We've got a lot going on (and you're invited).

 "Sunshine, sunshine, it's fine, I feel it in my skin, warming up my mind." Check out our lists of the best hikes for kids and for summer and enjoy San Diego's sunny weather!

- Come see us after work? We now have extended hours and half-price admission after 5 PM on weeknights! And every Friday, enjoy fantastic food, creative cocktails, testing trivia, Paleontology Collection tours, and vibrant views of Balboa Park from our rooftop patio during Nat at Night. 

- Mark your calendar for August 24! The next Nat Talk is going to be a good one. Join Dr. Keith Lombardo as he takes us on an ecological journey through three National Parks: Cabrillo National Monument, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and Channel Islands National Park. 

- Want to help connect others with nature? The Nat is currently seeking volunteers of all ages for several of our public engagement positions, including the Docents, Canyoneers, Whalers, and Naturalists. Trainings begin in September. Learn more.

Hike of the Month: Batiquitos Lagoon
It's hot. Stay cool along the coast.

Where: Batiquitos Lagoon Ecological Reserve, between Encinitas and Carlsbad.
Why: Batiquitos Lagoon is a great choice in summer because of its cool coastal location and easy terrain. It's also an excellent place to spot wildlife, from birds to reptiles to small mammals and insects. This lagoon is so rich in life that indigenous people foraged here for 9,000 years!
What You'll See: The Reserve has wide-open views of the estuary/lagoon, as well as almost three hundred species of plants. Depending on the time of day, you might see shorebirds feeding on shellfish in the salty mud, or snakes and lizards sunning themselves on the trail.
The Terrain: This is an easy, wide, and well-maintained 4-mile out-and-back trail with no elevation gain.
Know Before You Go: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat if you have one. Dogs must be leashed.

Click here for more info from the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation. Tap the button for directions and more hike ideas.

Trail details