When Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day, he wasn't lying was he? 

In the mountains... it feels like the middle of winter. Thick snow still blankets our peaks! Everywhere else... honestly it feels like the middle of winter too. But the flowers are popping in the lowlands! The gray whale mothers and their calves are migrating past our coast! The fungi are fruiting beneath the oaks! Spring must be on its way...right? ?

If you need an excuse to get into—or learn more about—our local environments, we've got plenty below. See you out there, friends!

Tales from the Trails

The Canyoneers tell all.

Nope—we're not done celebrating yet! For the Canyoneers' 50-year anniversary, we sat down with Daniel, Maritza, and Samantha, three Canyoneers from various walks of life, to discuss how hiking shapes their lives, favorite spots around the county, and best moments on the trails.

Celebrate the Canyoneers by joining them on a guided hike this year.

Read the story

Wanna hear what CBS 8 had to say about hiking with the Canyoneers? Check out their latest Earth 8 special with Chief Meteorologist Karlene Chavis.

The Canyoneers program is made possible by a dedicated group of volunteer naturalists and program partner Subaru of America.

Upcoming Nat Talks

We've got a whole bunch of good stuff coming up.

Border BioBlitz-Communities Helping Science en la Frontera
Tuesday, March 21, 7 PM
What is it like studying a habitat that's bisected by a wall? This panel discussion features scientists from Mexico and the United States working together to document the plant and animal diversity of the borderlands. It is organized in advance of the Border BioBlitz taking place throughout April.

California’s 30x30 Initiative
Wednesday, April 12, 6:30 PM
California is one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots because it is home to so many unique species found nowhere else on Earth—many of which are experiencing unprecedented threats. Dr. Jennifer Norris, Deputy Secretary for Biodiversity and Habitat at the California Natural Resources Agency, shares how the state’s 30x30 initiative will help to protect California’s biodiversity.

Torrey Pines & the Birth of San Diego's Environmental Movement
Tuesday, May 2, 7 PM
Hosted in partnership with the La Jolla Historical Society, professional nature photographer Bill Evarts takes us on a journey of the history and preservation of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Stop by the Museum store after for a book signing of Torrey Pines: Landscape and Legacy by Bill.

Save my spot!

Are you prepared?

Legend has it that Saint Patrick drove all venomous snakes from Ireland in the 13th century.
Legend also has it that rattlesnake season is returning to San Diego in spring 2023.

Why do rattlesnakes come out each spring? What should you do if you find one on your property? How can you tell if it's a rattlesnake? Find the answer to these questions and more in our blog post all about San Diego's rattlers!

Read the ssstory

Need some weekend plans?

Getting outside is as easy as getting your hands dirty.

Curious about compost? Join Living Coast Discovery Center for a one-hour composting workshop on Sunday, March 26 at 2 PM. Composting turns landfill-bound organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. Lower your carbon footprint, divert waste, and enhance your garden all with one solution.

San Diego Canyonlands is leading a guided hike through the award winning City Heights Canyon Loop Trail on Saturday, March 25 from 8-11 AM. This hike boasts stunning native plants, beautiful street art, critical habitat for our local wildlife, and more. 

 The California Native Plant Society is hosting its annual Native Plant Garden Tour the weekend of April 1-2. Get inspired by over 30 homes, parks, and schools that are planting gorgeous native gardens. Tickets on sale now until March 30. 

 Want a bar alternative on St. Patrick's Day? Stop by Nat at Night on Friday, March 17 after 5 PM for St. Patty's Day themed drinks and irish bites on our rooftop, open galleries, Sketchparty and other fun activities, all for half-price admission.

Hike of The Month: Oakoasis County Preserve 

This trail is short, a little spicy, and bursting with blooming lilacs.

Where: Oak Grove Trail in the Oakoasis County Preserve in Lakeside.

Why: The wildflowers are out. The mushrooms are fruiting. The views are spectacular. What more could you need?

What You'll See: This trail lined with lilac passes through thick chaparral on a gentle upward slope. Take a short climb to a promontory overlooking San Vicente Reservoir and stop for a snack before beginning the return trip through a riparian oak woodland.

The Terrain: This is an intermediate 3-mile hike with an elevation change of 550 feet.
Know Before You Go: Check the weather before heading out, and always bring plenty of water and sun protection. More info about Oakoasis County

Preserve here. 

Wanna hike it with a naturalist? The Canyoneers are hitting this trail on Saturday, April 15 from 8:30–11:30 AM. Register here.