The Nat Blog

An arctic sea duck bone turned up in a Kumeyaay midden during an archaeology dig, 10 miles from San Diego's coastline. Let the head scratching begin. Read more.


Paleontologists describe new species of sabre-tooth false-cat, showing early evolution of carnivores during time of global climatic instability.  Read more.


Braving electrical storms, wildfires, and heavy snow, two Mexican biologists have traded cell service and city life for the noble task of recovering North America's largest birds from near extinction. President and CEO Judy Gradwohl joined them—and the condors—among the peaks last year. Read about her experience here.  Read more.


Three Ways to See Wildlife After Dark

Posted: September 29, 2022

Spotting animals in the wild is hard, but researchers from The Nat have a few easy tricks up their sleeves. Here are three things you can do to spot wildlife when it's most active—at night.   Read more.


Join us on a recent expedition to the Sierra Juárez of Northern Baja California, where we searched for rare plants and found hope for the future.  Read more.


Night hikes, evening strolls, and crepuscular critters. Beat the heat of the day with some of our Canyoneers’ favorite sunset trails and spots for starry night skies.   Read more.


Spring is rattlesnake season in southern California. With a little knowledge and preparation, we can coexist with these magnificent snakes. Read more.


Four Favorite Wildflower Walks

Posted: March 22, 2022

Wildflower season is here! There are lots of trails where you can see wildflowers in San Diego County (especially after a wet winter), but our Canyoneers have picked some lesser-known hikes where you can spot those beautiful blooms.  Read more.


After poring over our botany collection, a visiting expert names several species new to science.   Read more.


The San Luis Rey River Valley is home to the first fossil evidence of modern capybara ancestors in North America  Read more.