The monarch butterfly is in severe decline. Recent studies show the Western Monarch population, which overwinters here in southern California, has decreased by 99% with less than 30,000 butterflies remaining. With such critically low numbers, now is the time to take action. Read on to learn how to support monarch butterflies right now. Read more.
Protecting our climate starts at home—our home. Infrastructure upgrades such as a state-of-the-art chiller, window inserts for better UV protection, and conversion of thousands of lights to LED are part of an energy and equipment overhaul outlined in our master plan. These efforts will help save precious resources and allow us to operate our building more efficiently. Read more.
We join many local and national organizations that aim to democratize the study of nature. That begins with how we talk about taking part in science. Read more.
Herpetology Collections Manager Frank Santana shares how his childhood experiences in nature led to a career studying reptiles and amphibians. This is the first in a series of blog posts focused on protecting the endangered California red-legged frog from extinction. Read more.
Specimens collected in Antarctica have allowed a team of scientists, including Dr. Ashley Poust of The Nat, to update the fossil record of giant birds. The 50 million-year-old fossils belong to an extinct group of ocean-going birds with large tooth-like spikes in their beaks. This discovery may be the oldest example of truly giant flying birds and adds to our understanding of the evolution of coastal ecosystems worldwide. Read more.
We may not have stereotypical “sweater weather” or the newsworthy autumnal color displays of the Midwest, but fall still brings change to San Diego. We may not notice, but plants and animals do. Look beyond your weather app to notice the natural phenomena this season has to offer. Read more.
Wildfire is part of our ecology. What role does fire play in California's environment? How does wildlife react to fire? Can we adapt? What do we need to know about wildfire? We've quickly consolidated resources to help understand more about wildfire. Incluye recursos en español. Read more.
This fall, scout out some new trails with help from the Canyoneers. Whether you’re looking for a seaside stroll, a nice hike on rolling hillsides, or a tough climb to a peak with a view, there’s a trail for you. Our Canyoneers recommend the top trails where you can stay cool, and stay distanced. Read more.
Our state is something very special. Join us and our partners for a weeklong celebration of California Biodiversity Day, September 5 – 13, 2020. Read more.
A recent paper presents data about the first use of chickens for food in the state of California during the 1700s. At the San Diego Presidio, women may have been involved in small-scale husbandry of chickens to benefit their subsistence diet, as well as a possible source for barter or income. Zooarchaeologists used bones from our collection as points of comparison in their research. Read more.