A multi-branched cactus growing in a dry, grassy landscape. The cactus has long, upright arms covered in spines, with some arms bearing clusters of round, yellowish buds or fruit. The ground around the cactus is a mix of sparse grass and bare soil, and the background is filled with more dry vegetation. The overall scene suggests an arid or semi-arid environment.

Cacti at Cabrillo National Monument

Science Technician Patricia has created a guide describing all the cacti at Cabrillo. This guide will help volunteers identify the different types of cacti for visitors as they move around the park. Patricia says that all the different types of cacti can be found along the Oceanside Trail. You can find the new cacti guide as part of the ebinder in the Terrestrial Plants section. … Continue reading Cacti at Cabrillo National Monument

Equipment used for science field work on a green background. Equipment includes an NPS Ranger shirt, hat, sunglasses, boot, binoculars, radio, field guides and knife.

Cabrillo Field Notes – The Bloomin’ Broom

One of the amazing things about the Coastal Sage Scrub plant community out at Cabrillo National Monument is the ever-changing species that are in bloom. Each of these species has a specific phenology, or specific seasonal changes that occur that occur in plants from year to year–such as flowering–especially their timing and relationship with weather and climate. Such is the case for the Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis) and … Continue reading Cabrillo Field Notes – The Bloomin’ Broom

Birds flying along rocky cliffs at the ocean

A Natural “Island” in the Big City

From the Cabrillo National Monument website, here’s a brief reminder of how special the ecosystem at CNM really is: At the time Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into San Diego Bay in 1542, a rich diversity of life was present, ranging from desert cactus to moisture-loving algae, tarantulas to sea slugs, and gray foxes to sea lions. Approximately 3,000 Native Americans lived in the San Diego … Continue reading A Natural “Island” in the Big City