The August 1 “Where in the Conejo” contest photo featured a hairstreak butterfly feeding on buckwheat flowers while a bee assassin captured a honeybee. Of the correct entrants, Alicia Di Rado was selected at random as the winner of a $25 gift certificate. Congratulations, Alicia, and thanks to all Read more…
This free educational event with dozens of eco-related exhibitors will have lots of fun activities for the kids! Hosted by the Conejo Open Space Foundation on Saturday October 1, it will take place in Thousand Oaks at the Lakeside Pavilion area of the Conejo Creek North Park, from 9:00 a.m. Read more…
For COSF’s summer 2022 Speaker Series virtual presentation on June 8, butterfly educator Betina Loudermilk of Betina’s Little Farm & Butterfly Garden gave a fact-filled presentation about the East and West Coast monarch migrations and lifecycles. She discussed the mysterious resurgence of the Western monarchs and the grave threats they Read more…
Because of its role in spreading disease among Western monarch butterflies, tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) has been classified as a “noxious weed” by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. That led to a June 1 notice of a ban by Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner Ed Williams on its sale Read more…
You could win $25 if you can identify what is shown in the photo! The correct answer is provided below along with 3 that are not. To be entered in the drawing to win, you must select the correct identification. From the top side, this native California polypody fern looks Read more…
Native-plant experts Laura Pasetta, Jenn Rodriguez, Antonio Sanchez and COSCA Administrator Brian Stark spoke from their extensive knowledge and experience of developing a garden of native Southern California plants. The video recording and a photo gallery can be found below this brief synopsis of their presentations. Laura Pasetta (Clinical herbalist, Read more…
The August 1 Where in the Conejo Contest photo was of a Milde’s tarantula hawk. Of the correct entrants (which was most everyone!), Wendy was selected at random as the winner of a $25 gift certificate. Congratulations Wendy and thanks to all who entered the contest! Milde’s tarantula hawk (Pepsis Read more…
Congratulations to Elise Wilson of Canoga Park who provided the correct answer and was selected as the winner. Thanks to all who entered the contest! Fire poppies (Papaver californicum) are one of Southern California’s most lovely “fire followers,” plants that flourish when wildfire releases nutrients into the soil and burns Read more…
You’ve probably noticed that we haven’t had much rain so far this year. Rainfall in most of Ventura County has totaled less than 3 inches, which is less than a third of what we normally would have gotten. That doesn’t bode well for the spring wildflower bloom, says Anna Huber, Read more…
Congratulations to Kristine McCardle of Newbury Park who provided the correct answer and was selected as the winner. Thanks to all who entered the contest! White nightshade (Solanum douglasii) is also known as greenspot or Douglas nightshade. You’ll see this common perennial plant blooming now—and throughout the year—along the trails. Read more…