Handsome bug on a rock at the Pismo Preseve

The Pismo Preserve plant survey team spotted this handsome bug on a rock while working on the trail on March 27,2017. It is a leaffooted bug, http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/leaffooted_bug.htm

Coyote loping through oak woodlands

LATO wildlife camera volunteers Nathan and Dan Sharon spotted this coyote loping through Santa Margarita's oak woodlands during a March 2017 outing to service wildlife cameras.

Oaks have flowers ~ where acorns begin!

Coast live oak flowers at the Pismo Preserve, March 6,2017 (Photo credit: Lyza Johnson)

Male oak flowers or catkins (Photo credit: Lyza Johnson)

Sally Krenn holding oak flowers, January 23,2017 (Photo credit: Alison Jackson)

Coast live oak male flowers or catkins on January 23,2017 at the Pismo Preserve (Photo credit: Alison Jackson)

Looks like there was a party down the trail that we missed! It must have been a family of deer heading back to their cozy nook somewhere down the trail.

This humming bird sage is one of my favorite smells! With its snuggly soft leaves and its sweet smell, I can't help but to touch every one I see. This one looks like it is about to bloom. Get ready!

The Paeonia californica (California Peony) are in bloom! We saw these lovely flowers loving the rain on the Vamonos Trail. With easily distinguishable leaves and a red flower bud, these flowers are a treat that you can impress your friends with!

Cool caterpillars munching at the Pismo Preserve

Pismo Preserve docent Alison Jackson captured these interesting caterpillars in action during a recent hike. Our entomologist friend Dennis Sheridan helped us with the identification: These caterpillars will become variable checkerspot butterflies!  

Bumblebee on phacelia at the Pismo Preserve, February 9,2017. We saw a hillside covered with these beautiful blooms and busy bees at work!