When my nephew is in the back yard and shouts “come quick!”, I always know there will be something interesting to see – usually a lizard with unique color patterns, a chrysalis, or another nature discovery he knows I love. On a windy autumn day, I heard him calling, “Jodi, Read more
Habitat Restoration at Big Oak Canyon Earthroots Field School is committed to restoring and protecting the diverse native ecosystems at Big Oak Canyon, our 39-acre educational and ecological preserve in Silverado Canyon. This land serves as both a living classroom and a sanctuary for native plants, wildlife and people learning Read more
A few years ago, on a cool autumn day, I was cleaning out the garage and came across a forgotten box of seeds. I organized the packets I wanted to plant in the garden, and decided to clear out the bin to start fresh. There were a variety of loose Read more
By Jodi Levine The most frequent question I am asked by friends in the Earthroots community is “how are the oaks doing?” It’s usually asked with hesitation and hope. This past summer has been busier than usual at Big Oak Canyon. Over 30 volunteers, staff and two arborist companies have Read more
By Karen Graham I wonder what that mama wren was thinking, as she circled Shane high up in the oak, flitting from branch to branch with a cranefly in her beak waiting to drop it into her babies mouths. Shane’s whole body was wrapped around the trunk of the tree, Read more
Big Oak Canyon is a hidden oak forest wonderland in Orange County. Within its steep north-facing ravines and slopes is an extensive wooded area with clean mineral springs, ferns, and Coast Live Oaks, some of them probably as old or older than the California missions. Native people once likely camped Read more
What was your favorite childhood nature moment? Jodi’s new blog explores how childhood experiences in nature can make a lifelong impact. There was a wild spot I visited often as a young girl growing up in Orange County. Well, technically, it was a golf course behind my childhood home. But Read more
Author: Jodi LevineFounder and Executive Director of Earthroots Field School Being in nature and connecting with the elements of life has a nurturing effect on our nervous system. Our human physiology developed over hundreds of thousands of years while our ancestors lived outdoors, fully engaging with the living world on Read more
By: Stacey Stormo Fall is my favorite time of year. The leaves change, the weather cools, and all of a sudden we just want to cuddle up and take it easy for a while. We settle down from the excitement of summer and give ourselves a chance to catch our Read more
By: Angela Capps