By PATRICIA SIMPSON For a long time, the only squirrels found at Mission Trails Regional Park were California ground squirrels...

By PATRICIA SIMPSON When I’m out in the field at this time of year, one of the plants that visitors...

By PATRICIA SIMPSON If you haven’t seen a song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) in your backyard, you have probably at least...

By PATRICIA SIMPSON With a wingspan of less than 1 inch, it’s easy to miss this small butterfly, first described...

By PATRICIA SIMPSON Trail guide and naturalist Mark K. James had the privilege of coming upon a gorgeous long-nosed snake...

By PATRICIA SIMPSON April was a busy month in Mission Trails Regional Park for “iNatters” (a nickname for people submitting...

By PATRICIA SIMPSON It’s the little things in life. Did you know that San Diego County is a biodiversity hot...

By Patricia Simpson I know what you’re thinking, but the answer is no: “minor’s lettuce” is not the magic vegetable...

By Patricia Simpson On any given day, a Mission Trails Regional Park visitor may encounter a common poorwill — if...

By Patricia Simpson How is everyone enjoying the rainy season? I know I am. Water is life and it’s very...