Friday, July 30, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
J Street Marsh-an aviary paradise in an industrial hell
Many say the survival and evolution of humans comes from their ability to adapt. I disagree. Humans overpower and force the earth to adjust to poor judgment. Oil stretching throughout the Gulf of Mexico is a manifesto of human intention and its inability to acclimatize to the environment of this planet.
J Street Marsh is a paradigm of nature’s ability to adjust in a defiled environment. Encompassed by industrial district and toxic waste, this marsh is still a home and feeding grounds for hundreds of native and migrating birds.
Chula Vista Marina View Park is an excellent spot that provides a close look at the wildlife reliant in the solitary brackish estuarine area on the east side of the bay.
Recently, in doing research on the current Chula Vista Master Bayfront Plan, I took my first trip to this tiny piece of paradise. Revisiting this spot several times now, I am learning habits of shore birds and how much of their behavior depend on tides.
One thing you can count on is that there is always activity in the marsh and the bay, a constant open curtain to a living opera.
Sandpipers fill the area at low tide surrounded by egrets. During high tide, egrets wander the marsh as gulls, pelicans and terns fly and dive. With a close-up stunning view, a habitat deserves to survive— and thrive.
Contaminating the bay for 50 years the South Bay Power Plant continuously kills billions of estuarine life with water cooling, magnitude and proximity. Air quality is poor due to its permissions of deadly waste and warm water discharged has created a border disabling marshlands to grow. To preserve this miniature bit of Eden, the power plant must go.
J Street Marsh is a paradigm of nature’s ability to adjust in a defiled environment. Encompassed by industrial district and toxic waste, this marsh is still a home and feeding grounds for hundreds of native and migrating birds.
BIRD IN PARADISE: J Street Marsh is a perfect location for for birdwatchers to see snowy egrets wandering through the marsh.
Chula Vista Marina View Park is an excellent spot that provides a close look at the wildlife reliant in the solitary brackish estuarine area on the east side of the bay.
CHULA VISTA MARINA VIEW PARK: A small channel divides the park from the marshlands allowing visitors a close view of the natural habitat and wildlife dependent on this brackish estuarine environment.
Recently, in doing research on the current Chula Vista Master Bayfront Plan, I took my first trip to this tiny piece of paradise. Revisiting this spot several times now, I am learning habits of shore birds and how much of their behavior depend on tides.
One thing you can count on is that there is always activity in the marsh and the bay, a constant open curtain to a living opera.
Sandpipers fill the area at low tide surrounded by egrets. During high tide, egrets wander the marsh as gulls, pelicans and terns fly and dive. With a close-up stunning view, a habitat deserves to survive— and thrive.
LIVING SYMPHONY: During low tide a multitude of shore birds can be seen throughout the mud flats and marshes.
LONE SANDPIPER: With the mud flats full of sandpipers, this loner picks the edges of the channel.
PENINSULA OF BIRDS: Seemingly always covered with gulls and other shore birds, this small peninsula allows visitors an in the bay view of the marina and marshes.
GREAT EGRET: Deeper into the marsh this great egret is still recognizable with its long yellow beak and larger size.
Contaminating the bay for 50 years the South Bay Power Plant continuously kills billions of estuarine life with water cooling, magnitude and proximity. Air quality is poor due to its permissions of deadly waste and warm water discharged has created a border disabling marshlands to grow. To preserve this miniature bit of Eden, the power plant must go.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD: A tern soars above the marshland, despite the enormous bird-strike friendly South Bay Power Plant.
Photo credits/Albert H. Fulcher
Friday, July 23, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Summer days, Imperial Beach
Imperial Beach (I.B.) is home to WiLDCOAST, and me. It is a small town in a big city with a life and style of its own. Its reputation has changed over time from a roughneck biker town, riddled with drugs to a precious piece of coastal land that shares its life with the Tijuana River Estuary.
I.B. still has a distinctive, laid-back flavor that has always been a draw for those of us who choose to live here. Even with the massive population explosion in the past 20 years, you just cannot get the taste of I.B. out of your mouth.
By far, the best attraction in I.B. is the estuary. My favorite is walking to the mouth of the Tijuana River. Spectacular views and an abundance of wildlife travel alongside.
It has been a long time since I have walked my way to the river on the beach, but it was a beautiful I.B. day. “June Gloom” left and it really felt like July was here.
Getting to the beach, I looked at the crowd that thickened closer to the pier. Bustling with people, fishing, swimming, tanning and surfing, I walked down to the river first.
A group of sandpipers where first to greet me. I find it comical watching them run in and out of the surf searching for food. They run back and forth, as the waves came in, as if they do not want to get their feet wet.
Two lone surfers were catching the waves away from the crowd. Seeing surfers out on their boards, particularly while waiting on sets and in a more relaxed state, I can see their connection with the water.
I am not a big fan of being “in” the ocean, but I have always lived close to one, and in places surrounded by lakes and marshes. A sailor with more than 10 years “on” the ocean, I know this relationship with the sea is a reality to a spiritual level.
Pleasantly surprised for midday, birds were flying back and forth from the estuary to the ocean, diving then flying back. Walking at the top to look at the estuary there was a huge flock of birds of all feathers gathered together on a tiny patch of sandy land. Terns, gulls, pelicans and ducks all together, taking turns flying to the ocean or into the river to get food. I believe I discovered the estuary’s Time Square.
At the mouth of the river, you see it all. All you have to do is look around. Mexico, the river and estuary, birds and if you look far down the beach, you can still see people and the pier.
Forcing itself into the estuary the ocean is living at the river’s mouth and you can see how nature works in balance. This is a great place to sit for as long as you can and look. Here, I find a silent muse and companion.
I.B. still has a distinctive, laid-back flavor that has always been a draw for those of us who choose to live here. Even with the massive population explosion in the past 20 years, you just cannot get the taste of I.B. out of your mouth.
Imperial Beach's laid-back feel is contagious.
By far, the best attraction in I.B. is the estuary. My favorite is walking to the mouth of the Tijuana River. Spectacular views and an abundance of wildlife travel alongside.
It has been a long time since I have walked my way to the river on the beach, but it was a beautiful I.B. day. “June Gloom” left and it really felt like July was here.
Getting to the beach, I looked at the crowd that thickened closer to the pier. Bustling with people, fishing, swimming, tanning and surfing, I walked down to the river first.
A group of sandpipers where first to greet me. I find it comical watching them run in and out of the surf searching for food. They run back and forth, as the waves came in, as if they do not want to get their feet wet.
Sandpipers run back and forth with incoming waves foraging for food.
Two lone surfers were catching the waves away from the crowd. Seeing surfers out on their boards, particularly while waiting on sets and in a more relaxed state, I can see their connection with the water.
I am not a big fan of being “in” the ocean, but I have always lived close to one, and in places surrounded by lakes and marshes. A sailor with more than 10 years “on” the ocean, I know this relationship with the sea is a reality to a spiritual level.
Surfing away from the crowds and closer to nature.
Pleasantly surprised for midday, birds were flying back and forth from the estuary to the ocean, diving then flying back. Walking at the top to look at the estuary there was a huge flock of birds of all feathers gathered together on a tiny patch of sandy land. Terns, gulls, pelicans and ducks all together, taking turns flying to the ocean or into the river to get food. I believe I discovered the estuary’s Time Square.
This sand piece of the estuary acts as a major airport for feeding birds.
At the mouth of the river, you see it all. All you have to do is look around. Mexico, the river and estuary, birds and if you look far down the beach, you can still see people and the pier.
Forcing itself into the estuary the ocean is living at the river’s mouth and you can see how nature works in balance. This is a great place to sit for as long as you can and look. Here, I find a silent muse and companion.
Mouth of the Tijuana River
This California Sea Lion has a large open wound as it swims close to the pier.
At one with the ocean.
Photo Credits-Albert Fulcher
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Backyard Birds
Hummingbirds, scrub jays and a hodgepodge of birds visit me in my backyard every day. I especially love this time of year and I wake early every morning to watch the birds come to life as the sun rises.
Young birds are out learning territory and survival. Migrating birds, with the addition of all the butterflies that go beyond the boundaries of the estuary make Imperial Beach the perfect location for summer living. Living here means becoming part of the Tijuana River Sloughs and the wildlife that depends on it.
Full disclosure, the only thing I know about most birds is they are handsome and always captivate me. As an amateur photographer, I am finding out birds are very difficult to catch on film, along with surfers and insects.
Going on the WiLDCOAST bilingual trails, I am learning the specifics of the wild and plant life that balance this small portion of the planet. So, I gave myself a project. Photograph the birds coming through my back yard and identify them. Here are the results so far.
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Young birds are out learning territory and survival. Migrating birds, with the addition of all the butterflies that go beyond the boundaries of the estuary make Imperial Beach the perfect location for summer living. Living here means becoming part of the Tijuana River Sloughs and the wildlife that depends on it.
Full disclosure, the only thing I know about most birds is they are handsome and always captivate me. As an amateur photographer, I am finding out birds are very difficult to catch on film, along with surfers and insects.
Going on the WiLDCOAST bilingual trails, I am learning the specifics of the wild and plant life that balance this small portion of the planet. So, I gave myself a project. Photograph the birds coming through my back yard and identify them. Here are the results so far.
Let me know if I am correct, and educate me on ones that are not.
This year there is many scrub jays nesting nearby. Most of what I see appears to be young birds, still with some of thier down.
Families of hooded orioles are nesting in the neighborhood.
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Every year I can depend on a flock of yellow headed parrots. They love the palm tree and make a tremendous amount of noise. Being able to see them flying around in the wild is special.
Pink lady butterflies out and laying eggs.
Hummingbirds live right here in our trees. I have narrowed this daily pair to Allen's Humingbirds.
First dragonfly of the year.
This breed is year round, six days a week and about 12 hours a day, except Sunday.
Photo credits/Albert Fulcher
Monday, July 12, 2010
Golden Hill Park
Balboa Park is the home to many attractions for everyone. A world-class zoo, museums, festivals, art—something for everyone.
Part of Balboa Park, positioned above the park’s golf course is Golden Hill Park. A striking park, it is a close, outdoor recreational site for all ages. Plenty of open space and nearby trails give this park a zest of its own. Filled with people, the park provides something for everyone. A group of 20 arrived for a two-hour tour.
Our guide, Outdoor School Instructor JP Ruiz, REI, said it is a leisurely walk, with many things to see in this hilltop park. Ruiz is an outstanding guide who interacts well with people of all ages. He immediately began telling the story of the park and the many ways to take pleasure in it.
This skillfully manicured hilltop is home to century old fig trees, lined from largest to smallest. Largest of them all, protected by a fence, is no longer climbable, due to its age. Fig trees spread their roots deep and long and sprout up another tree. Connected together by roots, this line of fig trees is one in the same, only in different ages of growth. Underneath the open trees is a perfect place for a picnic or an afternoon nap.
At this height, there is an awesome view of downtown through the trees, and the small valley. Many others were in the park with us, enjoying their evening. Young men played soccer with the enthusiasm of World Cup fever. People, walked, used strollers and played with their dogs. Kids climbed trees. One father was teaching his children the proper way to climb a palm tree. Serious runners were tearing through the park at Olympic marathon speed. Homeless took comfort in the serenity of this park also.
Graffiti is a problem, with no respect to the age of the trees or the park. A sadistic act creates a continuous battle to keep the park clean of this selfless art.
Trees in the park contrast from type to age. One extremely old oak tree caught the attention of everyone. Bark was thick, rough and protruding, looking more like eroded rock.
A century plant blooming stood 15 feet. Ruiz told us of how the Native Americans used the needle of the sharp leaves as thread. Leaves are very fibrous and stay attached when you break off the needle. An instant needle and thread in an emergency. (Great survival information.)
As we walked around the parameter of the park, a young hawk swept over the valley and rested in one of the nearby trees. It sat there, looking over the valley for a bit, then flew away.
A hand built brick water fountain is the oldest building structure in Balboa Park. It is not operational, but the craftmanship is priceless. A miniature amphitheater by day, it shelters small groups of homeless when the sun goes down.
Heading into the valley, the brush was thick. Wildlife in this small canyon is plentiful and the trails are satisfying. Provided trash bags came in handy, especially through the trail area. Trash bags should be on every hiker’s list of supplies. Every bag filled makes our parks cleaner and safer.
After climbing up, we stopped at the Golden Hill Community Garden. It is not big, but the growth occurring in this small fenced-in yard in surprising. Divided into small plots, each their own, varieties of plants were growing healthy and sturdy. As individual as the people who care for them, each plot was distinct and special. My favorite was Bob’s tomato boat. Built with sticks twine and cloth it resembled an old wooden schooner-a creative tomato cage.
Flowers planted purposely to attract butterflies, gave eggs a safer place to mature. Flowers, vegetables and herbs looked hale and hearty and made everyone hungry. It was time to call it an evening.
REI sponsored hikes are perfect for everyone. Education of our local environmental paradises, no matter how large or small is their goal. Kudos to REI and WiLDCOAST for sponsoring these educating and free outdoor explorations in our neighborhoods.
Part of Balboa Park, positioned above the park’s golf course is Golden Hill Park. A striking park, it is a close, outdoor recreational site for all ages. Plenty of open space and nearby trails give this park a zest of its own. Filled with people, the park provides something for everyone. A group of 20 arrived for a two-hour tour.
Our guide, Outdoor School Instructor JP Ruiz, REI, said it is a leisurely walk, with many things to see in this hilltop park. Ruiz is an outstanding guide who interacts well with people of all ages. He immediately began telling the story of the park and the many ways to take pleasure in it.
This skillfully manicured hilltop is home to century old fig trees, lined from largest to smallest. Largest of them all, protected by a fence, is no longer climbable, due to its age. Fig trees spread their roots deep and long and sprout up another tree. Connected together by roots, this line of fig trees is one in the same, only in different ages of growth. Underneath the open trees is a perfect place for a picnic or an afternoon nap.
NEARLY A CENTURY OLD: Oldest fig trees in the park are estimated to be about 100 years old, give or take a few years.
At this height, there is an awesome view of downtown through the trees, and the small valley. Many others were in the park with us, enjoying their evening. Young men played soccer with the enthusiasm of World Cup fever. People, walked, used strollers and played with their dogs. Kids climbed trees. One father was teaching his children the proper way to climb a palm tree. Serious runners were tearing through the park at Olympic marathon speed. Homeless took comfort in the serenity of this park also.
WORLD CUP FEVER: Soccor is the sport of the day.
Graffiti is a problem, with no respect to the age of the trees or the park. A sadistic act creates a continuous battle to keep the park clean of this selfless art.
Trees in the park contrast from type to age. One extremely old oak tree caught the attention of everyone. Bark was thick, rough and protruding, looking more like eroded rock.
A century plant blooming stood 15 feet. Ruiz told us of how the Native Americans used the needle of the sharp leaves as thread. Leaves are very fibrous and stay attached when you break off the needle. An instant needle and thread in an emergency. (Great survival information.)
As we walked around the parameter of the park, a young hawk swept over the valley and rested in one of the nearby trees. It sat there, looking over the valley for a bit, then flew away.
RAPTOR: This hawk overlooks the valley in search for prey.
A hand built brick water fountain is the oldest building structure in Balboa Park. It is not operational, but the craftmanship is priceless. A miniature amphitheater by day, it shelters small groups of homeless when the sun goes down.
Heading into the valley, the brush was thick. Wildlife in this small canyon is plentiful and the trails are satisfying. Provided trash bags came in handy, especially through the trail area. Trash bags should be on every hiker’s list of supplies. Every bag filled makes our parks cleaner and safer.
After climbing up, we stopped at the Golden Hill Community Garden. It is not big, but the growth occurring in this small fenced-in yard in surprising. Divided into small plots, each their own, varieties of plants were growing healthy and sturdy. As individual as the people who care for them, each plot was distinct and special. My favorite was Bob’s tomato boat. Built with sticks twine and cloth it resembled an old wooden schooner-a creative tomato cage.
BOB'S TOMATO BOAT: An creative alternative to tomato cages.
Flowers planted purposely to attract butterflies, gave eggs a safer place to mature. Flowers, vegetables and herbs looked hale and hearty and made everyone hungry. It was time to call it an evening.
REI sponsored hikes are perfect for everyone. Education of our local environmental paradises, no matter how large or small is their goal. Kudos to REI and WiLDCOAST for sponsoring these educating and free outdoor explorations in our neighborhoods.
ALWAYS AN EDUCATOR: JP Ruiz speaks to the children about vegetables that grow easily in this region.
OLD OAK: This oak tree caught every one's attention with its thick protruding bark.
OLD SCHOOL: This man demonstrates to his children the correct way to climb a palm tree.
GRAFFITI: A continuous problem for the park. Many hours and dollars are spent trying to keep the park clean.
SMALL BUT PRODUCTIVE: Golden Hill Community Garden is filled with small plots producing an array of flowers and vegetables.
Photo Credits: Albert Fulcher
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Finney Overlook-Otay Valley Regional Park
Mountains, desert and the coast. Outdoor enthusiast and tourist flock to these areas to acquire a “fix” from Mother Nature. A draw to nature is personal. People select outdoor places for hiking, cycling, fishing or a purely to be in its midst. In the charisma of nature, any activity can be tranquil.
Overlooked is 13 miles of Otay Valley Regional Park river bottom vegetation and wildlife wrapped between South Bay’s I-5 and I-805, Main Street and Palm Avenue.
Finney Overlook was a perfect spot for WiLDCOAST and REI’s second bilingual nature trail hike. EXA FM 97.1 joined in support. This high point advantage has beautiful views from every direction.
REI Community Relations Administrator Myrian Coronel organizes REI’s summer educational hikes. Our guides for the day where JP Ruiz, Outdoor School Instructor, REI and Otay River Conservation Program Manager Katie Westfall, WiLDCOAST.
Together, the energy and devotion for what they do is infectious and is a perfect atmosphere for listening and learning.
Our group was exceptionally large for this hike. San Ysidro’s Girl Scout Group 5912 showed up in force. We went in two groups, leaving the younger scouts with Group Leader Irene Barajas.
With such a large group, most of the animals you could only hear scurrying through the brush, but the birds fly around as if we were not there. Hikers of all ages learned many things about plant life in the area.
PJ is a storyteller, always having a piece of history to share about the area. Both of them, in their own style, taught us a variety of things about the plant life and history of this valley. First lesson-how to spot poison oak. PJ’s rule is “leaves of three, let it be” and for good cause. This valley is flourishing with Pacific Poison oak, and its shades of green and red are beautiful.
Westfall is at ease in this space that I have named “Katie’s Valley." I laughed when she pointed and said, “Here is the mighty Otay River.”
Another plant overflowing in the valley is the Castor Bean plant. Invasive, native of tropical Africa, this plant has been cultivated for years for the oil in its leaves (castor oil).
There is enough castor bean in the Tijuana Sloughs to harvest simple biological weapons. It is unknown what the effects of a wildfire would do with this amount of castor bean plants burning its toxicity in the air. Buying castor bean seeds is popular as it makes a desirable ornamental plant in urban landscaping.
Next, we learned about jimson weed, with other names like datura or moonflower. Today it grows in any warm, moderate region in the world. It has trumpeted fragrant flowers. Ingestion of this plan can be fatal as all parts of the plant contain dangerous levels of poison.
We learned about deer grass. Kumeyaay lived this river for many years. Commonly used in basket and other weaving was deer grass.Lemonadeberry, commonly used for drink and flavor are one of the edible plants in the region.
Anise abounds throughout the valley. Native to Egypt and the Mediterranean it is now cultivated all over the world, for its fruit, aniseed.
Before coming to an end to head up to the viewpoint, we hit this wall of eucalyptus trees. It was apparent that this place has become the perfect forest setting for paint ball. Protection boards nailed to many trees gave it the look of an outdoor shooting range. Katie described the danger to the local wildlife with paintball pellets all around the grounds. There was a distinct line for as long as their roots stretched, where nothing else but the eucalyptus can survive.
I finished the hike exhilarated and enlightened. I look forward to hitting these trails on my own. Perhaps I can catch a glimpse of an American Badger. Possibilities are endless in an ecosystem made up 14 diverse habitats.
Overlooked is 13 miles of Otay Valley Regional Park river bottom vegetation and wildlife wrapped between South Bay’s I-5 and I-805, Main Street and Palm Avenue.
Finney Overlook was a perfect spot for WiLDCOAST and REI’s second bilingual nature trail hike. EXA FM 97.1 joined in support. This high point advantage has beautiful views from every direction.
HISTORICAL FINNEY OVERLOOK: Known for pilot John J. Montgomery. Profiling the natural shape of a bird’s wing, he piloted the first controlled wing flight by a glider in 1883.
REI Community Relations Administrator Myrian Coronel organizes REI’s summer educational hikes. Our guides for the day where JP Ruiz, Outdoor School Instructor, REI and Otay River Conservation Program Manager Katie Westfall, WiLDCOAST.
RULES OF THE TRAIL: Katie Westfall and JP Ruiz give a brief history of the park and the important rules to follow on the trails.
Together, the energy and devotion for what they do is infectious and is a perfect atmosphere for listening and learning.
Our group was exceptionally large for this hike. San Ysidro’s Girl Scout Group 5912 showed up in force. We went in two groups, leaving the younger scouts with Group Leader Irene Barajas.
Going from the viewpoint to the valley is a steep descend, but manageable enough for most people.
First, looking at the valley from above gives a great perspective of where you are when you reach the trails.Trails are wide and comfortable. During our hike, we saw several cross-terrain bicyclists training.
With such a large group, most of the animals you could only hear scurrying through the brush, but the birds fly around as if we were not there. Hikers of all ages learned many things about plant life in the area.
PJ is a storyteller, always having a piece of history to share about the area. Both of them, in their own style, taught us a variety of things about the plant life and history of this valley. First lesson-how to spot poison oak. PJ’s rule is “leaves of three, let it be” and for good cause. This valley is flourishing with Pacific Poison oak, and its shades of green and red are beautiful.
POISON OAK: Beautiful to look at, a rash decision to touch.
Westfall is at ease in this space that I have named “Katie’s Valley." I laughed when she pointed and said, “Here is the mighty Otay River.”
PERSONAL NOTE: Where I come from, we call it a creek.
Another plant overflowing in the valley is the Castor Bean plant. Invasive, native of tropical Africa, this plant has been cultivated for years for the oil in its leaves (castor oil).
There is enough castor bean in the Tijuana Sloughs to harvest simple biological weapons. It is unknown what the effects of a wildfire would do with this amount of castor bean plants burning its toxicity in the air. Buying castor bean seeds is popular as it makes a desirable ornamental plant in urban landscaping.
TOXIC CASTOR BEAN CAN KILL. Containing the protein ricin, when inhaled, injected or ingested is deadly. Forms of ricin have been tested and made into a chemical/biological warfare agent. Ricin manufacturing is easier than cocaine.
Next, we learned about jimson weed, with other names like datura or moonflower. Today it grows in any warm, moderate region in the world. It has trumpeted fragrant flowers. Ingestion of this plan can be fatal as all parts of the plant contain dangerous levels of poison.
A HALLUCINOGENIC: Jimson weed is used recreationally . Effects from interaction to this poison, comparable to the deadliness of huffing.
We learned about deer grass. Kumeyaay lived this river for many years. Commonly used in basket and other weaving was deer grass.Lemonadeberry, commonly used for drink and flavor are one of the edible plants in the region.
NATIVE HISTORY: Westfall tells how the many uses of lemonadeberry and it s connection to the Kumeyaay of the region.
Anise abounds throughout the valley. Native to Egypt and the Mediterranean it is now cultivated all over the world, for its fruit, aniseed.
ANISE: Tasting like licorice, anise is used for flavor, in liquor and medicine.
I finished the hike exhilarated and enlightened. I look forward to hitting these trails on my own. Perhaps I can catch a glimpse of an American Badger. Possibilities are endless in an ecosystem made up 14 diverse habitats.
IT GROWS AND GROWS: Westfall said that this patch of ice plant started small and is noticeably larger every time she comes back to the area.
DEER GRASS: Commonly used among the Kumeyaay tribes inhabiting this area for weaving of baskets, jewelry and clothing.
Otay River
Photo Credits/Albert Fulcher
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