What does it mean to be a naturalist? It’s about noticing the small details, like observing the parallel veins of the blades of grass and the tiny bite marks left from the small insect stopping for lunch. Being a naturalist is about caring enough to pause and wonder, even if you don’t know the scientific names or the complex processes at play.

Our Intern Akira’s journey with Grassroots Ecology began in his early teens. Learn more about what kept him coming back over the last 6 years: as a Youth Steward in high school, a Naturalist Intern last summer, and as a current Habitat Restoration Intern.

Have you been to Byrne Preserve lately? If you have, you may have noticed the many butterflies at the preserve. John Metcalfe, a recent graduate of our California Naturalist program, has created a guide for identifying these important pollinators in a very localized and easy to use way.