Susan Hopkins

Susan Hopkins is a Certified California Naturalist, a docent for the Eaton Canyon Nature Center and a docent naturalist for the Tejon Ranch Conservancy. She is a correspondent for regional nature publications including The Wrentit and Paw Prints. Susan is “squirrelbait” on www.iNaturalist.org where she administers the Eaton Canyon Biodiversity Project.

What’s Blooming at Eaton Canyon in May

News /
A tree with a mountain in the backgroundChaparral Yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei). Towering over all the other wildflowers in the canyon, the Chaparral yucca begins to make its springtime appearance.A pink flower on a plantCalifornia Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum). Take a closer look at the diminutive flower of California Buckwheat that can be found within the canyon.A close up of a flower gardenCalifornia Bush Sunflower (Encelia californica). The path from the Nature Center parking lot to the first crossing is lined with these beautiful flowers.A close up of a flower gardenBlack Sage (Salvia mellifera). The pale lavender flowers of this very aromatic shrub appear in clusters spaced out along a stem.A close up of a flowerSouthern Bush Monkeyflower (Diplacus longiflorus). These tubular orange blossoms are a favorite among Hummingbirds.A close up of a flower gardenDeerweed (Acmispon glaber). The bright yellow flowers of this member of the Pea family fade to a soft orange as they age.A group of bushes next to a treeBlue Elderberry (Sambucus cerulea). This small tree has tiny cream-colored flowers that are in large, dense clusters.

Hover over photos to reveal information about each species.

Susan Hopkins is a Certified California Naturalist, a docent for the Eaton Canyon Nature Center and a docent naturalist for the Tejon Ranch Conservancy. She is a correspondent for regional nature publications including The Wrentit and Paw Prints. Susan is “squirrelbait” on www.iNaturalist.org where she administers the Eaton Canyon Biodiversity Project.

Photography © Susan Hopkins unless otherwise credited

What’s Blooming at Eaton Canyon in May Read More »

A group of people sitting on top of a mountain

Caltech Volunteers Remove a Half Ton of Invasive and Non-Native Plants

Leave a Comment / News /

Saturday May 20th was the first Conservation Day in Eaton Canyon since the start of the pandemic. Conservation group leader Max Yasuda and a group of volunteers from the Caltech Y had fun removing half a ton of invasive and non-native mustards and thistles that clogged the trails.

You too can be part of the fun. The conservation group provides monthly and by-appointment opportunities to community members wishing to volunteer with the Eaton Canyon Nature Center. These opportunities will specifically entail conservation efforts within the park such as weed removal, tree planting and maintenance of native plants. The group accepts sign-ups from the public at https://tinyurl.com/eatoncanyonconservation.

Conservation group lead Max Yasuda. Photo: Susan Hopkins6’6″ Jimmy the Thistle Puller from Caltech with his bounty. Photo: Susan Hopkins
Susan Hopkins is a Certified California Naturalist, a docent for the Eaton Canyon Nature Center and a docent naturalist for the Tejon Ranch Conservancy. She is a correspondent for regional nature publications including The Wrentit and Paw Prints. Susan is “squirrelbait” on www.iNaturalist.org where she administers the Eaton Canyon Biodiversity Project.

Caltech Volunteers Remove a Half Ton of Invasive and Non-Native Plants Read More »

A close up of a flower garden

Common Names in Mexico for Eaton Canyon Plants & Animals

Leave a Comment / News /
Common name (Binominal nomenclature)Known variously in Mexico
California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum)Alforfon, Flor de borrego
Cochineal (Dactylopius)Cochinilla, Cochinilla grana
California Quail (Callipepla californica)Cordoniz, Codorniz Californiana, Codorniz de California
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)Encino de la costa, Encino de California, Encino verde
California Dodder (Cuscuta californica)Grenas, Fideo, Cabellos de ángel
Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium)Hierba santa, Hierba santa de hoja gruesa
Mule Fat (Baccharis salcifolia)Huatamote, Jarrillas, Azumiate, Chilca, Batamote
Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina)Lentisco
Shortpod Mustard (Hirschfeldia incana)Mostazilla, Rabaniza amarilla
Poison Oak (Toxiodendron diversolobum)Roble venemoso del Pacifico
Sugarbush (Rhus ovata)Saladitos, Arbusto de azúcar
Black Sage (Salvia melifera)Salvia de miel
White Sage (Salvia apiana)Salvia real, Salvia blanca
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)Tollon
Chaparral Yucca (Hesperroyucca whipplei)Yuca de chaparral
Western Sycamore (Platanus racemosa)Sicomoro, Aliso
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia)Nopal, Cactus de higo, Xoconostles
Translated by Brenda Kyle, Arboretum Amy & Susan Hopkins
Toyon photo: © Susan Hopkins

Common Names in Mexico for Eaton Canyon Plants & Animals Read More »

Scroll to Top