January 22

The early morning temperatures are in the mid 50’s, skies are overcast as we begin our hike at the Three Sisters Reserve, 99 acres of grassland along the rugged California coast. Named after three distinct ridges divided by steep ravines, this hilly terrain provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. Descending a steep, earthen trail, I recognize some tumbleweeds which are Russian thistle plants that break off at the stem when they die and blow around with the wind. Passing through a dense patch of dead, Wild Mustard stalks, I come upon one of many Milk Snails. This one-inch, non-native snail is a terrestrial and air-breathing gastropod that feeds on plant greens and fruit. In California, which has a Mediterranean climate similar to its homeland, it can overrun native snails, displacing them and endangering the population’s survival. Milk snails are only active at night. During the day they close their shell aperture with a membrane and reduce their breathing rate to a fraction of the active value. Archeologists in their native Morocco have shown this snail was a staple of diets to prehistoric humans and in modern times it is considered a favorite from Spain to Italy. Further down the steep slope, I barely spot a Spotted Towhee, perched in the Mustard stalks. Some scientists suggest that the bold white spots on their backs help them blend in to the sun-dappled undergrowth. Their song sounds similar to the well-known "drink-your-tea" song of its eastern cousin. This is why a group of towhees is referred to as a "teapot." Another nickname for a group of towhees, a "tangle," is a nod to the bird's preferred habitat of thick shrubbery. Nearby, I spot Cholla Cacti and one-of-a-few visible blossom, that of Coastal Sunflower. Turning around, we begin a steep and arduous ascent, a real challenge for us Michigan flatlanders. Near the top, I pause to observe a ½ inch Pill bug or Roly-Poly. Even though their name is Pill bug and they have a bug like appearance, they’re not insects at all, but actually terrestrial crustaceans. For one small bug, they go by a lot of different names, including doodle bugs, wood shrimp, and woodlice. People in the United Kingdom refer to them as chiggypigs, penny sows, and cheesybugs..The reason they are called roly-polies is also one of their most notable qualities. When they are disturbed or frightened, they roll into a tight little ball. It’s a defense mechanism that is hypothesized to have evolved to protect the pill bugs' soft underparts from predators and to allow them to retain moisture on their gills.

Is it smoke and smog

Or clean fresh air

Paved parking lots

Or a meadow fair

Fast-paced world

Or slow-moving creek

Crowds of people

Or solitude I seek

Retreat from town

Manic malls

To tranquil trails

Mother Nature calls

 

D. DeGraaf