Because of its role in spreading disease among Western monarch butterflies, tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) has been classified as a “noxious weed” by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. That led to a June 1 notice of a ban by Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner Ed Williams on its sale Read more…
The June 1 “Where in the Conejo” contest photo featured the detritus under an owl’s nest or frequent perching spot, including several rodent skulls and a disintegrating owl pellet (upper right). Of the correct entrants, Bill Brenden was selected at random as the winner of a $25 gift certificate. Congratulations, Bill, Read more…
You could win $25 if you can you identify the phenomenon shown in the photo! The correct answer is provided below along with 3 that are not. To be entered in the drawing to win, you must select the right one. As you are hiking in a forested area, you Read more…
Jenn Guess gave her COSF audience a very enthusiastic and spirited talk to address common ways wild animals get injured and end up at the California Wildlife Center for rehabilitation, where she works. The CWC receives 30,000 phone calls a year about injured wildlife, and takes in 4,300 animals annually, Read more…
Thanks to generous donations from members and supporters, COSF was able to add $6,800 to the $10,000 donation already pledged to fund the construction of the $87 million Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing over the 101 freeway. The additional money came from the Julia Osborn Gourley Memorial Fund, which COSF created Read more…
The October 1 “Where in the Conejo” contest photo was of a Jerusalem cricket, aka, potato bug, another common name many of you noted when you entered. It’s also known as niño de la tierra, sand cricket, and stone cricket. Of the correct entrants, Eric Perl of Newbury Park was Read more…
The August 1 Where in the Conejo Contest photo was of a Milde’s tarantula hawk. Of the correct entrants (which was most everyone!), Wendy was selected at random as the winner of a $25 gift certificate. Congratulations Wendy and thanks to all who entered the contest! Milde’s tarantula hawk (Pepsis Read more…
Most of us think of the wildlife crossing as only for the benefit of mountain lions, so that lions from different regions can mingle, reduce interbreeding and strengthen the gene pool of the population. In reality, the wildlife bridge will benefit many more species, including plants and birds! COSF is Read more…
Dr. Daniel Cooper, who spoke to us via Zoom on Thursday evening June 10th, gave a scholarly presentation of his research into the changes of bird populations over the past few decades due to expanding urban areas. He finds that some species thrive in cities, some avoid them, and others Read more…
We at the Conejo Open Space Foundation have put together a 16-minute video for youngsters about some of our native animals. The Animal Actors of Hollywood showed us some of their stars. Students can meet and learn about a Raccoon, Opossum, Gopher Snake, Porcupine, Great Horned Owl, Desert Tortoise and Read more…