top of page
Nature
.png)
The canopy of trees in Venice tells a visual history of our coastal community. From the resilient, salt-sprayed sea grapes lining the Gulf shores to the majestic, moss-draped live oaks that provide sanctuary along our streets, these trees are a vital part of our community’s character. Whether it is the swaying palms that welcome visitors or the ancient banyans with their intricate roots, each tree contributes to the vibrant ecosystem and the timeless charm of our local environment. Here is a look at the banyan…
Coastal Treasures…
Native Plants of Venice Beach
Venice Beach, famed for its sun-soaked sands, is also home to a distinctive array of coastal flora that plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Among the most notable plants found here are sea grapes, sea oats, and railway vine, each contributing to the beach’s beauty and ecological health.
It seems that people have always been intrigued by hummingbirds. These busy colorful little birds have captured the attention and imagination of humans throughout recorded history in their native Americas. Today they also appear in art, legends, as cultural, spiritual and emotional symbols, as well as simple adornments to be worn and often displayed as decor in homes throughout the world.
The Journey of the Sea Turtle
She rides the wake of the evening tide to the white sand beach in the light of a sleepy moon. The female loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta surfs onto the shore, dragging her hulk through tangled seaweed and shells. Heavy with eggs, she scoops the wet sand with wide sweeps of her rear flippers, preparing to leave 100 or more eggs behind. With the pink light of morning, her nest complete and camouflaged, she heads out to the welcoming sea and hitches a ride on a wave—out to depths unknown.
Sea Urchins
Fascinating Creatures In Our Seas
While walking along shorelines, on jetties, swimming or snorkeling in shallow waters and around seagrasses you have probably seen spiny creatures in colors ranging from various shades of black, red and purple to yellow, green and brown. You have also very likely seen the familiar white discs of Sand Dollars scattered among shells. All these creatures and their remains are part of a family of invertebrates belonging to the class Echinoidea, more commonly known as sea urchins.
.png)
Things to Ponder...
A Gathering of Birds
A Colony of Gulls...A Convocation Of Eagles...A Murder of Crows...
Over the next few months, we'll have some fun exploring the origins of many of these interesting terms and how they came to be. If you are a bird lover, nature and/or history enthusiast or just curious about your environment, we think you will enjoy learning about this as much as we did.
Fascinating Ferns
Their Amazing Longevity!
The leaf of the fern is known as the frond, and today varies in size from the tree fern’s 12-foot length to the tiniest mosquito fern with leaves of only 1/16 of an inch long. The frond begins in a tightly curled shape known as the crosier or fiddlehead, and during development, unfurls to become a leaf.
We love our ferns in flower arrangements, in our gardens, and on our nature walks. The next time you gaze at their beauty, try to fathom their emergence almost 400 million years ago!
bottom of page