Work Stuff

I know it's been a while since I've written. I'm going to try and start writing once a week. We'll see how that goes.

I wanted to share a few articles with all of you. I didn't write them but I was interviewed.

A fellow naturalist wrote this awesome article.
Urban Wild: Showing L.A.’s youth the wild side of America’s most sprawling city


This article has a few goofy pictures of me:)
http://calabasas.patch.com/articles/campfire-evenings

Up-cycle

These are two prototype purses I made out of up-cycled plastic bags.

I crocheted these purses out of plastic bags from Ralph's, Vons, Dollar Tree, Albertson's, and some farmers market. My co-workers have generously donated their bags since I don't have any. 

Currently, I'm working on crocheting with a smaller gauge needle to get a sharper looking product. 

 

Look at my beautiful model:)

Tracking Mountain Lions in Beverly Hills

December 16th, 2008

Location: Franklin Canyon Park, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The rain left an earthy smell all over the trails as Naturalist Ian and I embarked on our tracking adventure for the Mountain Lions of Beverly Hills. The overcast after the rain made my eyes squint. The mud was slippery as we walked the trails with naturalist precision. 

Many of our fine-feathered friends came out of their shelters to feed and fly about after the rain. The Acorn woodpecker was pecking. Raven, was croaking and clucking in the tree tops as we entered a trail that we had never taken before. The little hummingbirds came out of torpor to find food for their little bellies. 

As we continued our hike we found lots of Mule deer scat. We tracked the scat up the mountain and came across a clearing where we spotted a neighbor's barbeque just above us. The urban edge was closer then we thought. While descending we came across our first discovery, a condominium of Wood rat nests. The nests were built with exquisite carpenter skills. Near the nests were branches with a good quantity of Wood rat scat. I found it amusing that they conducted their business outside of their precious homes. 

The greenery surrounded us. Brand new blades of grass emerged from the earth. The scenery was mesmerizing. Then Naturalist Ian turned around with such excitement and screamed, "Discovery!" He reached for a white and brown object resting on top of the earth's soil. It was an animal skull. Half of the skull was cleared to the bone and the other half still had the skin intact and bits of fur. 

Naturalist Ian Griffith and a Front View of the Coyote Skull.

-Picture taken by Naturalist Lauren Tingco

Naturalist Ian Griffith and the skin side Profile view of the Coyote Skull.

-Picture taken by Lauren Tingco

Naturalist Ian Griffith and the bone side Profile view of the Coyote skull.

-Picture taken by Naturalist Lauren Tingco

 Ian, delighted by the discovery, determined the skull must belong to a coyote. We stood there for a moment and speculated on this coyote's last moments of life. What was the cause of death? I don't think we will ever know, but we like to think that we came across the feeding grounds of the Mountain Lions of Beverly Hills. 

My students won 200 points!

Last saturday I re-wrote our lesson about the earth to be centered around water and the health of our earth. This last thursday I had a chance to test drive my lesson on the 6th graders of Franklin Middle School. 

I taught about Erosion and the health of our planet. Although I've never hiked in the empty creek before I decided to hike through and teach the erosion lesson anyways. The creek was definitely man made for the camp location but it was a great teaching tool. The students were able to see the roots of the trees holding the soil in place. I had some students who didn't quite get the concept of what a watershed was so I made a pile of sand on the ground and asked them where they thought the water would go? Then I started pouring some of my water bottle onto the pile of sand. The water was able to carve the sand and make a little canal where some water made it to the bottom and and most of the water drained into the ground. The bottom of the creek had very permeable sand because of the large amounts of silt being drained into the creek from the mountain. I asked the students what would happen if the bottom of the creek was cement like some of the LA River? 

We spotted holes on the side walls of the empty creek. The students determined those were small animal homes who may be effected by flood or erosion. 

We spotted lots of animal tracks. The students believed that animals would come to drink at one of the drainage pipes that lead into the creek. As it was my first time hiking inside the creek I was surprised to find so much pollution. There were tires, balloons, golf balls, cans, etc. We picked up what we could and threw it away. 

We were able to see how the surface run off into the creek emptied into a canal that would later connect to the LA River. I explained to the students that every where we live we are in a watershed and I asked the students if they knew the name of their watershed? I had to give them a few hints but eventually they got it, the LA River Watershed! 

The next day was the last day of their time at camp. The students ran up to me and shouted about how they won 200 points at the jeopardy game last night! They were so happy and excited to tell me what question they won 200 points for. The question was, what is the name of the watershed you live in? They were so proud about knowing the answer and they gave me the credit. 

I couldn't have been happier all week. 

Where are we going?

What crosses your mind when you think of your family? Do you think about where they came from? It seems as though nobody stays in the same place for very long. The United States was a place of refuge, hopes, and dreams. Looking into our past is such a great way of moving forward. And we are always moving forward in life. Although, many people say times were easier back in time. 

Today I was interviewed by a co-workers fiance' who is taking an asian american studies class. There is a lot to learn about our families. It's kind of funny because you never imagine your grandparents and parents growing up. They remain encased in their adult form performing different actions they say they used to do all the time. I can't imagine my mom skinny and in love with Elvis. Watching Jimmy Hendrix play live in Monterey. I only remember her with a big belly. I can't believe my grandmother was an athlete. I remember her watching her soap operas. 

Where does the time go? It really does just pass us by.

Conservation...Don't Waste!

Is conservation a new idea? 

We are quickly approaching the year 2009, our human population continues to increase, and our one and only Earth is suffering the impacts. Many individuals living on our highly unique planet will most likely put their comfort and well being before it. Digging holes in search of oil leaves large gaping wounds that resemble sores. Housing development fills up the mountains and hillsides where thousand year old trees once planted their roots. Diversion and damming of natural watersheds prevents the anadramous fish from completing their migration. 

I've been looking at Environmental Science and Resource Management Graduate Programs. There are very few to choose from in southern california. Wish me luck.

Baby Garlic

I was cooking dinner a week and a half ago and one of my garlic cloves was sprouting. I decided to plant it in some soil and see how well this little fella grew. To my surprise, the little sprout grows a little more each day. Nick thinks it's because I talk to it every day. I really like nurturing my plants just like I nurture my companion animals. They are part of the family. The oldest plant I have I got for my 22nd birthday from my good friend Nadine. So, I have had this plant in my possession for 4 years. I have no idea what type of indoor plant it is but it's beautiful and it makes me happy to see it doing so well every day. That plant has taught me a lot about taking care of other life forms. I've almost killed it many times but it came back to life with a little love and care. 

That's all for now.