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The Nat Blog

The Nat Gets a New Roof

Posted: July 25, 2025

We are—quite literally—raising the roof. The Museum is embarking on a major construction project that will replace its aging Atrium skylight panels with a new and improved solid roof design that allows for solar panels and better climate control.    Read more.


Now that summer has arrived in sunny San Diego, everyone wants to come out to enjoy the heat. You might encounter one on a hike or walk, in a local park or canyon, or even your own backyard, so make sure to brush up on your snake ID skills! This guide will help you quickly recognize some of San Diego’s most common snakes. Read more.


Macrophotography, the art of taking close-up photos of small subjects, can help us see things from a different perspective. Dr. Shahan Derkarabetian's detailed photos are helping us learn and appreciate our mission region’s small invertebrates, are contributing to research, and are just plain cool! Read more.


A dedicated team of scientists at The Nat is leading meticulous detective work by identifying species using only the decayed animal remains and loose bones found in the Mojave Desert. The reason for the deaths? A notorious serial (wildlife) killer you would have never expected. Read more.


As we inch closer to summer, you may start to see some of your native plants either go dormant or die off, and understanding these natural changes will help you tend your garden better. Read through four great garden tips that will help prep your native plant garden for the hot summer months.  Read more.


Last year, the Museum debuted the Nature Trail, a free outdoor exhibit that showcases native plants from Southern California and the Baja California peninsula. This year, the team in charge of maintaining the garden proposed adding more species. The best way to get it done? Throwing a party, duh! Read more.


Five Things To Do at Nat at Night

Posted: April 22, 2025

Learn about the many exciting activities you can participate in during our after-hours event, Nat at Night. Read more.


A recent expedition to the Cape region of the Baja California Peninsula helped build capacity for the next generation of women botanists in the region. The expedition focused on training 10 young and upcoming women biologists from Mexico and a few young men on the flora and rare plant species of the region. Read more.


"I've got one!"—is a phrase the herpetology team at the San Diego Natural History Museum has grown accustomed to in past years. This year, the phrase sends a rush of relief and excitement through the team, who are recording significantly less California red-legged frog eggs than in previous seasons. Read more.


As the rainy season is (finally) getting started in Southern California, you may notice mushrooms popping up around town. This blog is a short introduction to the 10 most commonly seen mushrooms in Southern California. As always with fungi, be careful with identification, and reach out to an expert or check out our resources for more information. Read more.