Notebook of a Digital Naturalist

Every scientist keeps a personal journal, and in this I am no different. My day job is Resident Director of a biological field station called the James Reserve, sort of a bed and breakfast for biologists.

As the Bee Fire threatens Idyllwild, a laptop computer and GIS database become tools for understanding fire behavior from a Black Mountain lookout.

Norm Hogg passed away last night, and I find myself flooded with a thousand vivid memories of condor watching on Mt. Pinos, story telling around campfires, hooting for spotted owls, and banding song birds.

A real-time email journal following a day at the James Reserve—from morning coffee to bird walks and picking up the kids from school.

The origin story of the Macroscope—hauling video equipment up Black Mountain to create the world's first interactive multimedia nature walk on Apple II and laserdisc.

A vision for the "virtual reserve" - how Internet technology could expand access to ecological research without increasing physical impact on fragile landscapes.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve by honoring the legacy of Harry and Grace James, wilderness advocates and founders of the Trailfinder School for Boys.