Do Not Disturb... the Tadpoles

Doane Pond, Palomar Mountain State ParR

One of my favorite spots in San Diego is Palomar Mountain State Park. There is a diversity of wildlife up there including a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, amphibians, and plant life. Seasonal changes are dramatic at 5,000' elevation, too.

It is a fun place to camp or to spend a day fishing and hiking with your family and friends. However, over the years, people seem to have become a bit disconnected from the natural world.

That to me is the only explanation for why the sign to the left was posted. I have actually seen parents sit by a beautiful stream, looking at their cell phones while their children are throwing rocks into the stream or scooping up tadpoles, fish, and any other squirming creature. Because no adult was paying attention or guiding children's aimless play, these children learned very little about their natural world. I hope that this post encourages you to learn a new word 'tadpole' for a baby frog, but also how to protect the future of San Diego's wildlife.  The word 'tadpole' is often used metaphorically to mean a child (usually male), too.