Ernie - a noted writer, photographer, lecturer, instructor, and author -  shares his vast nature and outdoor experiences including stories about the many critters who live with him in his garden on Mt. Hoo in Escondido.

His intimate knowledge of the Anza-Borrego Desert makes him a recognized authority on that region. He brings an astounding depth of technical knowledge along with the keen eye of a veteran outdoor photographer. 

Ernie’s passion is nature, and his writings reflect the moods, feelings and intimate encounters he has experienced while seeing the wild with his heart. Many of his works chronicle profound encounters in far away, wild places.

2016 The San Diego Union Tribune - Wild turkeys thrive following revival effort	For six years he wrote the monthly Backyard Bird-watching column for the San Diego Union-Tribune and currently writes a twice-monthly Nature and Outdoors column.
	He is the author of two books. The latest, There’s a Marmot in My Pack, is a collection of mysteries and adventures from 30 years as an outdoor writer.
	His first book, Anza-Borrego: A Photographic Journey, 2nd Edition, captures the essence of this  park through stunning images with the sheer scope of size, moods, and seasonal variations found within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Ernie is the former Mayor of Escondido, but his love of the outdoors has been his life-long love and he continues to serve on the command staff for San Diego County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and as a volunteer fire lookout for the U.S. Forest Service on Palomar Mountain.

Home for Ernie and his family is on a little mountain north of Escondido they call “Mt. Hoo.” By providing water and habitat, many of the local critters often visit them and have become frequent topics of his regular Nature and Outdoor Column in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Ernie will sell copies of his book at the meeting.

• Social hour begins at 6 PM. We invite guests to bring cuttings and flowers from their garden to display before the meeting
• Presentations begin at 6:45 PM and will also be via zoom.
• Free for SDHS Members; $15 Non-members, $10 Non-members via zoom
• Free, easy parking at the Congregation Beth Israel.  The parking entrance is off of Golden Haven Drive.  If free parking places are full, park in the lower level of paid lot at the far end of the free parking lot and validate your parking ticket at the guard station or outside of the chapel.