Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 30, 2026

East Bay Regional Parks Upcoming Events

See the calendar of upcoming events for the East Bay Regional Parks at https://www.ebparks.org/calendar

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 30, 2026

Scientists have discovered only a tiny fraction of living insect species

Science reported

From half-meter-long moths to fairy wasps smaller than sand grains, insects come in a stunning variety of shapes and sizes and constitute the most diverse animal group on Earth. But the insect species discovered so far may represent just a fraction of the total crawling, flying, and burrowing around the planet, according to a new study published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Using statistical methods borrowed from another field, a team of entomologists estimates there may be as many as 20 million insect species on our planet—more than three times the previous estimate.

Read more at Scientists have discovered only a tiny fraction of living insect species

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 29, 2026

Why are so many dead bumblebees appearing on sidewalks?

ScienceDaily reported

Bumblebees naturally have short lives, but extreme heat and human activity are making survival harder. Pesticides can poison bees or destroy the flowers they depend on, while habitat loss leaves them with fewer safe places to live and feed. Protecting native plants and using fewer chemicals could help these vital pollinators recover.

Read on www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260727012134.htm

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 29, 2026

Whale of the Month: Rice’s Whale

The Revelator  reported

These newly discovered whales are about as rare as rare can get, and the Trump administration isn’t helping.

Read more at Whale of the Month: Rice’s Whale

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 28, 2026

Repatriated Yurok land to welcome guests to Calif. national park

SF Gate reported

California’s Yurok Tribe lost 90% of their land. Now, 125 acres have been returned in a historic partnership.

Read on www.sfgate.com/california-parks/article/historic-yurok-land-deal-near-redwood-national-19310940.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 28, 2026

Theodore Payne Foundation  Upcoming Events 

Theodore Payne Foundation inspires and educates Southern Californians about the beauty and ecological benefits of California native plant landscapes.We are located on 22 acres of canyon land in the northeast corner of the San Fernando Valley. Our full-service native plant nursery, seed room, book store, art gallery, demonstration gardens, and hiking trails are open to the public year round. We offer garden tours and classes for adults and families, as well as field trips to TPF and in-classroom programs for children. Friendly on-leash dogs are welcome and there is no admission charge!

See upcoming events at  Theodore Payne Foundation Events – Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 28, 2026

Why Female Chickadees Leave Their Mates for Smarter Birds

AZ Aninals reported

  • Being a faithful, intelligent partner still isn’t enough. There’s a surprising threshold at which even smart male chickadees lose out. See the cognitive threshold →
  • Female chickadees with the weakest cognitive skills make a calculated mating move that reveals something unexpected about how animals compensate for their own limitations. Explore the female strategy →

Read more at Why Female Chickadees Leave Their Mates for Smarter Birds

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 27, 2026

‘The pigeon came to them seeking help’: California firefighters give oxygen to suffering bird

The Guardian reported

A crew in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Oakland spotted a pigeon ‘in distress’ after a vehicle fire

Read more at  ‘The pigeon came to them seeking help’: California firefighters give oxygen to suffering bird

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 27, 2026

A little bird told her: scientist wins $100,000 prize for decoding birdsong

The Guardian reported

A scientist who decoded the vocalisations that a bird uses to communicate has won a $100,000 prize for making progress towards a world in which humans can talk to the animals – without being met with a blank response.

Dr Julie Elie at the University of California, Berkeley, was awarded the 2026 Coller-Dolittle prize for two-way interspecies communication after working out the 11 core calls in the27 vocabulary and their meanings.

Read more at A little bird told her: scientist wins $100,000 prize for decoding birdsong

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 26, 2026

Europe’s Air Quality Dramatically Improves in 10 Years, With 39-59% Drop in Industrial and Road Toxins

Good News Network reported

Air quality continues to improve across Europe, with emissions from most of the major pollutants declining by significant amounts.

Read on www.goodnewsnetwork.org/europes-air-quality-dramatically-improved-with-39-59-drop-in-industrial-and-road-emissions/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 26, 2026

Seven suspected new bird flu cases are ‘evidence of spread’ into Australian wildlife, experts warn

The Guardian reported

BirdLife Australia says discoveries of sick and dead local seabirds in South Australia show outbreak is ‘taking hold’

Read on www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/27/h5-bird-flu-suspected-new-cases-south-australia

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 26, 2026

The Changing Chorus: 50 Years of Birds in the Bay Area

See preentation on YuTube of The Changing Chorus: 50 Years of Birds in the Bay Area at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_f71Rr9k8E

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 26, 2026

A Beginner’s Guide to Types of Rock: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorhpic

Earth.com reported

Just as biologists need to distinguish between different kinds of plants and animals, geologists depend on being able to classify different types of rocks. It turns out that the best way to classify rocks is based on the process in which they were formed. There are three main processes that result in the three overarching categories of rocks. These categories, which we will explore in detail, are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Read more at A Beginner’s Guide to Types of Rock: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorhpic

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 25, 2026

How the kidnapping of two forest service workers unfolded in California

The Guardian reported

Two biologists were taken hostage for about 15 hours by a man and his son in a remote part of Shasta-Trinity national forest
—

Read on www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/25/california-forest-service-kidnapping-shasta

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 25, 2026

10 Unique Birds That Build the Most Incredible Nests

from Animals Around the World

When you think about nature’s architects, birds might not be the first creatures that come to mind. Yet some species create structures so complex, so utterly bizarre, that they seem almost impossible. These aren’t just simple bundles of twigs thrown together in an afternoon. We’re talking about hanging fortresses, stitched leaf pouches, and apartment buildings that can weigh as much as a small car.

Read more and see the nests at 10 Unique Birds That Build the Most Incredible Nests

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2026

The long-awaited Highway 1 reopening has spelled disaster in Big Sur

SF Gate reported

For the past three years, the narrative around Big Sur was that it was a world unto itself. With the southern part of the highway completely closed for repair after several major landslides, the crowds ebbed, nature got a break.

Then, in January, the road reopened. Now, a little more than six months after Highway 1 went from “America’s most beautiful cul-de-sac” to a major thoroughfare once more, folks have descended on Big Sur this summer en masse.

Read more at The long-awaited Highway 1 reopening has spelled disaster in Big Sur The long-awaited Highway 1 reopening has spelled disaster in Big Sur

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2026

Job Announcement: Integrated Campaign Specialist

The CNPS Public Affairs team is hiring an Integrated Campaign Specialist to develop and execute digital campaigns that support CNPS’s conservation, public policy, and organizational growth goals. You’ll work across communications channels to engage diverse audiences, drive meaningful action, and continuously improve campaign performance through data and analysis. CNPS’s work is centered on multi-year campaigns designed to achieve measurable, mission-driven outcomes; such as advancing legislation, growing membership and donations, and increasing public engagement. This role plays a central part in translating those priorities into coordinated campaigns that deliver results.

  • 📍 Location: Hybrid (Sacramento-based preferred; Bay Area candidates also encouraged to apply, as well as those willing to relocate.)
  • 🗓️ Deadline to apply: August 9, 2026
  • 🎯 Target start date: Early September 2026

Apply now

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2026

This desert oasis is a biological wonderland. Trump’s border wall threatens to destroy it

The Guardian reported

Environmental groups are sounding the alarm over plans that threaten a desert spring that’s home to rare fish and turtles and sacred to the O’odham people

Read on www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/24/arizona-border-wall-endangered-species

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2026

 Marin County Parks Upcoming Events

See the calendar of upcoming free events for Marin County Parks  Events Calendar – Marin County Parks

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2026

Take the Pulse of Bay Area Birds

Check ou the status/population of bird species populations  at Take the Pulse of Bay Area Birds!

Sadly, many species are experiencing significant decline.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 23, 2026

Bivalve-loving oystercatchers thriving thanks to conservation efforts

AP reported

A shorebird known for its sharp, orange bill and beady eyes is making a comeback in North America thanks to a yearslong conservation effort.

Read on apnews.com/article/american-oystercatchers-shorebirds-conservation-climate-af6829ccb2ea83d599481abd83b7208d

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 23, 2026

In crowded Yosemite National Park, bears are eating birthday cake and getting hit by cars

SF Gate reported

According to the park, humans are the No. 1 cause of death for black bears in Yosemite, and vehicles have hit nine bears so far this year throughout the park.

Data collected between 1995 and 2010 found that vehicle collisions correlatewith visitation numbers. The frequency of bear-vehicle collisions increases in the summer months, tending to peak during the height of park visitation in August or September.

Read more at In crowded Yosemite National Park, bears are eating birthday cake and getting hit by carsIn crowded Yosemite National Park, bears are eating birthday cake and getting hit by cars

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 23, 2026

370,000 Acres of Rainforest and Granite Peaks Now Protected in French Guiana

The Good News Network reported

As part of new wildlands protection law, the French Government has announced the creation of a new nature reserve in French Guiana spanning 370,000 acres.

Called the Rocky Peaks of Armontabo, the reserve includes giant, isolated granite mountains surrounded by intact rainforest of rich biodiverse value.

Read more 370,000 Acres of Rainforest and Granite Peaks Now Protected in French Guiana

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 22, 2026

2 massive California wildfires erupt near Highway 395 in the Sierra

SF Gate reported

The Rock Fire and the Biscar Fire are burning in the eastern Sierra Nevada, prompting highway closures and evacuations.

Read on www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/sierra-fires-rock-biscar-22354277.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 22, 2026

Once thought extinct ocean species is found off the coast of California

The Independent reported

A strange, multi-colored Pacific Ocean species once thought lost to devastating disease has been found again in the waters off Northern California.

Scientists located 18 spiny “sunflower sea stars” – one of the largest sea star species on Earth, spanning over three feet in length – in the waters of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary last summer, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced this month.

Read more Once thought extinct ocean species is found off the coast of California

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 21, 2026

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos July 19, 2026 part 2

Photographed in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on July 19, 2026.

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a California native plant garden. It is located within Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley, California, It is a 10-acre garden includes many of the state’s rare and endangered plants and a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses from plant communities throughout the state. There are free weekend and holiday tours.  Admission and parking are free. For more information about the garden visit the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 21, 2026

Argentina to return two rare maned wolves to the wild

Reuters reported

Conservationists will return two maned wolves, rescued after the ​death of their mother, to the wild ‌next month in Argentina, where the long-legged wild canine is endangered.
The conservation nonprofit Temaiken Foundation said it ​received the male-female siblings named Sun ​and Moon in September and will release ⁠them in July in the Ibera National ​Park, where they were born, in northern Corrientes ​Province.

Read more  Argentina to return two rare maned wolves to the wild

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 20, 2026

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos July 19, 2026 part 1

Photographed in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on July 19, 2026.

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a California native plant garden. It is located within Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley, California, It is a 10-acre garden includes many of the state’s rare and endangered plants and a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses from plant communities throughout the state. There are free weekend and holiday tours.  Admission and parking are free. For more information about the garden visit the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden.

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Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: ,

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 20, 2026

AI-altered images on birdwatching forums putting research at risk

The Guardian reported

Experts warn increase in enhanced photos on birding platforms creating fake sightings, threatening credibility of tool used by scientists

Read on www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/20/ai-slop-manipulated-fake-images-birds-citizen-science-aoe

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 20, 2026

Sturgeon once extinct in the wild returns to China’s Yangtze River

The Star reported

In a meandering stretch of the upper Yangtze River in Jiang’an county of Yibin, Sichuan province, a remarkable chapter is unfolding for the Yangtze sturgeon.

The Yangtze sturgeon, one of the oldest vertebrates on Earth, lived alongside the dinosaurs.

Endemic to China’s Yangtze River, it is classified as a nationally protected first-class wild animal, once mainly found in the river’s upper reaches and tributaries.

Read more at Sturgeon once extinct in the wild returns to China’s Yangtze River

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