Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 8, 2026

Over 6,000 acres of former ranch land purchased by Bay Area land trust

SF Gate reported

Santa Clara County just gained thousands of acres of protected open space, thanks to the purchase of two large ranch properties by a Palo Altoenvironmental nonprofit.

On Tuesday, the Peninsula Open Space Trust, or POST, announced that it had secured Mead Ranch, a 1,921-acre property in Santa Clara County’s Coyote Valley that was previously owned by members of the Bechtel family. The purchase comes several months after the nonprofit made headway into acquiring Sargent Ranch, a sprawling parcel at the southern terminus of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The two properties, one of which was owned by a prominent industrial engineering family, connect critical habitats in Santa Clara County.

Read on www.sfgate.com/local/article/south-bay-ranch-purchases-21959906.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 8, 2026

Cornell Birds of the World Website

Very cool website. Look up any bird and you will see the bird and hear the bird. Easy to use.

Click here

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 7, 2026

Check Out the Yerba Buena CNPS YouTube Channel

There are speaker series presentations on YouTube. Check out our channel for all 72 of our videos! Here are the latest:

Butterflies of the Bay Area with Liam O’Brien

A Natural History of San Francisco with Greg Gaar

The California Current’s influence on San Francisco’s weather, people, and plants with Darren Peck

Keeping Pathogens Out: Best Practices to Prevent Phytophthora in Native Habitats

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 7, 2026

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos 3/7/26

Photographed in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on March 7, 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 | March 7, 2026

Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve

Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve reported

Contrary to the news articles, this is not a “superbloom” year. While there is no definition of what a superbloom is, when many people envision one at the Poppy Reserve, they think of carpets of poppies over the hillsides that stretch as far as the eye can see. This is not one of those years. It is clear that more time will not improve the bloom conditions. Some poppies are already producing seed capsules. Visitors will be wowed with lots of wildflowers, especially owl’s clover, but not acres of poppies. That being said, it is GORGEOUS. How long will the bloom last? That entirely depends on the weather. If we get warmer temperatures, the bloom may be over sometime in April. If it is cooler, the bloom could last longer. Only the Mojave desert knows.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 7, 2026

8,000 Suggestions Later, a Newly Discovered Deep-Sea Species Gets Its Name

Discover Magazine reported

A new deep-sea species now carries a scientific name chosen by the internet, and researchers say the crowdsourced approach could help conservation efforts.

A newly discovered deep-sea creature has officially been named, and unlike most species descriptions tucked quietly into academic journals, this one belongs to the internet. After more than 8,000 suggestions poured in from across social media, researchers have christened a rare deep-sea chiton Ferreiraella populi — a name that literally means “of the people.”

Read on www.discovermagazine.com/8-000-suggestions-later-a-newly-discovered-deep-sea-species-gets-its-name-48657

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 6, 2026

Wildflowers Abound in Regional Parks

from East Bay Regional Parks

Spring is a great time to get outdoors in the East Bay Regional Park District. Hillsides and meadows are bursting with life, vibrant colors, and one of spring’s greatest gifts on full display—wildflowers!

View hundreds of wildflower species at Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve, Ohlone Wilderness Regional Preserve, Briones Regional Park, and Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, among many others. Visit Wildflowers In Your Parks to learn more about wildflowers and where to see them.

On weekends from late March to early May, Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve hosts special wildflower season hikes and programs. Arrive early to sign up for programs at the Visitor Center, as space is limited. Visit the activity calendar for more information about the Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve Wildflower Season programs.

Other Regional Parks also offer naturalist-led wildflower-themed programs. Check out the activity calendar for a complete list of wildflower programs.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 5, 2026

Upcoming CNPS Events

See the calendar of upcoming events of the California Native Plants Society at https://www.cnps.org/events

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 5, 2026

Upcoming Events at East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden

See upcoming events at East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden at events.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 5, 2026

Monitor Pass Open

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 5, 2026

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos 3/3/26

Photographed in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on March 3, 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 | March 4, 2026

Xerces Society Upcoming Events

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See all Xerces Society upcoming events at Xerces Society Webinars

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 4, 2026

Photos From My Garden 3/2/26

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 4, 2026

Avian flu strikes California’s northern elephant seals; area quarantined

Monga Bay reported

  • Experts confirmed that seven young northern elephant seals on the beach at California’s Año Nuevo State Park carried a deadly form of avian influenza, H5N1, the first recorded infection in these seals.
  • This highly contagious virus has circulated the globe since 2020. The U.N. estimates that as of December 2025, H5N1 had infected some 598 bird species and 102 mammal species. In 2022-23, the virus devastated seal colonies off South American coastlines, sparking increased surveillance of North American marine mammals.
  • This northern elephant seal population has been carefully studied for about 60 years. With close monitoring, researchers quickly discovered that sick pups were infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1.
  • Since this avian flu strain emerged, there have been 131 human infections globally, including 71 in the U.S. As a precaution, California officials have banned visitors from the elephant seal beaches and canceled guided tours.

Read more at Avian flu strikes California’s northern elephant seals; area quarantined

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 4, 2026

In polar regions, microbes are influencing climate change as frozen ecosystems thaw

McGill University reports

A global synthesis shows microbial activity is accelerating carbon release and mobilizing toxins, complicating climate projections

Microbes across Earth’s coldest regions are becoming more active as glaciers, permafrost and sea ice thaw, accelerating carbon release and potentially amplifying climate change, according to a new international review from McGill University.

Read more In polar regions, microbes are influencing climate change as frozen ecosystems thaw, McGill review finds 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 3, 2026

Why the Calif. superbloom is more ‘a kind of hype’ than actual science

SF Gate reported

According to experts interviewed by SFGATE, there’s no concrete way to define a superbloom. And even if there were, some find the term problematic altogether.

Read on www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/calif-superbloom-death-valley-21951556.php

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Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 3, 2026

Fire at Yosemite’s Ahwahnee forces hotel and dinner guests to evacuate

SF Gate reported

Hotel and dinner guests were evacuated Monday after a fire broke out in Yosemite National Park’s Ahwahnee Hotel

Read on www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/yosemite-ahwahnee-hotel-fire-21953201.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 3, 2026

Tejon Ranch Upcoming Events

See All Upcoming Tejon Ranch Events at Events

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 3, 2026

Antarctica just saw the fastest glacier collapse ever recorded

ScienceDaily reported

Antarctica’s Hektoria Glacier stunned scientists by retreating eight kilometers in just two months, with nearly half of  it collapsing in record time. The rapid breakup was driven by a flat, underwater bedrock surface that allowed the glacier to suddenly float and fracture from below. Satellite and seismic data captured the dramatic chain reaction in near real time. The findings raise concerns that much larger glaciers could one day collapse just as quickly.

Read more Antarctica just saw the fastest glacier collapse ever recorded Antarctica just saw the fastest glacier collapse ever recorded

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 2, 2026

 Los Padres ForestWatch Upcoming Events

See Upcoming Los Padres ForestWatch Upcoming Events at Home | Los Padres ForestWatch

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Posted in Birds, Talks | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 2, 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 | March 2, 2026

Olympic National Park’s furry guardians could gain endangered status

SF Gate  reported

The Olympic marmot, a chubby, whistling ground squirrel found only in the high alpine meadows in and around Olympic National Park, has finally made progress toward federal protection. After nearly two years of silence about the creature’s dwindling numbers, federal wildlife officials have taken a long-awaited first step after a lawsuit accused the agency of missing legally required deadlines.

Read on www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/olympic-marmots-endangered-species-21338309.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 1, 2026

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos 2/28/26

Photographed in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on February 23, 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 | March 1, 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 in Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 1, 2026

A total lunar eclipse will turn the moon blood red on Tuesday

NBC Bay Area 

A blood-red moon will soon grace the skies for a total lunar eclipse — and there won’t be another until late 2028.

The spectacle will be visible Tuesday morning from North America, Central America and the western part of South America. Australia and eastern Asia can catch it Tuesday night. Partial stages of the eclipse with small bites taken out of the moon can be seen from Central Asia and much of South America. Africa and Europe will be shut out.

Solar and lunar eclipses happen due to a precise alignment of the sun, moon and Earth. There are between four and seven a year, according to NASA.

Read more A total lunar eclipse will turn the moon blood red on Tuesday

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 28, 2026

Pesticides found in 70% of European soils, harming beneficial life

Monga Bay reported

For farmers, sometimes the easiest way to save a crop or prevent catastrophic insect damage is to spray a pesticide. But this common practice is wreaking havoc on the soil, according to new research published recently in the journal Nature. The study examined soil from 26 European countries, finding that pesticide contamination is widespread beyond … Continue reading

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 27, 2026

JOIN CIR ON CATALINA ISLAND FOR A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP RESTORE TOYON BAY

Catalina Island Trip Details -Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Duration: A full day on Catalina Island – The boat departs from Long Beach Harbor for Avalon at 9:50 am, and we’re on the 7:55 pm return. Please meet in Long Beach at 8:30 am for check-in.

Group Size: Limited to 15 volunteers. Difficulty: Easy to moderate walking on well-maintained trails.

What is included:

  • Transportation to and from Catalina Island aboard the Catalina Island Express
  • Lunch is included – CIMI has a full kitchen and will serve us a delicious lunch.
  • A visit to Avalon in the evening.

What is not included:

  • You provide your own transportation to Long Beach (carpooling is highly encouraged).
  • You’re on your own for dinner in Avalon.
  • You have to pay your own parking fees at Long Beach.

 REGISTER HERE

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 27, 2026

Everyone’s a queen: The ant species with no males or workers

New Scientist reported

Temnothorax kinomurai, a parasitic ant species found in Japan, reproduces asexually and all of its young develop into queens that try to take over other ants’ colonies

Read more Everyone’s a queen: The ant species with no males or workers

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 27, 2026

This unexpected plant discovery could change how drugs are made

ScienceDaily reported

Plants make chemical weapons to protect themselves, and many of these compounds have become vital to human medicine. Researchers found that one powerful plant chemical is produced using a gene that looks surprisingly bacterial. This suggests plants reuse microbial tools to invent new chemistry. The insight could help scientists discover new drugs and produce them more sustainably.

Read on www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030546.htm

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Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 26, 2026

Fears grow as invasive species spreads through California waterways

SF Gate reported

Golden mussels, an invasive species of mollusk known to wreak havoc on water infrastructure and aquatic habitats, are spreading rapidly through California.

Read on www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/california-golden-mussels-21941209.php

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