Earth.com reported
New research reveals a hidden sensorimotor system inside trees that controls tension wood and helps them maintain an upright posture.
Read on www.earth.com/plants/trees-straighten-themselves-using-a-system-that-works-like-muscles/
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 4, 2026
Trees straighten themselves using a system that works like muscles
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: How trees grow straight
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 4, 2026
Earth set to exceed global warming threshold, UN report warns. What happens now?
NBC Bay Area reported
In a strategic retreat in the fight against climate change, the United Nations has acknowledged that Earth has lost its chance to prevent some of the worst of global warming’s harms. So now the world must figure out how to get temperatures below the danger zone and back to safety, officials say.
Read more Earth set to exceed global warming threshold, UN report warns. What happens now?
Posted in Environment | Tags: Climate change
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 4, 2026
High-Elevation Discovery Raises New Questions About Which California Trees Will Survive Climate Change
The Revelator reported
Birds may have been burying Jeffrey pine seeds up high for thousands of years. But now that they’re sprouting, this new species of subalpine tree may change the playing field.
Posted in Environment, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Jeffrey Pines
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 3, 2026
Upcoming CNPS Events
See the calendar of upcoming events of the California Native Plants Society at https://www.cnps.org/events
Posted in Talks | Tags: Upcoming CNPS Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 3, 2026
Rare, tentacled sea creature spotted in California waters
SF Gate reported
For the first time, researchers have spotted a rare, deep-sea squid alive off the California coast.
During an August ocean expedition south of Monterey, researchers found a bigfin squid — with the scientific name Magnapinna sp. — undulating about 2 miles underwater.
Read more and see photos at Rare, tentacled sea creature spotted in California waters
Posted in Animals | Tags: Bigfin squid, Magnapinna sp
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 3, 2026
Scientists believe newly discovered demon cavefish may be among the rarest fish in the world
CNN reported
Bobcat Cave near Huntsville is home to the endangered Alabama cave shrimp, two species of cave crayfish and the southern cavefish. Those were all Dr. Matthew Niemiller expected to find when he set out to survey the cave system last year.
Instead, he discovered a bizarre-looking fish, previously unknown to science. Niemiller said he believes this fish may be among the rarest in the world.
Read more at Scientists believe newly discovered demon cavefish may be among the rarest fish in the world
Posted in Animals | Tags: Demon Cavefish
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 2, 2026
Upcoming Events at East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden
See upcoming events at East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden at events.
Posted in Garden, Park, Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: East Bay Regional Parks Upcoming Activities
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 2, 2026
Almost half of world’s farmers poisoned by pesticides every year, experts find Pesticides
The Guardian reported
Study reveals that pesticide poisoning kills 11,000 people each year, with India accounting for nearly 60% of fatalities
Posted in Environment | Tags: Pesticides Poisoning Farmers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 2, 2026
Plan to wipe out Catalina Island deer herd enters final hunting phase
KTLA reported
A California conservation group’s state-approved plan to kill roughly 2,000 nonnative deer on Catalina Island is moving forward, with applications for what officials say will be the island’s final deer-hunting season now open.
Read more Plan to wipe out Catalina Island deer herd enters final hunting phase
Also read from the the Catalina Island Conservancy Tentative Ruling Would Allow Catalina Island Mule Deer Removal to Proceed
Posted in Animals | Tags: Catalina Island Conservancy, Deer
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 2, 2026
Sick, disoriented sea lions are washing up on California beaches
SF Gate reported
A toxic algal bloom is causing a surge of poisonings along the California coast, severely sickening sea lions and other marine mammals and leaving some dead on the shore.
Dozens of sea lions have been sickened by domoic acid poisoning, a toxin produced by algae that can cause seizures and heart failure, according to a news release from the Marine Mammal Center, a nonprofit wildlife rescue organization.
Read more at Sick, disoriented sea lions are washing up on California beaches
Posted in Animals | Tags: Sick California Sea Lions, Toxic Algal Bloom
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 2, 2026
The Klamath dams have been removed. What will this mean for juvenile salmon on their way to the ocean?
Western Fisheries Research Center reported
It has been almost two years since the largest dam removal project in U.S. history took place at the border of Oregon and California. The Klamath dam removal, beginning in 2022 and ending in 2024, removed four hydroelectric dams from the Klamath River: J.C. Boyle Dam, Copco No. 1 Dam, Copco No. 2 Dam, and the Iron Gate Dam.
Read more at What will this mean for juvenile salmon on their way to the ocean?
Posted in Animals, Environment | Tags: Dam removal, Salmon
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 1, 2026
HIghway 140 to Yosemite Closed Due Fire
Hwy 140 (outside the park) closed between El Portal (Cedar Lodge) and Midpines due to a fire. Hwy 140 open between El Portal and Yosemite.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 1, 2026
California Assembly kills wildfire liability plan Gov. Newsom agreed to with legislators
KRCA reported
PG&E and Southern California Edison’s stocks rise after the development.
California’s Assembly on Tuesday killed a wildfire liability plan that lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom agreed to days ago.
Amid opposition to the proposal from the state’s two biggest power companies, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas did not bring the legislation up for a vote.
Read more at California Assembly kills wildfire liability plan Gov. Newsom agreed to with legislators
Posted in Environment | Tags: Wildfire Liability
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 1, 2026
Virtual Talk: San Francisco’s Parrots 9/9/26
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Posted in Birds, Talks | Tags: San Francisco’s Parrots
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 1, 2026
Rare palm tree rediscovered in Madagascar after nearly 100 years
Monga Bay reported
Researchers have tracked down 28 individuals of a palm tree species last recorded in Madagascar nearly 100 years ago.
Nearly every tree of the species, Ravenea latisecta, was found within four protected areas in the Andasibe-Mantadia region of Madagascar, according to a recent study.
Read more Rare palm tree rediscovered in Madagascar after nearly 100 years
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Ravenea latisecta
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 31, 2026
Ecosystems of Rock-Eating Fungus And Tardigrades Found Thriving Deep Within a Gas Shale
Science Alert reported
scientists have discovered evidence of a whole community of complex organisms – fungi, worms, and even tardigrades – that call the Antrim Shale home.
Read more at Ecosystems of Rock-Eating Fungus And Tardigrades Found Thriving Deep Within a Gas Shale
Posted in Animals | Tags: Fungi, New Species, tardigrades, worms
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 30, 2026
Grand Canyon flooding knocks out water pipeline serving tourists at the national park, officials say
SF Gate reported
Officials say dozens of people have been evacuated from the depths of the Grand Canyon because of heavy rain and flooding. The National Park Service says flash flooding on Saturday destroyed…
Read on www.sfgate.com/news/article/dozens-evacuated-from-grand-canyon-after-flash-22410088.php
Posted in Park | Tags: Grand Canyon Flood
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 30, 2026
Beavers leave a trail as they head into the Arctic – Ecological Society of America
Beavers leave a trail as they head into the Arctic – Ecological Society of America
Read on esa.org/blog/2026/04/27/beavers-leave-a-trail-as-they-head-into-the-arctic/
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 29, 2026
Introduction to iNaturalist 9/12/23
Introduction to iNaturalist Regional Parks Botanic Garden
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The session includes hands-on practice in the Garden and is ideal for both new and experienced iNaturalist users who want to build their skills. Ethan Rayner, of The Watershed Project, and an iNaturalist Ambassador, will be presenting this introductory program. No reservations required; open to the public. Directions to the garden To get the most from the training, download the iNaturalist app and create an account in advance: https://www.inaturalist.org |
Posted in Class/Workshop, Garden, Talks | Tags: iNatualist
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 29, 2026
Georgia Expands Protections for More Than 100 Imperiled Animals, Plants
Center for Biological Diversity News Release
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources proposed to add more than 100 species to the state’s protected species list, including the saltmarsh sparrow, Atlantic sturgeon, ornate chorus frog, Appalachian cottontail and patch-nosed salamander.
Read more at Georgia Expands Protections for More Than 100 Imperiled Animals, Plants
Posted in Animals | Tags: Endangered Species Protections
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 29, 2026
Shade Trees Reduce Street Temperatures 2.6 Degrees Celsius
Space Daily reported
Research cited by Singapore’s urban planners suggests shading roads with trees can reduce street-level temperatures by up to 2.6 degrees Celsius — separately, models suggest tree shade on buildings can meaningfully lower air-conditioning demand nearby
Read more Shade Trees Reduce Street Temperatures
Posted in Environment | Tags: Shade Trees Reduces Street Temperatures
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 28, 2026
Peru’s only penguin species at risk from upcoming El Niño and bird flu
Monga Bay reported
- The Humboldt penguin is the only penguin species to breed in Peru, inhabiting the country’s coastal deserts. But since 2022, the species’ has been under pressure from the spread of avian influenza, followed by El Niño.
- Between 2022 and 2025, the population of Humboldt penguins has dropped by two-thirds across 34 islands and peninsulas on the Peruvian coast.
- Experts monitoring the species say penguins are abandoning their nests as they already feel the impacts of the upcoming El Niño episode, which changes temperatures in coastal waters and diminishes the amount of prey fish available.
- Scientists are asking both the national government and the IUCN to revise the species’ status to reflect the increasing threats and boost conservation efforts.
Read more at Peru’s only penguin species at risk from upcoming El Niño and bird flu, experts warn
Posted in Animals | Tags: Extinction Risk, Humboldt penguin
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 28, 2026
Blue Whales Shouldn’t Be Able to Hunt The Way They Do. Scientists Have Finally Discovered How They Pull It Off
ScienceAlert reported
When a blue whale dives below the waves, their heart rate plummets to conserve oxygen.
Their massive hearts can slow to just two beats per minute as they dive hundreds of meters in search of food.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Blue Whales
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 27, 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
Posted in Class/Workshop | Tags: Theodore Payne Foundation Upcoming Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 27, 2026
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Events
See a list of all active events and virtual events of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy at Events in the Parks | Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
Posted in Park, Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 27, 2026
Tracking Elephants
ScienceBlog reported
In 2023, conservationists fitted a young bull elephant in Zambia with a GPS collar. Two years and nearly 12,000 kilometers later, his tracks had crossed four countries and six national parks — tracing migration routes elephants have followed for generations, now cut through by human borders they never agreed to.
Ancient elephant highways are colliding with modern borders, revealing how conservation zones fail the animals they’re meant to protect.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Tracking Elephants
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 26, 2026
Timber Fire Now Third Largest in State, CHP Announces Highway 1 Closure
KQED reported
A stretch of Highway 1 in Big Sur will close again Thursday in an effort to regain control over the Timber Fire.
The fire has burned nearly 19,000 acres as of Wednesday — more than double what prompted initial evacuations on Aug. 10.
The Timber Fire is now the third biggest fire in the state this year, according to CalFire. Much of that spread has been to the east, moving deeper into the Los Padres National Forest.
Read more at Timber Fire Now Third Largest in State, CHP Announces Highway 1 Closure
Posted in Environment | Tags: Timber Fire
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 26, 2026
Sand overextraction weakening riverbanks as concrete demand soars | Mining | The Guardian
The Guardian reported
Research finds demand has more than doubled since 2000 and 80% of current demand comes from Asia
Read on www.theguardian.com/science/2026/aug/26/terrawatch-sand-overextraction-riverbanks-concrete-demand
Posted in Environment | Tags: Sand Extraction
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 26, 2026
Deep partial lunar eclipse on August 27-28, 2026
EarthSky reported
People in Africa, Europe, parts of Greenland, Antarctica, most of the Americas and the eastern Pacific Ocean will see a deep lunar eclipse overnight on August 27-28, 2026. The eclipse won’t be total. But it’ll be nearly total, with 96% of the moon within the Earth’s dark umbral shadow at mid-eclipse.
Read more at Deep partial lunar eclipse on August 27-28, 2026
See how to watch the eclipse in California at SF Gate: How to watch Thursday’s unusual lunar eclipse in California skies
Posted in Astronomy | Tags: Lunar eclipse
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 26, 2026
Biologist Fernanda Abra strung rope bridges above an Amazon highway and 15,000 animals crossed safely without a single death
Eco Portal reported
In 2024, Projeto Reconecta installed eight rope canopy bridges near Alta Floresta, connecting fragmented forest patches over a local highway. The results, documented over 15 months of camera-trap monitoring, were unambiguous: 15,000 safe crossings by arboreal animals, and not a single roadkill event recorded.
Read story at https://www.ecoportal.net/en/fernanda-abra-rope-bridges-amazon/30871/
Posted in Animals | Tags: Creating Safa Animal Highway Crossings
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