Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 14, 2025

Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks November 17

from EarthSky

The Leonid meteor shower is back! Leonid meteors are already flying. The peak is on the morning of November 17. You might also try watching on the morning of November 18. Learn when, where, and how to see the 2025 Leonids at their best in this video, which first aired on Wednesday, November 12. EarthSky’s Deborah Byrd, Marcy Curran and John Goss explain it all, and tell you why the Leonids are one of the most famous meteor showers of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or heading out for your first meteor shower, we’ll help you make the most of it. Peak nights: Around November 16–18, 2025. Best viewing: After midnight, under a dark sky. Watch in the player above, or on YouTube.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 14, 2025

Anza-Borrego Foundation Events 

Anza-Borrego Foundation hosts a variety of events and educational programs, including hikes, botany walks, photography workshops, and more. See the schedule at  Events | Anza-Borrego Foundation

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 14, 2025

2026 Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest is Now Open!

2026 Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest is Now Open!

Submit your best shots before December 10. Entries accepted November 1 – December 10.

Every photograph tells a story of resilience, light, and life in the desert. From the first bloom after winter rain to the watchful eyes of a bighorn at dawn, these fleeting moments remind us why Anza-Borrego is unlike any other place on Earth.
Now’s your chance to share your story. The 20th Annual Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest is officially open for entries! Photographers of all ages and skill levels are invited to celebrate two decades of artistry and conservation through the lens.
Your images not only capture the beauty of the desert — they help inspire others to protect it.

Grand Prize: A two-night stay at La Casa Del Zorro, dinner for two at Ram’s Hill, and an ABF program for two (some restrictions apply).

 
ENTER NOW

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 14, 2025

US 395 closed near Crowley Lake due to Pack Fire.

US 395 closed near Crowley Lake due to Pack Fire.

A detour is available for those already in route. Please avoid the area.

For real-time information, please follow: Caltrans District 9 and Mono County Sheriff’s Office.

Additional information on the fire is available at https://ready.mono.ca.gov/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 14, 2025

A Carnivorous ‘Death Ball’ Has Emerged from the Deep

Popular Mechanics reported

This newly-discovered species is being called the “death-ball sponge” for its appendages. These appendages end in orbs. They are covered in micro-hooks meant to capture prey.

Read more A Carnivorous ‘Death Ball’ Has Emerged from the Deep

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 13, 2025

Whale experts make new discovery off North American coast

Discover Wildlife reported

New research has revealed that West Coast transient killer whales are two distinct communities. They are found from south-eastern Alaska to southern California. These communities rarely encounter each other.

Read article at https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/marine-animals/west-coast-transient-killer-whale-subpopulations

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 13, 2025

A 200-year experiment: If a tree falls in a forest, does it really die?

Lookout Eugene-Springfield reports

For 40 years, scientist Mark Harmon has been studying how dead trees in Oregon’s forests beget life. But as he hands off his work to a new generation, federal funding for long-term scientific research has grown uncertain.

“Someone really screwed up when they called them dead trees,” he said. “It’s just a different form of life that’s taken over.”

Read story at  A 200-year experiment: If a tree falls in a forest, does it really die? – Lookout Eugene-Springfield

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Posted in Environment, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 12, 2025

Amazing aurora photos capture the ‘sky on fire’ last night

From EarthSky

Amazing aurora photos capture the ‘sky on fire’ last night

See photos at earthsky.org/todays-image/aurora-photos-from-our-community-nov-2025/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 12, 2025

What is an Unbrella Species

From Defenders of Wildlife

Can one species protect a whole ecosystem? In a way, yes!
Some species, like the northern spotted owl, are known as “umbrella” species ☂️ meaning the habitat that supports them also supports hundreds of other plants and animals. When we look after these owls and other umbrella species, we look after whole ecosystems!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 12, 2025

Decades-old photosynthesis mystery finally solved

ScienceDaily reported

Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Caltech have finally solved a decades-old mystery about how photosynthesis really begins. They discovered why energy inside plants flows down only one of two possible routes — a design that lets nature move sunlight with astonishing precision. Using advanced computer simulations, the researchers showed that one branch has a much higher energy barrier, blocking electrons from moving freely.

Read on www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054624.htm

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 10, 2025

Popular national park hiking trail to waterfall closed for months

SFGate reported

A powerful storm swept away a key Mount Rainier trail bridge, closing the Carter Falls Trail just as winter arrives.

Read on www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/mount-rainier-national-park-closed-waterfall-trail-21141228.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 10, 2025

Study: Commercial Lion Farming in South Africa Could Be Harming, Not Helping, Wild Lions

The Revelator reported

As we’ve seen with tigers and other threatened species, captive lion breeding may stimulate consumer demand and put additional pressure on wild populations across African home ranges.

Read on therevelator.org/lion-farming-harming/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 9, 2025

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association Upcoming Events

See upcoming events calendar of hikes and programs at https://www.abdnha.org/calendar1.htm.

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Posted in Astronomy, Desert, Park, Talks, Walks & Hikes, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 9, 2025

Why do only some leaves turn red in the fall? Scientists can’t agree on an answer

NPR reported

The red pigments in some fall leaves have proven to be a puzzle for researchers who debate why leaves bother to go red.

Listen or read story at  Why do only some leaves turn red in the fall? Scientists can’t agree on an answer : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 8, 2025

Podcast: Bringing Birds Back to the Land

In this two-part series, Thomas Schroeder, Senior Partnerships Manager for Audubon Conservation Ranching, joins Matt Maier on the Regenerative Renegades Podcast to discuss how ranchers and conservationists are teaming up to restore grassland ecosystems. From his background as a chef to his work in regenerative agriculture, Thomas highlights the deep connection between food, land, and community—and how stewardship can help both people and wildlife thrive. Tune in on YouTube.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 8, 2025

Scientists make major find in Calif.’s Death Valley National Park

SF Gate reported

In Death Valley, which boasts the record for the hottest temperature on the planet at 134°F, one native species is loving the blistering weather.

Tested by the valley’s extreme summertime heat, the flowering shrub Arizona honeysweet (Tidestromia oblongifolia) thrives. The humble-looking, seafoam green plant considers 113°F optimal for photosynthesis — the highest known temperature tolerance of any major crop species, according to new research.

Read more Scientists make major find in Calif.’s Death Valley National Park

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 8, 2025

Scientists plan to freeze butterfly eggs with cryopreservation to save British species 

Euro News reported

A groundbreaking project has been launched to help protect one of the UK’s most spectacular insects.

The British Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon britannicus) is found exclusively in the county of East Anglia, predominantly in the Norfolk Broads, a national park veined with waterways.

However, the insect’s survival is threatened by habitat loss, climate change and genetic erosion due to its limited geographical range.

Now researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have joined forces with Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park and Nature’s SAFE, a UK biobank specialising in conservation, to investigate if cryopreservation can come to the aid of Britain’s largest native butterfly.

Read more  Scientists plan to freeze butterfly eggs with cryopreservation to save British species | Euronews

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 7, 2025

National Park Service has lost a staggering amount during shutdown

SF Gate reported

National Park Service has missed out on $25 million

National parks aren’t collecting recreation fees during the shutdown.

Read more National Park Service has lost a staggering amount during shutdown

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 7, 2025

CBS News just gutted its climate team 

Climate Colored Google reported

Americans who rely on broadcast networks for honest journalism suffered a painful loss this week, as CBS News — fresh off its acquisition by Skydance Media and the installation of anti-woke opinion writer Bari Weiss as editor in chief — fired most of the reporters who specialize in covering climate change.

Read more  CBS News just gutted its climate team – by Sammy Roth

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 7, 2025

Bat Species Not Seen In 55 Years Rediscovered And Filmed For First Time – Just Look At Those Ears

MSN reported

After 55 years missing from the Karakum Desert, it was suspected that the Turkestan long-eared bat (Plecotus turkmenicus) had likely gone extinct or become very rare. Nobody had seen the species since 1970 and there were no photos or recent descriptions to suggest otherwise. Until now.

See photo and read more  Bat Species Not Seen In 55 Years Rediscovered And Filmed For First Time – Just Look At Those Ears

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 7, 2025

Saving Zimbabwe’s Vultures 

The Revelator reported

From poisonings to collisions with power lines, these birds face many threats. But as they decline, so does their ability to control the spread of deadly diseases.

Read story at Saving Zimbabwe’s Vultures • The Revelator

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 6, 2025

“Overcoming Barriers to Conservation and Restoration” 11/10/25

“Overcoming Barriers to Conservation and Restoration”
Guest Speakers: Ashley Boren and Stephanie Falzone
Monday, November 10 at 7:30 pm

Ashley Boren and Stephanie Falzone from Sustainable Conservation will speak about how public-private collaborations can jump roadblocks to yield conservation results. Ashley will open and talk about the origins of Sustainable Conservation and share the Brake Pad Partnership story. Stephanie will then talk about PlantRight and Accelerating Restoration. Read about their visit to Marin Water’s project on Lagunitas Creek.

Read more. . .    Join us! Register for this Zoom meeting here.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 6, 2025

World’s Rarest Marine Mammal Spotted With Babies Offering Glimmer Of Hope 

Fewer than a dozen vaquitas remain on Earth, but a couple of young porpoises were just spotted, so there’s still hope for the next generation. (IFLScience)

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 6, 2025

Killer whales have now learnt a genius way to destroy great white sharks, new footage shows

BBC Science Focus Magazine reported

Killer whales have a grisly new technique for hunting juvenile great white sharks – and scientists caught it on camera

See video and read more at : Killer whales have now learnt a genius way to destroy great white sharks, new footage shows | BBC Science Focus Magazine

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 6, 2025

Naked mole rats reveal genetic secret to long life

The BBC reported

A new study of the bizarre naked mole rat shows that the animals have evolved a DNA repair mechanism that could explain their longevity.

Read article at  Naked mole rats reveal genetic secret to long life

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Posted in Animals

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 5, 2025

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 | November 5, 2025

Whale Night Trivia

From Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

 

Night Lizard Brewing Co. | FREE

Make a splash at SBMM’s Whale Trivia Night at Night Lizard Brewing Company in downtown Santa Barbara—celebrating the Santa Barbara Whale Heritage Area with a limited-release “whale” brew, prizes for top teams, and ocean-smart bragging rights. Bring your crew (or join a pod on arrival), test your cetacean savvy, and leave with fin-tastic facts—and maybe some swag, too.

Night Lizard Brewing Company, 607 State St.
 Prizes + giveaways
Craft beer available for purchase ($1 of every pint sold will support SBMM)

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 5, 2025

National Park Foundation in Action

From removing invasive species to planting new life, our volunteers are making a real impact across California’s state parks. 💪 🌲
In the last year, our Park Stewardship Program mobilized 3,144 volunteers to support 29 parks across the state spanning 12 of the 21 park districts.
Together, they completed 142 workdays and contributed 10,915 service hours to protect and restore our parks.
Here’s what that looks like:
🌿 787,401 sq. ft. of invasive species removed (nearly 14 football fields!)
🔥 13,100 sq. ft. of fire buffer zone created
🌱 9,695 native plants and trees planted
🚧 532 ft. of fence repaired
🗑️ 160 bags of trash and recycling collected
🥾 2.94 miles of trail restored
This incredible work is made possible through our volunteers, and the generous support of partners like Niagara Cares who share our vision for thriving, accessible parks for all Californians.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference?
➛Join our next volunteer day → https://ow.ly/6Kuz50Xltbi

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 5, 2025

How a radical experiment to bring a forest into a preschool transformed children’s health

The Guardian reported

In Finland, kindergartens are exposing children to more mud, wild plants and moss – and finding changes to their health that show how crucial biodiversity is to wellbeing

Read more  How a radical experiment to bring a forest into a preschool transformed children’s health | Early years education | The Guardian

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 4, 2025

The culprits behind population collapse in a Colorado national park

SF Gate reported

Rocky Mountain National Park is trying to bring beavers back to its Kawuneeche Valley.

Most likely Elk and Moose are the problem.

Read on www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/rocky-mountain-national-park-wants-beavers-back-21118420.php

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Posted in Animals, Park | Tags: , , ,

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