Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 17, 2023

San Luis Obispo CNPS Fall Plant Sale 10/21/23

for more information go to https://cnpssol.org/shop

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 17, 2023

Northern California perennial plant Lassics lupine receives ESA protection 

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service News Release

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will list the Lassics lupine, a plant species found only in northern California, as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. This final rule, which includes a critical habitat designation, is based on the best available scientific and commercial information for the species.

Read more  Northern California perennial plant Lassics lupine receives ESA protection | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 16, 2023

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 by: Sandy Steinman | October 16, 2023

Circa Central Park Is Notorious for Bird Collisions. Residents Want Change. – The New York Times

The New York Times reports

A shiny glass condo property in the city has become notorious for deadly crashes, so some residents are pushing for change.

Each spring and fall, dead and injured birds litter the front sidewalk and interior courtyard of a glassy, crescent-shaped building of about 50 condominium units on the northwest corner of the park. The casualties are brightly colored travelers on migrations that would normally take them hundreds or thousands of miles.

From tiny yellow warblers to large, elegantly marked woodpeckers, their journeys end at the building, Circa Central Park, when they crash into glass they can’t see.

— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/10/16/climate/new-york-birds-windows.html

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 16, 2023

Mine near Yellowstone purchased to avoid development will protect bear habitat

The Billings Gazette reports

Land just north of Yellowstone National Park will not be mined for gold after the Greater Yellowstone Coalition hit its fundraising goal of $6.25 million to purchase 1,368 acres of mineral rights, leases and claims.

The Bozeman-based environmental group’s deadline to raise the money was Oct. 1. On Sept. 25, GYC’s executive director Scott Christensen signed the paperwork in a Livingston office, ensuring the land purchase from Crevice Mining Group LLC. The deal includes mining claims on lands where Crevice didn’t own the property, called a split estate.

Read more  Mine near Yellowstone purchased to avoid development

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 16, 2023

Antarctic ice shelf demise

ESA  reports

New research, based largely on information from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 and ESA’s CryoSat satellite missions, has revealed alarming findings about the state of Antarctica’s ice shelves: 40% of these floating shelves have significantly reduced in volume over the past quarter-century. While this underscores the accelerating impacts of climate change on the world’s southernmost continent, the picture of ice deterioration is mixed.

Read more at: ESA – Antarctic ice shelf demise

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 15, 2023

Online: Tarantulas, Gentle Giants of Mount Diablo

Bay Nature Talk: Tarantulas, Gentle Giants of Mount Diablo
Online | October 18
Naturalist Michael Marchiano will share stories from 50 years tracking tarantulas across the mountain ranges of the San Francisco Bay Area. Join his online talk to understand the basic biology of the many species of tarantula living in California, dispel myths and misconceptions, learn how climate change is impacting their local habitats, and learn the best places to discover these spiders in the wild.

To register go to: Tarantulas, Gentle Giants of Mount Diabo

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 15, 2023

Interesting Historical Note

from Defenders of Wildlife

Did you know that President Franklin Roosevelt holds the record for establishing the most refuges by executive order at a whopping 140? Learn more about the near 1 billion acres of protected lands and waters in the National Wildlife Refuge System for #RefugeWeek!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 14, 2023

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos 10/13/23

Photos from the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on October 13, 2023.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 14, 2023

Gavin Newsom signs law to permanently ban watering grass at certain California businesses

Under a new law signed by Gavin Newsom on Friday, public agencies, restaurants, corporate campuses industrial parks and certain other property owners will be prohibited from watering “nonfunctional turf” using potable water. The law does not apply to residential lawns, apartment complexes, sports fields or cemeteries.

— Read on news.yahoo.com/gavin-newsom-signs-law-permanently-144112592.html

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 14, 2023

CNPS Student Research Grants Are Now Open

CNPS invites undergraduate and graduate students to apply for our 2024 research grants! Successfully funded projects will relate to topics that intersect with California native plants and expand on information gaps within the natural and social sciences. We encourage applicants whose work in fields such as conservation, botany, ecology, land management, horticulture, communications, economics, history, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, or other cultural connections relates to native plants. Don’t see your field listed here? That’s ok—please apply if your work fits the overall criteria.

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of their ability to advance the California Native Plant Society’s mission of conserving California’s native plants and their natural habitats, now and into the future, through science, education, stewardship, gardening, and advocacy.

CNPS is committed to increasing ways for people of all backgrounds to deepen their relationships with California native plants. Black, Indigenous, and students of color, first-generation college students, and individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in the natural and social sciences are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through November 27, 2023.

Apply Today

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 14, 2023

Bug Banter Podcast

from the Xerces Society

We’ve launched a new podcast! Bug Banter with the Xerces Society is a podcast where we explore the world of invertebrates and discover how to help these extraordinary animals. Listen online or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 14, 2023

Theodore Payne Fall Plant Sale October 24 – November 4

Theodore Payne Plant Sale

It’s that special time of year—the Fall planting season is almost here! With the arrival of cooler temps, pumpkins, and spooky season comes our favorite tradition: the Fall Plant Sale! During this two-week event, members receive 15% off plants, seeds, and TPF-branded merchandise, and non-members receive 10% off those items. Be sure to make your parking reservation here.

Our seasonal plants and bulbs will go so fast it’s scary!
Reserve your spot

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 13, 2023

Death Valley National Park Partially Reopens October 15

Death Valley National Park News Release

Death Valley National Park will partially reopen on Sunday, October 15. Visitors will be able enter the park via CA-190 from the west via Lone Pine or from the east via Death Valley Junction. All other park entrances will remain closed. 

“This was longest closure in Death Valley National Park’s history,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “I am excited to welcome people back to enjoy their park!” 

The roads that are being opened are not yet fully repaired. Collapsed road segments have been filled in with gravel. Travelers should expect loose gravel on roads, lowered speed limits, and traffic delays. CA-190 will have one-hour delays due to an extensive section of one-lane traffic control between Panamint Springs and Father Crowley Vista. Several other places will have delays of up to 20 minutes for traffic control.  

The following roads will be open starting October 15: CA-190, Badwater Road (only from CA-190 to Badwater Basin), Dantes View Road, Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road, Artists Drive, Natural Bridge Road, Mustard Canyon, and Mosaic Canyon Road. These roads provide access to many of the park’s most popular viewpoints and hikes. This includes Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point, Golden Canyon, and Mosaic Canyon.  

All other roads in the park are closed to vehicular traffic.  

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 13, 2023

Job Opening: Associate Vegetation Ecologist/Data Analyst

CNPS is hiring a full-time Associate Vegetation Ecologist/Data Analyst—this person will travel to field sites across California to help map vegetation for the Bureau of Land Management’s Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring program. The AVE/DA will also review and complete Quality Assurance / Quality Control procedures for datasets, utilize and train others on ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps and Survey123, and work with BLM staff on data management—along with supporting other statewide vegetation inventory efforts.
We’re looking for a highly detail-oriented individual based in California who has experience with classifying vegetation, producing spatial and tabular databases, and using programming languages like Python and R. The position will run for at least 15 months, beginning in Nov. 2023. Learn more and submit your application.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 13, 2023

Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival Nov 3 – 5, 2023

Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival     Nov 3 – 5, 2023

Hutchins Street Square Community Center  125 S Hutchins Street, Lodi, California

  • ART SHOW – Featuring fine arts and photography. Winners will be judged and announced @ festival’s reception on Nov 3
  • TOURS – Calling wildlife enthusiasts of all ages to checkout our tours on our website. We offer a wide range of tours featuring cranes, raptors, eagles and their wetland habitat. Cost varies based on the tour
  • RECEPTION – We are turning 25 this year. Come and celebrate with us at our reception on Friday, Nov 3. For more details and registration, check our events page
  • Much more – We’ll be hosting presentations, workshops, vendor stalls, food and much more for you to have a fun filled and memorable visit. Check our website for details.
Register for our Festival

Cannot make it to the festival? Not to worry, our beloved cranes will be here till early spring, giving you lots of opportunities to plan a weekend getaway to beautiful Lodi.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 13, 2023

California Permanently Protects Imperiled Wildflower Threatened by Gold Mining

Center for Biological Diversity News Release

The California Fish and Game Commission voted today to permanently protect Inyo rock daisies as a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act.

“This vote is a huge victory for these special wildflowers,” said botanist Maria Jesus, whose field surveys document the plant’s current range. “With the threat of a massive gold mine looming on the horizon, this rare daisy now has help from the state of California to prevent it from sliding into extinction.”

Today’s unanimous vote grants the wildflowers threatened status under the California Endangered Species Act. This gives Inyo rock daisies (Perityle inyoensis) legal protections and requires state and local agencies to manage threats to them.

Read more Biological Diversity

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 12, 2023

California Native Plant Society Upcoming Events

See upcoming event from the CNPS for October and November at : E California Native Plant Society Events

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 12, 2023

Annular solar eclipse coming on October 14

from EarthSky

The first of two great American solar eclipses is coming. To begin with, the “ring of fire” solar eclipse of Saturday, October 14, 2023, will be visible to those along a narrow path sweeping over North and South America. At mid-eclipse, those along that eclipse path will see the sun in a ring around the moon. Conversely, those outside the shadow path will see a partial solar eclipse. Important: this is not a total eclipse. And the first thing to remember, at no time during this eclipse will it be safe to look at the sun without proper eye protection.

Seeing the eclipse from your location

Moreover, you can find local circumstances for a selection of cities at Fred Espenak’s EclipseWise website:

– If you can see the annular phase in the U.S.

– Watching the partial phase in the U.S.

– If you’re in Canada

Read more  Annular solar eclipse coming on October 14!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 12, 2023

Bay Nature Talk: Tarantulas, Gentle Giants of Mount Diablo

Made monstrous in Hollywood movies, tarantulas are truly one of the gentle giants of the animal world. Here in the Bay Area, early fall is tarantula mating season. Let’s get to know these misunderstood spiders during their season of love.

Join us online for a Bay Nature Talk on Wednesday, October 18 from 4-5 pm as Mount Diablo Interpretive Association naturalist Michael Marchiano shares a retrospective of learnings, observations, and stories from 50 years tracking tarantulas across the mountain ranges of the San Francisco Bay Area.

The event is free and open to all with a suggested (but not required) donation of $20. After registering, you’ll receive instructions on how to access the webinar, which will be recorded.
Register Today!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 12, 2023

Penguin Propulsion: The Physics Behind the World’s Fastest Swimming Birds

From the Journal: Physics of Fluids

Penguins aren’t just cute: they’re also speedy. Gentoo penguins are the fastest swimming birds in the world, and that ability comes from their unique and sophisticated wings.

Read more at  Penguin Propulsion: The Physics Behind the World’s Fastest Swimming Birds – AIP Publishing LLC

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 11, 2023

3rd Annual Berkeley Bird Festival October 15

from Golden Gate Bird Alliance

Make this weekend a winged wonderment by joining us at the 3rd Annual Berkeley Bird Festival. Come out this Sunday, October 15 for a free program of birding field trips, family friendly art & craft activities, and special presentations as we celebrate our local birdlife!*Advanced registration is required for all birding field trips by Thursday, October 12 at 11pm. Some activities at the David Brower Center also required advanced registration by Saturday, October at 12pm. For a full look at the festival’s program, visit us at berkeleybirdfestival.org

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 11, 2023

Bad news: Governor Newsom vetoed our Pocket Forest bill

from California Institute for Biodiversity

As you know, thousands of Californians worked very hard to pass an important bill that grows native plant habitat for pollinators and people. We worked it through the state Assembly, then the state Senate.  After numerous committee hearings, much moving testimony, several votes, and many many letters from you and others, our bill finally made it to the Governor.

He chose to veto it.

It is a frustrating setback. California needs climate solutions that prioritize front line and under-invested communities. We need to reverse the habitat is that is driving the biodiversity crisis and loss of pollinators and song birds. We need small plots of urban land densely planted with local native plants!

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 11, 2023

Garden Photos 10/9/23

Photos of what’s happening in my and my next door neighbors gardens on October 9, 2023.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 11, 2023

2023 wildlife photographer of the year winners – in pictures

The Guardian reports

Selected from 49,957 entries from 95 countries, the winners of the Natural History Museum’s prestigious wildlife photographer of the year competition were revealed at an awards ceremony in South Kensington on Tuesday. The flagship wildlife photographer of the year exhibition featuring the awarded images will open on Friday 13 October 2023 at the Natural History Museum in London

See photos at  2023 wildlife photographer of the year winners – in pictures | Environment | The Guardian

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 11, 2023

No Intelligent Species Would Destroy their Own Environment

from Alt National Park Service

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 10, 2023

Job Announcements for Yosemite

Come work with us in Yosemite next summer!

Starting today (October 9) apply for:

Park Ranger (Interpretation) & Park Ranger (Interpretation-Language)

Applications are only accepted for a limited time, so don’t wait! Find more information and apply at https://www.usajobs.gov/job/752816200 and/or https://www.usajobs.gov/job/753218500.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 10, 2023

Upcoming Bay Area Bird Walks and Nature Events

Sat, 10/14: Marin Audubon Open House, Corte Madera Marsh
Sat, 10/14: Birds at China Camp, Friends of China Camp
Sat, 10/14: Seed-Seeking at China Camp, Friends of China Camp
Sat, 10/14: Shollenberger Park, Petaluma Wetlands Alliance
Weds, 10/18: Migration Talk, Corte Madera Library, Marin Parks
Weds, 10/18: Rodeo Lagoon, Marin Audubon
Sat, 10/28: Ellis Creek, Petaluma Wetlands Alliance
Sat, 11/11: Winter Birds of the Bay from Berkeley, Marin Audubon

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 10, 2023

When It’s Okay (or Not) to Feed Birds

Audubon writes about

Providing food—for photography or simple enjoyment—can be a thorny issue. For guidance, ask yourself these three questions.

Read more  When It’s Okay (or Not) to Feed Birds | Audubon

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 9, 2023

 Field Biologist Santa Clara Valley Water District

As an Assistant Biologist I/II and embark on an exciting journey to protect creeks, rivers, reservoirs, wetlands, riparian, and rare plant habitats. The Assistant Biologist I/II will perform the duties of a field botanist/plant ecologist/habitat restoration specialist, as well as provide comprehensive biology/ecology support for a variety of Valley Water programs, projects, and activities.

Read more  at  Field Biologist (Assistant Biologist I/II)

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