Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 25, 2023

University and Jepson Herbaria Botany Lunch

The Jepson Botany Lunch Seminars are currently a hybrid model, in person and online via Zoom. Invitations are sent weekly via the Botany Lunch Google Group. Sign yourself up using Berkeley bConnected (https://bconnected.berkeley.edu/), or if you are off campus contact Brent Mishler, BMishler@berkeley.edu.

Botany Lunch meets during the academic year on Fridays at noon in the herbaria seminar room, 1002 Valley Life Sciences Building (entrance in small corridor by north building entrance on ground floor).

See the schedule for the Jepson Botany lunches at:: University and Jepson Herbaria Botany Lunch

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 25, 2023

Webinar: Micropropagation of Catalina Island’s Rarest Plants 8/31/23

Micropropagation of Catalina Island’s Rarest Plants
Join this free online webinar on Thursday, August 31 at 7pm PST
With the Catalina Island Conservancy

Our talk is co-hosted with Kevin Alison of the Catalina Island Conservancy! The Conservancy is a like-minded 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity established in 1972 whose mission is to also help protect and restore the Channel Islands for future generations to experience and enjoy. The Catalina Island Conservancy focuses their efforts on Catalina Island and we’re thrilled to learn more about their work to propagate and conserve rare endemic plant species.

Register Today

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 25, 2023

Peak Wildire Season is Approaching

from East Bay Regional Parks
The peak of 🔥🔥🔥 wildfire season – September & October – is fast approaching. Park District fighters and park rangers are on the lookout to prevent potential fires, and park visitors can help too, both by practicing basic fire safety and reporting any dangerous activity.
Here are some important park fire safety tips:
🚭 Do not smoke in the regional parks, including vaping.
🚩 Be aware of Red Flag Warnings and fire danger levels.
• Follow all fire safety rules.
• Do not drive or park on dry grass. Hot exhaust manifolds can start a fire.
• Be alert for any potential fire hazards and report them. If you see a fire, call 911 immediately.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 25, 2023

Today is the National Parks 107th Birthday

The National Park Service was created on August 25, 1916, to “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” Over 107 years, we’ve grown into more than 400 national parks and many programs that reach communities around the country—and even the world!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 25, 2023

Joshua Tree Updates

Over the past weekend, Tropical Storm Hilary dropped over 2 inches of heavy rainfall on Joshua Tree National Park. That might not seem like much at first, but in the desert a little goes a long way. Flooding from the rain washed large amounts of sand and debris over roadways, trails, and campgrounds all throughout the park. Over the past few days, our staff worked hard to clear these storm impacts, and thanks to their hard work, Joshua Tree National Park is now open!
Here is a quick guide to our current updates, openings, and closures:

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 25, 2023

Regional Parks Botanic Garden 2024 docent training

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is accepting applicants for our 2024 docent training class.  The purpose of the training is to help participants develop the knowledge and skills necessary to lead Garden tours and to greet visitors. The next class runs from January 10 to June 26, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday mornings.

We encourage applicants who can contribute to our goal of diversifying the docent class. Tuition is $275 plus membership in the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden.  For more information, visit Become a Docent.  With questions or to apply, contact BGarden@ebparks.org.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 25, 2023

REBURN: A new tool to model wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and beyond

ScienceDaily reports

Researchers have developed a new tool, REBURN, that can simulate large forest landscapes and wildfire dynamics over decades or centuries under different wildfire management strategies. The model can simulate the consequences of extinguishing all wildfires regardless of size, which was done for much of the 20th century and has contributed to a rise in large and severe wildfires, or of allowing certain fires to return to uninhabited areas to help create a more ‘patchwork’ forest structure that can help lessen fire severity. REBURN can also simulate conditions where more benign forest landscape dynamics have fully recovered in an area.

Read more at  REBURN: A new tool to model wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and beyond — ScienceDaily

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 24, 2023

Death Valley National Park remains closed, all visitors evacuated

Death Valley News Release

Death Valley National Park is still closed due to major flash flood damage. The park had its rainiest day ever on August 20, receiving more rain than it normally does in an entire year.

National Park Service (NPS) and Caltrans road crews opened an exit lane on CA-190 by late on August 21. This provided an exit route for the 400 residents, employees, and travelers that sheltered in place for about 24 hours.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 24, 2023

Sensory Tour at Regional Parks Botanic Garden 8/27/23

Sensory Tour at the Botanic Garden: Sunday, August 27
Join Regional Parks Botanic Garden docents for a free family-friendly sensory tour. on August 27 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Explore the garden with hands, nose, ears, and eyes. Smell the sages, feel soft hazel leaves, look for crayfish in Wildcat Creek and for newts in the pond. Meet in front of the Botanic Garden Visitor Center. More info.

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Posted in Garden, Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 24, 2023

Here’s why 6,000 octopuses like to be under the sea at an ‘octopus garden’

NPR  reports

Off the coast of California is an unusual “octopus garden” — the largest congregation of deep-sea octopuses ever discovered on Earth, where over 6,000 octopuses huddle around an extinct underwater volcano in the black, cold ocean depths, almost two miles below the surface.

Most are brooding females that spend their days doing nothing but guarding nests full of eggs, a tedious task which can take nearly two years. It would take even longer if not for the warm water seeping from the seafloor that speeds up the growth of their babies, according to new research that suggests this natural incubator is why octopuses gather there in such huge numbers.

Read or listen to the full story at  Thousands of octopuses gather off California to brood eggs at a warm spot : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 23, 2023

Webinar: Gardening for Wildlife 8/30/23

from Sonoma Land Trust

Language of the Land: Gardening for Wildlife

August, 30 2023 at 7-8:30pm, Zoom (registration required)

REGISTER

Using native plants to attract wildlife to your garden. Bill Klausing, UC Master Gardener of Sonoma County

Spanish interpretation will be provided.

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Posted in Animals, Garden | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 23, 2023

National Parks Contributed $50.3 Billion to the U.S. Economy

National parks are priceless not only for their natural beauty and historical significance but also for the economic benefits they provide. When people visit one of the amazing parks, they are contributing to the community around them. A new report finds that spending in communities near national parks in 2022 resulted in a record high $50.3 billion benefit to the nation’s economy and supported 378,400 jobs.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 23, 2023

Why some homeowners are choosing to replace their lawns with native plants

NPR reports

While some cities don’t like the way the native plants look, others are encouraging the climate-friendly swap.

Read more listen to story at Why some homeowners are choosing to replace their lawns with native plants

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 22, 2023

New Job Posting

New Job Posting from CNPS Job Announcement Site:

CNLM Preserve Managers – Santa Barbara County

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 22, 2023

July 2023: Global air and ocean temperatures reach new record highs

Copernicus reports

July 2023 – Surface air temperature highlights

  • The global average temperature for July 2023 is confirmed to be the highest on record for any month.
  • The month was 0.72°C warmer than the 1991-2020 average for July, and 0.33°C warmer than the previous warmest month, July 2019.
  • The month is estimated to have been around 1.5°C warmer than the average for 1850-1900.
  • Heatwaves were experienced in multiple regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including southern Europe.
  • Well-above average temperatures occurred over several South American countries and around much of Antarctica.

Source: July 2023: Global air and ocean temperatures reach new record highs | Copernicus

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 21, 2023

Joshua Tree National Park Storm Update

This past weekend, Joshua Tree National Park experienced heavy rains and flooding from Tropical Storm Hilary. Park staff began assessing the park early Monday morning.
Road crews found large amounts of sand and debris on roadways and have begun clearing the roads.

Read More…

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Posted in Drives, Park | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 21, 2023

Inyo Country Storm Related Closures

UPDATE from Inyo Country Sheriff: Onion Valley, Seven Pines, and Schabbell Ln. also now closed.
Road status update for 08.21.23. Due to flooding and road damage, the following are CLOSED:
• North & South Oak Creek
• Cerro Gordo
• Brockman Lane
• Panamint Valley
• Tecopa Hot Springs from Hwy 127 to Elias Rd.
• Old Spanish Trail from Hwy 127 to Tecopa Hot Springs
• Furnace Creek Rd from Tecopa Hot Springs to Old Spanish Trail
• China Ranch
• State Line Rd.
• Trona Wildrose
• Tuttle Creek
• Horseshoe Meadows
DO NOT attempt to travel on closed roadways. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 21, 2023

Death Valley Storm Update

PRESS RELEASE:
⛔️ Death Valley National Park remains closed after the remnants of Hurricane Hilary delivered a year’s worth of rain in one day. An estimated 400 residents, travelers, and employees are sheltering in place at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs until area roads are safely passable. It is not known when the first sections of the park will reopen.
The National Park Service (NPS) and California Highway Patrol are searching today for any stranded people in more remote areas of the park, and NPS teams are assessing on the ground impacts throughout the park. Caltrans and NPS are working to clear an exit route on CA-190 from Stovepipe Wells to Death Valley Junction so visitors and employees can safely exit the park.
The unprecedented rain came in two bursts, with about an inch of rain Sunday morning and another inch of rain Sunday night. Preliminary data from the official National Weather Service rain gauge at Furnace Creek recorded 2.20 inches of rain – the park’s average annual rainfall. Once verified, this would be the single rainiest day in Furnace Creek history, beating the record of 1.7 inches set August 5, 2022. Higher amounts of rain fell in the mountains.
📍 Along Highway 190 in Death Valley National Park
📷 Image 1: A mountain landscape outlines a stretch of road destroyed by flood waters. NPS
Image 2: A truck pushes flood water and rocks from a road that dips between two hills on a foggy night. California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Image 3: Badlands and mountains line a road undercut by rocky debris caused by floodwaters. NPS

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 21, 2023

Yosemite Hiring Two Preservation Crew Interns

!Yosemite is currently looking for two motivated interns to join us through the winter with no experience required. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old and be willing to commit to 26 weeks between October 1, 2023 and March 30, 2024. A living stipend of $720 a week will be provided. Apply at https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1007560.html.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 21, 2023

To Stop an Extinction, He’s Flying High, Followed by His Beloved Birds 

The New York Times reports

Using an ultralight aircraft, Johannes Fritz once taught endangered ibises a migration path over the Alps. Because of climate change, he is now showing them a much longer route to a winter’s refuge.

Read more at To Stop an Extinction, He’s Flying High, Followed by His Beloved Birds

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 20, 2023

Visit Marin County Parks for Free!

Now there is no entry fee for Marin County Parks!

The Marin County Board of Supervisors recently approved the elimination of entry and boat launch fees for Marin County Park’s 65 locations. View List

The fees, which had been $5.00 per passenger vehicle, were eliminated to encourage visits by individuals and families who may not normally visit county parks because fees were seen as a limiting factor. The move had been recommended by the County’s Parks and Open Space Commission and Parks’ Equity Roundtable participants. Parks told the Board that the fee elimination will result in an estimated $397,855 loss in annual income. Any loss in revenue will be covered by Measure A, a countywide quarter-cent sales tax approved by voters, to the extent laws allow.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 20, 2023

Theodore Payne Foundation Upcoming  Events 

See upcoming Theodore Payne Foundation Events at Theodore Payne Foundation Events | Eventbrite

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Posted in Class/Workshop, Garden, Talks | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 20, 2023

Wildfires Threatened a Haven for Hawaii’s Endangered Birds 

The New York Times reports

A conservationist and a neighbor defended the center, part of an effort to save the state’s native birds from extinction, until firefighters arrived.

Read more at See How They Held Off Flames at a Haven for Hawaii’s Endangered Birds

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 19, 2023

Anza- Borrego Desert State Park Closed 8/19/23

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is closed due to the anticipated impacts of Tropical Storm Hilary. This includes the visitor center, campgrounds, trails, and unpaved roads.  Please call 760-767- 4205 or 706-767-4037 for the latest information and updates.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 19, 2023

Eastern Sierra and Death Valley Alerts

The Mammoth Times reports
As most of you now know, Hurricane Hilary has been upgraded several times over the past 24 hours and is expected to make landfall in Southern California this weekend and slowly work north into Inyo and then Mono County as a degraded but still very powerful Tropical Storm, unleashing huge amounts of rain on Southern California, Inyo County, Death Valley (don’t try to get to or from Death Valley this weekend!!!) Southern Nevada and lesser amounts as it heads north. Inyo County is expected to be deeply impacted as noted below, with impacts all the way to Mono County (the Inyo/Mono county border is near the middle of the Sherwin Grade as you climb up the grade), especially in the higher elevations, starting as soon as Saturday, which is TOMORROW, AUG. 19.
ANYONE PLANNING TO TRAVEL TO THE EASTERN SIERRA BACKCOUNTRY THIS WEEKEND SHOULD RECONSIDER DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR FLASH FLOODS, ROCK AND LANDSLIDES, ETC.
DO NOT GO TO DEATH VALLEY THIS WEEKEND OR PREPARE TO BE STUCK THERE OR TO BE IN DANGER.
We will update this page as things progress; perhaps Mono County will be lucky and the extreme rain will track east but if we have learned anything this year, it is to plan for the worst.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 19, 2023

Joshua Tree National Park Closures

from Joshua Tree National Park

Due to Hurricane Hilary, Joshua Tree National Park could experience heavy rainfall and flash flooding in and around the park from Saturday, August 19th- Monday, August 21st. Because of these unsafe conditions, park management is initiating multiple park closures:
🚫As of August 18th, Queen Valley Road, Bighorn Pass Complex, and Lost Horse Road are temporarily closing. Expect a full closure Saturday pending changes in this severe weather system.
🚫Campgrounds will be temporarily closed starting Saturday, August 19th. Park rangers will assess campground facilities and work to reopen them at noon on Tuesday, August 22nd. Campgrounds with flood damage may take longer to reopen.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 19, 2023

Channel Islands National Park Alert

from Channel Islands National Park
Campground Closures Due to Potential for Heavy Rainfall, Hazardous Seas, and Flash Flooding
Park campgrounds will be closed the nights of Sunday, August 20 and Monday, August 21, reopening on Tuesday, August 22, weather permitting. During this period, the park expects heavy rainfall, hazardous seas, and possible flash flooding from Tropical Storm Hilary.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 19, 2023

New Expansion of San Francisco Bay Trail

East Bay Regional Parks report
Yesterday, the Park District celebrated the opening of the San Francisco Bay Trail Gap and Improvements Project at Oakland’s Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline.
The new SF Bay Trail section provides safer passage for trail users, who can now walk, ride or roll on 2,300 feet of new paved trail – eliminating the need to use the shoulder of busy Doolittle Drive.
The project also upgraded the staging area and boat launch adjacent to the new trail, including a paved parking and renovated ADA-accessible boat, kayak and paddleboard launch area. The project also restored one acre of marsh habitat.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 19, 2023

What is the oldest living tree?

It turns out the answer is complicated. Wikipedia explains why and has three different lists.

This is a list of the oldest-known trees, as reported in reliable sources. Definitions of what constitutes an individual tree vary. In addition, tree ages are derived from a variety of sources, including documented “tree-ring” (dendrochronological) count core samples, and from estimates. For these reasons, this article presents three lists of “oldest trees,” each using varying criteria.

There are three tables of trees, which are listed by age and species. The first table includes trees for which a minimum age has been directly determined, either through counting or cross-referencing tree rings or through radiocarbon dating. Many of these trees may be even older than their listed ages, but the oldest wood in the tree has rotted away. For some old trees, so much of the center is missing that their age cannot be directly determined. Instead, estimates are made based on the tree’s size and presumed growth rate. The second table includes trees with these estimated ages. The last table lists clonal colonies in which no individual tree trunks may be remarkably old but in which the organism as a whole is thought to be very old.

See lists and read more at  List of oldest trees – Wikipedia

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 18, 2023

Golden Gate Audubon is now Golden Gate Bird Alliance!

For the past three months we’ve been working hard to select a name that not only better reflects our mission but also plays a key role in welcoming new birders and advocates into our community.

Last night, a vote from our members made it official.

Today, we welcome you to the alliance.

Throughout our process, we were reminded over and over again from our members and community-at-large, that we don’t do this conservation work alone. We do this work to protect birds and their habitat together. This is what it means to be an alliance.

Read More…

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