Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 12, 2023

Monitor Pass Opens Tonight

from Mono County Tourism

Monitor Pass opens for the season tonight May 12, 2023 at 6pm!!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 12, 2023

New Butterflies Are Named for Sauron, ‘Lord of the Rings’ Villain

The New York Times reports

A new genus of butterfly, with dark, eye-like spots on its distinctive orange wings, has been named after Sauron, the arch-villain of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy epic “The Lord of the Rings,” whose gaze lingers malevolently over the lands of Middle-earth.

An international team of scientists identified two species in the new genus — Saurona triangula and Saurona aurigera — but said there were most likely more, the Natural History Museum in London announced on Sunday.

Read more at New Butterflies Are Named for Sauron, ‘Lord of the Rings’ Villain

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 11, 2023

Job Opening Bay Nature

Interested in a career in journalism? Know someone who wants to gain experience reporting on climate change, regional environmental issues, and ecology in the Bay Area? We’re looking for a journalist from a historically underrepresented background in journalism. Apply to Bay Nature’s yearlong fellowship today! Applications close May 22.
Apply Here!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 11, 2023

Results from the 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count

from Audubon

Results from the 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count

More than half a million people around the globe participated in this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count, observing more than 7,500 species in 202 countries. That’s a lot of people and birds!! Read more about the final result here, or click through to this interactive dashboard of results.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 11, 2023

Global Big Day is 13 May 2023 

from eBird

Be a part of birding’s biggest team! Global Big Day is an annual celebration of the birds around you. No matter where you are, join us virtually on 13 May, help celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, and share the birds you find with eBird.

Participating is easy—you can even be part of Global Big Day from home. If you can spare 5 or 10 minutes, report your bird observations to eBird online or with our free eBird Mobile app. If you have more time, submit several checklists of birds throughout the day. You never know what you might spot. Your observations help us better understand global bird populations through products like these animated abundance maps brought to you by eBird Science.

Learn more at  Global Big Day—13 May 2023 – eBird

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 10, 2023

Zoom: Digitizing over 1 MILLION California Herbarium Specimens 5/11

from Yerba Buena CNPS

Dr. Sarah Jacobs is currently leading a program to digitize over 1 MILLION California Herbarium Specimens at California Academy of Sciences.

Some specimens were collected over 100 years ago and heroically saved by Alice Eastwood from a burning Academy building in the aftermath of the 1906 SF Earthquake.

May 11, 2023 at 7:30 PM, Dr. Jacobs joins CNPS Yerba Buena’s monthly speaker program to describe this leading edge scientific process and share fascinating information about these super-valuable specimens.
Always free. Register here now!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 10, 2023

Stop the Port of Oakland’s pollution-generating expansion

from EarthJustice

The Port of Oakland and the Army Corps of Engineers want to allow more polluting megaships into the Bay Area — but the Army Corps conducted an inadequate environmental review that didn’t consider how the expansion would impact neighboring communities, particularly the environmental justice community of West Oakland.

Click to see how you can help

TAKE ACTION

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 10, 2023

Improving wildlife restoration outcomes through community engagement 

UC Berkeley Rausser College of Natural Resources reports

A new study from a team of UC Berkeley researchers may offer conservationists clues on how to improve the outcomes of future wildlife restorations. The first-of-its-kind analysis, published today in Nature Communications, found that partnering with local communities and setting goals relating to the social, cultural, political, or economic aspects of wildlife restoration efforts made each attempt significantly more successful.

Read article at  Improving wildlife restoration outcomes through community engagement | UC Berkeley Rausser College of Natural Resources

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 9, 2023

 California Science Center IMAX Theater

The California Science Center in LA has an IMAX Theater. The schedule currently includes:

  • Blue Whales: return of the giants
  • Journey to Space
  • Mystery of the Maya
  • Under The Sea
  • Asteroid Hunters

Learn more at  ExploraNews | California Science Center

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 9, 2023

Why Is It Illegal To Pick Wildflowers At Pinnacles?

Picking wildflowers at all National Parks is illegal

The Weather Channel reports gives a good example of why

  • Pinnacles National Park is home to one of the most diverse bee populations on Earth.
  • A study published in 2019 counted more than 450 species.
  • This year’s wildflower superbloom is on full display.

California’s Pinnacles National Park is home to one of the most distinct bee populations on Earth.That’s why park officials say: Don’t pick the flowers.”The diverse blooms are one of the factors diverse bees and other pollinators depend on, and picking blooms now only means less in the future,” a recent social media post from the park reads.

Read more at  Why Is It Illegal To Pick Wildflowers At Pinnacles? | Weather.com

 

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 9, 2023

Upcoming East Bay Region Parks Activities

Upcoming Activities
Sat, May 13, 8:15-9:30am, Batastic Bats, SunolSat, May 13, 10am-noon, Guan ju – Osprey at Del Valle, Del Valle

Sat, May 13, 11am-noon, Garden Tea Party, Coyote Hills

Sat, May 20, midnight-2am, Grunion Search, Crab Cove

Sat, May 20, 10:30-11am, Puppet Show, Big Break

Sat, May 20, 2-3:30pm, Creating Clouds, Black Diamond Mines

Sun, May 21, 12:30-1pm, Railroad Track And Tool Talk, Ardenwood

Sat, May 27, 11am-noon, Wool Felting, Tilden

More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 9, 2023

HELP EXPAND BERRYESSA SNOW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL MONUMENT

Join the effort to call on President Biden and Congress to expand Northern California’s Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include Molok Luyuk. Molok Luyuk (pronounced “Ma.lok/ Lue.yoke”) means “Condor Ridge” in the Patwin language. These public lands are located on the eastern edge of the current monument and are sacred to the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.

Protecting Molok Luyuk will help preserve biodiversity and allow for continued wildlife migration in the midst of a changing climate. These lands serve as a critical corridor between the existing monument and other protected areas for species such as tule elk, mountain lions, and black bears. It is also home to dozens of rare plant species. Molok Luyuk deserves permanent protection.

Read more and sign the petition at  EXPAND BERRYESSA

Molok Luyuk is the area formerly know as Walker Ridge.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 9, 2023

California Condors vs. Avian Flu: Can the Endangered Birds Survive? 

The Revelator reports

An outbreak has killed 20 condors in the Southwest, putting wildlife conservationists on high alert.

Read story at California Condors vs. Avian Flu: Can the Endangered Birds Survive? • The Revelator

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 8, 2023

The ‘no mow’ movement could transform our lawns

“No mow” initiatives such as this one are becoming an increasingly popular springtime effort to help support bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Read about the no mow movement at  The ‘no mow’ movement could transform our lawns – Washington Post

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 7, 2023

Are Superbloom Visitors Loving Wildflowers to Death?

The Santa Barbara Independent reports

After the particularly wet rainy season this past year, California is in the midst of a superbloom, an event where millions of dormant wildflower seeds across the state blossom in an awesome show of natural beauty. As visitors go out and witness this rare ecological event, some fear the effect they will have on these temporary environments. 

“Overuse and over-visiting in off trails especially compacts soil and kills wildflowers and the seeds that would ideally have been produced that year,” said Joan Dudney, assistant professor of environmental studies at UC Santa Barbara. Dudney specializes in forest disturbance, seeing the effects of human activity on the environment. 
— Read on www.independent.com/2023/05/06/are-superbloom-visitors-loving-wildflowers-to-death/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 7, 2023

Faulty Science Behind Logging Projects in Los Padres and Other National Forests

Wildfire reports a Landmark Study: Faulty Science Used to Justify Logging Projects in Los Padres and Other National Forests

An unprecedented study was published last week in the peer-reviewed journal Fire, exposing a broad pattern of scientific misrepresentations and omissions that have resulted in a “falsification of the scientific record” in recent forest and wildfire studies typically funded or authored by the U.S. Forest Service. This falsified record has had profound implications for how public lands have been managed in recent decades, serving as a faulty scientific foundation for justifying large commercial logging and habitat clearance projects throughout the Western United States, including in the Los Padres National Forest.

Read moe at Landmark Study: Faulty Science Behind Logging Projects in Los Padres and Other National Forests

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 6, 2023

Birds of a feather: How a wayward duck changed a Kansas City homeless man’s life 

KCUR  report on how a duck changed a man’s life

When Dave Hughes lost his job and his place to live, he found a measure of refuge living under a bridge on Brush Creek in the middle of Kansas City. Then an ostracized duck gave him a new lease on life.

Read on at  Birds of a feather: How a wayward duck changed a Kansas City homeless man’s life | KCUR – Kansas City news and NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 5, 2023

El Cerrito’s Hillside Festival May 6 and 7

The eighth annual El Cerrito Hillside Festival with more than a dozen hikes and other events scheduled throughout El Cerrito’s 100-acre natural wonderland, the Hillside Natural Area. The festival is put on by El Cerrito Trail Trekkers and co-sponsored by the city’s Environmental Quality Committee.

Read more at El Cerrito’s Hillside Festival –

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 5, 2023

Upcoming Bird & Nature Walks

from Wild Birds Unlimited

Sun, 5/7: Family Walk at Stafford Lake, Novato, Marin Parks
Sat, 5/13: Birds at Shollenberger Park, Petaluma, Petaluma Wetlands Alliance
Tues, 5/16: Loma Alta, San Rafael, Marin Parks
Sat, 5/20: Spring Birds at China Camp, San Rafael, Friends of China Camp
Sun, 5/21: Wildflowers at China Camp, San Rafael, Friends of China Camp
Sun, 5/21: Birds at Mount Burdell, Novato, Marin Parks
Weds, 5/24: Abbotts Lagoon, Point Reyes, Marin Parks
Sat, 5/27: Birds at Ellis Creek Ponds, San Rafael, Petaluma Wetlands Alliance

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 5, 2023

Forest Service Clearcutting Plan Next to Yellowstone National Park Threatens Grizzlies, Old Growth

Center For Biological Diversity News Release

WEST YELLOWSTONE, Mont.— Conservation groups late Monday challenged a U.S. Forest Service plan to clearcut more than 5,500 acres of pine forests just outside Yellowstone National Park, in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The plan also calls for logging across an additional 9,000 acres and bulldozing up to 56 miles of roads in the area, including through old-growth forests.

In their objection to the South Plateau project, the Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, Alliance for the Wild Rockies and WildEarth Guardians said the logging project will destroy habitat for grizzly bears, lynx, marten and other wildlife. It will bulldoze through old-growth forest and remove thousands of acres of mature pine trees.

The plan is moving forward despite its incongruence with President Biden’s pledge to protect old-growth and mature forests and trees.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 4, 2023

Highway 120 in Yosemite Closed

From Yosemite National Park

Big Oak Flat Road is closed; no access to most of Yosemite via Highway 120 from the west

The Big Oak Flat Road is closed west of Merced Grove; there is no access to Yosemite via Hwy 120 from the west (except to Hodgdon Meadow and Hetch Hetchy). Closure is expected to last at least to mid-June or possibly into July.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 4, 2023

State Park Campgrounds in the Sierra Delay Opening Dates Due to Historic Snowpack

from California State Parks

California State Parks today issued a travel notice for outdoor enthusiasts planning a trip to the Tahoe region, due to the historic snowpack in the Sierra. Many state parks still have 3-6′ of snow throughout campgrounds and day-use areas. While temperatures in the forecast should assist the snow in melting, park staff still do not have the access they normally have at this time of year to begin cleaning the facility, repairing damage, and charging water systems. As a result, the opening of campgrounds Emerald Bay State Park, Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, Grover Hot Springs State Park, Plumas-Eureka State Park, and Tahoe State Recreation Area will be delayed for Memorial Day weekend. Donner Memorial State Park may be delayed in opening; staff will reassess in the coming weeks.

Reservations for affected parties will be canceled and full refunds issued. Park websites and the State Parks’ reservation system — ReserveCalifornia.com — will have the most up-to-date information on scheduled opening dates.

Current conditions and re-scheduled openings are as follows:

Red more at  State Park Campgrounds in the Sierra Delay Opening Dates Due to Historic Snowpack

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 4, 2023

Good for Wildflowers, Bad for Rabbits

NPR reports

California’s wildflowers have thrived after the rain, but its bunnies are in danger. Biologists are evacuating the cuddly creatures as flood waters rise.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 4, 2023

The Science of Superblooms

from California  Academy of Science

After a remarkably rainy winter, the spring sunshine is bringing superblooms to the Golden State’s ecosystems! For the science behind these flowery phenomena — and how to see them responsibly — check out our recent video featuring Academy Curator of Botany Sarah Jacobs.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 3, 2023

East Bay Regional Parks Upcoming Events

See the East Bay Regional Parks May and June activity guide at https://www.ebparks.org/sites/default/files/RIN-May-Jun-2023-web.pdf

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 3, 2023

Recent Job Announcements

New postings from the CNPS Jobs site. Click on each for information and to learn how to apply

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 3, 2023

Putting Snails on the Map

from the Xerces Society

Mollusks – like snails, slugs, and mussels – are an extremely diverse group of animals with an estimated 50,000 to 200,000 named and undescribed species worldwide. They also have the highest number of documented extinctions of any major taxonomic group.

Xerces biologists have been on the trail of four mysterious and imperiled snails deep in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, looking for clues to protect these overlooked animals. Learn More

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 2, 2023

A once-stable glacier in Greenland is now rapidly disappearing

Ohio State reports

Study finds warming Atlantic waters threaten previously stable glaciers

As climate change causes ocean temperatures to rise, one of Greenland’s previously most stable glaciers is now retreating at an unprecedented rate, according to a new study.

Read more and see video at  A once-stable glacier in Greenland is now rapidly disappearing

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 1, 2023

Upcoming Classes & Workshops Theodore Payne Foundation

 

from Theodore Payne Foundation

Horticulture, design, maintenance, botany, nature walks, ethnobotany, art, poetry, and more! Our extensive Education Program offers a range of classes for both beginners and experts with training by TPF staff and guest instructors. Classes are held at TPF in our La Fetra Nature Education Center, on TPF grounds, at various off-site locations, and on Zoom.

See event calendar at : Classes & Workshops | Theodore Payne Foundation

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 1, 2023

Photos from Wisley RHS Gardens

Wisley is the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society in Surrey, UK. Photos are from April 4, 2023. The day we were at Wisley there was a flower show specifically of Daffodil/Narcissus hundreds of flowers on display.

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