Check out January Breeding Activity at the California Bird Atlas
January Breeding Activity – California Bird Atlas
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 13, 2026
January Breeding Activity
Posted in Birds
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 13, 2026
US Department of Interior Delays Monarch Butterfly Listing Under Endangered Species Act | Xerces Society
Xerces Society reported
Recently, the Department of the Interior published an agency rule list which suggests delays in the timeline for monarchs and many other species awaiting listing and delisting actions under the Endangered Species Act.
Read on xerces.org/news/organizational-news/us-department-of-interior-delays-monarch-butterfly-listing-under
Posted in Butterflies | Tags: Monarch Butterflies
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 13, 2026
In Pursuit of the Monarch’s Magnetic Sense
AYDINHABER reported
Among the many marvels of animal migration, one ability remains the most elusive: a magnetic compassthat can sense Earth’s invisible field. While birds, sea turtles, and even some fish have shown hints of magnetic navigation, a definitive, universally accepted example has been missing—until recent work with the monarch butterfly.
For years, researchers have documented the monarch’s astonishing long‑distance journeys across North America, guided by the sun, the wind, and even the scent of milkweed. Now, a series of laboratory experiments and field observations suggest that these iconic insects may also be tapping into the planet’s magnetic signature.
Posted in Butterflies | Tags: Monarch Butterflies
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 12, 2026
Arctic is again the hottest it’s been in 125 years, with record-low sea ice, NOAA report says
NBC reported
The Arctic last season was the hottest it has been in the past 125 years. The extent of sea ice during its usual maximum in March was the lowest in 47 years of satellite recordkeeping. The North American tundra was more green with plant life than ever recorded.
Read more Arctic is again the hottest it’s been in 125 years, with record-low sea ice, NOAA report says
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 11, 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 | January 11, 2026
Smithsonian Researchers Believe that the Panama-Costa Rica Corridor Would Protect Endangered Manatees
Smithson reported
A bi-national corridor of nearly 1,000 kilometers between Panama and Costa Rica could be key to protecting manatees, which are endangered in Central America, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) said Tuesday. This binational corridor, spanning 984 kilometers—220 kilometers in Costa Rica and 764 kilometers in Panama—and encompassing 2,631 square kilometers of coastal marine ecosystems and wetlands, is proposed by Smithsonian researchers who developed a study revealing the transboundary movements and habitat use of the Greater Caribbean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus).
Posted in Animals | Tags: Greater Caribbean manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 11, 2026
3 missing amid bushfires, ‘catastrophic’ conditions in Australia
CBC News reported
Three people were unaccounted for as out-of-control bushfires raged in the Australian state of Victoria, destroying homes and burning through vast swathes of bushland amid the worst fire conditions since 2019’s Black Summer.
Read on www.cbc.ca/news/climate/australia-bushfires-9.7039517
Posted in Environment | Tags: Australian Wildfires
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 11, 2026
Yosemite National Park scraps Firefall reservations
SF Gate reported
Yosemite National Park has stopped allowing Firefall reservations despite a history of overcrowding in the park during the event.
Posted in Park | Tags: Firefall, Yosemite National Park
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 10, 2026
Climate Watch Starts Next Week!
| From Audubon |
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Posted in Birds | Tags: Climate Watch
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 10, 2026
World’s longest evolution experiment started 37 years ago, but has already seen 80,000 generations
Owion reported
The “Long-Term Evolution Experiment” (LTTE) tries to answer questions about evolution and how the process of natural selection works, whether it is slow or fast and does the curve changes at certain points. It has been going on for nearly 40 years, but it has seen thousands of generations.
Read more World’s longest evolution experiment started 37 years ago, but has already seen 80,000 generations
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 9, 2026
Volunteer at Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
Early signs point to a good poppy year and you can be a part of it! Volunteer training Feb 7th and 14th 9am-2pm! New volunteers must attend both training sessions and work a minimum of two shifts per month March 1- Mother’s Day. Benefits: sharing the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve with the public, free day-use to the Poppy Reserve, after 40 hours a day-use pass to the Great Basin District Parks and a statewide day-use pass to California Parks upon completion of 200 hours in a single calendar year (hours may be combined with volunteer work at other Great Basin District State Parks). To apply, visit https://bttr.im/961y5 and fill out the information requested. You will join a wonderful group of dedicated staff and volunteers. 🌱🌼🌻🌞💓 #poppyreserve #VolunteerHeroes— at Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
Posted in Desert, Park, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Antelope Valley California Poppy Bloom
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 9, 2026
Apache Leader Walks 60 Miles to Court Hearing That Will Decide Fate of Sacred Oak Flat
Native News Online reported
The leader of an organization that has been facing off against a foreign mining company with designs on destroying a sacred Indigenous site is walking more than 60 miles across Arizona to attend a court hearing that will decide the fate of 2,400 acres of federal public lands.Wendsler Nosie, Sr. (San Carlos Apache), founded Apache Stronghold in 2014 to oppose the transfer of the public lands in the Tonto National Forest. The organization has been locked in a 10+ year legal battle with the mining giant Resoutin Copper to protect the land, which includes Oak Flat, a mesa that has been the site of religious ceremonies for tribes in the region since time immemorial. The lands are also home to endangered and threatened species, such as ocelots and Arizona hedgehog cacti.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 9, 2026
Pacific Orchid Exposition Feb. 27 to March 1
Orchid Obscura
The 73rd Annual Pacific Orchid Exposition will be at
the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park on
February 27th – March 1, 2026 (with Preview Night on February 26th)
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Pacific Orchid Exposition
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 9, 2026
When one (bird) parent leaves
The University of Nevada Reno reports
Male nest desertion can leave chicks in a vulnerable
Family life in the animal world, much like in humans, is not always peaceful. Raising offspring demands time, energy, and cooperation — and sometimes, parents don’t fully agree on how much each should contribute. Each parent would personally benefit by investing a little less and leaving more of the work to their partner.Read more at When one (bird) parent leaves
Posted in Birds | Tags: Bird Parenting
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 8, 2026
California is officially free of drought conditions for the first time in 25 years
SF Gate reported
California’s rainy start to 2026 has led to wet conditions pushing the state to break a 25-year record, according to the latest federal and state data.
The U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday, based on data valid as of Jan. 6, shows 100% of California classified as free of drought conditions, with no areas listed as abnormally dry or experiencing moderate, severe, extreme or exceptional drought.
Posted in Environment
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 8, 2026
Meet five new species discovered in 2025
NPR reported
Even as some scientists search for signs of life beyond Earth, other researchers have been discovering new species on our own humble planet faster than ever before.
Read more Meet five new species discovered in 2025 : NPR
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 8, 2026
Taft Gardens Events
See upcoming events at Taft Gardens and Nature Preserve at events
Posted in Astronomy, Class/Workshop, Garden | Tags: Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 8, 2026
Orcas team up with dolphins to hunt
The Guardian reported
Northern resident killer whales appear to use dolphins as ‘scouts’, in a surprising cooperative hunting strategy
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 7, 2026
Tlden Fungus Fair: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1
From East Bay Regional Parks
Celebrate the fruits of winter at the Tilden Fungus Fair on Saturday, Jan. 31, and Sunday, Feb. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. View hundreds of local mushroom specimens on display. Mingle with the mycological community and enjoy presentations by guest speakers at this two-day special event. Learn to identify edible and poisonous mushrooms, explore fungal ecology, and discover the hidden beauty of the Bay Area’s wild mushrooms. More info.
Posted in Mushrooms | Tags: Tlden Fungus Fair
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 7, 2026
Joshua Tree National Park Trail Closures
from Joshua Tree National Park
The Fortynine Palms and Cholla Cactus Garden trails are closed! Here’s the details 
Fortynine Palms:– The trail is closed on weekdays, and open on weekends
– Park staff are repairing sections of the trail damaged by rain earlier in the season
– We expect to reopen the trail full time in late spring!
Cholla Cactus Garden:– The trail is fully closed
– Park staff are working to improve conditions and accessibility for visitors
– We expect to reopen the trail in late spring!
Posted in Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Joshua Tree National Park Trail Closures
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 7, 2026
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
Posted in Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Anza-Borrego Foundation Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 7, 2026
These Italian brown bears have changed their behaviour due to close interaction with humans
EuroNews reported
The research comes as communities in Italy and around Europe struggle with the rebound of bear populations due to conservation efforts.
Posted in Animals | Tags: European Brown Bears
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 6, 2026
A sticker covering Trump’s face could now void your national park pass
SF Gate reported
New Interior Department guidance says stickers or coverings on national park passes may invalidate them, amid protests over Donald Trump’s image.
Read on www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/sticker-covering-trump-void-national-park-pass-21278091.php
Posted in Park | Tags: National Park Passes
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 6, 2026
Researchers find how plants survive without sunlight or sex
ScienceDaily reported
The study reveals how Balanophora plants function despite abandoning photosynthesis and, in some species, sexual reproduction. Their plastid genomes shrank dramatically in a shared ancestor, yet the plastids remain vital. Asexual reproduction appears to have evolved repeatedly, helping the plants survive in isolated, humid forest habitats. The research highlights surprising resilience in these bizarre parasitic species.
Read on www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100921.htm
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Asexual Reproduction, Parasitic Plants
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 5, 2026
How demand for elite falcons in the Middle East is driving illegal trade of British birds | Birds | The Guardian
The Guardian reported
Exclusive: data reveals hundreds of UK nests have been raided in the past decade amid growing appetite to own prized birds for racing and breeding
Posted in Birds | Tags: Falcons, Illegal bird trade
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 5, 2026
Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos 1/2/26
Photographed in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on January 2, 2026.
The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a California native plant garden. It is located within Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley, California, It is a 10-acre garden includes many of the state’s rare and endangered plants and a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses from plant communities throughout the state. There are free weekend and holiday tours. Admission and parking are free. For more information about the garden visit the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 5, 2026
Mammoth Lakes 395 Wildlife Crossing – Eastern Sierra Land Trust
From Eastern Sierra Land Trust
The Mammoth Lakes 395 Wildlife Crossing is a proposed wildlife crossing corridor between the towns of Mammoth Lakes and Crowley Lake consisting of 18 miles of wildlife exclusion fencing, improvements to one existing and three new under crossings, two overcrossings, jump outs, cattle guards, and Intelligent Transportation Systems elements (i.e., flashing beacons).
The Mammoth Lakes 395 Wildlife Crossing will reduce dangerous Wildlife Vehicle Collisions (WVC), increase wildlife connectivity, and enhance access to public lands within this project area.
Read on eslt.org/wildlifecrossing/
Posted in Animals | Tags: Wildlife Crossings
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 4, 2026
No more free entry: National parks reinstating fees on these days in 2026
KRON reports
Several changes are coming to the country’s beloved national parks in 2026, including a new list of free admission days. The Trump administration announced all parks will be offering free admission to U.S. residents on President Donald Trump’s birthday, but five other formerly free days are being dropped.
Last year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day (the third Monday of January), the first day of National Park Week (in April), Juneteenth (on June 19), the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (Aug. 4) and National Public Lands Day (fourth Saturday of September) were all free admission days for visitors. Starting in 2026, admission fees will be charged on those five holidays.
Free admission is now offered to U.S. residents on eight holidays:
- Feb. 16: Presidents Day
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14: Flag Day and Trump’s birthday
- July 3-5: Independence Day weekend
- Aug. 25: 110th birthday of the National Park Service
- Sept. 17: Constitution Day
- Oct. 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- Nov. 11: Veterans Day
Fee-free days used to allow free entry to all visitors, but starting in 2026 the fee will only be waived for U.S. residents. International visitors will not only have to pay the entrance fee, but also new nonresident fees.
Starting in January, international guests will be charged a $100 per-person fee at the entrance gate of 10 of the most-visited national parks, unless they have an America the Beautiful pass.
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 4, 2026
Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos 12/30/25
Photographed in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on December 30 2025.
The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a California native plant garden. It is located within Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley, California, It is a 10-acre garden includes many of the state’s rare and endangered plants and a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses from plant communities throughout the state. There are free weekend and holiday tours. Admission and parking are free. For more information about the garden visit the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 4, 2026
East Bay Regional Parks Upcoming Events
See the calendar of upcoming events for the East Bay Regional Parks at https://www.ebparks.org/calendar
Posted in Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags: East Bay Regional Parks
Natural History Wanderings 