Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 15, 2023

California Moves Closer to Carbon-Free Electricity Goals

Globe Newswire reports

Expanding critical long-duration energy storage (LDES) to support increasing levels of intermittent wind and solar resources, the nearly $1B (U.S.) contract represents one of the largest standalone long-duration energy storage PPAs

Assuming 100% renewable energy mix, Hydrostor’s 500 MW Willow Rock Center will abate up to 28 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over its lifetime, equivalent to removing 120,000+ cars from the road, each year, for 50+ years

Read story at  California Moves Closer to Carbon-Free Electricity Goals as

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 15, 2023

How a photographer sniffed out the magnolia species not seen for a century 

The Guardian writes about how a photographer sniffed out the magnolia species not seen for a century

Eladio Fernandez was rewarded after an arduous hike up a Haitian mountain, following in the footsteps of the Swedish botanist who last saw the fragrant flower in 1925

Read story Lost and found: how a photographer sniffed out the magnolia species not seen for a century | Environment | The Guardian

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 14, 2023

Top Celestial Events of 2023.

from NPR

It’s a good year to go outside and stare at the sky. From stunning meteor showers to a super blue moon and a ring of fire eclipse, astronomer Jackie Faherty goes over the most exciting celestial events of 2023.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 13, 2023

Today’s Garden Photos

Photos from my garden today.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 13, 2023

UC Berkeley Botanical Garden Closures

Due to the saturated soils and potential for high winds the Garden will be closed on the following days. If you are planning a visit please check the website for further updates. Thank you!

  • Sat. 1/14: The Garden is closed
  • Sun. 1/15: To be announced
  • Mon. 1/16: Closed for MLK Day
  • Tue. 1/17: Closed for maintenance

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 13, 2023

President Biden Poised to Designate Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada

National Parks Conservation Association reports

President Biden announced his intent to establish the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in southern Nevada, preserving some of the most visually stunning, biologically diverse, and culturally significant lands in the entire Mojave Desert. And at 450,000 acres, designating Avi Kwa Ame National Monument would move our country closer to achieving the global goal and Biden administration America the Beautiful initiative to preserve lands and waterways.

SRead more at  President Biden Poised to Designate Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada · National Parks Conservation Association

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 12, 2023

Pt. Reyes Current Conditions 1/12/23

Like most of California’s coastline, Point Reyes National Seashore has experienced severe storm damage over the last week. Many of the seashore’s trails have downed trees and standing water.
Bear Valley Trail (shown here) has several large trees down and is now closed to equestrians past the Divide Meadow junction. All visitors are recommended to use extra caution if exploring forested areas. Please Recreate Responsibly and use good judgement when encountering potential hazards.
To stay up to date about park closures please visit go.nps.gov/pore_alerts .

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 12, 2023

US 395 Closure 1/12/23

US 395 remains closed from Hwy 167 (Lee Vining) to Hwy 182 (Bridgeport). For updated road conditions go to roads.dot.ca.gov

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 12, 2023

Kings Canyon and Sequoia Road Conditions 1/12/23

We’ve had a moment to dry out a bit, but more wet weather is coming our way this weekend!
Meanwhile, key drainage fixtures along the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park were damaged by the recent major flooding. The section of road between Hospital Rock and Giant Forest will need major repairs before it can reopen for public use. Until then, it is not possible to see giant sequoias via the Sequoia National Park entrance in Three Rivers. We will issue updates as things progress.
Road crews will endeavor to maintain access to Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park over the weekend. However, we strongly advise against trying to visit the parks during an active snowstorm. Expect major inclement weather and tire chain restrictions. For the most current roads conditions, call (559) 565 3341, dial 1, and then dial 1 again.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 12, 2023

Exxon scientists accurately predicted global warming from burning fossil fuels

NPR  reports

Exxon’s climate research decades back painted an accurate picture of global warming, according to a new scientific paper. Still the oil company continued climate-denying policy efforts.

Read or listen to report at : Exxon scientists accurately predicted global warming from burning fossil fuels. : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 12, 2023

East Bay Regional Parks Closures Updated 1/12/23

Some Regional Parks previously closed due to extreme weather conditions are reopening. Continue to exercise caution in reopened parks as the ground is highly saturated and some potential safety hazards remain. Go to www.ebparks.org to check individual park status before heading out.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 12, 2023

Visiting Arches National Park · National Parks Conservation Association

2023 reservations are officially open for Arches National Park! If you’re heading to Arches between April 1 – October 31.  This year, you’ll need a timed entry reservation. Timed entry reservations are required for visiting Arches between 7am-4 pm, April 1 – October 31, 2023 Everything you need to know is here: Visiting Arches National Park · National Parks Conservation Association

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 12, 2023

Forest resilience linked with higher mortality risk in western US

ScienceDaily reports

A forest’s resilience, or ability to absorb environmental disturbances, has long been thought to be a boost for its odds of survival against the looming threat of climate change. But a new study suggests that for some Western U.S. forests, it’s quite the opposite. The results of one of the first large-scale studies of its kind show that while high ecosystem resilience correlates with low mortality in eastern forests, it is linked to high mortality in western regions.

Read more at Forest resilience linked with higher mortality risk in western US — ScienceDaily

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 11, 2023

Highway 395 Partially Reopened

Some sections of US 395 have reopened while other sections remain closed. ⚠️ Get up-to-date road conditions at roads.dot.ca.gov

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 11, 2023

Upcoming Native Plant Events

Tonight, Jan. 11, 7 pm (online) | #Califoragami: Intersections of Art, Math, and California Native Plants – Sacramento Valley Chapter

Jan. 12, 7 pm (Los Angeles) | Saging the World Screening and Panel Discussion – State CNPS, SGM Chapter and Theodore Payne Foundation

Jan. 14 (Dana Point) | A Sage in Every Garden – OC Chapter

Jan. 15 (Tarzana) | Tarzana Native Plant Fair – CNPS and Partners

Jan. 17, 7:30 pm (Santa Rosa & Virtual) | How To Protect Forest Ecosystems with Rick Coates – Milo Baker Chapter

Jan. 21, 5 pm (Escondido) | Saging the World Screening – Escondido Arts Partnership

Jan. 21, 6:30 pm (Three Rivers) | Buckwheats of the Southern Sierra: Latest Discoveries – Alta Peak Chapter

Jan. 29, 11 am (Davis)| Garden Ambassador Seasonal Garden Visit (RSVP)– Patricia Carpenter

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 11, 2023

US 395 Remains Closed

US 395 remains closed from 11 miles north of Bishop to the junction of Hwy 182. ⛔️ Please check road conditions before traveling at roads.dot.ca.gov

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 11, 2023

18 Billion Dollar Climate Disasters in US in 2022

NPR reports

The U.S. endured fueled by climate change costing $165 billion total in 2022. The shocking number highlights the growing damages of human-caused climate change.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 11, 2023

Many mammals headed for extinction, study says

EarthSky reports

University of Manchester said today (January 10, 2023) that its scientists have identified hundreds of mammal species now being pushed to their ecological limits, into places they’re unlikely to thrive. The researchers looked at that long-known anathema to animals in the modern world: human activities creating habitat loss. The new study shows that habitat loss for animals leads them to being pushed into poor-quality environments, where they’re likely to do poorly.

Read more at EarthSky | Many mammals headed for extinction, study says

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 10, 2023

Yosemite Job Listings

We’re hiring!
It takes a lot​ of staff to run a park the size of Yosemite. If you’re looking for a unique summer job or a new permanent career, this could be your chance! Check out USAJobs.gov for the full list of current openings—it changes nearly every day! Just search for Location: Yosemite National Park.
Read the announcement carefully to ensure you’re eligible to apply, qualified, and that you’re submitting all the required documents. Keep in mind that a federal resume is much more detailed than your standard one-pager: use the USAJobs resume builder to make sure you don’t forget any required details, and don’t be surprised if your resume reaches 5 or so pages!
Click read more to see list of job openings

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 10, 2023

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Updates

As with most of California, the parks and surrounding communities are experiencing severe storm impacts. We urge everyone to please consider postponing your visit until conditions improve.
🚔The Generals Hwy in Sequoia National Park is closed about a mile above the entrance station.
🥾 All park visitor centers are closed.
🏕️ All campgrounds and lodging are closed until further notice.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 10, 2023

UC – Berkeley Botanical Garden Photos January 8, 2023

Photos from a visit to the UC-Berkeley Botanical Garden on January 8, 2023.

The garden is currently open daily to the public from ten to five by reservation .  Garden members can enter at nine. There is an entrance fee (free for garden members) and paid parking.  Reservations are required except for garden members. For more information and to make reservations go to UC-Botanical Garden.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 10, 2023

Job Opening Field Botany Technician – Invasive Plants – California Botanic Garden

Would you like to help California Botanic Garden’s small but dedicated invasive plant crew restore native plant habitats in partnership with the Angeles National Forest? This is a paid full-time position for 3 months with the possibility of extension. Reporting location is in Arcadia, CA. The work is 100% fieldwork and involves rugged hiking, use of both hand and power tools, and use of herbicide on a regular basis. We’re looking for a hardworking person who wants to show their love for native plants by removing invasive plants. Application deadline 2/3/2023. Details in the attached job description, or go to https://www.calbg.org/employment. Send applications or questions to invasives@calbg.org.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 10, 2023

Critical Habitat in California Wine Country Slated for Conservation

Center for Biological Diversity News Release

Napa Land Deal Would Save 14,000 Trees From Harmful Vineyard Conversion

NAPA COUNTY, Calif.— Approximately 2,300 acres of intact wildlife habitat in Napa County is expected to be sold to a land trust for permanent protection under an agreement announced this week.

The county re-approved the controversial vineyard development known as Walt Ranch in 2022, after years of community opposition and legal challenges. The proposed vineyard would have ripped out riparian, oak and native grassland habitat to plant grape vines. But the new deal will permanently protect the site and would save 14,000 mature oak trees and other important carbon-sequestering habitats from total destruction.

Read more at: Critical Habitat in California Wine Country Slated for Conservation – Center for Biological Diversity

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 9, 2023

24th Richmond Bay Trail Mid-year Report

Attached below is the 24th Bay Trail Richmond Mid Year Report prepared by TRAC, the Trails for Richmond Action Committee. This upbeat, colorful report summarizes great strides made toward completing and improving the Bay Trail in Richmond during 2022. Read it to learn about the Point Molate Trail, closing the trail gap between Point Pinole and Wilson Point, the Ferry to Bridge protected bikeway, REI’s new Bay Area Adventure Center and more.

For maps and other information about the Bay Trail, please visit TRAC’s website (https://www.pointrichmond.com/bay-trail/).  TRAC greatly appreciates your support for completing and improving the Bay Trail in Richmond.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 9, 2023

Job Opening: Invasive Plant Specialist (USFS Eldorado NF)

The Great Basin Institute (GBI) is working cooperatively with the USFS to recruit 2 Vegetation Technicians to conduct invasive plant management.
The GBI vegetation technicians will work with USFS staff to monitor and control invasive plants in the forest to encourage native vegetation recovery. Field work will start in March and continue into the Fall season. The crew will work outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions (heat, cold, insects, etc.). Field work will contribute to a multi-year effort to control invasive plants in the post-fire environment. Training and support will be provided for all duties.
— Read more at forum.cnps.org/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 9, 2023

UC Berkeley Botanical Garden Closed

The Garden will be closed today, Monday, January 9, and tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 10, due to storm conditions. Stay safe out there! https://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/visit

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 9, 2023

Us 395 Closed Again

US 395 is closed from 17 miles north of Bishop (Gorge Road) to Bridgeport. ⛔️ Please check road conditions before traveling at roads.dot.ca.gov

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 9, 2023

Continued Fossil Fuels Will Melt 80% Glaciers By 2100 

Weather.com  reports

According to a study by Carnegie Mellon University, Rounce and his team found that in a future scenario with continued investment in fossil fuels, over 40 per cent of the glacial mass will be gone within the century, and over 80 per cent of glaciers by number could well disappear.

Read more at  Continued Fossil Fuels Will Melt 80% Glaciers By 2100 | Weather.com

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 8, 2023

East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden Remains Closed

The Botanic Garden is closed until further notice as potential hazards remain and while storm damage is assessed, and debris is cleared. Please check the Garden website for updates: nativeplants.org

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 8, 2023

Pt. Reyes Closures

Point Reyes National Seashore is continuing to experience extreme weather and is expecting more this coming week.
Current Closures- As of this posting (12 pm, 01/08/2023), the current closures are: Limantour Rd, Drakes Beach and Parking lot, North Beach Parking Lot and Beach, South Beach Restrooms, Mount Vision Road, Lighthouse Access Rd past Sir Francis Drake Intersection.
Visitor Centers- Bear Valley Visitor Center will be open today from 9:30-5 and currently has power, hours are subject to change depending on conditions. All other visitor centers will remain closed until further notice.
Trails- All trails are currently open, but many have sustained damage during the storms. Damages may include trees down, flooding and other hazards. If hiking, hike in groups and let someone know your route and expected return time.
Travel to the park is strongly discouraged, the seashore remains under a flood watch and wind advisory, with hazardous road and trail conditions. Visit https://go.nps.gov/pore_alerts for updates about park conditions.

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