Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 8, 2023

Botany Interns & Biotech at Santa Monica Mountains NRA

 We have open positions: 1-2 stipend-supported Botany Internships and 1 paid Botany Biotechnician as well!

Come gain valuable experience with vegetation surveys and identification, field navigation, and become familiar with a gorgeous and diverse National Park System unit: the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area! There may even be travel opportunities to botanize at Cabrillo National Monument and Channel Islands National Park.

Both of these position types start in February and finish at the end of May or, preferably extend into June/July 2023.

Read more at Source: Botany Interns & Biotech at Santa Monica Mountains NRA; Feb to May/Jun/Jul 2023 – CNPS Forums

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 8, 2023

Great Salt Lake will disappear in 5 years without massive ’emergency rescue,’ 

CNN  reports

The Great Salt Lake in Utah is facing “unprecedented danger,” experts say, as it has fallen to an alarmingly low level amid a climate change-fueled megadrought that’s tightening its grip in the West.

Less than two weeks away from Utah’s 2023 legislative session, nearly three dozen scientists and conservationists released a dire report that calls on the state’s lawmakers to take “emergency measures” to save the Great Salt Lake before drains to nil.

Without a “dramatic increase” in inflow by 2024, experts warn the lake is set to disappear in the next five years.

Read more at  Great Salt Lake will disappear in 5 years without massive ’emergency rescue,’ experts say | CNN

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 8, 2023

Amazing New Maps Spotlight Bird Trends Across Their Range

from Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Sadly, we know birds are declining overall. But what’s happening to specific birds in specific areas? A new tool called eBird Trends helps answer those questions by revealing local changes in bird abundance over the past 15 years. For example, Wood Thrush numbers have declined over the past half century, but the eBird Trend map above paints a more complex picture of recent breeding population changes: some areas show declines while others show increases.

Here’s how you can use the new eBird Trends maps to find out how species are doing near you—a first step in helping to change their prospects.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 7, 2023

45 miles of Highway 1 south of Big Sur to close for weeks

SFGate  reports

The California storm that swept through the state Wednesday caused considerable damage on Highway 1 along the Central Coast.

A rockslide at Ragged Point between Big Sur and San Simeon has now closed the highway for several weeks, possibly months, as it undergoes repairs, Caltrans told the San Luis Obispo Tribune. 

The closure begins south of Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn and then extends a mile south of Ragged Point, approximately 45.6 miles.

Read more at  45 miles of Highway 1 south of Big Sur to close for weeks

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 7, 2023

Anticipating Winter Waterfowl Webinar 1/10

Anticipating Winter Waterfowl Webinar with Dave Barry    Tuesday, January 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Learn about how the Laguna de Santa Rosa is an important stopover along the Pacific Flyway for thousands of migrating ducks and other water-loving birds during the winter. Learn cool facts, like the difference between “dabbling” and “diving” ducks, how far geese migrate, and how to tell the difference between male and female waterfowl. We will also talk about some of the challenges that these birds face, as well as conservation success stories.

FREE (suggested donation $5 – $15). Pre-registration required.
https://winterwaterfowl.eventbrite.com

Read more at Anticipating Winter Waterfowl Webinar with Dave Barry –

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 7, 2023

A biotech firm says the U.S. has approved its vaccine for honeybees 

NPR reports

The federal government has granted a conditional license for a honeybee vaccine, the developer of the drug announced Wednesday.

The vaccine will be used to help fight American Foulbrood disease in the insects and was approved by the Department of Agriculture, Dalan Animal Health, the biotech company behind the vaccine, said.

Read more  A biotech firm says the U.S. has approved its vaccine for honeybees : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 7, 2023

Santa Barbara Island is temporarily closed to the public

Heavy sea conditions during the most recent storm caused damage to the Santa Barbara Island wharf, associated buildings, and infrastructure. As a result, Santa Barbara Island is temporarily closed to the public until further notice.
The wharf dock was damaged during the recent storm cycle due to the heavy sea state. The Landing Cove Wharf is the only practical public access point to Santa Barbara Island. This temporary closure, which begins January 6, 2023, will ensure the safety of the public and park employees.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 7, 2023

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Road Updates

A lot of work and long hours for our crews, but we’re happy to announce that the Generals Hwy in Sequoia National Park will reopen partially on Saturday 1/7 at about 10 a.m. Visitors will be able to drive up to the Giant Forest Museum where they can park and explore the area on foot. There will be no vehicle access above Giant Forest Museum to the General Sherman Tree, Wolverton, Lodgepole, or Wuksachi. Visitors will be able to access the General Sherman Tree by walking 4 miles round trip.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 7, 2023

Pt. Reyes Current Conditions

Point Reyes National Seashore has experienced extreme weather the last several days and is expecting more this coming weekend.
Current Closures- As of this posting (1 pm, 01/06/2023), the current closures are: Limantour Rd, Drakes Beach and Parking lot, North Beach Parking Lot and Beach, Mount Vision Road, Lighthouse Access Rd past Sir Francis Drake Intersection.
Visitor Centers- Bear Valley Visitor center will be open from 10-3 daily but remains without power, all other visitor centers will remain closed until further notice.
Travel to the park is strongly discouraged due to flooding along with hazardous road and trail conditions. Visit https://go.nps.gov/pore_alerts for updates about park conditions.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 6, 2023

Job Opening: Interpreter II- Calif. State Parks

Join our team! We’re currently hiring a full-time State Parks Interpreter II. This is an exciting opportunity for those who are interested in pursuing a career with California State Parks. Red Rock Canyon State Park is close to affordable housing and amazing recreational opportunities. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, January 11, 2023.
To apply:
1. Take the State Parks Interpreter II exam and get on the eligibility list.
2. Complete a state job application form available at www.jobs.ca.gov/pdf/std678.pdf.
3. Create a Cal Careers account and submit your application online.
For more information, please click the links below.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 6, 2023

Whale Gives Birth And Shows Off Calf to Whale Watching Boat 

Our whale watching passengers and crew had a once-in-a-lifetime sighting off the coast of Dana Strands Beach in Dana Point, California, when we encountered a gray whale giving birth to a calf.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 6, 2023

East Bay Regional Parks Openings and Closings

Some Regional Parks along the bay shoreline and delta reopen today. All other Regional Parks remain closed until further notice as potential hazards remain and while storm damage is assessed and debris is cleared. See list of reopened parks as of now: bit.ly/3Qnt1UY. The public is encouraged to be mindful of conditions, exercise caution, and where possible, stay on paved trails in parks that are open. Get latest updates on parks status at www.ebparks.org.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 6, 2023

US 395 Reopens

US 395 is back open with chain controls. Please check road conditions before traveling at roads.dot.ca.gov

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 6, 2023

Yosemite Requiring Reservations for Feb. Weekends

Planning on driving up to Yosemite National Park on a weekend in February? January 13 is the day for you!
Entrance reservations for the last three weekends of February (i.e., Feb. 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26) will be required and become available at 8 am Pacific time on January 13 at www.recreation.gov. If you first arrive Mondays through Thursdays (and keep the receipt), you won’t need a reservation as the $35/vehicle entrance fee is valid for seven consecutive days, regardless of day of arrival. Also, if you have lodging reservations in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Foresta, or Yosemite West, or campground reservations in Camp 4, Wawona, or Hodgdon Meadow Campgrounds, you won’t need an additional reservation.
For further questions regarding the entrance reservation system for the Horsetail Fall event in February, please check our FAQ here: www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm.
This reservation is in place during the Horsetail Fall event, which you can learn more about at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/horsetailfall.htm.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 6, 2023

Academy scientists describe 146 new species in 2022

from California Academy of Sciences

In 2022, researchers at the California Academy of Sciences added 146 new animal, plant, and fungi species to the tree of life, enriching our understanding of Earth’s biodiversity and strengthening our ability to regenerate the natural world. The new species include 44 lizards, 30 ants, 14 sea slugs, 14 flowering plants, 13 sea stars, seven fishes, four beetles, four sharks, three moths, three worms, two scorpions, two spiders, two lichens, one toad, one clam, one aphid, and one sea biscuit. More than a dozen Academy scientists—along with several dozen international collaborators—described the new-to-science species.

Read more at  Academy scientists describe 146 new species in 2022 | California Academy of Sciences

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Posted in Animals, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 5, 2023

US 395 is currently closed

from Mono County Tourism

US 395 is currently closed! ⚠️ For up-to-the second road conditions visit roads.dot.ca.gov

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 5, 2023

East Bay Regional Park Closure Updates

Regional Parks remain closed and are expected to reopen after they are assessed on Friday. When reopened, visitors are reminded to be mindful of conditions and exercise caution. High winds and saturated ground can cause falling trees and branches, which can cause injury and create safety hazards.
For up-to-date information regarding park closures and re-openings, visit www.ebparks.org

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 5, 2023

Lassen Volcanic Park Storm Update

Lassen Volcanic is experiencing another severe winter storm with multiple feet of snow, whiteout conditions, and hazardous roads. The park’s outstanding road crew is working hard to keep up with these challenging conditions so that we can safely welcome visitors to enjoy this bounty of new snow! For the time being, visitors are encouraged to delay travel to the park and postpone plans to camp in the backcountry or at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Doing so will allow our road crew to operate safely.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 5, 2023

Pt. Reyes Cancellations & Reschedules

The Full Moon Three Year Anniversary Event has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 4th from 4pm – 7:30pm. The rescheduled event is still open to all and will include time to chat, a reflective activity, and a guided moon walk. Registration can be found here.

The Fungi Collecting Foray and Fungus Fairhave been cancelled. While the events will not be rescheduled, mushrooms will flourish at Point Reyes after the rains. Once conditions are safe, we encourage you to come explore on your own or through a guided excursion.

This weekend’s Mushroom Identification Field Institute class has been rescheduled for Sunday, January 22 from 10:00am – 4:30pm. Those currently registered were given priority for the rescheduled class. A limited number of spaces are still available.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 5, 2023

Pt. Reyes Road Closures

The following roads are closed to all access (except for emergency access) until further notice: Limantour Road; Drakes Beach Road; North Beach; Mount Vision Road; and Lighthouse Road (e.g., the road between the A Ranch and the lighthouse).

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 5, 2023

Be A Botany Volunteer at Anza-Borrego

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Posted in Desert, Park, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 5, 2023

Shortage of pollinators could be killing 427,000 people a year 

New Scientist reports

Inadequate numbers of bees and other pollinators have a huge impact on human health due to lower production of fruit and vegetables, according to a modelling study

Read article at  Shortage of pollinators could be killing 427,000 people a year | New Scientist

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 4, 2023

Highway 1 Closed Along Big Sur Coast Due to Potential for Mudslides 

NBC Bay Area  reports

Concerns about waterlogged soil and the potential for mudslides, falling rocks and flooding prompted Caltrans to close a portion of Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast on Wednesday evening

.As of 5 p.m., the road was closed down between Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County and Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn in Monterey County.

There is no estimated time for reopening the highway.

Read more  Highway 1 Closed Along Big Sur Coast Due to Potential for Mudslides – NBC Bay Area

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 4, 2023

Theodore Payne Foundation Closed January 5

Theodore Payne Foundation will be closed tomorrow January 5th due to the heavy winds and rain that are forecasted. We will be open for our regular business hours (8:30-4:30) on Friday.It’s been a wonderful start to the wet season, and we are getting excited for spring flowers and crossing our fingers for a super bloom! Now’s the perfect time to plant, so come see us for all of your CA native plant needs.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 4, 2023

Winter Garden Photos

Photos from yesterday in my Garden

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 4, 2023

Sequoia National Park Road Closing

⚠️ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE⚠️
A winter storm warning goes into effect Wednesday morning through Friday morning. The Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park will be closing above Hospital Rock at about 3 p.m. Wednesday as a safety precaution in anticipation of further rock and debris fall.
No closures are planned for Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park at this time, but visitors are urged to avoid driving during an active storm.
Reminder that the portion of the Generals Highway that connects both parks is closed for the season.
We will notify the public when the highway is safe to reopen after the storm.
As always, for current road conditions and tire chain restrictions call (559) 565-3341 (1,1).

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 4, 2023

The Senegal man on a mission to plant five million trees 

BBC reports

A man in southern Senegal has set himself the ambitious task of planting five million trees over the next five years.

This visionary project came to Adama Diémé when he returned home to the Casamance region in 2020 after a few years working in Europe.

The 48-year-old was shocked that in villages that were populated with hundreds of gigantic trees in his youth, only a handful, if any, now remained.

Read more The Senegal man on a mission to plant five million trees – BBC News

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 3, 2023

Pt. Isabel Burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owl seen at Pt. Isabel Regional Shoreline on January 1 during the Richmond Christmas Bird County

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 3, 2023

UC Berkeley Botanical Garden Closed 1/4 and 1/5

Due to inclement weather, the Garden will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 4, and Thursday, Jan. 5.

The Garden will be open on Friday, Jan. 6, regular hours. Please check the website for more information and to purchase tickets.

https://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/visit

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 3, 2023

Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park closed after influx of hundreds of migrants

NPR reports

The U.S. National Park Service has closed Dry Tortugas National Park in the Florida Keys after hundreds of migrants arrived on the islands over the New Year’s weekend.

The NPS temporarily closed the park to public access on Monday morning after an estimated 300 migrants landed in the park, according to a news release. It said the park has seen an increase in people arriving by boat from Cuba.

“The closure, which is expected to last several days, is necessary for the safety of visitors and staff because of the resources and space needed to attend to the migrants,” the NPS said.

Read more Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park closed after influx of hundreds of migrants : NPR

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