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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 3, 2022
Upcoming Events at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Posted in Garden, Park | Tags: Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 3, 2022
New Paintbrush/Castilleja Species
submitted by Mark Egger
See this paper, describing a really cool Castilleja species from NE Mexico. Lots of photos of the plants discussed toward the end of the paper.
The link is to a downloadable PDF on the e-journal website, Phytoneuron:
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: New Castilleja species, New Paintbrush Species
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 2, 2022
More Than Half of U.S. Birds Are in Decline, Warns New Report
Audubon reports
The 2022 U.S. State of the Birds report shows plummeting bird populations across almost all habitats while highlighting the need for further conservation efforts.
Read more at More Than Half of U.S. Birds Are in Decline, Warns New Report | Audubon
Posted in Birds | Tags: 2022 U.S. State of the Birds
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 2, 2022
New Audubon Study: Climate Change Threatens Bird Populations in the National Wildlife Refuge System
Audubon via YubaNet
In a survey of all 525 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, scientists with the National Audubon Society have found half of the birds throughout the system will see changes in the environmental suitability of their habitats if global temperatures are allowed to rise unchecked. The result could be a dramatic change in up to 25 percent of the species present in the system as some birds either leave for other regions or are pushed out.
Read more at New Audubon Study: Climate Change Threatens Bird Populations in the National Wildlife Refuge System – YubaNet
Posted in Birds, Environment | Tags: Climate change, National Wildlife Refuges
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2022
PBS Show on Woodpeckers Tomorrow 11/2/22
PBS has a new program: “Woodpeckers: The Hole Story”. Get an intimate look at what makes woodpeckers so special. Explore their unique abilities and intimate stories from around the world. Narrated by Paul Giamatti. It airs 11/02/22. Check your local PBS Station for times. It will like be posted to their website as the listing says expires Expires: 10/01/26.
Posted in Birds | Tags: Woodpeckers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2022
Job Openings Recreation Fee Technician Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are seeking dedicated candidates who are passionate about public service. Recreation Fee Technicians serve on the front lines and are the first Rangers visitors interact with when entering a park. Their job duties include roving campgrounds, educating the public about safety regulations and collecting fees that help pay for the park’s various projects. Qualifications are based on education and job experience.
Seasonal hires usually begin working in April and end their season in November. Limited seasonal housing is available. Local candidates who prefer to commute are highly encouraged to apply!
The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, November 4, though the application window may close sooner if the maximum number of 375 applicants are met. Need help building or updating your federal resume? Use the links below for tips and guidance!
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: Job Openings, King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2022
Sierra Pass Closings 11/1/22
Caltrans District 9 is closing three Sierra highways ahead of this week’s snowstorm.
SR 120 W at Lee Vining closed last night at 6:00 pm.
SR 108 (Sonora Pass) is closing TODAY at 10:00 am.
SR 89 (Monitor Pass) is closing TODAY at 11:00 am.
These are storm closures and Caltrans will assess the roads for reopening after the storm has passed.
Posted in Drives | Tags: Sierra Pass Closings
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2022
Anza-Borrego Foundation Adds a 150-acre parcel
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ESCROW CLOSED ON 150 ACRES NEAR SHELTER VALLEY
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On September 30, 2022, Anza-Borrego Foundation closed escrow on a 150-acre parcel that is surrounded on three sides by Park. Located at the entrance to Pinyon Mountain Wash Road and Mine Wash Road, the Shelter Valley property is near the Great Southern Overland Stage Route. Across the road from the property is the entrance to Cool Canyon Road, a hiking route in the Park.
The purchase of this land brings us one step closer to fulfill our mission and dream to see the Park whole. There are around 14,000 acres of private inholdings still left in the Park. We have not come this far without the generous help of park supporters like you. Help us finish the job. Your financial support will allow us to fulfill our long-standing dream of making the park whole. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park needs you!
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Posted in Desert, Park | Tags: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Anza-Borrego Foundation
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2022
Borrego Springs Anza Borrego Desert Activities, Hikes, tours, classes, lectures
See the upcoming calendar of Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association events at Activity Calendar.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2022
Nothing will change on climate until death toll rises in west, says Gabonese minister |
The Guardian reports
Before Cop27 (2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference), Lee White also says broken promises on funding leave sense of betrayal.
The world will only take meaningful action on the climate crisis once people in rich countries start dying in greater numbers from its effects, Gabon’s environment minister has said, while warning that broken promises on billions of dollars of adaptation finance have left a “sense of betrayal” before Cop27.
Read more at Nothing will change on climate until death toll rises in west, says Gabonese minister | Cop27 | The Guardian
Posted in Environment
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 31, 2022
Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance and road to Mammoth Hot Springs Reopened
Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance and road to Mammoth Hot Springs reopened Oct. 30
Yellowstone to waive all entrance fees Oct. 30 and Oct. 31
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Effective immediately, Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and road between the North Entrance and Mammoth Hot Springs (Old Gardiner Road) is open to regular visitor traffic. Contractors completed striping yesterday, Oct. 29.
The public should keep the following details in mind when driving the road:
- Yellowstone reminds the public of everyone’s responsibility to use the road carefully to avoid accidents.
- Steep grades and sharp curves exist. Drive slowly and with caution.
- Speed limits range between 15-25 mph.
- There are no length or weight restrictions on the road (see exceptions), however, oversized vehicles and vehicles with trailers must use caution in curves to maintain lanes.
- Minor road construction work will continue with one-way traffic control and short delays in certain locations on the road.
Today, Oct 30., and Oct. 31 the park will waive all entrance fees. Travel safely and enjoy the improved road!
Posted in Drives, Park | Tags: Yellowstone Entrance Reopening
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 31, 2022
Tioga Road Temporarily Closed 10/31/22
Tioga Road (the continuation of Highway 120 through the park) will temporarily close today, October 31, at 6 pm, due to a forecast of snow. Plan accordingly to use an alternate route if needed (https://go.nps.gov/tiogaclosed).
Tire chains may be required on open roads (https://go.nps.gov/chains). Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check current road conditions.
Posted in Drives, Park | Tags: Tioga Road, Yosemite
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 31, 2022
By leaving garden waste alone, we could store 600,000 tons of CO2 per year
ScienceDaily reports on this study from the University of Copenhagen
Danes shuttle nearly a million tons of garden waste from their gardens every year. But we would be doing the climate a great service if we just left it alone, according to the new calculations. At the same time, leaves and other garden waste are a boon for backyard biodiversity and soil.
Read more at By leaving garden waste alone, we could store 600,000 tons of CO2 per year — ScienceDaily
Posted in Garden | Tags: Carbon Storage, Garden Waste
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 30, 2022
Rats! Protecting Santa Cruz Island from Furry Invaders
from the Nature Conservancy
Rats! Protecting Santa Cruz Island from Furry Invaders
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Posted in Animals, Park | Tags: Rat Eradication, Santa Cruz Island
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 30, 2022
Bird and birdsong encounters improve mental health, study finds
The Guardian reports
Research suggests visits to places with birdlife could be prescribed by doctors to improve mental wellbeing
One swallow may not make a summer but seeing or hearing birds does improve mental wellbeing, researchers have found.
The study, led by academics from King’s College London, also found that everyday encounters with birds boosted the mood of people with depression, as well as the wider population.
Read more at Bird and birdsong encounters improve mental health, study finds | Birds | The Guardian
Posted in Birds | Tags: Birds are good for your mental health
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 29, 2022
Leaf Macro
Leaf Macro
Posted in Garden | Tags: Leaf, Leaf Macro
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 29, 2022
Maui Lighting Ordinance Victory for Seabirds, Turtles
Center for Biological Diversity News Release
Maui Lighting Ordinance Victory for Seabirds, Turtles
KAHULUI, Hawai‘i— In a victory for seabirds and turtles, Maui today approved an ordinance regulating the amount of blue light that outdoor lighting fixtures can emit on the island. The ordinance, which was supported by the Center for Biological Diversity, Conservation Council of Hawai‘i and Earthjustice, will help endangered sea turtles and Hawaiian petrels.
“I’m thrilled that Maui is taking this bold and important step to protect our endangered seabirds and sea turtles,” said Maxx Phillips, Hawai‘i director and staff attorney at the Center. “I hope more islands take note and pass similar measures to protect the unique animals that make Hawai‘i so special.”
Bill 21 amends Maui County’s lighting ordinance to increase protections for Hawai‘i’s threatened and endangered seabirds and sea turtles by requiring outdoor light fixtures to limit blue light. Artificial lights regularly attract and disorient birds and turtles, leading to injuries and death. The bill also prevents outdoor lighting from shining upward or over the ocean, and eliminates reflective surfaces that bounce light skyward.
“For more than a decade, Hawai‘i Island has had a similar limit on the amount of blue light that its businesses and government facilities can emit,” said Earthjustice attorney David Henkin. “These are commonsense, practical steps that we can — and must — take to protect Hawai‘i’s imperiled species.”
Reducing light pollution will help threatened and endangered species recover. The bill also provides a clear blueprint for businesses and oceanfront residences, and addresses reasonable concerns raised by members of the public. It will be phased in over three years.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 28, 2022
Alaska-Australia flight could place bird in record books
NPR reports
A young bar-tailed godwit appears to have set a non-stop distance record for migratory birds by flying at least 13,560 kilometers (8,435 miles) from Alaska to the Australian state of Tasmania, a bird expert said Friday.
The bird was tagged as a hatchling in Alaska during the Northern Hemisphere summer with a tracking GPS chip and tiny solar panel that enabled an international research team to follow its first annual migration across the Pacific Ocean, Birdlife Tasmania convenor Eric Woehler said. Because the bird was so young, its gender wasn’t known.
Aged about five months, it left southwest Alaska at the Yuko-Kuskokwim Delta on Oct. 13 and touched down 11 days later at Ansons Bay on the island of Tasmania’s northeastern tip on Oct. 24, according to data from Germany’s Max Plank Institute for Ornithology. T
Read more at Alaska-Australia flight could place bird in record books : NPR
Posted in Birds | Tags: Long Distance Bird Record
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 28, 2022
Leave the Leaves! These Invertebrates Depend on It.
The Xerces Society reports
When the temperature starts to drop and flowers close up shop for the winter, it’s normal to wonder where all the little creatures have gone. For most invertebrates, the answer is that they’re still right next door.
Your garden’s wild residents benefit immensely when you practice good neighbor relations, leaving things a little messy and wild with a variety of leaves, hollow stems, brush piles or dead wood, soil, and flower heads available for winter shelter. That’s not to say you can’t do any tidying up – we have tips for thoughtful autumn cleanup that still leaves space for nature.
Read more at Leave the Leaves! These Invertebrates Depend on It. | Xerces Society
Posted in Animals, Garden | Tags: Autumn Garden Cleanup Tips
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2022
Golden Gate National Parks Events in the Parks
See the current events in the Golden Gate Area National Parks at Events
Happy 50th, GGNRA! How to show your 💚TODAY is the golden anniversary of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), and we’re celebrating in style. These parks have given us so much over 50 years, now you can give back by joining us for a volunteer extravaganza, donating to our special matching campaign, or sharing your favorite park site for a chance to win GGNRA prizes » |
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Posted in Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2022
Bird Art at UC- Berkeley Botanical Garden
Don’t miss Dana Gardner’s immersive exhibition FAUNA, which includes over 60 works featuring bird species from around the world! On view through Monday, October 31. Free with admission. Make your reservation today!
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2022
Job Opening: VOLUNTEER & STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR
VOLUNTEER & STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR for Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
PVPLC is seeking a personable and experienced volunteer coordinator to oversee weekday and weekend volunteer opportunities for several conservation-focused volunteer programs, engage in community outreach, and provide associated record keeping for various programs. This full-time position reports to the Volunteer Program Manager, while closely coordinating with the Conservation Director. The Coordinator assists the stewardship team to achieve conservation goals by engaging hundreds volunteers annually in diverse volunteer opportunities at various nature preserves across the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Learn more and see how to apply at VOLUNTEER & STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: Job Opening
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2022
Zoom: Wildfire across the diverse California landscape 11/3/22
from San Luis Obispo CNPS
Next week’s speaker at the Thursday November 3, 7pm general membership meeting is retired CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Jim Bishop addressing wildfire across the diverse California landscape. Fire is a threat but also can be a benefit to native plants and prepared residents. The meeting will start with an update on future chapter activities.
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Posted in Environment, Talks | Tags: Fire and the Landscape
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2022
Zoom Presentation on San Ysidro Mountains 11/5/22
from Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association
Join ABDNHA Board Member and Geology Professor Don Barrie for deep dive into the San Ysidro Mountains that border the Borrego Valley to the west. The origin and evolution of the San Ysidros is intimately tied to that of the Peninsular Ranges Batholith, which stretches from the southern tip of Baja, CA, to the Palm Springs area. After setting the regional plate tectonic stage, Don will take us along a west-to-east transect of this fascinating range, exploring its rocks, faults, and folds. Along the way we’ll see hard rock that has been pulverized by faulting and plastically contorted like taffy. We’ll also see boulders that seem to grow out of the ground, and we may even catch of a glimpse of Bigfoot. This program is presented as a webinar, the first in a series of featured lectures this year.
Sat, Nov 5, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Zoom Webinar
Nonmembers $10, Members Free
Click here to register
Posted in Talks | Tags: San Ysidro Mountains
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2022
Is Los Angeles Home to the Most Looked-Through Telescope in the World?
The New York Times reports
Roughly seven million people have looked through the main telescope at Griffith Observatory.
Read more at Is Los Angeles Home to the Most Looked-Through Telescope in the World? – The New York Times
Posted in Astronomy | Tags: Most Looked-Through Telescope
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 26, 2022
2022 Native Plants for Birds Brochure
from Yerba Buena CNPS
2022 Native Plants for Birds Brochure is here!
- Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia)
- Coyote Mint (Monardella villosa)
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolia)
- Coyote Bush (Baccharis pilularis)
CNPS Yerba Buena chapter, East Bay chapter and Golden Gate Audubon have teamed up to promote native plants that are easily grown and readily available. These selected plants provide berries, seeds, nectar and juicy insects for many beautiful bird species. Stop by one of the local nurseries featured and shop for one or more of these beautiful plants. This will encourage nurseries to stock local native plants.
Local Nurseries stocking these plants
San Francisco and Peninsula: East Bay:
Bay Natives East Bay Wilds
Cole Hardware SF Oaktown
Mission Blue Native Here Nursery
Sutro Stewards Watershed Nursery
Posted in Birds, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Native Plants to attract Birds
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 26, 2022
How to Recognize Spiders By their Webs
Bay Nature has an interesting and fun article about spiderwebs
Spiderwebs say a lot about the spiders who spin them. Here’s your guide to nature’s most perfect traps. One of our most-read articles—we like to trot it out for spooky month!
Read article at How to Recognize Spiders By their Webs – Bay Nature Magazine
Posted in Animals | Tags: Spider Webs
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 25, 2022
Nikon’s Small World Microphotography Contest & Images
Nikon’s Small World is celebrating 47 years of images captured by the light microscope.Nikon’s Small World is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. The Photomicrography Competition is open to anyone with an interest in microscopy and photography. The video competition, entitled Small World In Motion encompasses any movie or digital time-lapse photography taken through the microscope.
Enter the Competitions – Deadline for Entries Apr 30, 2023 – Learn More
See more at Nikon’s Small World
Posted in Photography | Tags: Microphotography
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 25, 2022
The Nearly Unkillable Eucalyptus Meets Its Match
Bay Nature reports
Fungal blight, in combination with warmer, drier climates, has done serious damage to Albany Hill’s eucalyptus stands. Some people might cheer for the downfall of this non-native species—but the trees are also home to a multitude of monarchs.
Albany Hill was hit particularly hard in a blight that came for the Bay Area’s eucalyptuses in 2020. That year, eucalyptus trees began to suffer from a dieback—a creeping decline of mysterious origin that left the trees with blotchy, withered leaves. The trees struggled to photosynthesize, and without food, they began to waste away. Arborists hired by the city of Albany, which owns about half of the hill, deemed many of the brittle, drought-parched trees a fire and falling risk for residents and park visitors.
Read more at The Nearly Unkillable Eucalyptus Meets Its Match | Bay Nature
Posted in Environment | Tags: Albany Hill, Eucalyptus, Monarchs
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 24, 2022
Theodore Payne Foundation Upcoming Events
See the current schedule of upcoming events at the Theodore Payne Foundation at upcoming events.
Posted in Class/Workshop, Garden, Talks | Tags: Theodore Payne Foundation Events
Natural History Wanderings 