Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 14, 2022

Park District and Save Mount Diablo Partner on Purchase Option for 768-Acre Finley Road Ranch

from the East Bay Regional Parks

On Tuesday, September 6, 2022, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors authorized entering into an option agreement to purchase the 768-acre Finley Road Ranch property. East Bay Regional Park District Board member Beverly Lane announced the option to purchase on Saturday, September 10 at Save Mount Diablo’s 50th anniversary Moonlight on the Mountain gala.

The property is one of the largest remaining pristine but unprotected open space landscapes adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park. It is located on the southern flank of the park at the mouth of Riggs Canyon, which extends deep into the park and the adjacent Morgan Territory Regional Preserve.

The proposed acquisition by the Park District would secure a site for the eventual development of a staging area at the entrance to the canyon, greatly improving recreational access into this relatively remote area that is laced with an extensive trail network.

Read more at Park District and Save Mount Diablo Partner on Purchase Option for 768-Acre Finley Road Ranch | East Bay Parks

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 14, 2022

More than 2,000 plant and animal species have gone missing 

Vox

Many animals aren’t endangered or extinct — they’re missing. Species detectives are trying to track them down.

As a species becomes rarer in the environment, it progresses through a series of conservation categories — from “vulnerable” to “endangered” to “critically endangered” to “extinct.” You can look up most animals in a database and see which category they fall into. The vaquita porpoise, for example, is classified as critically endangered, meaning that it’s at risk of extinction. These categories help officials decide which species need protection, and where.

But there’s another hugely important category for species that’s often overlooked. It’s simply called “lost.” Scientists use the term to describe plants, animals, and fungi that they haven’t seen for at least 10 years, or by some definitions, 50 years. In many cases, these animals are threatened with extinction — or even already extinct — but no one really knows because they’re missing.

Read more at  More than 2,000 plant and animal species have gone missing – Vox

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Posted in Animals, Environment, Wildflowers and Other Plants

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 13, 2022

Berkeley Bird Festival – October 16, 2022

The Berkeley Bird Festival, is a free “All Day All Berkeley” public event to honor and celebrate our local birdlife through bird-themed activities; including birding field trips, family-friendly art and craft activities, chalk art and a lecture/performance series “Winged Wonderment”.

Organized by Golden Gate Audubon and California Institute for Community, Art and Nature (California ICAN) and sponsored by the UC Berkeley Chancellor’s Community Partnership Fund and the City of Berkeley, the idea of this festival is to recognize the inherent beauty found in our avian neighbors and to expand and invigorate the environmental movement to protect birds, other wildlife and our own human communities.

See schedule of events and learn more at  –   Berkeley Bird Festival

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 13, 2022

Doug Tallamy: Bringing Nature Home

Language of the Land: Bringing Nature Home with Doug Tallamy

Did you know that how we landscape our yards affects nature far beyond property lines? Watch our September Language of the Land presentation by Douglas Tallamy to learn how the small actions we take as individuals can make a big environmental impact.

Available to watch on line at   WATCH NOW…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 13, 2022

Endangered species appears in Calif. creek for first time

SF Gate reports

It’s been just over a year since a century-old dam was removed from Mill Creek, a tributary that runs through the Santa Cruz Mountains in Central California.Now, scientists say the creek is already beginning to show signs of revitalization — including an unexpected discovery.

Aquatic ecologists with the Sempervirens Fund, one of the conservation groups that co-owns the 8,532-acre forest known as San Vicente Redwoods, found 12 juvenile steelhead trout and 15 federally endangered coho salmon fry swimming in the creek last month. It was the first time the latter species had ever been recorded there.

Read more Endangered species appears in Calif. creek for first time

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 12, 2022

Virtual Birding Festival Talks

Don’t Miss Out! Virtual Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival’s Talks Expire December 31st

With cooler and longer nights of autumn, it’s just the right time to cozy up with a warm beverage and catch up on some of the Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival’s amazing online programming before it expires on December 31st!

Our online presentations include an amazing line up of speakers on a variety of topics, including:

  • Sharks of California with David McGuire
  • Sea Turtles to Sidewinders: Reptiles & Amphibians of the American West with Erin Westeen & José Gabriel Martínez-Fonseca
  • The Road to Fox Hollow: Discovering Our Foxy Neighbors with Bill Leikam
  • The Curious Lives of Backyard Birds: A Conversation with Award-Winning Author Amy Tan & Festival Co-Founder David Wimpfheimer
  • Beaver in California: Creating A Culture of Stewardship with Kate Lundquist of Occidential Arts and Ecology Center
  • The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Jack E. Davis & Point Reyes Books
  • Let’s Get Batty: A Look at Western Bat Species with Dr. Brian Halstead
  • A Look Into Baja California’s Natural Protected Areas with Claudia Guzmán Rubio, Community Engagement Coordinator for Terra Peninsular

Don’t miss out, online access to these amazing webinars end on December 31st.  Purchased Your Virtual Pass?  If you purchased a pass when you attended the festival, you received an email from us in May with a special discount code to access the videos.
Need to Purchase a Virtual Pass?  Virtual Passes will be available for purchase for $40 through December. Online viewing access ends on December 31st.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 12, 2022

Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival Tours

from Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival

Tours are Filling, but Viewing Opportunities Abound

The Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival is returning to Lodi’s Hutchins Street Square on November 5 and 6. The event’s popular guided wildlife tours begin Friday, November 4, and are scheduled through Sunday the 6th. Reservations are strongly recommended as tours fill quickly. For a list of tours, including space availability and fees, visit the festival website.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 12, 2022

Birding Festival Schedule

from Cornell Lab of ORnithology

Attend a Bird Festival: It’s a great way to learn about birds and meet like-minded people. Many festivals are planning in-person events—check out our full listings.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 12, 2022

10 Underrated Parks Worth Checking Out In California

The Travel.com has an article on 10 of the less visited or well known parks in California at 10 Underrated Parks You Should Be Checking Out In California

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 11, 2022

Job Opening: Community Volunteer Ambassador Kings Canyon and Sequoia N.P.

Another opportunity to come work with us in 2023!
Applications for the Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) program are open! The CVA program is a partnership between the National Park Service and Conservation Legacy, and hires ambassadors at more than 50 national park sites. For one service year, the CVA (an intern paid a stipend) is committed to creating meaningful volunteer experiences that engage volunteers in environmental stewardship. Here is what our current CVA, Tori, has to say about her experience.
“Growing up with limited exposure to national parks and accessible public lands, my CVA experience has taught me that I love being a steward for my public lands. The CVA program and supervisors have constantly supported my professional interests and development. Working alongside volunteers across various projects throughout the parks always leaves me inspired and motivated to continue the good work. Before being a CVA, I struggled to see myself in the National Park Service, but now I can’t imagine myself anywhere else, because representation matters!”
To learn more about the CVA program, visit https://jobs.silkroad.com/ConservationL…/Careers/jobs/3694

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 11, 2022

California teens identify two new scorpion species

The Gurdian reports

A pair of California scorpion species that may have crawled under the radar for tens of thousands of years have finally been exposed – thanks to the efforts of two Bay Area teenagers. And for one at-risk species, the students’ work could prove life-saving.

Read more at ‘These kids can find anything’: California teens identify two new scorpion species | California | The Guardian

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 10, 2022

Job Opening: Senior Environmental Scientist for CA State Parks

Under the direction of the Senior Park and Recreation Specialist, the Senior Environmental Scientist will serve as the Lead Expert on botanical issues as part of a multi-disciplinary team. This position will be responsible for habitat assessments, sensitive plant species surveys, and wetland delineations; independently completing environmental review and permitting for department projects; and providing technical and professional expertise and direction on natural resource management issues to District, Headquarters and Service Center technical staff upon request.
The position will involve travel and field-based survey work around Central and Northern California. It requires a moderate level of independent action, the ability to identify and solve complex project-related issues, and the ability to make sound recommendations for project improvement. The position requires excellent plant identification skills for both native and non-native species found in Northern California, familiarity with rarity rankings and state and federal listings for sensitive plants and vegetation types, and experience with botanical field methods and protocols for surveying and monitoring plant populations.
​Final Filing Date: 10/20/2022
​https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrP…ntrolId=333261

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 10, 2022

The UK’s deadliest garden

from the BBC

The Poison Garden at the Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, England, is home to more than 100 toxic, intoxicating and narcotic plants. And it’s open to public. Read about the garden at The UK’s deadliest garden- BBC

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 9, 2022

Free eBird Class in Spanish/Fundamentos de eBird

Discover how eBird can support your passion for birds and how your participation can help us to better understand bird populations. eBird Essentials—a free course for people of all birding experience levels—is now available in Spanish. Like eBird Essentials, Fundamentos de eBird is designed to help you take full advantage of eBird’s tools and resources and join a global community transforming our collective knowledge about birds. During the course, experts will give you tips on how to use eBird, with instructional videos that will prepare you to save and share your observations in eBird with confidence.

Learn more and take the course, or recommend it to your group, friends, or family members: Fundamentos de eBird / eBird Essentials

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 9, 2022

Western Monarch Butterfly Population Crisis: County of Marin Supports Conservation Measures

from West Marin Environmental Action Committee

In honor of California Biodiversity Day, the County of Marin’s Board of Supervisors recognized the need for our communities to support the western monarch butterfly population with conservation efforts.

Read more at  Western Monarch Butterfly Population Crisis: County of Marin Supports Conservation Measures — EAC

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 9, 2022

Where the Red Fox Dens: Fox dens foster tree growth, according to new study

Foxes are beautiful, charismatic creatures that enrich any landscape – sometimes quite literally.

A study published today in the Ecological Society of America’s journal Ecosphere reveals that trees growing on and around the sites of fox dens, especially long-established fox dens, grow faster than trees without vulpine intervention.

Where the Red Fox Dens: Fox dens foster tree growth, according to new study – The Ecological Society of America

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 8, 2022

Job Opening: Rare Plant Program Manager.

The California Native Plant Society is seeking a Rare Plant Program Manager.

The Rare Plant Program Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a portfolio of primarily field-based projects focused on the rare plants of California. As part of the Rare Plant Program, they will be dedicated to developing and maintaining information about the California flora and promoting the use of sound conservation science. The Program Manager will work with dedicated staff, professional botanists, and volunteers to scope projects, develop funding, manage budgets, engage volunteers, prioritize species/populations/sites, and report to funders and the public.

​The full job description is available here.​

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 8, 2022

Upcoming Marin Nature Events

From Wild Birds Unlimited

Weds, 10/12: Senior Stroll, Raptors in the Headlands, Marin Parks
Sun, 10/16: Indian Valley, Novato, Marin Parks
Tues, 10/18: Raptors in the Headlands, Marin Parks
Sat, 10/22: Ellis Creek Ponds, Petaluma, Madrone Audubon
Sat, 10/22: Olompali State Historic Park, Novato, Marin Audubon
Sun, 10/23: Oaks at Deer Island, Novato, Marin Parks
Weds, 11/2: Senior Stroll at Hamilton Wetlands, Novato, Marin Parks

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 8, 2022

Australia announces plan to halt extinction crisis and save 110 species 

The Guardian reports

Priority targeting includes many of Australia’s best-known native animals but will also help others in the same habitats, environment minister says.

The federal government has set a goal to prevent any new extinctions of Australian wildlife.

It is the first time a federal government has announced a zero extinctions target for the country’s plants and animals. The goal forms part of a 10-year plan to improve the trajectory of 110 species and 20 places, and protect an additional 50m hectares of land and sea area by 2027.

Read more at  Australia announces plan to halt extinction crisis and save 110 species | Conservation | The Guardian

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2022

World Photography Day – Meet your contest winners!

See the Flickr World Photography Day Winners at World Photography Day Winners

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2022

Draconid Meteor Shower-October 8 to 9

from Earth Sky

The Draconid shower – also called the Giacobinids – is a real oddity, in that its radiant point stands highest in the sky as darkness falls. That’s why you’ll see more Draconids in the evening hours than in the morning hours after midnight. But in 2022, the full or nearly full moon is in the way.

Predicted peak: October 9, 2022, at 1 UTC (evening of October 8 for the Americas).
When to watch: There’s no dark window for watching the Draconids in 2022. If you want to watch in moonlight, try the evening (not the morning) of October 8. You might catch some on the evenings before and after as well.
Overall duration of shower: October 8 through 9.

read more at  Draconid shower

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2022

Marine Science Internship at Pt. Reyes

Are you interested in gaining experience in marine science? We are partnering with Point Reyes National Seashore Association to hire an intern for this winter and spring to help monitor the elephant seal and harbor seal populations in Point Reyes. No experience studying pinnipeds is needed – just a passion for learning more about marine mammals and wanting to get a foot in the door for a future career in marine science. This is a paid internship and housing is provided. The position is hired through the Point Reyes National Seashore Association, but will work closely with NPS biologists.
The application period is now open and closes Oct. 28, 2022. Apply now! https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=P4125

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2022

Sandhill Crane Festival Art Contest and Exhibit

The popular Sandhill Crane Festival Art Exhibit promises to once again be a highlight as the Festival returns to Lodi’s Hutchins Street Square on November 5 and 6. The deadline for fine art and photography submissions is October 10. Art Exhibit Chair Jill Cauthen is pleased with the quality and diversity of work already submitted. To submit a piece of artwork or learn about art exhibit criteria, visit lodisandhillcrane.org/art-show.

Featured at this year’s Sandhill Crane Festival is the photography of Garry Everett. His photo of a dancing Sandhill Crane titled “Happy Feet” was selected for 2022 Festival promotional materials, including shirts and commemorative posters. Mr. Everett will be sharing more of his work at the Festival.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2022

Simulations Show Collision May Have Formed the Moon in Mere Hours

NASA reports

Billions of years ago, a version of our Earth that looks very different than the one we live on today was hit by an object about the size of Mars, called Theia – and out of that collision the Moon was formed. How exactly that formation occurred is a scientific puzzle researchers have studied for decades, without a conclusive answer.

Most theories claim the Moon formed out of the debris of this collision, coalescing in orbit over months or years. A new simulation puts forth a different theory – the Moon may have formed immediately, in a matter of hours, when material from the Earth and Theia was launched directly into orbit after the impact.

See video of collision that may have formed the moon and read more at  Collision May Have Formed the Moon in Mere Hours, Simulations Reveal | NASA

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2022

 UC Botanical Garden Fall Seasonal Programs & Workshops

See upcoming UC Berkeley Botanical Garden programs at  Seasonal Programs & Workshops – UC Botanical Garden

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2022

The Insects, Birds, & Other Animals that Keep Your Garden Beautiful & Thriving 10/10

FromMarin CNPS

Garden Allies: The Insects, Birds, and Other Animals that Keep Your Garden Beautiful and Thriving”

Monday, October 10 @ 7:30 pm

Guest Speaker: Frédérique Lavoipierre

The birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects that inhabit our yards and gardens are overwhelmingly on our side—they are not our enemies, but instead our allies. They pollinate our flowers and vegetable crops, and they keep pests in check. These creatures are the key to keeping our garden’s ecology in balance. Frédérique (gardener, author, educator) will show us how to nurture and welcome these valuable creatures into our gardens.

Register for this Zoom meeting here.

Read more. . .

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2022

Children’s Art & Poetry Contest

California students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit artwork or poetry with a California coastal or marine theme to the Coastal Art & Poetry Contest, presented by the California Coastal Commission. Entries can be submitted online by 5pm on January 31st, 2023. For rules, contest flyer, entry form (and helpful links for teachers and students), please visit http://ow.ly/MnBu50L2HC1

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2022

New Checklist of the Flora of San Francisco

from San Francisco CNPS

273-Page Checklist of SF Plants, $15

To buy a copy, contact Libby at libbyingalls@igc.org

The Checklist is the only complete list of every plant that has ever been recorded in San Francisco, historically and up to the present, in the natural and naturalized areas.  It documents when and where the plants have been recorded along with significant information about the species. The 13 tables provide further information on occurrences and distribution of native, invasive, and rare species.  Five maps locate the natural and naturalized areas in the city mentioned in text.

“It is a fascinating and really useful compendium of all sorts of information–far more than a mere checklist. I am having a great time going through it.”
–Thomas F. Daniel, Curator Emeritus, Botany, California Academy of Sciences

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 5, 2022

Upcoming Events at Theodore Payne Foundation 

See upcoming classes and events at  Theodore Payne Foundation Events | Eventbrite

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 5, 2022

Pt. Reyes Photos 10/3/22

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