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 by: Sandy Steinman | November 14, 2025
Anza-Borrego Foundation Events
Posted in Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Anza-Borrego Foundation Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 14, 2025
2026 Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest is Now Open!
2026 Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest is Now Open!Submit your best shots before December 10. Entries accepted November 1 – December 10. Every photograph tells a story of resilience, light, and life in the desert. From the first bloom after winter rain to the watchful eyes of a bighorn at dawn, these fleeting moments remind us why Anza-Borrego is unlike any other place on Earth. Grand Prize: A two-night stay at La Casa Del Zorro, dinner for two at Ram’s Hill, and an ABF program for two (some restrictions apply).
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Posted in Photography | Tags: Anza-Borrego Desert Photo
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 14, 2025
US 395 closed near Crowley Lake due to Pack Fire.
US 395 closed near Crowley Lake due to Pack Fire.
A detour is available for those already in route. Please avoid the area.
For real-time information, please follow: Caltrans District 9 and Mono County Sheriff’s Office.
Additional information on the fire is available at https://ready.mono.ca.gov/
Posted in Drives | Tags: McGee Creek Canyon, Pack Fire
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 14, 2025
A Carnivorous ‘Death Ball’ Has Emerged from the Deep
Popular Mechanics reported
This newly-discovered species is being called the “death-ball sponge” for its appendages. These appendages end in orbs. They are covered in micro-hooks meant to capture prey.
Read more A Carnivorous ‘Death Ball’ Has Emerged from the Deep
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 13, 2025
Whale experts make new discovery off North American coast
Discover Wildlife reported
New research has revealed that West Coast transient killer whales are two distinct communities. They are found from south-eastern Alaska to southern California. These communities rarely encounter each other.
Read article at https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/marine-animals/west-coast-transient-killer-whale-subpopulations
Posted in Animals | Tags: West Coast transient killer whales
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 13, 2025
A 200-year experiment: If a tree falls in a forest, does it really die?
Lookout Eugene-Springfield reports
For 40 years, scientist Mark Harmon has been studying how dead trees in Oregon’s forests beget life. But as he hands off his work to a new generation, federal funding for long-term scientific research has grown uncertain.
“Someone really screwed up when they called them dead trees,” he said. “It’s just a different form of life that’s taken over.”
Read story at A 200-year experiment: If a tree falls in a forest, does it really die? – Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Posted in Environment, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Dead trees
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 12, 2025
Amazing aurora photos capture the ‘sky on fire’ last night
From EarthSky
Amazing aurora photos capture the ‘sky on fire’ last night
See photos at earthsky.org/todays-image/aurora-photos-from-our-community-nov-2025/
Posted in Astronomy, Photography | Tags: Aurora Photos, Northern Lights
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 12, 2025
What is an Unbrella Species
From Defenders of Wildlife
Can one species protect a whole ecosystem? In a way, yes!
Some species, like the northern spotted owl, are known as “umbrella” species 
meaning the habitat that supports them also supports hundreds of other plants and animals. When we look after these owls and other umbrella species, we look after whole ecosystems!
meaning the habitat that supports them also supports hundreds of other plants and animals. When we look after these owls and other umbrella species, we look after whole ecosystems!Posted in Animals | Tags: Umbrella Species
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 12, 2025
Decades-old photosynthesis mystery finally solved
ScienceDaily reported
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Caltech have finally solved a decades-old mystery about how photosynthesis really begins. They discovered why energy inside plants flows down only one of two possible routes — a design that lets nature move sunlight with astonishing precision. Using advanced computer simulations, the researchers showed that one branch has a much higher energy barrier, blocking electrons from moving freely.
Read on www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054624.htm
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Photosynthesis
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 10, 2025
Popular national park hiking trail to waterfall closed for months
SFGate reported
A powerful storm swept away a key Mount Rainier trail bridge, closing the Carter Falls Trail just as winter arrives.
Posted in Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Carter Falls Trail, Mt. Rainier National Park
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 10, 2025
Study: Commercial Lion Farming in South Africa Could Be Harming, Not Helping, Wild Lions
The Revelator reported
As we’ve seen with tigers and other threatened species, captive lion breeding may stimulate consumer demand and put additional pressure on wild populations across African home ranges.
Posted in Animals | Tags: Captive breeding, Lions
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 9, 2025
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association Upcoming Events
See upcoming events calendar of hikes and programs at https://www.abdnha.org/calendar1.htm.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 9, 2025
Why do only some leaves turn red in the fall? Scientists can’t agree on an answer
NPR reported
The red pigments in some fall leaves have proven to be a puzzle for researchers who debate why leaves bother to go red.
Listen or read story at Why do only some leaves turn red in the fall? Scientists can’t agree on an answer : NPR
Posted in Fall Foliage | Tags: Fall Foliage
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 8, 2025
Podcast: Bringing Birds Back to the Land
In this two-part series, Thomas Schroeder, Senior Partnerships Manager for Audubon Conservation Ranching, joins Matt Maier on the Regenerative Renegades Podcast to discuss how ranchers and conservationists are teaming up to restore grassland ecosystems. From his background as a chef to his work in regenerative agriculture, Thomas highlights the deep connection between food, land, and community—and how stewardship can help both people and wildlife thrive. Tune in on YouTube.
Posted in Birds | Tags: restation grassland ecosystems
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 8, 2025
Scientists make major find in Calif.’s Death Valley National Park
SF Gate reported
In Death Valley, which boasts the record for the hottest temperature on the planet at 134°F, one native species is loving the blistering weather.
Tested by the valley’s extreme summertime heat, the flowering shrub Arizona honeysweet (Tidestromia oblongifolia) thrives. The humble-looking, seafoam green plant considers 113°F optimal for photosynthesis — the highest known temperature tolerance of any major crop species, according to new research.
Read more Scientists make major find in Calif.’s Death Valley National Park
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 8, 2025
Scientists plan to freeze butterfly eggs with cryopreservation to save British species
Euro News reported
A groundbreaking project has been launched to help protect one of the UK’s most spectacular insects.
The British Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon britannicus) is found exclusively in the county of East Anglia, predominantly in the Norfolk Broads, a national park veined with waterways.
However, the insect’s survival is threatened by habitat loss, climate change and genetic erosion due to its limited geographical range.
Now researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have joined forces with Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park and Nature’s SAFE, a UK biobank specialising in conservation, to investigate if cryopreservation can come to the aid of Britain’s largest native butterfly.
Read more Scientists plan to freeze butterfly eggs with cryopreservation to save British species | Euronews
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 7, 2025
National Park Service has lost a staggering amount during shutdown
SF Gate reported
National Park Service has missed out on $25 million
National parks aren’t collecting recreation fees during the shutdown.
Read more National Park Service has lost a staggering amount during shutdown
Posted in Park
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 7, 2025
CBS News just gutted its climate team
Climate Colored Google reported
Americans who rely on broadcast networks for honest journalism suffered a painful loss this week, as CBS News — fresh off its acquisition by Skydance Media and the installation of anti-woke opinion writer Bari Weiss as editor in chief — fired most of the reporters who specialize in covering climate change.
Read more CBS News just gutted its climate team – by Sammy Roth
Posted in Environment | Tags: Loss of Climate Reporting
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 7, 2025
Bat Species Not Seen In 55 Years Rediscovered And Filmed For First Time – Just Look At Those Ears
MSN reported
After 55 years missing from the Karakum Desert, it was suspected that the Turkestan long-eared bat (Plecotus turkmenicus) had likely gone extinct or become very rare. Nobody had seen the species since 1970 and there were no photos or recent descriptions to suggest otherwise. Until now.
See photo and read more Bat Species Not Seen In 55 Years Rediscovered And Filmed For First Time – Just Look At Those Ears
Posted in Animals | Tags: Plecotus turkmenicus, Turkestan long-eared bat
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 7, 2025
Saving Zimbabwe’s Vultures
The Revelator reported
From poisonings to collisions with power lines, these birds face many threats. But as they decline, so does their ability to control the spread of deadly diseases.
Read story at Saving Zimbabwe’s Vultures • The Revelator
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 6, 2025
“Overcoming Barriers to Conservation and Restoration” 11/10/25
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 6, 2025
World’s Rarest Marine Mammal Spotted With Babies Offering Glimmer Of Hope
Fewer than a dozen vaquitas remain on Earth, but a couple of young porpoises were just spotted, so there’s still hope for the next generation. (IFLScience)
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 6, 2025
Killer whales have now learnt a genius way to destroy great white sharks, new footage shows
BBC Science Focus Magazine reported
Killer whales have a grisly new technique for hunting juvenile great white sharks – and scientists caught it on camera
See video and read more at : Killer whales have now learnt a genius way to destroy great white sharks, new footage shows | BBC Science Focus Magazine
Posted in Animals | Tags: Great White Sharks, Killer Whales
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 6, 2025
Naked mole rats reveal genetic secret to long life
The BBC reported
A new study of the bizarre naked mole rat shows that the animals have evolved a DNA repair mechanism that could explain their longevity.
Read article at Naked mole rats reveal genetic secret to long life
Posted in Animals
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 5, 2025
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
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 5, 2025
Whale Night Trivia
From Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Night Lizard Brewing Co. | FREE
Make a splash at SBMM’s Whale Trivia Night at Night Lizard Brewing Company in downtown Santa Barbara—celebrating the Santa Barbara Whale Heritage Area with a limited-release “whale” brew, prizes for top teams, and ocean-smart bragging rights. Bring your crew (or join a pod on arrival), test your cetacean savvy, and leave with fin-tastic facts—and maybe some swag, too.
Night Lizard Brewing Company, 607 State St.
Prizes + giveaways
Craft beer available for purchase ($1 of every pint sold will support SBMM)
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 5, 2025
National Park Foundation in Action
From removing invasive species to planting new life, our volunteers are making a real impact across California’s state parks. 
In the last year, our Park Stewardship Program mobilized 3,144 volunteers to support 29 parks across the state spanning 12 of the 21 park districts.
Together, they completed 142 workdays and contributed 10,915 service hours to protect and restore our parks.
Here’s what that looks like:
787,401 sq. ft. of invasive species removed (nearly 14 football fields!)
13,100 sq. ft. of fire buffer zone created
9,695 native plants and trees planted
532 ft. of fence repaired
160 bags of trash and recycling collected
2.94 miles of trail restoredThis incredible work is made possible through our volunteers, and the generous support of partners like Niagara Cares who share our vision for thriving, accessible parks for all Californians.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference?
➛Join our next volunteer day → https://ow.ly/6Kuz50Xltbi
Posted in Park | Tags: National Park Foundation
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 5, 2025
How a radical experiment to bring a forest into a preschool transformed children’s health
The Guardian reported
In Finland, kindergartens are exposing children to more mud, wild plants and moss – and finding changes to their health that show how crucial biodiversity is to wellbeing
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Health Benefits of Nature
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 4, 2025
The culprits behind population collapse in a Colorado national park
SF Gate reported
Rocky Mountain National Park is trying to bring beavers back to its Kawuneeche Valley.
Most likely Elk and Moose are the problem.
Read on www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/rocky-mountain-national-park-wants-beavers-back-21118420.php
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 4, 2025
New Species of Trapdoor Spider Discovered In California
UC Davis reported
Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have discovered a new species of trapdoor spider lurking in California’s coastal sand dunes. The newly identified Aptostichus ramirezae is a close relative of Aptostichus simus, a species found along the coast from Monterey to Baja California, Mexico.
Read more New Species of Trapdoor Spider Discovered In California | UC Davis
Posted in Animals | Tags: New Species, Trapdoor Spider
Natural History Wanderings 