New Scientist reports
A major crop pest has 50 genes that appear to originate from plants, and it might use them to detoxify plants’ chemical defences.
Read article at Whiteflies have acquired dozens of genes from plants they eat | New Scientist
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 11, 2022
Whiteflies have acquired genes from plants they eat
Posted in Animals | Tags: White Flies
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 10, 2022
Channel Islands Botany Presentation 3/15/22
A Phylogenetic and Morphological Analysis of Dispersal Mechanism Evolution in Malacothrix spp. endemic to the Channel Islands
Guest Speaker: Theresa Lujan
Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 7:00PM
Join Zoom Meeting: https://cnps-org.zoom.us/j/82616735476
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Seed Dispersal
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 10, 2022
Job Openings: Botany Technicians – Klamath National Forest
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Klamath National Forest, is recruiting four AmeriCorps Botany Technicians to participate in plant-related projects.
Link to position and application: https://www.vscyberhosting.com/great…&type=JOBDESCR
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: Klamath National FOrest
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 10, 2022
Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos 3/8/22
Photos from a visit to the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley on March 8, 2022.
The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a botanic garden of California native plants.
To learn more about the garden go to Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden. You can see other photos from the Regional Parks Botanic Garden on the garden’s Flickr group page at Regional Parks Botanic Garden.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 10, 2022
Xerces Society Upcoming Webinars
See the schedule of the Xerces Society’s upcoming webinars and events at Events | Xerces Society
Posted in Butterflies, Environment | Tags: Xerces Society Webinars
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 10, 2022
Study finds Western megadrought is the worst in 1,200 years
NPR reports
The Western U.S. and northern Mexico are experiencing their driest period in at least 1,200 years, according to the new study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change. The last comparable — though not as severe — multidecade megadrought occurred in the 1500s, when the West was still largely inhabited by Native American tribes.
Read article at Study finds Western megadrought is the worst in 1,200 years : NPR
Posted in Environment | Tags: Western Megadrought
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 9, 2022
Spring Breeding Birds of Ventura County ID Workshop
To Register go to Spring Breeding Birds of Ventura County
Posted in Birds, Class/Workshop | Tags: Ventura County Bird ID
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 9, 2022
See Images from 2021 The Nature Conservancy Photo Contest
Take a closer look at some of our favorite images from TNC’s 2021 global photo contest.
See photos at World of Wonders
Posted in Photography | Tags: Nature Conservancy Photo Contest
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 9, 2022
Here’s a pandemic pet you may not have considered: Rooftop crows
NPR reports on a pandemic pet
Over the past several months, Rita J. King of New York City befriended a number of crows on her Manhattan rooftop. She explains how they’ve kept each other entertained during the pandemic.
Read or listen to the story at Here’s a pandemic pet you may not have considered: Rooftop crows : NPR
Posted in Birds | Tags: Crows, Pandemic Pets
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 8, 2022
Dye Creek Preserve Hikes – Guided & Self-Led
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Posted in Walks & Hikes, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Dry Creek Preserve
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 8, 2022
March Programs at Anza-Borrego
See the schedule of programs both in person and virtual from the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association at Mar 6 ABDNHA Desert Update
Posted in Desert, Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 8, 2022
Antarctic sea ice level could reach record low in 2022,
Sometime in the next few weeks, during late summer in the Southern Hemisphere, the area covered by sea ice around Antarctica will reach its annual minimum. According to UCLA climate scientist Marilyn Raphael, the measurement could set a new record low, just five years after the last record was established.
That’s because current conditions in the region are similar to those of late 2016 and early 2017, and the planet has just experienced a year of record-high ocean temperatures.
Read more at Antarctic sea ice level could reach record low in 2022, UCLA climate scientist says | UCLA
Posted in Environment | Tags: Arctic Ice Loss
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 7, 2022
Ancient trees deemed vital to forest survival
Morton Arboretum reports
New research suggests that ancient trees possess far more than an awe-inspiring presence and a suite of ecological services to forests—they also sustain the entire population of trees’ ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
In the February edition of Nature Plants, Chuck Cannon, PhD, director of The Morton Arboretum’s Center for Tree Science in Lisle, Ill., USA, and collaborators at Tuscia University in Italy and the University of Barcelona in Spain, report that old and ancient trees (often more than 10 to 20 times older than the average individual in the forest) radically change the overall genetic diversity and composition fitness of their surrounding populations. The findings also indicate that these trees contribute evolutionary properties to forests that are vital to their long-term survival.
Read more at Ancient trees deemed vital to forest survival | The Morton Arboretum
Posted in Environment | Tags: Ancient Trees, Forest Survival
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 6, 2022
7 Beautiful Stops On A California Central Coast Road Trip
TravelAwaits describes an alternate California Coastal Drive.
Right in the heart of California’s Pacific Coast Highway is a section of road that includes all of the thrills of the iconic route but involves less than one-third the driving distance. The Central Coast — known for its jaw-droppingly gorgeous sea cliffs, premier wine country, and mellow vibe — might just be the perfect spot for an abbreviated Highway 1 road trip.
Read about this drive at 7 Beautiful Stops On A California Central Coast Road Trip – TravelAwaits
Posted in Drives | Tags: California Coastal Highway
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 5, 2022
Year with the Urban Fox 3/10/21 at 4 pm
from Bay Nature
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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 5, 2022
More than 50 percent of all turtle species are threatened
Phys.org reports
An international team of scientists from the U.S., France, Australia, and Germany, including Senckenberg researcher Uwe Fritz has published the ninth edition of the atlas “Turtles of the World.” The publication includes not only detailed descriptions of all 357 turtle species, but also information on the at-risk status of all species and a comparison of their current and original ranges. The results presented by the research group headed by the lead author Anders G.J. Rhodin (Chelonian Research Foundation and Turtle Conservancy) are alarming: About half of the world’s turtle species are threatened with extinction. The animals are particularly affected by habitat loss and excessive capture for consumption and the pet trade.
Read more at More than 50 percent of all turtle species are threatened: New atlas of the turtles of the world published
Posted in Animals | Tags: Turtle Extinction Threats
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 4, 2022
Job Openings: Botany Crew Positions
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Klamath and Shasta Trinity National Forests, is recruiting five Botany Research Associates to lead seasonal crews in conducting invasive species management, rare plant surveys, and range management activities.
Botany Crew Lead (Burned Area Emergency Response) BAER–GBI
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Klamath and Shasta Trinity National Forests, is recruiting 13 Botany Technicians to assist with invasive species management, rare plant surveys, and range management activities.
Botany Crew Member on Klamath and Shasta Trinity National Forests–GB
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: CNPS Job Openings, Great Basin Institute, Job Openings, U.S. Forest Service
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 4, 2022
The Best Spots for Wildflower Walks on the Peninsula and South Bay
Your guide to trails with the best wildflower displays on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) in the San Francisco Bay Area has a link to download their Wildflower Walks guide at The Best Spots for Wildflower Walks on the Peninsula and South Bay
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 4, 2022
Now Hiring Outdoor Recreation Leaders | East Bay Parks
Join the East Bay Regional Park District’s Outdoor Recreation Department and lead biking, boating, camping, and fishing programs in parks throughout the District. Paid training is offered in the spring and summer. Applications close March 8, 2022 at 5:00pm. Learn more and apply.
Read more about the job openings and and how apply at Now Hiring Outdoor Recreation Leaders | East Bay Parks
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: East Bay Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 4, 2022
German researchers press for unorthodox butterfly conservation: mining and grazing
Anthropocene Magazine reports
As grasslands vanish in parts of Europe, butterflies are finding refuge in unusual places, including industrial wastelands.
Read story at German researchers press for unorthodox butterfly conservation: mining and grazing
Posted in Butterflies | Tags: Butterfly Conservation
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 3, 2022
2022 Anza-Borrego Photo Contest Winners
from the Anza-Borrego Foundation
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Posted in Desert, Photography | Tags: Anza-Borrego Photo Contest Winners
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 3, 2022
Climate injustice: Those who emit the least pay the most
Anthropocene Magazine reports
In a cruel global irony, countries that spew the most greenhouse gases are the least susceptible to the ill effects of climate change such as floods, biodiversity loss, and diseases. Nations emitting the least amounts, on the other hand, will suffer the most, report researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Read more at Climate injustice: Those who emit the least pay the most
Posted in Environment | Tags: Climate Injustice
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 2, 2022
Using Paintbrushes to Study Species 3/10/22
March 10, THURSDAY, 7:30pm
Speaker: Dr. Sarah Jacobs, California Academy of Sciences
The plant genus Castilleja (the iconic group of wildflowers more commonly known as ‘the paintbrushes’) is a very young and diverse group of plants found primarily in western North America. Taxonomy in the genus has been challenging, resulting in its notoriety as a ‘difficult group’. Much of the difficulty has been attributed to its young age, the apparent ease of hybridization when species co-occur, and complicated genetics. This talk will broadly cover the biology of Castilleja, what we do (and don’t) know about its evolution, and how my research is aiming to fill in the gaps. I will also highlight the challenge of defining species in lineages like Castilleja and what that means for systematics and taxonomy in the group.
Sarah Jacobs PhD, California Academy of Sciences
Assistant Curator of Botany and Howell Chair. Read more about Sarah Jacobs here.
Posted in Talks | Tags: Castilleja, Paintbrush
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 2, 2022
2022 Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival April 21 to 24
The Environmental Action Committee of West Marin Presents The 13th Annual Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival April 21st – 24th, 2022 Marin/Sonoma/Contra Costa Counties Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival
Over the four-day festival attendees can choose from:
- 45+ educational field outings and classroom-based events focused on birds, wildlife, plants and marine life + hiking, kayaking, and field photography with award-winning naturalists, birders, and educators.
- Daily Virtual Keynote Meet & Greets for our Friends of the Festival
- Daily Early Evening Virtual Keynote Presentations
- Free Educational Display at the EAC Office
- Free Saturday Grassroots Nonprofit Fair on the lawn outside our office.
- Free Sunday Family FUN Day, where families with children 5-16 are encouraged to join us
Posted in Bird Festivals, Birds | Tags: Pt. Reyes Birding Festival
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 2, 2022
A Lamar cattle ranch started protecting rare birds to become sustainable
Audubon reports
From getting the folks at Audubon to certify the ranch as bird-friendly, to selling carbon sequestration credits for the tall grass, the May Ranch near Lamar is modernizing stewardship.
Read article at A Lamar cattle ranch started protecting rare birds to become sustainable
Posted in Birds | Tags: Bird-friendly Ranching, carbon sequestration, Tall Grass
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 1, 2022
It’s National Invasive Species Awareness Week
from the National Park Service
It’s National Invasive Species Awareness Week! We’d like to kick off the week by defining some terms. What’s the difference between native, non-native, invasive, or pests species? Don’t worry, we break it down for you in this video. Learn more about non-native & invasive species at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/invasive/index.htm
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 1, 2022
Backyard Photos 2/26/22
More photos from my garden. Taken on February 26, 2022.
Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: Garden Flower Photos
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 1, 2022
Marin CNPS Plant Sales & Programs
See the upcoming schedule of Native Plant Sales, Meeting Presentation and Field Trips at Marin CNPS
Posted in Garden, Talks, Walks & Hikes, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Native Plant Programs, Native Plant Sales
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 28, 2022
Show Your Support For Ukraine -Post Their National Flower
Sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine.Posting them all over social media in support of the Ukrainian people…cover the world in Sunflowers.
If you post a sunflower photo add a link in the comment section and post in your social media accounts.
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: sunflowers, Ukraine
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 28, 2022
This duo scatters native flowers around San Francisco
Read about these two guerilla gardeners are scattering native wildflowers around the city and starting a global movement at This duo scatters native flowers around San Francisco-SF Gate
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Native flowers
Natural History Wanderings 