Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 7, 2025

Channel Islands Restoration Events

See upcoming Channel Islands Restoration events at calendar

https://cirweb.org/calendar

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 7, 2025

900 Acres Bordering Yosemite Returned to Tribe That Was Expelled 175 Years Ago

The Good News Network reported

In addition to re-establishing the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation as the stewards of Henness Ridge, this project will support and strengthen the Tribe’s case for federal recognition.

Read on www.goodnewsnetwork.org/900-acres-bordering-yosemite-returned-to-tribe-that-was-expelled-175-years-ago/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 7, 2025

Troubled Waters? Aquaculture’s Intersecting Animal, Human, and Environmental Harms

The Revelator reported

Aquaculture is not the sustainable or ethical solution to food insecurity that industry or governments claim, nor is it a sound alternative to animal factory farming or wild-caught fishing.

Read more  Troubled Waters? Aquaculture’s Intersecting Animal, Human, and Environmental Harms • The Revelator

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 6, 2025

California officials warn foragers after person dies from poison mushroom | California | The Guardian

The Guardian reported

Several additional people, including children, have severe liver damage amid 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning

Read on www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/06/california-mushroom-poisoning

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 6, 2025

Photos from Pt. Reyes 11/28/25 part 1

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 6, 2025

Jepson Volunteer & Scholarship Applications Open!

From UC Berkeley Jepson Herbarium
In 2026, we are excited to offer scholarship and volunteer opportunities for students! Both cover the registration fees of a Jepson workshop. The cost of travel and accommodations are not included.
Upon selection, student volunteers are expected to help with some pre-workshop logistics (e.g., collecting plant specimens, scouting workshop sites, etc.) and during-workshop tasks (e.g., washing dishes, picking up food, general cleanup, etc.). One to two students are chosen for each workshop, and can only attend one workshop per year.
If you are interested in either a scholarship or volunteer opportunity, please fill out our application form at least eight weeks prior to the workshop you are interested in. You will be notified at least six weeks in advance of the workshop if you have been selected.
Please reach out to Nina House (ninahouse@berkeley.edu) or Staci Markos (smarkos@berkeley.edu) if you have any questions.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 6, 2025

Upcoming Events at the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum

See upcoming events at the Santa Barbara Natural HIstory Museum at https://mailchi.mp/sbnature2.org/general-events-13930336?e=693571bfe8

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 6, 2025

How Nature Restores Our Minds

Psychology Today reported on “”The science behind nature’s power to sharpen focus and support mental health.”

Even brief exposure to nature (about 10 minutes) can measurably improve focus and mood.
Natural environments restore attention by engaging the brain’s effortless “soft fascination.”
Real nature offers multisensory benefits that photos or screens can only partially replicate.
Access to green spaces is a public health necessity, not a luxury.

Read article at How Nature Restores Our Minds | Psychology Today

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 5, 2025

Seasonal park ranger positions are open at Sequoia and Kings Canyon!

This job announcement is for wilderness and trailhead rangers, expected to start in May 2026. Wilderness and trailhead rangers serve as search and rescue cadre and also provide trail condition, safety, and regulation information to visitors. The physical demands are high, and the scenery is exquisite. If you’d like to spend a summer in the Sierra Nevada, this may be the job for you!

Applicants are highly encouraged to apply early and give special attention to new resume rules listed in the announcement.

Learn more and apply at https://www.usajobs.gov/job/851424400.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 5, 2025

How algae learned to harness the Sun without getting burned

ScienceDaily reported

Under the sea, green algae have evolved a clever way to handle too much sunlight. Scientists found that a special pigment called siphonein acts like a natural sun shield, protecting the algae’s delicate photosynthetic machinery from burning out. Using advanced imaging and simulations, researchers showed how siphonein helps algae safely manage excess light energy. The discovery could inspire new solar technologies that mimic nature’s built-in protection systems.

Read on www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251022023110.htm

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 4, 2025

It’s not a dodo, but this newly discovered bird could share the same fate

Observatorial reported

The famous bird dodo rotund, that lives on the ground and is not afraid of humans, which is a great danger, became an icon of extinction when it disappeared from the island of Mauricio and Earth in the 17th century, shortly after Dutch settlers first found it.

Now, Brazilian ornithologists claim to have discovered an analogue of the dodo in the remote Amazon:

The strain with a slate mask, a chicken-like bird that shows total indifference towards people.

— Read on observatorial.com/news/world/1547516/its-not-a-dodo-but-this-newly-discovered-bird-could-share-the-same-fate/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 4, 2025

Anza-Borrego Foundation Events 

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

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 4, 2025

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association Upcoming Events

See upcoming events calendar of hikes and programs at https://www.abdnha.org/calendar1.htm.

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Posted in Astronomy, Desert, Park, Talks, Walks & Hikes, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 4, 2025

Photos from the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden 12/1/25

Photos from the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden taken on December 1, 2025.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 4, 2025

Jepson Workshops

from UC  Berkelehy Jepson Herbarium
The University & Jepson Herbaria strive to provide educational opportunities to a broad audience of individuals who are passionate about botanical studies. One way we do this is through our Jepson workshop program! The workshops provide the ability to network, learn from some of the best botanists in California, and gain in-depth knowledge about the California flora.
You can see the 2026 workshop schedule here:
If you are interested in either a scholarship or volunteer opportunity, please fill out our application form at least eight weeks prior to the workshop you are interested in. You will be notified at least six weeks in advance of the workshop if you have been selected.
Please reach out to Nina House (ninahouse@berkeley.edu) or Staci Markos (smarkos@berkeley.edu) if you have any questions.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 4, 2025

How woodpeckers turn their entire bodies into hammers 

Earth.com reported

Woodpeckers don’t just tap – they strike with astonishing force. Each strike can bring decelerations up to 400 g, a level that would flatten most creatures.

A new study reveals how woodpeckers brace nearly their entire body – head, neck, and abdomen – so the bird becomes, mechanically, a hammer.

Read more How woodpeckers turn their entire bodies into hammers – Earth.com

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 3, 2025

Wayne Roderick Lectures

from the Regional Parks Botanic Garden

Join us for our popular Wayne Roderick Lecture series on a broad array of topics related to plants and natural history. The talks take place on Saturday mornings starting at 10:30 a.m. in the Botanic Garden Visitor Center auditorium. These presentations are enjoyable for beginners and professionals alike. All lectures are free and open to the public.

  • December 6: Glenn Keator, PhD: “Flora of Western Australia.” Dr. Keator has taught at Merritt College, SF Botanical Garden, College of Marin, and California Academy of Sciences, among others. His primary focus is on California native plants; he initiated the docent training program at the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, and has been the principal teacher for all the docent training classes.

  • December 13: TBA

  • December 20: Bob Case: “Alpines of Berthoud Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park, plus some further north alpines of the Rocky Mountains in Montana and Canada.” Bay Area native Bob Case taught biology in the Peralta Community College District for 25 years, and is a retired Deputy Agricultural Commissioner for Contra Costa County. He has traveled most of the Lewis and Clark Voyage of Discovery Trail and is a member of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation.

  • December 27: no lecture.

— Read on nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/wayne-roderick-lectures/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 3, 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

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 3, 2025

Upcoming CNPS Events

See the calendar of upcoming events of the California Native Plants Society at https://www.cnps.org/events

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 3, 2025

Giant cactus plants ‘loosen up’ to bend with the desert wind

Earth.com reported

The saguaro cactus is engineered for endurance in one of North America’s toughest environments. Rising up to 70 feet tall, with arms reaching skyward like desert sculptures, the cactus endures searing heat, fierce monsoon winds, and shifting sands.

But how does the saguaro manage to stay upright? A new study reveals that this giant cactus constantly flexes with subtle vibrations invisible to the naked eye.

Read more: Giant cactus plants ‘loosen up’ to bend with the desert wind – Earth.com

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 2, 2025

Sweeping Trade Protections Adopted For Sharks And Rays

Marine Technology reported

CITES Cop20 Has Agreed New International Trade Protections For Sharks And Rays.Proposals Up For Consideration For Parties At Cop20…

Read on www.marinetechnologynews.com/news/sweeping-trade-protections-adopted-656089

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 2, 2025

Researchers issue warning as unique creatures move into new US territory

The Cool Down reported

It could be a sign of a larger problem. Researchers issue warning as unique creatures move into new US territory first appeared on The Cool Down.

Read on www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/researchers-issue-warning-as-unique-creatures-move-into-new-us-territory/ar-AA1RpVhv

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 2, 2025

New Study Reveals Where Conservation Can Deliver for Birds, Communities, and Climate

Audubon unveils a framework that prioritizes biodiversity, natural climate solutions, and local community engagement in order to protect birds and people.
— Read on http://www.audubon.org/press-room/new-study-reveals-where-conservation-can-deliver-birds-communities-and-climate

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 1, 2025

Chernobyl Fungus Appears to Have Evolved an Incredible Ability

ScienceAlert reported

The Chernobyl exclusion zone may be off-limits to humans, but ever since the Unit Four reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded nearly 40 years ago, other forms of life have not only moved in but survived, adapted, and appeared to thrive.

Read more Chernobyl Fungus Appears to Have Evolved an Incredible Ability : ScienceAlert

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 30, 2025

One of America’s tallest national park peaks is shrinking

SF Gate reported

All five of Washington’s ice-capped mountains — including Mount Rainier — have lost height due to climate change.

Read on www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/mt-rainier-of-tallest-national-park-peaks-shrinks-21201143.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 30, 2025

US triples national park fee for non -residents, amid ‘new’ fee for Americans

The Guardian reported

Interior department, which has defunded conservation organizations, claims fee hike is for conservation

Read on www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/25/national-park-fee-non-residents

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 30, 2025

Study Finds Pesticide Residue Widespread on Urban Butterfly Plants

Xerces Society reported

A new study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry found nearly ubiquitous pesticide contamination on butterfly host plants across two U.S. cities, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Sacramento, California. In 20% of the plants tested, pesticide residues were at levels known to kill or otherwise harm butterflies and moths.

Learn more

Smarter Pest Management: Pollinator Protection for Cities and Campuses

From the Xerces publications library, this fact sheet shares tips and resources for protecting pollinators in urban spaces and developing an integrated pest management approach.

Learn more

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 29, 2025

The big bad wolf is really a scaredy cat

Anthropocene Magazine reported

New research finds that wolves are afraid of the super predator in the woods (humans)—and that protecting them doesn’t make them less fearful of us.

While wolves’ reputation as fearsome predators makes them the stuff of old legends and modern polemics, at least one animal will prompt them to turn tail: humans.

That insight from new research runs counter to speculation that wolves protected by conservation laws might become emboldened and attack people unprovoked.

Read on www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/10/the-ecology-of-fear-in-the-anthropocene-has-a-new-plot-twist/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 28, 2025

Dolphins may be getting Alzheimer’s from toxic ocean blooms

ScienceDaily reported

Dolphins washing up on Florida’s shores may be victims of the same kind of brain degeneration seen in humans with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers discovered that cyanobacterial toxins—worsened by climate change and nutrient pollution—accumulate in marine food chains, damaging dolphin brains with misfolded proteins and Alzheimer’s-like pathology

Read on www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251011105521.htm

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 27, 2025

UC Berkeley Botanical Garden houses crucial seed bank to preserve biodiversity 

CBS San Francisco  reported

Above the main campus at the University of California, Berkeley, nestled in Strawberry Canyon at the Botanical Gardens, you’ll find a critically important bank. It doesn’t store hordes of cash or glittering gold bullion. This bank stores seeds.

“So, we have millions of seeds represented from hundreds of different species from rare and endangered plants and they are all meticulously curated,” explained curator and conservation officer Clare Loughran.

Read more UC Berkeley Botanical Garden houses crucial seed bank to preserve biodiversity – CBS San Francisco

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