The Xerces Society reports
Habitat restoration can contribute to countering climate change. Native trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses increase carbon sequestration, while also providing habitat for butterflies and bees. Read More
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 4, 2021
Nature-Based Climate Solutions Address Climate Change and Support Pollinators
Posted in Environment | Tags: Habitat Restoration
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 3, 2021
What to do about Jewel Lake? Leave it, dredge it or reroute the creek?
Berkeleyside reports
Last week, Tilden Park’s Jewel Lake was a dry meadow. After the weekend rainstorm, its watery glory was temporarily restored. In the long run, it’s shrinking.
Constructed in 1921, Jewel Lake suffers from a significant buildup in sediment from Wildcat Creek. The lake dam, originally meant in 1921 to catch water for human use, prevents fish like trout and salmonoids from migrating upstream. There are several schools of trout in the creek, but they are all located in different parts — some at Lake Anza, some at Jewel Lake, some elsewhere along the water. They don’t intermingle in part because of the dam that prevents upstream spawning.
Located near the Wildcat Canyon Trail and the Lower Packrat Trail of Tilden Park, the lake is on a trajectory to fill with sediment and become a sort of wetland-like area or meadow — and not just in drought years.
Four new concept plans commissioned by the East Bay Regional Park District show what might become of the lake.
Read more at What to do about Jewel Lake? Leave it, dredge it or reroute the creek?
Posted in Park | Tags: Jewel Lake
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 3, 2021
How Nature Helps Us Heal
Greater Good Magazine “who publishes science-based Insight for a meaningful life” writes
A doctor explains why he prescribes time outside to his patients.
Here’s one silver lining to the pandemic: with gyms, museums, and stores closed, many of us were forced to spend more time outside.
Read more at How Nature Helps Us Heal | Greater Good
Posted in Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Nature and Health
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 2, 2021
Job Openings
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 2, 2021
Pismo Beach monarch grove sees butterfly count increase
San Luis Obispo Tribune reports
Thousands of western monarch butterflies have returned to a Pismo Beach, California, grove to overwinter. The monarch population this year is larger than the last two years combined
“We expect the numbers are going to keep going up,” a biologist said.
Read story and see video at Pismo Beach monarch grove sees butterfly count increase | San Luis Obispo Tribune
Posted in Butterflies | Tags: Monarchs
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 2, 2021
Anza-Borrego Photo Contest
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Posted in Photography | Tags: Anza-Borrego Photo Contest
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2021
November California Native Plant Society Events
See the November calendar of talks, plant sales, meetings and more at California Native Plant Society events at Upcoming Events California Native Plant Society
Posted in Garden, Talks | Tags: CNPS Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2021
Presentation: Protect Cats, Birds and Wildlife 11/4/21
from Golden Gate Audubon
“Catios” Protect Cats, Birds and Wildlife
Thursday, November 4 via Zoom — 7 p.m. Cynthia Chomos
Catios, outdoor cat enclosures, keep cats safe, healthy, and happy and help protect birds and wildlife. From small and simple to large and luxurious, catios solve the indoor/outdoor cat dilemma by providing additional territory and enrichment. Cynthia Chomos, catio designer and founder of Catio Spaces, will share the many ways you can create a visually appealing catio for your home and garden. Learn location considerations, building tips, resources, and get inspired to create a catio both you and your cat will enjoy!
Visit our website for the Zoom link and passcode.
Posted in Animals, Birds, Talks | Tags: Cats and the Outdoors
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2021
Natural Landscape Photography Awards
See the winners of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards at Competition Results 2021 – Natural Landscape Photography Awards
Posted in Photography | Tags: Natural Landscape Photography Awards
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2021
Condors Can Reproduce Asexually
Slate reports
Two baby birds were born in California without any help from males—that is, they were each produced by a female bird alone. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance released a report Thursday detailing the discovery, which reveals that condors, a critically endangered species of bird, are able to asexually reproduce.
A few years ago, the Wildlife Alliance researchers began tracing the parentage of the California condors they keep in captivity. (The goal was to better track the birds, after an incident in which a couple of birds accidentally had their wing tags switched.) But when researchers analyzed the genetic profile of two of the male baby chicks, they noticed something strange: The genetic markers used for parentage determination indicated they couldn’t have had a male parent. Each bird had just one parent.
Read more at Research: California condors can reproduce asexually.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 31, 2021
November Borrego Springs Anza Borrego Desert Activities, Hikes, tours, classes, lectures
See the November schedule of Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association nature programs and activities – calendar for hikes, walks, desert flowers, tours, lectures, in Anza-Borrego and Borrego Springs at Borrego Springs Anza Borrego Desert Activities, Hikes, tours, classes, lectures
Posted in Desert, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Anza Borrego
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 31, 2021
Free On-line Class on eBird
eBird Essentials Course offered byBird Academy • The Cornell Lab
Get tips for how to use eBird to jump-start new birding experiences and learn how it is being used to transform our collective understanding of birds.
Learn more and take the course eBird Essentials | Bird Academy • The Cornell Lab
Posted in Birds, Class/Workshop | Tags: Free On-line Class on eBird
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 30, 2021
Learn to Identify 5 Types Owls for Halloween
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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 29, 2021
Western False Asphodel Wildflower Found To Be Carnivorous
from ATI (All Things Interesting)
The western false asphodel is a fairly common wildflower that can be found up and down the west coast of North America. It has lovely white petals, an elegant stem, and adds a dash of delicacy to fields throughout the Pacific Northwest. And, now, scientists say that this secret carnivore gets its nutrients by trapping and devouring insects.
Read more at Western False Asphodel Wildflower Found To Be Carnivorous
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 28, 2021
Job Opening: Biologist
We are looking for a Biologist to join our Bay Area team—someone with a passion for environmental work and a strong desire to learn and contribute to a team. Qualified candidates will have experience or academic background in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, or a related discipline. This is an entry-level opportunity based out of our San Jose office that will include field work in the Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area and technical writing assignments.
Read more and to apply go to Biologist
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: Biologist
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 28, 2021
Virtual Course on iNaturalist and eBird 11/3/21
from Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology
If you enjoy spending time outdoors and want to participate in community science, the iNaturalist and eBird apps are two popular platforms for recording your observations. Learn how to use both of these apps, or improve your existing skills!
Posted in Class/Workshop | Tags: EBird, iNaturalis
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 28, 2021
Early Signs of Hope as Monarch Butterflies Return to California Overwintering Sites
Xerces Society News Release
Western monarchs are showing up along the California coast in greater numbers than last year’s historic low.
Migratory western monarchs are being reported at their overwintering sites in coastal California in greater numbers than last year, with hundreds at some sites and thousands at others, giving hope for the struggling population. These reports are particularly welcome after the population reached an all-time low of 1,914 butterflies last year.
This year’s official count has not yet begun. That will take place with the help of over 100 community scientists during the 25th annual Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count, beginning on November 13. Yet these early reports signal the possibility of a rebound in numbers—at least compared to last year’s historic low.
Posted in Butterflies | Tags: Monarch Butterflies
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 28, 2021
Early Signs of Hope as Monarch Butterflies Return to California Overwintering Sites
Xerces Society News Release
Western monarchs are showing up along the California coast in greater numbers than last year’s historic low.
Migratory western monarchs are being reported at their overwintering sites in coastal California in greater numbers than last year, with hundreds at some sites and thousands at others, giving hope for the struggling population. These reports are particularly welcome after the population reached an all-time low of 1,914 butterflies last year.
This year’s official count has not yet begun. That will take place with the help of over 100 community scientists during the 25th annual Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count, beginning on November 13. Yet these early reports signal the possibility of a rebound in numbers—at least compared to last year’s historic low.
Posted in Butterflies | Tags: Monarch Butterflies
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2021
Position Opening: Community Volunteer Ambassador Intern
from Pt. Reyes National Seashore
Are you, or do you know, someone who is 18 – 30 years old (35 years old if a veteran), and who is interested in a career with the National Park Service? Point Reyes National Seashore is recruiting for a Community Volunteer Ambassador intern (CVA) who will have service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve natural resources. In particular, the CVA will work alongside park staff to develop, grow, and diversify the Visitor Services and Trail Patrol volunteer programs. The CVA will have ample opportunities to exercise program development skills, including identifying and devising new solutions and approaches, planning, and implementation. The CVA will also perform program administration by helping to manage the operations of both programs. The internship is a 1-year, paid internship for those 18 – 30 years old (35 years old if a veteran).
The internship starts on February 7, 2022. The CVA will receive:
– Free housing
– A baseline living allowance of $500/week
– An AmeriCorps Award of $6,345 (pretax), and
– Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon completion of the internship (non-competitive hiring status for federal jobs for two years following the completion of the internship)
The application due date is 12/17/2021, or until filled. To apply, visit https://www.cvainternships.org/cva-internship-opportunities
Posted in Job Openings, Park | Tags: pt reyes national seashore
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2021
A new report shows how climate change is hurting your health
NPR reports
It may seem obvious: Heat kills. Wildfires burn.
Flooding drowns. But the sprawling health effects of a rapidly warming world can also be subtle. Heat sparks violence and disrupts sleep. Wildfire smoke can trigger respiratory events thousands of miles away. Flooding can increase rates of suicide and mental health problems. Warmer winters expand the range of disease-carrying mosquitoes and ticks.
A new report from the medical journal The Lancet finds that human-caused climate change is worsening human health in just about every measurable way, and world leaders are missing an opportunity to address it.
Read more at A new report shows how climate change is hurting your health : NPR
Posted in Environment | Tags: Climate Change Impacts on Health
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2021
Wildlife agencies to cancel Trump endangered species rules
AP reports
President Joe Biden’s administration announced Tuesday plans to cancel two environmental rollbacks under former President Donald Trump that limited habitat protections for imperiled plants and wildlife.
The proposal to drop the two Trump-era rules by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service is part of a broad effort by the Biden administration to undo regulations that Democrats and wildlife advocates say favored industry over the environment.
Read more at Wildlife agencies to cancel Trump endangered species rules
Posted in Animals, Environment
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 26, 2021
Early Signs of Hope as Monarch Butterflies Return to California Overwintering Sites
Xerces Society News Release
Western monarchs are showing up along the California coast in greater numbers than last year’s historic low.
Migratory western monarchs are being reported at their overwintering sites in coastal California in greater numbers than last year, with hundreds at some sites and thousands at others, giving hope for the struggling population. These reports are particularly welcome after the population reached an all-time low of 1,914 butterflies last year.
Posted in Butterflies | Tags: Monarch Butterflies
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 25, 2021
Samuel P. Taylor State Park Closed Until Wednesday
10/24/21 PARK CLOSURE NOTICE:
Due to hazardous weather conditions, Samuel P. Taylor State Park is closed to all public access effective immediately. This closure includes all day use areas, parking lots and campgrounds within the park.
The park is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, October 27th at 8:00 AM.
Posted in Park | Tags: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Closed
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 25, 2021
Virtual Presentation on Bats 10/28/21
from Los Padres ForestWatch
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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 25, 2021
Turn Your Yard into at Native Plant Garden
Native plants can turn your yard into a park and turn you into a nature guide. Get started at https://homegrownnationalpark.org/
Posted in Garden | Tags: Native Plants
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 24, 2021
UC – Berkeley Botanical Garden Photos from 10/22/21
Photos from a visit to the UC-Berkeley Botanical Garden on October, 2021.
The garden is currently open daily to the public from ten to five by reservation . Garden members can enter at nine. There is an entrance fee (free for garden members) and paid parking. Reservations are required except for garden members. For more information and to make reservations go to UC-Botanical Garden.
Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: UC-Berkeley Botanical Garden
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 24, 2021
Why climate change makes it difficult to track autumn colors
The Florida News Times reports
Aspen will showcase its fall foliage on Sunday, September 26, 2021 near Estes Park, Colorado. The recent foliage season is confused by weather conditions such as New England and New York. Arborists and ecologists say this trend is likely to continue as global warming. Credits: AP Photo / Brittany Peterson
Drought that causes the leaves to turn brown before reaching their peak color and die. A heat wave that encourages the leaves to fall before autumn comes. Extreme weather like a hurricane that completely strips the leaves of the trees.
Why climate change makes it difficult to track autumn colors – Florida News Times
Posted in Environment, Fall Foliage | Tags: Climate change, Fall Color
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 24, 2021
The Inaugural Richmond Christmas Bird Count
Golden Gate Audubon is starting a new Christmas Bird County Area centered in Richmond California. Read about it on the Golden Gate Audubon Blog at Richmond Christmas Bird Count Takes Shape
Posted in Birds | Tags: Richmond Christmas Bird Count
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 23, 2021
Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway Closed for Season
Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is closed to through traffic for the winter/spring snow season. Autumn storm events are continuing to bring rain, snow, and ice to the high-elevation roadway.
Vehicle access is limited to one mile from the northwest entrance to the Loomis Plaza and one mile from the southwest entrance to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.
The section of highway between Loomis Plaza and Lassen Peak remains closed to all uses due to the presence of hazard trees along the roadway. The eight-mile section between Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Lassen Peak parking area is open for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing.
Learn more about conditions in the park at go.nps.gov/lavo/current.
Posted in Drives, Park | Tags: Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 23, 2021
Tropical Milkweed—a No-Grow
The Xerces Society reports
Tropical milkweed becomes a problem when planted in temperate areas where it does not die back in winter. A protozoan parasite of monarch butterflies, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha or OE for short, can travel with monarchs visiting the plants and become deposited on leaves. When caterpillars hatch and start eating the plant, they ingest the OE. High OE levels in adult monarchs have been linked to lower migration success in the eastern monarch population, as well as reductions in body mass, lifespan, mating success, and flight ability.
Read more at Tropical Milkweed—a No-Grow | Xerces Society
Posted in Butterflies | Tags: Monarch Butterflies, Tropical Milkweed
Natural History Wanderings 