Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 10, 2021

Job Openings: Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership Members

These positions are 11-month terms of service, and more information is included in the general description below. Interested applicants should take note of this particular position with American Forests:
https://sierranevadaalliance.org/wp-…canForests.pdf

This position will be helping to develop a native seed collection program in partnership with BLM areas in or near the Sierra Nevada. The first half of the term will largely consist of research and identifying locations of native plants, with the second half of the term focused on native seed collection. The position is most likely to be based out of the Fresno area, but flexibility exists for the member to live in other areas. Mileage reimbursement with be provided in addition to the compensation and benefits listed below.

Read more Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership Member – CNPS Forums

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 10, 2021

New plant names in Calflora

To maintain Calflora as a leading knowledge source to the status and distribution of California native and naturalized plants, we are continually adding new plants to our database. As new plants are discovered in California or new invasives move into the state, we regularly add them to our resources. Meanwhile, plant taxonomy is continually changing as well, as research reveals new or different plant relationships, often necessitating a plant name change.
Below are some recent additions; a longer list is here as an illustrated plant list.
Native plants:
Adiantum shastense Shasta adiantum
Antirrhinum mohavea Golden desert snapdragon
Erythranthe howaldiae (photo by Steve Matson)
Doellingeria glabrata Siskiyou aster
Hooveria purpurea var. reducta Camatta Canyon amole
Malacothamnus involucratus Carmel Valley bush mallow
Sedum kiersteadiae The Eddys stonecrop
Vaccinium ×brunoense San Bruno Mountain huckleberry
Non-native plants:
Alyssum corsicum yellowtuft
Phormium tenax New Zealand flax
Dipsacus laciniatus cutleaf teasel

Learn more at  new plant names in Calflora

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 9, 2021

KNP Complex fires: Evacuation updates, weather/rain helped

The Sacramento Bee  reports

Rain weakened the KNP Complex fires, and residents were allowed to return to several evacuated communities Saturday.

On Friday, storms brought rain to the most of the fire, with some areas getting three-tenths of an inch. That significantly decreased fire activity, limiting it to “creeping” and “smoldering” instead of rapidly burning, fire officials said in an online update.

The wet weather is expected to continue to slow the fire Saturday.

Read more at  KNP Complex fires: Evacuation updates, weather/rain helped | The Sacramento Bee

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 9, 2021

How climate change affects the fall foliage chasing around the United States 

Ohio News Time reports

By the end of September, the leaves usually cascade to warmer shades throughout the United States. This year, many regions have not even pivoted from the shades of green in the summer yet.

Portland, Maine — A drought that causes the leaves to turn brown and die before they reach their peak color. 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.

Read more at  How climate change affects the fall foliage chasing around the United States – Ohio News Time

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 8, 2021

World Migratory Bird Day is 10/9/21

On Saturday, 9 October people all over the world will be celebrating World Migratory Bird Day, a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. The UN-backed campaign is organized by a collaborative partnership among two environmental treaties – the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), and the non-profit organization, Environment for the Americas (EFTA).

Learn about World Migratory Bird Day at: Sing, Fly, Soar, like a Bird #WMBD2021 | World Migratory Bird Day

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 8, 2021

Bears Ears monument being restored after Trump downsized it : NPR

NPR reports

President Biden will restore the boundaries of Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante and Northeast Canyons and Seamounts national monuments at a signing ceremony on Friday, the administration announced on Thursday evening.

Read more at Bears Ears monument being restored after Trump downsized it : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 8, 2021

A caffeine buzz helps bees learn to find specific flowers

ScienceDaily reports

Researchers have shown that feeding bumble bees caffeine helps them better remember the smell of a specific flower with nectar inside. While previous studies have shown that bees like caffeine and will more frequently visit caffeinated flowers to get it, this study shows that consuming caffeine in their nest actually helps bees find certain flowers outside of the nest.

Read more at  A caffeine buzz helps bees learn to find specific flowers — ScienceDaily

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2021

Pollinator Posse

The Pollinator Posse creates pollinator-friendly landscaping and fosters appreciation of local ecosystems through outreach and education.   With eco-friendly landscape techniques at the heart of our work, we teach respect for the creatures which keep Northern California blooming. We envision a day when life-enhancing, thought-inspiring green spaces will grace every corner of Northern California and the world. A few of their projects are:

  • Presentations and Classroom Visits
  • Track the Monarchs
  • Efforts to Back the Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly to the East Bay Hills

To learn more about the Pollinator Posse, the above projects and more of their activities go to the Pollinator Posse

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2021

Sierra Road Closings

Caltrans District 9 is closing three mountain roads starting tomorrow, October 7.
Sonora Pass/SR 108 will close at noon.
Monitor Pass/SR 89 will close at 2:00 pm.
SR 120 W will close at 5:00 pm.
All three roads will be evaluated for reopening on Saturday.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2021

Yosemite to “Temporarily” Close Tioga Road Thursday

from Yosemite National Park
Based on the current US National Weather Service Hanford California forecast, we are planning to *temporarily* close Tioga Road (the continuation of Highway 120 through the park) on Thursday, October 7, at 5 pm. We will evaluate conditions over the weekend and open the road as soon as it’s safe.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2021

Climate as a Driver of Divergence in Soil-Specialist Plants” 10/11/21

from Marin Chapter of California Native Plants Society

“Climate as a Driver of Divergence in Soil-Specialist Plants”

Guest Speaker: Nicole Ibañez, Masters candidate, University of San Francisco. Ibañez, recipient of one of the CNPS Marin 2021 Educational Grants, will share the results of her research. Mon. Oct. 11 @ 7:30 pm  Register for this meeting here

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2021

California oil pipeline spill could endanger marine life for years

NPR  reports 

Emergency officials are still trying to contain a major oil spill off the coast of Southern California that dumped more than 120,000 gallons of crude oil from an offshore pipeline into the Pacific Ocean, some of which has washed ashore.

But even as the response effort continues, experts say the long-term impacts to the environment — particularly on birds and marine life — could be significant even if they didn’t get saturated by the weekend oil slick.

Read more at California oil pipeline spill could endanger marine life for years, experts say : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 5, 2021

East Bay Regional Park Activities

See the schedule of all East Bay Regional Park Activities at East Bay Regional Parks Activity Schedule

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 5, 2021

Calif. park name rooted in racist history permanently changed

The San Francisco Chronicle reports

The long-contested name of a popular Northern California state park steeped in a violent history has been permanently changed.

Located near the craggy seaside cliffs of Trinidad, Calif., Patrick’s Point State Park is known for its coastal scenery, winding trails shrouded in spruce trees, rocky tide pools that inspired a Nickelodeon cartoon and sandy shores dotted with agate. But a recent press release shared by California State Parks describes how the name of this serene oasis in Humboldt County traces back to Irish homesteader Patrick Beegan, who allegedly stole the land for himself in the mid-1800s and was accused of murdering numerous Native Americans who originally lived there.

Read more at  Calif. park name rooted in racist history permanently changed

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2021

Marin Bird & Nature Walks this Month

from Wild Birds Unlimited of Novato

Bird & Nature Walks this Month
Sunday, 10/10: Senior Stroll at Corte Madera Creek, Marin Parks
Tuesday, 10/12: Hamilton Wetlands, Novato, Marin Parks
Wednesday, 10/20: Rodeo Lagoon, Marin Audubon
Wednesday, 10/20: Raptors in the Marin Headlands, Marin Parks
Sunday, 10/24: Oaks at Deer Island, Novato, Marin Parks
Sunday, 10/31: Abbotts Lagoon, Marin Parks

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2021

UCSB Natural Reserve System Fall 2021 Seminar Series 

See the fall schedule of seminars for the UCSB Natural Reserve System at UCSB Natural Reserve System Fall 2021 Seminar Series | Natural Reserve System

a series of presentations focused on some of the latest research and teaching experiences from across UCSB’s seven Natural Reserve System sites.

Seminars will be held each Tuesday, from October 5 – November 16, from 7 – 8 PM, in this virtual tour of research and education highlights from across the state.

Registration opens September 20. You can register for all 7 seminars at once, or pick the ones you prefer. Follow this link to register!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2021

Rare dragonfly discovered in Truckee more than a century since last spotted

KRNV reports on the discovery of a rare dragonfly sighting

A rare species of dragonfly that was seen in the region more than a century ago was discovered in Truckee over the summer.

The species is relatively common across forested Canada and parts of the northern U.S., but in California, it is known from only four sites, three of which are close to the Oregon border. Within California, the Spiny Baskettail was first spotted at Donner Lake in 1914 by Clarence Hamilton Kennedy. They were never again seen anywhere around Tahoe despite considerable effort to relocate them. The accepted wisdom among California dragonfly enthusiasts and biologists was that this population was long gone, perhaps a victim of heavy recreational use at Donner Lake.

Read more Rare dragonfly discovered in Truckee more than a century since last spotted | KRNV

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2021

Help Count Backyard Birds – Join Project FeederWatch

Did you know that you can connect to nature, learn about backyard birds, and contribute to important scientific research – without leaving your home? You can with Project FeederWatch!

Our backyards are important habitats for birds year-round. To help birds, we need to understand how these habitats and the birds using them are changing over time. Your counts of winter backyard birds tell us which species are doing OK and which ones need our conservation attention.

What is Project FeederWatch?

Project FeederWatch is a joint project of Birds Canada and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that depends on volunteers like you to help us all learn more about bird populations. It’s easy to contribute. All you need to do is:

  1. Join Project FeederWatch.
  2. Count your backyard birds periodically throughout the season (13 November 2021 – 30 April 2022).
  3. Submit your counts online at feederwatch.org or using the new Project FeederWatch mobile app.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2021

State Water Board launches new era of stream restoration at Mono Lake

The Mono Lake Committee reports

the California State Water Resources Control Board issued Order WR 2021-0086 EXEC amending the Mono Basin water rights of the City of Los Angeles to incorporate extensive new requirements that maximize the restoration of the 20 miles of streams, forests, and fisheries that lie downstream of the Los Angeles Aqueduct diversion dams. The action draws on decades of detailed scientific study to prescribe specific measures that will significantly advance the recovery of the streams, trout populations, and the streamside forests and wildlife, all of which suffered extensive damage due to past excessive water diversions by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (DWP).

Read more at  State Water Board launches new era of stream restoration at Mono Lake

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2021

Bay Trail Challenge

Save The Bay (and TRAC) invites you to join the 6th annual Bay Day Trail Challenge by walking, jogging or cycling 25 miles of the Bay Trail during the month of October. Everyone who completes the Challenge will be entered to win a grand prize $300 gift certificate from REI and a  one-year membership to AllTrails Pro. Ten runners up will receive a one- year membership to AllTrails Pro and AllTrails swag to help guide their next trail adventure.
For more information and to sign up, go to https://www.bayday.org/ .
If you email TRAC at baytrailtrac@gmail.com after signing up, we’ll send you suggestions for exploring the 36 miles of Bay Trail in Richmond, as well as other great locations on the Bay Trail.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2021

Berkeley Bird Festival October 17

Golden Gate Audubon Society is co-sponsoring a first-ever Berkeley Bird Festival on Sunday, October 17 with free community events throughout the day. Can you help spread the word through your blog?
It will feature free guided field trips throughout the day for adults and families; bird chalk art drawing sessions; bird-related crafts and performances, and information tables about local groups that are involved with protecting birds.
Events will take place on the UC campus and at the David Brower Center between noon and 4, and field trips will be spread out throughout the day, all over the city. Spaces are limited at some activities. Registration opens on Oct. 10.  Details at: http://berkeleybirdfestival.org

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2021

Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar Photos

Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars on the Narrow Leaf Milkweed/Asclepias fascicularis in my backyard today.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2021

California Bans Plant Poaching of Dudleya

from the California Native Plant Society
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the first piece of California legislation to specifically address plant poaching, making it illegal to remove dudleya from state and private lands. In recent years, law enforcement officials have documented an alarming increase in the large-scale harvest of these precious native succulents from California wildlands.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 2, 2021

Where to find the prettiest fall foliage in Northern California and Bay Area

The San Francisco Chronicle reports on what this year’s fall color season looks like including an interview with John Poimiroo, who runs CaliforniaFallColor.com, the leading resource for leaf-peepers in California. 

Despite drought and wildfires, the fall color season is arriving now in the Sierra

After a summer of extreme heat, wildfires, and drought, fall has arrived in the Sierra, ushering in blue skies and lower temperatures just in time for the peak fall color season in the California mountain range.

“What really affects [most trees] is not the fire but drought,” Poimirro said. With low water levels in the ground, he expects the peak color conditions to last for a shorter period than in previous years.

Read full article at  Where to find the prettiest fall foliage in Northern California and Bay Area

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 2, 2021

Protected Too Late: U.S. Officials Report More Than 20 Extinctions 

The New York Times  reports

In all, 22 animals and one plant should be declared extinct and removed from the endangered species list, federal wildlife officials announced on Wednesday.

Read more at Protected Too Late: U.S. Officials Report More Than 20 Extinctions 

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Posted in Animals, Birds, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 1, 2021

Southern Sierra wildfires wiping out giant sequoia trees for 2nd year in a row

The San Francisco Chronicle reports

More than a dozen groves of giant sequoias may lose significant numbers of trees in the wildfires now raging in the southern Sierra Nevada, even as fire crews succeed, sometimes dramatically, in keeping flames at bay in the most popular stands.

Scientists surveying the damage of two active fires say the biggest losses will likely be at the south end of Giant Sequoia National Monument, where already 29 large trees have been listed as dead and many more are expected to follow.

Read more at Southern Sierra wildfires wiping out giant sequoia trees for 2nd year in a row

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 1, 2021

October Big Day—9 October 2021

from CornellLab of Ornthology

Wherever you are on 9 October, take a few minutes to join the world of birding by submitting eBird checklists. What new birding heights can we reach together? Every list counts!

How to participate in October Big Day

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 1, 2021

U.S. Resumes Protections For Wild Birds Against Killings By Industries

NPR reports

The Biden administration said Wednesday it will draft rules to govern the killing of wild birds by industry and resume enforcement actions against companies responsible for deaths that could have been prevented, a longstanding practice that ended under President Donald Trump.The move came as North American bird numbers have plummeted drastically in recent decades.

That decline was punctuated by news Wednesday that the famed ivory-billed woodpecker and 22 other species of flora and fauna have gone extinct.

Read more U.S. Resumes Protections For Wild Birds Against Killings By Industries : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 30, 2021

Partial Reopening: Caldor Fire Closure Replaces Forest Wide Closure and Fire Restrictions Increase

from Eldorado National Forest

While the Caldor Fire continues to burn, the emergency forest wide closure that went into effect August 17, 2021 for the Eldorado National Forest will be terminated and replaced with a smaller Caldor Fire Closure, beginning Thursday, September 30, 2021. The Caldor Fire Closure, Forest Order 03- 21-18 will be in effect until March 31, 2022, but could be lifted sooner or modified if conditions warrant.

Read full order on Partial Reopening: Caldor Fire Closure Replaces Forest Wide Closure and Fire Restrictions Increase – Effective September 30th on the Eldorado National Forest

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 30, 2021

Announcing the World Photography Day 2021 contest winners!

See  the World Photography Day 2021 Flickr contest winners at  Announcing the World Photography Day 2021 contest winners! | Flickr Blog

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Posted in Photography

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