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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 13, 2021
Webinar – Human Dimensions of Pollinator Conservation 6/17/21
Posted in Talks | Tags: Pollination
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 13, 2021
Biden Administration Rescinds Trump Attack on Tongass National Forest
Sierra Club News Release
Permanent restoration of protections for America’s biggest carbon sink is critical
Today, the Biden administration announced that it will rescind a Trump-era attack on the Tongass National Forest that would have put Alaska’s last vestiges of old-growth forest at risk of destructive logging and road-building.
Posted in Environment, Park | Tags: Tongass National Forest
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 13, 2021
Scientists Are Trying To Save Coral Reefs From Climate Change
NPR reports
New research shows that, in a hotter climate, urgent action will be needed to prevent the vast majority of coral species from collapsing by the end of the century. Humans will have to limit emissions of heat-trapping gases, but that alone likely won’t be enough. Reefs may also need a helping hand through efforts like restoration or coral breeding, which cultivates heat-resistant varieties.
Read story at Scientists Are Trying To Save Coral Reefs From Climate Change : NPR
Posted in Environment | Tags: Climate change, Coral Reefs
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 12, 2021
UC Botanical Garden Virtual Programs
See the June programs for the UC-Berkeley Botanical with a special emphasis on bug month at Seasonal Programs & Workshops – UC Botanical Garden
Posted in Animals, Garden, Talks, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Bug Month, UC Botanical Garden Virtual Programs
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 12, 2021
Green assets are on a tear
Anthropocene magazine reports
The Economist noted recently, “Green assets are on a tear.” Clean energy stocks soared at twice the rate of the S&P 500 last year. Is this a green investing bubble destined to burst or is it a balloon that will lift us over the energy transition? It’s the question we explore in the latest issue of Fixing Carbon. https://bit.ly/3fZeMoY
Posted in Environment | Tags: Green Assets, Green Energy
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 12, 2021
How to Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard
Audubon writes about How to Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard
A little water, a few flowers, and a few perches will bring these tiny dynamos to visit.
Hummingbirds are truly remarkable and fascinating creatures. A diverse family, hummingbirds include the world’s smallest bird, the Bee Hummingbird of Cuba, and some of the strongest migrants. The Rufous Hummingbird undertakes the longest avian migration in the world, if based upon distance traveled in proportion to body size. To sustain their supercharged metabolisms, hummingbirds must eat once every 10 to 15 minutes and visit between 1,000 and 2,000 flowers per day.
read more at How to Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard | Audubon
Posted in Birds | Tags: Hummingbird-Friendly Yards
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 11, 2021
Global Big Day 2021 reaches new heights
from eBird
Birds unite people. On Saturday, 8 May more than 51,000 people spanning 192 countries celebrated the birds around them for Global Big Day. Together, the global birding community accomplished FOUR world records! Global Big Day 2021 set new records for the greatest number of birders, from the most countries, reporting more species and more checklists on a single day of birding than ever before. Thank you.
Global Big Day by the Numbers
- 51,816 people from 192 countries went birding
- 140,818 people identifying birds with Merlin Bird ID
- 133,887 checklists submitted
- 7,234 species recorded
- 69,311 photos shared with the Macaulay Library
- 2,391 audio recordings shared with the Macaulay Library
Posted in Birding Reports, Birds | Tags: EBird, Global Big Day 2021
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 11, 2021
The updated Inventory of Rare and Endangered California Plants
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from the CNPS Introducing the updated Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants!The Inventory is considered the authoritative source for rare plant information and is used every day by agencies, consultants, and conservationists to determine the potential for rare plant resource conflicts, develop project-specific lists of rare plants to target during botanical surveys, and help prepare and review environmental documents and public testimony to influence decision-makers. Researchers and academia alike use the Inventory for rare plant study, as well as anyone wanting to learn more about California rare plants. We are thrilled to announce the Inventory has been developed into a new, fully integrated web application! The new Inventory integrates plant species maintenance functions performed within the same web-based program, meaning that updates and changes are made live for immediate use in searches to help inform conservation priorities. See the release notes for a complete list of new site features and updates. This work could not have been possible without our sponsors and major contributions from the state of California, the Center for Plant Conservation, the California Plant Rescue initiative, and the US Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region. |
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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 10, 2021
In Australia, Births of Tasmanian Devils Are a Milestone After 3,000 Years
The New York Times reports
Seven babies were born in the semi-wild of a nature preserve, millenniums after the animals were wiped out on the Australian mainland. Whether they can survive is another question.
Read more at In Australia, Births of Tasmanian Devils Are a Milestone After 3,000 Years – The New York Times
Posted in Animals | Tags: Tasmanian Devils
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 9, 2021
‘Ring of fire’ solar eclipse on June 10
EarthSky reports
The new moon will sweep in front of the sun to create this year’s first solar eclipse on Thursday, June 10. On that day, the moon in its elliptical orbit around Earth will lie too far from us to cover over the sun completely. So a bright annulus – or ring – will surround the new moon silhouette at mid-eclipse. It’s the outer rim of the sun, not quite hidden from view. People have taken to calling these “ring of fire” eclipses. Essentially, they are partial eclipses, albeit very dramatic ones. As with any partial eclipse, you need eye protection to watch an annular eclipse. Watching with the unaided eye will cause eye damage.
From much of North America, people will see the sun in eclipse at sunrise on June 10. Northerly and easterly locations in the U.S. have the best view. Or you can watch the eclipse live online, at Virtual Telescope TV. The live feed is scheduled for June 10, starting at 09:30 UTC (translate UTC to your time.)
Read more: EarthSky | ‘Ring of fire’ solar eclipse on June 10
Posted in Astronomy | Tags: Annular Eclipse
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 9, 2021
Developer Abandons Keystone XL Pipeline Project, Ending Decade Long Battle
NPR reports
The company behind the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline says it’s officially terminating the project. TC Energy already had suspended construction in January when President Biden revoked a key cross-border presidential permit. The announcement ends a more than decade-long battle that came to signify the debate over whether fossil fuels should be left in the ground to address climate change.
Read more Developer Abandons Keystone XL Pipeline Project, Ending Decade Long Battle : NPR
Posted in Environment | Tags: Keystone XL pipeline
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 9, 2021
California sea lions are facing a deadly, ‘unprecedented’ health crisis
The SF Chronicle reports
Sea lions off the California coast are increasingly facing a terminal diagnosis, one potentially linked to toxic, human-made chemicals from generations ago.
A report from Reuters found that California sea lions are increasingly being diagnosed with urogenital carcinoma, a startlingly common form of vital cancer among these water mammals. These creatures have the highest rates of cancer among any mammal, including humans.
Read more California sea lions are facing a deadly, ‘unprecedented’ health crisis
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 8, 2021
Job Openings: Plant Ecologist & Senior Wildlife Ecologist
H. T. Harvey & Associates, an ecological consulting firm based in Northern California, is looking for an exceptional botanist for a full time position in the plant ecology group in our San Francisco Bay Area office (Los Gatos, Santa Clara County).What you’ll do
Our scientists spend time both in the field and in the office with the firm’s team of highly trained professionals. Field work includes plant community mapping, rare plant surveys, and wetland assessments and delineations. H. T. Harvey & Associates botanists contribute to and write biological resource reports and natural resource management plans, and work on resource agency permit applications, guided by the expertise and training of senior team staff, and often in collaboration with our other groups (wildlife, restoration, fish and aquatic ecology, landscape architecture, and more).
Read more at Plant Ecologist (full time) – CNPS Forums
Our scientists spend time both in the field and in the office with the firm’s team of highly trained professionals. Field work includes plant community mapping, rare plant surveys, and wetland assessments and delineations. H. T. Harvey & Associates botanists contribute to and write biological resource reports and natural resource management plans, and work on resource agency permit applications, guided by the expertise and training of senior team staff, and often in collaboration with our other groups (wildlife, restoration, fish and aquatic ecology, landscape architecture, and more).
Read more at Plant Ecologist (full time) – CNPS Forums
H. T. Harvey & Associates, an ecological consulting firm based in Northern California, is looking for a senior ecologist for a full time project management position in the wildlife ecology group in our San Francisco Bay Area office (Los Gatos, Santa Clara County).
What you’ll do
As a senior ecologist in our wildlife group, you will manage projects and supervise staff and also spend time in the field. The position includes managing all aspects of the biological components of CEQA/NEPA assessments, federal and state endangered species consultations, compliance support, and resource management plans. Internally, you will manage staff and budgets, train and mentor junior staff, and have the opportunity to work with other H. T. Harvey & Associates ecologists (restoration, plant, fish ecology) as well as landscape architects. Externally, you will be a liaison with clients, team members, and agency contacts and work on proposals and business development efforts.
Read more at Senior Wildlife Ecologist (Full time) – CNPS Forums
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Job Openings
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 8, 2021
Today Is World Oceans Day – Fully Virtual This year
World Oceans Day reminds every one of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.The second fully virtual celebration of United Nations World Oceans Day, on 8 June 2021, will highlight the theme of The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods.
See more information and links at World Oceans Day | United Nations
Posted in Environment | Tags: World Oceans Day
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 8, 2021
Berkeley Yard Photos June 1, 2021
Photos taken in my yard on June 1, 2021
Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's), Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Berkeley Street Photos, Flowers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 8, 2021
Soaproot Photos
Soaproot Chlorogalum pomeridianum is currently in full bloom in our garden.
from Calscape
Chlorogalum pomeridianum is a member of the Agavaceae (Agave) family, but it more closely resembles a Lily. It is the most common and most widely distributed of the Soap Plants, found in most of California, apart from the Sierra Nevada and the deserts, and also in south-western Oregon. Wavy-leafed Soap Plant grows on rock bluffs, grasslands, chaparral, and in open woodlands.
The common name Soaproot refers to use of the bulb by Native people. The bulb was also used to stupify fish.
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Chlorogalum pomeridianum, Soaproot
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 8, 2021
The indefensible violence of wildlife killing contests
WildEarth Guardians reports on the documentary Wildlife Killing Contests
Wildlife Killing Contests is—as intended—extremely difficult to watch. The recently released twenty-five-minute documentary, produced by Filipe DeAndrade and Brian Moghari in partnership with Project Coyote, contains graphic footage of animals being callously slain for entertainment and prize money, only to be added to piles of carcasses used for vain photo opportunities. As gruesome and stomach-turning as this footage is, the most sickening part is the simple fact that wildlife killing contests remain legal in over forty states, including across public lands.
Read more at The indefensible violence of wildlife killing contests | WildEarth Guardians
Posted in Animals | Tags: Wildlife-killing Contests
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 7, 2021
Organ Pipe National Park Recognizes LGBTQ+ community
from Organ Pipe National Park
This month we recognize the struggles that the LGBTQ+ community has endured and celebrate the incredible contributions this community has made to the nation’s history.️For many years, the rich histories of LGBTQ+ Americans have been erased through punishing laws and discrimination. ️Yet because of courageous and collaborative efforts of many LGBTQ+ groups working to preserve their history, you can now visit and learn about the queer histories, people, and places woven into the American story… from the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana to Stonewall in New York City.️A good place to start is the NPS website at https://www.nps.gov/…/tellingallameri…/lgbtqheritage.htm ️or the Historypin Project https://www.historypin.org/…/-55.430296,-160…/paging/1 Wishing you all a happy Pride month!#Pride2021 #happypride #pride NPS Graphic/KCeballos66667
Posted in Park | Tags: LGBTQ+ community
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 7, 2021
Highlights of the 2021 Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour
See the recorded Highlights of the 2021 Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour
Posted in Garden | Tags: Bring Back the Natives
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 7, 2021
Nature Stories
San Francisco Public Library has a series of virtual programs called Nature Stories
Posted in Talks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 7, 2021
A win for Dudleya!
from CNPS
California’s Dudleya, precious native succulents, are a step closer to direct legal protection today thanks to Asm. Christopher Ward of San Diego. The California Assembly has unanimously approved Asm. Ward’s AB 223, a bill making it explicitly illegal to harvest Dudleya from the wild without a permit and the first California legislation to specifically address the growing problem of plant poaching.
Now, the Senate will review and vote; if passed there, the bill will await the Governer’s signature this fall.
| Learn more |
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Dudleya, Dudleya Poaching
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 6, 2021
Webinar on Native Keystone Plants for Wildlife 6/1/21
from National Wildlife Federation
Join us for a webinar on Native Keystone Plants for Wildlife
Keystone plants are natives that are essential to our ecosystems because they support 90% of the caterpillar species that enable our terrestrial birds to reproduce, as well as all of our specialist native bee species. Join Garden for Wildlife™ collaborator, Entomologist Doug Tallamy, as he shares the importance of keystone plants and how they support healthy wildlife communities. June 21st 2:00 – 3:00pm EST
Please register here space is limited, first come first serve.
Posted in Animals, Environment, Talks | Tags: Native Keystone Plants for Wildlife
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 6, 2021
American Wildlife Presentation 6/10/21
American Wildlife with Kristi Odom
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THURSDAY, June 10th – 3PM to 4:30PM MDT Join Nikon Ambassador Kristi Odom as she takes you on a journey to see the beauty in wildlife all around us. We don’t have to go far to marvel at nature. From using telephoto lenses to photograph birds in flight, to capturing macro details in dragonflies, she will show tips and tricks on how to get award-winning images at your own local parks.
Posted in Animals, Photography, Talks | Tags: American Wildlife
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 6, 2021
Forever Forests Art Contest Winners
See the winners of the CNPS Forever Forests Art Contest at Forever Forests – California Native Plant Society
Posted in Photography | Tags: Forever Forests Art Contest Winners
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 5, 2021
Today is National Trails Day
from American Hiking Society
Together we can care for our hometown trails and advocate for equitable inclusion outside.
Millions of people have found physical, mental, and emotional restoration on trails during the pandemic. Let’s return the favor and care for America’s magnificent trail system and ensure everyone in the U.S. can enjoy trails and natural areas.
Learn more at National Trails Day® – American Hiking Society – First Saturday in June
Posted in Walks & Hikes | Tags: National Trails Day
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 5, 2021
Today is World Environment Day 2021
from Defenders of Wildlife
World Environment Day’s theme this year states it’s not enough anymore to set aside land and protect species – we have to start actively restoring the environment. World Environment Day 2021 calls for urgent action to revive our damaged ecosystems with the theme of “Ecosystem Restoration” and the launch of UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration:
Read more at 10 Ways to Help Restore the Environment | Defenders of Wildlife
Posted in Environment | Tags: World Environment Day 2021
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 5, 2021
Job Opportunities with US Forest Service
To find jobs near you go to: https://www.jobhat.com/lpm
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Job Opportunities, US Forest Service
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 5, 2021
Gardening for the Birds 6/8/21
from Cornell FeederWatch
In conjunction with Bird Academy’s new gardening course, the Cornell Lab is offering a free Gardening for Birds webinar on June 8 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern (9am Pacific Time). Join experts from the Cornell Lab and from Audubon’s Plants for Birds program for a discussion on how to choose native plants that will thrive and why messy is beautiful. Also get tips for creating gardens that meet the needs of birds. No matter how large or small your growing space, you’ll be inspired to put on your gardening gloves and get busy creating a bird-friendly environment. Register to attend.
Posted in Birds, Garden, Talks | Tags: Gardening for Birds
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 5, 2021
Frightened terns abandon 3,000 eggs after drone illegally crashes on beach
The Guardian reports
About 3,000 elegant tern eggs were abandoned at a southern California nesting island after a drone crashed and scared off the birds, a newspaper reported Friday.
Two drones were flown illegally over the Bolsa Chica ecological reserve in Huntington Beach in May and one of them went down in the wetlands, the Orange County Register said.
Fearing an attack from a predator, several thousand terns abandoned their ground nests, according to the state department of fish and wildlife.
Posted in Birds | Tags: Drones, Elegant Terns
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | June 4, 2021
Virtual Talk: “North American Rocky Intertidal Zones (Tidepools) 6/9/21
Naturally Speaking Virtual Talk: “North American Rocky Intertidal Zones (Tidepools) – A Diverse Community in Flux”
When: Wednesday, June 9th 6:30 PM Pacific time – 7:30 PM Pacific time
Where: Cabrillo National Monument Foundation’s Zoom
Who: Stephen Whitaker – marine ecologist at Channel Islands National Park
How: Register here!
Audience: All are welcome!
Read more for details of event and presenter bio
Natural History Wanderings 