Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 3, 2018

Butterfly Preserve On The Border Threatened By Trump’s Wall

NPR reports

The National Butterfly Center, a 100-acre wildlife center and botanical garden in South Texas, provides a habitat for more than 100 species of butterflies.

It also sits directly in the path of the Trump administration’s proposed border wall.

The federal spending bill approved in September includes $1.6 billion in 2019 for construction of the wall. In October, the Department of Homeland Security issued a waiver to 28 laws protecting public lands, wildlife and the environment to clear the way for construction to proceed.

Read full story at  Butterfly Preserve On The Border Threatened By Trump’s Wall : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 2, 2018

A First Glimpse of Our Magnificent Earth, Seen From the Moon

The New York Times has an excellent video about “The first people to view our planet from the moon were transformed by the experience. In this film, they tell their story.”

at Opinion | A First Glimpse of Our Magnificent Earth, Seen From the Moon – The New York Times

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2018

A Mandarin Duck Mysteriously Appears in Central Park

The New York Times  reported on the surprising appearance of a Mandarin Duck in Central Park. Read story and see video at A Mandarin Duck Mysteriously Appears in Central Park, to Birders’ Delight

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2018

Eastern National Forest Fall Colors 10/31/18

Eastern Regional National Forests have the following fall color reports

Illinois

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

A few pops of color can still be seen on the prairie, including the crimson colored rosehips. The grasses have mostly all turned their autumn shades of brown.

Shawnee National Forest

The Shawnee National Forest colors have amplified over the past week. The trees are twice as colorful with all the Yellow, Orange and Red colors. With the beautiful colors of the trees and temperatures change we will start seeing a lot more color change. This is the time pf year you need to put on your hiking shoes and enjoy the beautiful Shawnee. For some spectacular views, check out One Horse Gap in Pope County.

Indiana

Hoosier National Forest

Fall colors are in full swing! The maples are bright yellow and red, the tulip poplars are yellow and brown, the sycamores are green and yellow, and the oaks are green and orange. Just in time for Halloween we have breathtaking colors! Though strong winds and heavy rains are in the forecast this week, it should clear up by the week-end, providing a great opportunity for a scenic drive through the Forest.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 1, 2018

New World Wildlife Fund “Living Planet” Report Finds Huge Animal Losses 

Vox reports

Today, we have new data that paints a bleak picture of what’s happening to the animal kingdom right now. On Tuesday, WWF, the international wildlife conservation nonprofit, released its biennial Living Planet Report, a global assessment of the health of animal populations all over the world. Here’s the topline finding: The average vertebrate (birds, fish, mammals, amphibians) population has declined 60 percent since 1970.

Read full article at: New WWF “Living Planet” report finds huge animal losses – Vox

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 31, 2018

Virginia Fall Color 10/31/18

The Times Virginian reports

According to various reports, warmer temperatures and recent wet weather delayed the color transition by a few weeks from its typical showing in previous years.

This year, peak fall foliage is expected around Nov. 5, according to the SmokyMountains.com Fall Foliage Prediction Map.

Read full article at Fall Foliage peak is approaching – Times Virginian: News

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 31, 2018

Mono County Fall Color 10/31/18

Fall Colors in Mono County – Mono County Tourism   reports below. See photos at: Fall Colors in Mono County – Mono County Tourism and Film Commission

October 31, 2018:  One of the most spectacular fall color seasons in recent memory is slowly coming to an end. Most locations in Mono County are now past peak with the exception of Lower Rock Creek Trail, the West Walker River and the towns of Walker, Coleville and Topaz. All these locations are at full peak and will have good color for the next 5 days or so. You’ll still find some groves still hanging around in places like the June Lake Loop and Lundy Canyon but the vast majority of destinations are now past peak.

100% Peaking GO NOW! 
-Walker Canyon – Great color along the banks of the West Walker River with some sections past peak already. The best color is located near Mountain Gate Park closer to Walker.
-Walker, Coleville and Topaz – Gorgeous, massive cottonwoods lining Hwy. 395 are beautiful now and should be great for another 5 days or so. Topaz Lake is at full peak and is perfect for sunrises or sunsets right now.
-Lower Rock Creek Road – Lower Rock Creek near the town of Paradise still has some nice color. Take lower rock creek trail for the last sections of peaking aspens. Past Peak up past Tom’s Place.

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ

Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Past Peak
Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – Past Peak
Walker Canyon (5,200′) – 75-100% Go Now – Great color along the banks of the West Walker River with some sections past peak already. The best color is located near Mountain Gate Park closer to Walker.
Walker, Coleville and Topaz – 75-100% Go Now – Gorgeous, massive cottonwoods lining Hwy. 395 are beautiful now and should be great for another 5 days or so. Topaz Lake is at full peak and is perfect for sunrises or sunsets right now.
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Past Peak

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES

Twin Lakes (7,000′)  – Past Peak with a few groves still hanging around at Lower Twin.
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) – Past Peak
Conway Summit (8,143) – Past Peak
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Past Peak

LEE VINING 

Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Past peak
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) Past Peak
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) Past Peak with a few groves still showing color near the campground and along the road.

BENTON & 120 EAST 

Sagehen Summit (8,139’) – Past Peak

JUNE LAKE LOOP

June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) Past Peak with a few groves still having leaves.

MAMMOTH LAKES

Follow Visit Mammoth on Instagram and Facebook for more!
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Past Peak

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE

McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) Past Peak
Around Crowley community (6,781′) Past Peak
Convict Lake (7850′) 75-100% Past Peak

ROCK CREEK CANYON

Lower Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – 100% Lower Rock Creek near the town of Paradise still has some nice color. Take lower rock creek trail for the last sections of peaking aspens. Past Peak up past Tom’s Place.

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 31, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/31/18

California Fall Color has new posts. Highlights include:

  • Hat Creek Ranch – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Klamath River – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

See many photos and full detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 31, 2018

New England Fall Foliage 10/31/18

Yankee Fall foliage’s map now shows fall color is is now fading in most of New England. Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont  and much of Massachusetts. Rhode Island and Connecticut are showing peak color. Check out the continuing updated map and location reports at New England Fall Foliage.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 31, 2018

New York Fall Color 10/31/18

New York Fall Foliage reports Week of October 31 – November 6, 2018

Finger Lakes and Lower Hudson Valley Showcasing Beautiful Peak- and Near-Peak Foliage

Parts of Central New York, Greater Niagara and Catskills regions will also see some peak leaves this weekend

As beautiful foliage makes its way across New York State, many areas of the Finger Lakes region and parts of the lower Hudson Valley will see peak leaves this weekend, according to observers for Empire State Development’s I LOVE NY program. Peak leaves will make their last appearances in the Greater Niagara and Catskills regions, and Long Island will be flush in near-peak color. I LOVE NY defines ‘peak’ as the overall best appearance the foliage will have during the season. Foliage change has been uneven this season and travelers may find that some areas classified as peak and near-peak contain an abundance of green leaves, combined with the possibility of leaf droppage.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 31, 2018

November 2018 Bay Area Birding Field Trips

Birding Field Trips and Walks with Golden Gate Audubon

  • Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley Friday, November 2, 8:30 — 11:30 a.m. 
  • San Francisco Botanical Garden Sunday, November 4, 8:00 — 10:30 a.m. (Daylight Savings Time ends today; fall back)
  • Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Regional Park Saturday November 10, 8:35 — 10:35 a.m.
  • Albany Mudflats & McLaughlin Shoreline State Park, Albany Sunday, November 11, 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 p.m.
  • India Basin and Herons Head Park, San Francisco Sunday, November 11, 8:30 a.m.
  • Point Isabel to Meeker Slough, Richmond Tuesday, November 13, 10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
  • Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Crown Beach Wednesday, November 14, 8 — 10 a.m.
  • Corona Heights, San Francisco Friday, November 16, 8:00 — 10:00 a.m.
  • Valle Vista Staging Area, Upper San Leandro Reservoir, Moraga  Friday, November 16, 8:30 — 11:30 a.m.
  • UCSF Mt. Sutro Open Space Preserve, San Francisco Saturday November 17, 8:30 – 11am
  • Heron’s Head Park, San Francisco Sunday, November 18, 1:00 — 3:00 p.m. (due to tides)
  • Fort Mason Community Garden, San Francisco Sunday, November 18, 8:00 — 10:00 a.m.
  • Sunset View Cemetery, Kensington Sunday, November 18, 8 — 10 a.m.
  • Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, Oakland Sunday, November 18, 9:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. (because of tides)
  • Hilltop Lake Park, Richmond Wednesday, November 21, 9:00 — 10:45 a.m.
  • Dimond Park and Sausal Creek, Oakland Wednesday November 21, 8:30 — 10:00 a.m.
  • Waterfowl and Raptors at Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife
    Refuges, Klamath Basin, Northern California
    Saturday, November 24 for Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.(RSVP required)
    Sunday, November 25 for Lower Klamath National Wildlife 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (RSVP required)
  • Garretson Point and Arrowhead Marsh, Oakland Sunday, November 25, 8:30 a.m. — noon
  • Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park, Oakland Wednesday, November 28, 9:30 a.m. – noon

for more information on above walks go to Upcoming Field Trips | Golden Gate Audubon Society

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 30, 2018

Climate Change Driving Extinction Risk For Mountain Birds

The BBC reports

Scientists have produced new evidence that climate change is driving tropical bird species who live near a mountain top to extinction.

Researchers have long predicted many creatures will seek to escape a warmer world by moving towards higher ground.

However, those living at the highest levels cannot go any higher, and have been forecast to decline.

Read full story at Climate change is ‘escalator to extinction’ for mountain birds – BBC News

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 30, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/29/18

California Fall Color has new posts. Highlights include:

  • Sunrise Highway, Laguna Mountains, San Diego County – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Piedras Blanca Trail, Sespe Wilderness – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Fern Spring, Yosemite Valley (4,000′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Bear River (4,400′), CA-20 at Bowman Rd. Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Strawberry Valley – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Quincy – Peak to Past Peak, YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
  • Spanish Creek – – Peak to Past Peak, YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
  • Feather River Canyon – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • June Lake Loop – Peak to Past Peak, YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
  • Indian Valley, Plumas County – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Round Valley, Plumas County – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

See many photos and full detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 29, 2018

Ontario Fall Color Map and Hotspots

NarCity has published a map and information on fall color hotpots in Ontario, Canada at This Epic Map Will Take You To All The Best Fall Foliage Lookouts In Ontario – Narcity

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 29, 2018

VOTE

Elections are Tuesday November 6. There are more issues than ever that make this election and the outcome critical. Not only is it important for you to vote but to encourage your friends and family to vote as well.
Check your voting registration: https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/

Polling Place Locator: https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 29, 2018

Where Are there Bats in the Bay Area?

Bay Nature has an article that talks about where to see bats in the Bay Area

The most impressive bat viewing within a reasonable drive of the Bay Area is probably at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, where one of the largest seasonal colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats in California roosts under the Yolo Causeway. In the summer, you can see this massive colony streaming out in the evening to hunt for insects. The Yolo Basin Foundation leads public bat walks throughout the summer to watch this colony emerge from their roosting spot. These programs are done for the season, but keep an eye out for events next year.

Read full article and learn more at  Where Are there Bats in the Bay Area? –

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 28, 2018

Hay and Straw Are Not the Same Thing

The U.S. Forage Export Council explains what the difference is between Hay and Straw

People unfamiliar with our industry are often confused by the words “straw” and “hay” and mistakenly think the terms are interchangeable. They’re not!

Both straw and hay can be called “forage” but there’s an important distinction between the two.

Straw is a by-product of seed (or grain) production. For example, a farmer who grows wheat will harvest the grain; the dry plant that remains after harvest is straw. The same applies to grass seed farmers in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, which is a major source of turf seed used on lawns and sports fields around the world.

Hay is grown specifically, and it’s cut before the plant goes to seed. Because the plant pumps nutrients into the seed or grain, hay will have more nutrients than straw. Although dairy farmers and cattle ranches typically buy on the basis of protein, everyone recognizes the value of fiber, of which hay and straw provide a lot.

Examples of exported straw include fescue and ryegrass, and exported hays include alfalfa and timothy. Some forages, like sudangrass, are available in both hay and straw.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/26/18

California Fall Color has new posts. Highlights include:

  • Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoia, Yosemite National Park (6,200′)- Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park (4,000′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • if you wanted to see peak color this autumn at Mono County, Lake Tahoe or Plumas County, change your plans and GO NOW! In anticipation of changing peak areas, we’ve shifted the weather forecast on this site from Mammoth Lakes to Quincy. When judging weather (temp., precip., wind), please keep this in mind.
    Should high winds arrive Sunday afternoon, peaked leaves will be stripped quickly from the trees and the peak color you see in these photos will be gone.
    That does not mean, however, that California’s autumn show will end.Trees still carrying green, lime or freshly yellow leaves will not lose many from the wind. And, areas not yet at Peak will continue to develop fall color. They include the: Western Sierra (Yosemite NP, Sequoia NP, Kings Canyon NP, Calaveras Big Trees SP) , Southern California mountains, Trinity County, North Coast, Gold Country, all wine country regions, Central Valley orchards and California’s urban forests.
    Nevertheless, if you want to see June Lake, Lake Tahoe, or Plumas County this autumn, get there before Sunday afternoon. Any later and we may be reporting, YOU MISSED IT!
  • McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Burney (2,783′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Lake Britton, Burney (2,717′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Lake Siskyou, Mt Shasta (3,185′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Coffee Creek (3,068′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!

See many photos and full detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2018

New England Fall Foliage 10/27/18

Yankee Fall foliage’s map now shows fall color is is now fading in most ofNew England. Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont  Most of Massachusetts is now at peak and Rhode Island and Connecticut are showing moderate color with patches of peak. Check out the continuing updated map and location reports at New England Fall Foliage.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2018

Eastern National Forest Fall Colors 10/26/18

Eastern Regional National Forests have the following fall color reports

Illinois

Shawnee National Forest

Even though we had some cooler weather this weekend, creating bon-fire and jacket weather, the trees are still trying to hold on to green. Every now and then you will catch a glimpse of a tree changing to its fall colors.

Indiana

Hoosier National Forest

There has been a large increase in fall colors on the Hoosier National Forest! Though, there is still a lot of greenery, fall colors are noticeable and at about 40%. Forecasts predict cold nights and cool sunny days, which should bring us to peak in the next week or two. It’s getting close to optimal scenic drive weather through the Forest.

Michigan

Hiawatha National Forest

Fall is in the air across the Hiawatha National Forest! Visitors will find extraordinary leaf color on both the east and west zones of the Forest, from Lake Superior to Lakes Huron and Lake Michigan.Ottawa National Forest

Dreary days and little sunshine have seemed to put an end to brilliant fall color on the Ottawa. We still have some snow on the ground in areas from a weekend blast with more rain and possible snow in the forecast.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2018

New York Fall Color 10/24/18

New York Fall Foliage reports Week of October 24-30, 2018

Colorful Peak and Near-Peak Foliage Continues to Spread Across New York State

Peak Colors making first appearances in Finger Lakes, Greater Niagara and Hudson Valley regions

Colorful peak foliage continues to appear across New York State, according to observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY program. This weekend, look for peak leaves in the Greater Niagara, Capital-Saratoga, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley and Catskills regions. I LOVE NY defines ‘peak’ as the overall best appearance the foliage will have during the season. Foliage change has been uneven this season and travelers may find that some areas classified as peak and near-peak contain an abundance of green leaves, combined with the possibility of leaf droppage.

In the Greater Niagara region, spotters in Springville predict peak foliage in Erie County, with up to 90 percent color change. Expect various shades of yellow and significant leaf droppage. The city of Buffalo and areas to the north will see slightly less color change by the weekend. Foliage will be peak, with 70-75 percent color change and very bright reds and oranges taking over the landscape. There are also some golden yellows, deep burgundies and splashes of green. Peak foliage is expected to arrive in Genesee County this weekend, according to spotters in Batavia. Look for 55 percent color change and a mix of orange and red shades of average brilliance. Peak conditions are expected in Niagara County, based on reports from Niagara Falls. Leaves should be about 80 percent changed with a bright mix of red, orange and yellow. Foliage change slowed down over the past week in Orleans County, and spotters continue to project near-peak conditions with 75 percent color change and green, gold and red leaves of average brilliance.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 27, 2018

Pollution Threatens The Future Of Killer Whales

The BBC reports

Killer whales are in deep trouble because of persistent chemical pollution in the environment, researchers say.

A new study suggests the long-term viability of more than half of the different orca groups around the globe is now in question.

Read full story at  Pollution threatens the future of killer whales – BBC News

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 26, 2018

Trump Administration Approves Offshore Oil Drilling Project In Arctic

Center for Biological Diversity News Release

Liberty Project OK’d as Officials Seek to Expand Offshore Leasing, Relax Drilling Safety Rules

ANCHORAGE— The Trump administration today approved the first Arctic offshore oil drilling development in federal waters. Hilcorp Alaska received approval to build the controversial Liberty project, an artificial drilling island and underwater pipeline that risks oil spills in the sensitive Beaufort Sea and threatens polar bears and Arctic communities.

The Trump administration is also in the process of drastically expanding offshore oil leasing in the Arctic and other U.S. oceans and relaxing offshore drilling safety regulations adopted in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon disaster, including special Arctic drilling rules President Obama adopted for these remote and treacherous waters.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 25, 2018

Mono County Fall Color 10/24/18

Fall Colors in Mono County – Mono County Tourism   reports below. See photos at: Fall Colors in Mono County – Mono County Tourism and Film Commission

Walker/Coleville/Topaz

  • Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!
  • Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!
  • Walker Canyon (5,200′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – The shores of the West Walker are gleaming.
  • Towns of Walker & Coleville – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Massive cottonwood along US 395 and beside the Walker River in the Antelope Valley are beautiful.
  • Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!
  • Bridgeport/Virginia Lakes
    • Twin Lakes (7,000′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! –
    • Virginia Lakes (9,819’)- Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!
    • Conway Summit (8,143′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – The south side of Conway Summit is at its prettiest. The north side is almost past peak. Conway has a rolling peak with some groves still green, beside bare branches and peak color mixed between them.
    • Summers Meadow (7,200′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – There’s great color all along the rods

    Lee Vining

    • Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!
    • Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′)  Peak to Past Peak, GO NOW, YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
    • Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) – Peako Past Peak, GO NOW, YOU ALMOST MISSED IT! – Lundy Lake Rd, Lundy Lake, Lundy Campground and the Beaver Ponds still have lots of peak color. The trail to the waterfalls is now Past Peak.
  • Benton & 120 East
    • Sagehen Summit (8,139’) -Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!
  • June Lake Loop
    • June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) – Peak (75-100%)
  • Mammoth Lakes
    • Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) – Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!
    • Laurel Canyon (8,500′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! (high clearance 4WD required)

    Crowley Lake/McGee Creek/Convict Lake

    • McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Fingers crossed that it doesn’t blow. If it doesn’t, the color will remain good for another week around the campground and along the trail.
    • Around Crowley community (6,781′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – This has been Crowley’s best year for Fall Color. It is literally aglow with color.
    • Convict Lake (7850′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Great color along Convict Lake Campground and the shores around the lake. Still green in some sections but make sure to take the quick and flat hike around the lake for the best viewing opportunities!

    Rock Creek Canyon

    • Rock Creek Road (8,500’+) – Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 25, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/24/18

California Fall Color has a large number of new posts. Highlights include:

  • Bishop Creek Canyon – Past Peak, YOU MISSED IT!
  • Pine Creek Canyon – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Owens Valley – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Bishop – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Susanville (4,186′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Lundy Canyon Trail – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • June Lake Loop – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!’
  • Parker Lake – Peak to Past Peak, YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
  • Faery Falls, Mt. Shasta – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Big Meadow Campground, Rock Creek Rd. – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Green Valley Lake (7,200′) – Peak to Past Peak – YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
  • Big Bear (6,752′) -Peak to Past Peak – YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
  • Aspen Grove Trail – Peak to Past Peak – YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
  • Lake Arrowhead (5,174′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Grass Valley Lake (5,058′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Lake Gregory (4,554′) -Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Running Springs – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Oak Glen – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Truckee River – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Donner Lake – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Kingvale, I-80 – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Rainbow Lodge, I-80 – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Cisco Grove, I-80 – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Bear Valley, CA-20 – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Grass Valley, CA-20 – Near Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

See many photos and full detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 25, 2018

There’s ‘a heck of a lot of turkeys’ in Berkeley

Berkeleyside reports on Berkeley’s active and growing wild turkeys

Wild turkeys are a staple of the city now, as common as bikers and street vendors. Berkeley residents have spotted flocks trotting down University Avenue and loitering outside Berkeley Espresso.

Berkeley’s wild turkey population took off about nine years ago in the more suburban neighborhoods of the city, said UC Berkeley Professor of Conservation Biology Steven Beissinger. Since then, the birds have become increasingly comfortable making their way into the city’s busier areas.

Read full story at  There’s ‘a heck of a lot of turkeys’ in Berkeley — Berkeleyside

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 24, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/23/18

California Fall Color has new posts. Highlights include:

  • Conway Summit, Mono County – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! (While Clayton rated Conway as Patchy, that’s the nature of the groves, which turn sequentially. The area evolves through successive Patchy, Near Peak and Peak ratings.)
  • Lundy Canyon, Mono County – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • June Lake Loop, Mono County – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Tioga Road, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne County – Past Peak, YOU MISSED IT!
  • Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County – Near Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! Again, our assessment varies from Clayton’s, as Yosemite has rolling peaks. Because of this, it is easily mis-classified. After the small amount of fall color has peaked along the Tioga Road, Pacific dogwood begin to turn rose to pink and red, then bigleaf maple turn yellow, then cottonwood gold and finally black oak turn orange. Though one specie may be patchy, another may be past peak or peaking. Knowing this helps determine when to visit Yosemite. Yosemite’s famous pioneer sugar maple (planted a century ago near the Yosemite Chapel) peaked in the past two weeks. Now, bigleaf maple are peaking and cottonwood and black oak are approaching peak.

See many photos and full detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 24, 2018

Why is the Bay Area Cool When It’s Hot Elsewhere?

Bay Nature has a story answering the question “Why is the Bay Area Cool When It’s Hot Elsewhere?”

Most of the state has set record temperatures this summer, but San Francisco has been cool and almost permanently cloudy because of its marine layer. And while Southern California is setting water temperature records, I heard the sea surface temperature was 49 degrees at Bodega Bay in early August. What’s going on? Why has it managed to be so cool, or at least, normal, in this small stretch of Northern California while it’s so extremely hot everywhere else?

Read full story at  Bay Nature Magazine: Why is the Bay Area Cool When It’s Hot Elsewhere?

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 23, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/22/18

California Fall Color has new posts. Highlights include:

  • Lake Tahoe – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Reno, NV – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Quincy – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Plumas County – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Cascade Trail, Plumas County – Peak (75-100%) Go Now!

See many photos and full detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 23, 2018

How Did Palm Trees End Up in the Desert?

The Desert Sun reports onthe history of the palm oases in the Coachella Valley and discusses research explaining how palm trees ended up in the desert.

Read the full story at Palm Springs natural desert palm oasis is the largest in the world

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Posted in Desert, Uncategorized | Tags:

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