Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 26, 2020

WHAT IS THE CALIFORNIA STATE SOIL?

The San Joaquin soil contributes billions of dollars toward the state’s economy.

Many states have a designated state bird, flower, fish, tree, rock, etc. And, many states also have a state soil – one that has significance or is important to the state. The San Joaquin is the official state soil of California. The Soil Science Society of America’s (SSSA) January 14th Soils Matter blog explores how the San Joaquin is important to California and even the entire world.

San Joaquin soil is not the best soil to produce crops. However, with proper management, this soil has produced many billions of dollars of agricultural wealth for California’s economy. San Joaquin soils today support growth of an abundant variety of irrigated crops including almonds, pistachios, figs, grapes, oranges and wheat.

California’s state soil can be found along the east side of the San Joaquin and lower Sacramento Valleys. Knowledge of the San Joaquin soil’s properties and characteristics has become increasingly important in suburban and urban development. Population centers, such as the city of Fresno, have expanded into areas of San Joaquin soil.

To learn more about the California state soil, read the entire post here: https://soilsmatter.wordpress.com/2020/01/14/what-is-the-california-state-soil.

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 25, 2020

Sequoia and Kings Canyon Fire Updates 9/24/20

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 25, 2020

Job Opportunities: East Bay Regional Park District- Gardeners

The East Bay Regional Park District has multiple vacancies for gardeners

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful parklands, trails, rolling hills, shorelines, and lakes. We have a great opportunity for highly motivated individuals who enjoy the outdoors and have a passion for working with the public. If this sounds like you, please apply today and let nature be your office!
Under general supervision, performs skilled gardening work, semi-skilled and unskilled maintenance and other tasks on District properties and facilities in support of the operation, development, and resource protection of the District’s parklands and trails; performs other work related to the day-to-day operation of the work unit.

Vacancy Situation:
The Park District currently has four (4) vacancies located at Ardenwood, Coyote Hills, Lake Temescal and Quarry Lakes. The hiring pools established as a result of this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy and any additional vacancies that may occur during the one year life of the hiring pools. Positions in this classification often include public contact and therefore bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants please apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/caree…53530/gardener

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 25, 2020

Pt. Reyes Woodward Fire Update 9/24/20

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 25, 2020

Why Are Bay Area Conservation Organizations So White?

Bay Nature explores why are bay area conservation organizations so white

“Now is a Good Time to Hold Up a Mirror.” Bay Area Conservation Groups Say They Want to Become More Diverse. What’s Stopping Them?

Read article at Why Are Bay Area Conservation Organizations So White? – Bay Nature

Center for Biological Diversity News Release

Iconic Desert Plant Legally Protected During Yearlong Review

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Fish and Game Commission agreed today to accept a petition protecting western Joshua trees under the state’s Endangered Species Act, granting legal protection to the iconic trees for at least a year.

Joshua trees are threatened by climate change, fire and habitat destruction from urban sprawl and other development in their Mojave Desert home.

Read More…

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 24, 2020

Gardener Mania

Reposted from Native Here

 

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 23, 2020

Yosemite Reopens Friday Sept. 25

Yosemite National Park  announced

With improved air quality conditions, Yosemite will reopen on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 9:00 am. Some visitor services will be available and other visitor services will open incrementally over the weekend.
Campsites in Yosemite Valley will be available for incoming campers beginning on Friday, September 25, 2020. To book a campsite, please visit www.recreation.gov.
We will continue to confer with local and federal public health experts on air quality, smoke impacts, and resulting impacts on public health.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 23, 2020

UC – Berkeley Botanical Garden Photos 9/22/20

A few quick grab shots while walking around the garden with friends.

The UC – Berkeley Botanical Garden is currently open daily from noon to five by reservation.  There is an entrance fee and paid parking. For more information and to make reservations  go to UC – Botanical Garden.

Here are some photos from my visit.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 23, 2020

Numerous Heat Records Set in Death Valley this Summer

Death Valley National Park News Release

DEATH VALLEY, CA – Over the summer of 2020, numerous heat records were broken, as the park experienced what may be some the hottest days ever recorded on Earth.
This meteorological summer (June-August) had an average (day and night combined) temperature of 102.7. This makes 2020 the 4th hottest summer on record, following 2018 (1st), 2017 (2nd), and 2016 (3rd) and marking a continued record of a changing climate.
2020 heat highlights to date:
– 35 days over 120 degrees (normal is 18.4)
– 8 days over 125 degrees (normal is 2.9)
– 6 nights over 100 degrees (normal is 0.5)
– May, August, and September all saw the hottest day or night ever recorded for that month.
– 130 degrees on 8/16 was the hottest temperature recorded in the park since 1913, and possibly the hottest temperature in the world since 1931. A final verification process will be overseen by a climate extremes committee.
– August’s average daily and nightly temperatures rank it as the second hottest August on record; however, August’s daily high temperatures averaged to be 118.8, which sets a record as the hottest average high temperature for the month.
– August 17th had a high of 127 and low of 104 low degrees, for an average of 115.5, which is tied for the hottest average daily temperature ever recorded.

Read More…

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 23, 2020

Virtual  Wildflower Hikes 

The Redbud Chapter of the Native Plant Society has posted a number of virtual hikes you can view on YouTube at Redbud cnps – YouTube

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 22, 2020

Upcoming Native Plant Sales

Many Chapters of the California Native Plant Society have plant sales in the next several weeks. This is the time to start planning your fall plantings. Click on the chapter name to see details of specific sale.

South Coast Chapter
September 26 – October 3, pick up on October 3

North Coast Chapter
By appointment September 26 and 27

Willis Jepson Chapter
Order October 1-8, pick up on October 10

El Dorado Chapter
Order October 1-7, pick up on October 17

Napa Valley Chapter
Order October 3-10

Milo Baker Chapter
Members order October 7 and 8. Public October 9-11. Pick up by appt through October 12.

Santa Clara Valley Chapter
Orders start on  Oct 10, pickup on Oct 17

Shasta Chapter
Order October 18-29, pick up on October 24 and 31
Order November 6-12, pick up on November 14

San Gabriel Mntn Chapter
Order October 24-31, pick up November 7

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 22, 2020

Garden Club of America Scholarships

The Garden Club of America scholarships has scholarships available for  CONSERVATION, ECOLOGY, HORTICULTURE, POLLINATOR RESEARCH, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND RELATED FIELDS AT THE UNDERGRADUATE, GRADUATE,  AND POSTGRADUATE LEVELS
To view available scholarships click here
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 22, 2020

Australia whales: 90 dead in mass stranding off Tasmania 

The BBC  reports
At least a third of 270 whales stranded off the coast of Australia’s Tasmania have died and more are feared to be dying, rescuers say.
The mass stranding on the west coast of the island was discovered on Monday.
Marine biologists are scrambling to save the remaining pilot whales in a tricky operation likely to take days.

Read more at Australia whales: 90 dead in mass stranding off Tasmania – BBC News

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 22, 2020

Birdwatching to Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Social Isolation

from the Sonoma Land Trust

Birdwatching to Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Social Isolation

Thursday, September 24 from 7-8:30pm on Zoom

Looking to boost your mental well-being while navigating the social isolation of the pandemic, challenges of work (or no work) and stresses of our fast-paced culture? Look no further than BIRDS! While not a cure-all, birding gets you outdoors, slows you down, promotes mindfulness and provides an intimate connection with nature. Join us as we explore these wonderful benefits and learn how to start birdwatching today!

Teresa and Miles Tuffli are avid birders who especially love helping “bird-curious” folks take the next step of getting into the field to enjoy the bird world! They lead guided bird walks and give educational presentations for numerous local organizations. Residents of West Sonoma County for 10 years, Miles and Teresa also enjoy writing about and documenting our local birds at their website: I’m Birding Right Now.

Register Now
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 21, 2020

Pt. Reyes Woodward Fire Update 9/21/20

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 21, 2020

 Yosemite National Park Remains Closed

Yosemite remains closed to all visitors due to significant smoke impacts and hazardous air quality throughout the park. Through traffic is allowed; visitors must remain with their vehicle. The park is closed to recreation.

To see which roads are open go to  Current Conditions – Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 21, 2020

Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day

Are You Registered to Vote? CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION STATUS HERE!

Learn more at National Voter Registration Day

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 21, 2020

Inyo National Forest Closure Update

 Regional Order 14 extends Emergency Fire Restrictions through September 24 and Regional Order 15 extends the Emergency Forest Closure through September 24.
As a reminder, these orders can be rescinded or extended based upon conditions and are being evaluated daily.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 21, 2020

Far More Microplastic In Atlantic Ocean Than Previous Estimates

NPR reports

Scientists are trying to understand how much plastic humans are pumping into the ocean and how long it sticks around. A study published this week says it may be much more than earlier estimates.

By some measures, the plastic trash that’s floating on the surface of the water only accounts for about 1% of the plastic pollution that humans generate.

“If we are missing 99% of plastic that we thought we have put in, it has to be somewhere,” says Katsiaryna Pabortsava, a researcher at the National Oceanography Centre in the United Kingdom.

She and her colleagues set out to look for the missing plastic debris.

Read story about what the found at Far More Microplastic In Atlantic Ocean Than Previous Estimates, Study Finds : NPR

The Travel.com reports on top fall color spots in Canada

These are the best places to see peak foliage in Canada, and they’re more beautiful than any in the world.

Autumn is beautiful no matter where it’s being observed; as long as the leaves are changing and colors are flying, there’s something to see and feel. Accompanied with a cool, crisp fall breeze and the sound of crunchy leaves underfoot that only a season change can procure, many forget that there is one country that can 100% compete with the US in terms of autumn vibrancy: Canada.

Read article at Canada’s Fall Foliage Puts Other Countries To Shame, And Here’s Where To Go To See It

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region announces increased access to some National Forests in California beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2020. Contact(s): Public Inquiry Line: (707) 562-9113

The prohibition of the use of any ignition source on all National Forest System lands (campfires, gas stoves, etc.) throughout California remains in place.

Nine National Forests in California remain closed: Angeles NF, Cleveland NF, Los Padres NF, Inyo NF, Klamath NF, San Bernardino NF, Sequoia NF, Sierra NF, and Six Rivers NF. This decision will continue to be reviewed daily with evolving fire and weather conditions.

Read More…

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 19, 2020

Eldorado National Forest Partial Re-opening

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 19, 2020

Pt. Reyes Updates 9/19/29

With fires and road construction, it can be confusing to understand what is open or closed at Point Reyes National Seashore. This map should help!
Today, Saturday, September 19, there will be Federal Highways Activity on Sir Francis Drake beyond the Pierce Point turnoff. Expect increased truck traffic, up to 30 minute delays, and rough road conditions.
Help firefighters by not entering closed roads and trails in the Woodward Fire area.
And lastly, please remember to #RecreateResponsibly.
✅ Stay local
✅ Plan ahead and have a Plan B if parking lots are full
✅ Keep your distance
✅ Wear a face covering
✅ Bring all your supplies, water and food
✅ Leave no trace
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 19, 2020

Job Opportunity: Natural Resource Management Intern

Natural Resource Management Intern II – County of San Mateo Parks Department

San Mateo County Parks system consists of 22 parks, historic sites, and regional trails. The properties have a wide variety of habitats, species, and visitor use.

The Natural Resource Management Program is focused on protecting and enhancing all natural resources within the park system. This includes habitat restoration, vegetation and invasive species management, native and invasive species mapping, wildlife monitoring, and volunteer stewardship activities.

Read More…

Center for Biological Diversity News Release

Park Service Finalizes Disastrous Point Reyes Plan to Kill Native Wildlife, Prioritize Commercial Livestock Grazing

The National Park Service released a management plan amendment today for Point Reyes National Seashore that would enshrine commercial cattle ranching in the California park at the expense of native wildlife and natural habitat. It also calls for the killing of native tule elk and would authorize new agricultural uses that will put other wildlife at risk.

“This is a disaster for wildlife and a stunning mismanagement of one of America’s most beautiful national parks,” said Jeff Miller at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The Park Service is greenlighting the slaughter of native wildlife in Point Reyes. After the elk, the next likely victims will be birds, bobcats, foxes and coyotes. This plan is illegal and immoral, and we’re going to do everything we can to stop it.”

Read More…

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 18, 2020

Job Opportunity: Senior Pollinator Coordinator

Senior Pollinator Coordinator with CDFW

CDFW’s Non-game Wildlife Program is currently hiring for a Pollinator Coordinator. This is a 12-month limited term position, and applicants will need to complete the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) exam.
Read More…
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 18, 2020

More Than 17,000 Rare Nevada Wildflowers Destroyed

Center for Biological Diversity News Release

Tiehm’s Buckwheat, Under Review for Federal Protection, Loses up to 40% of Population

LAS VEGAS— Conservationists discovered over the weekend that someone had dug up and destroyed more than 17,000 Tiehm’s buckwheat plants, a rare Nevada wildflower the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said this summer may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.

As much as 40% of the flower’s global population, which exists on just 21 acres in western Nevada, may have been destroyed.

Read More…

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 17, 2020

Yosemite Closed Due to Smoke & Hazardous Air Quality

Yosemite National Park announces that the park will close to all visitors and vehicular access due to significant smoke impacts and hazardous air quality throughout the park. All park entrance stations and roads will close beginning at 5:00 pm tonight, Thursday, September 17, 2020.

With air quality projected to be in the unhealthy to hazardous range over the next several days, the park anticipates the closure to be in effect at least throughout the weekend. The park will continue to assess the smoke impacts, air quality index, and fire activity throughout the region.  Yosemite National Park will reopen to visitors when conditions improve, and it is safe for visitors and employees to be in Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park’s closure is in alignment with the closure of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the surrounding national forests.

For detailed information on current air quality and smoke impacts, please visit https://fire.airnow.gov/?lat=37.672508866650354&lng=-119.80573

For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200, press 1. Updated information is also available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/yose and on the Yosemite National Park Facebook page.

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 17, 2020

King Canyon Closed Due Smoke & Hazardous Air Quality

Kings Canyon National Park will close at 5 p.m. today, September 17, 2020 due to significant smoke impacts and hazardous air quality. Sequoia National Park has been closed since September 15.
The park entrance station, facilities, services, and parking lots will all close at 5 p.m.
Campground reservations are being canceled through Sunday, September 20 with a full refund.
Those with lodging reservations will be contacted by Delaware North with updates.
The Generals Highway from Highway 180 to Sequoia National Forest boundary and State Highway 180 will remain open to through traffic in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park. No parking or stopping is authorized.
For detailed information about current conditions, campgrounds, air quality and more visit our website www.nps.gov/seki.

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