From the East Bay Regional Parks
|
|
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 11, 2020
Poor Air Quality Today
Posted in Park | Tags: East Bay Regional Parks, Poor Air Quality
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 11, 2020
Marin County Bans Offshore Drilling
Environmental Action Committee of West Marin News ReleaseRelease
Marin County Passes Local Ordinance Protecting its Coast from Dirty Offshore Oil
Trump Plan to Expand Offshore Leasing Meets Strong Resistance in Marin County
San Rafael, California (August 25, 2020) – The Marin County Board of Supervisors has adopted an ordinance banning the development of onshore infrastructure for offshore oil and gas without a vote from Marin residents. This ordinance builds on Marin County’s past work to oppose fracking and the county’s prior 2018 resolution to support Protection of our Ocean and Coast from Offshore Drilling and Fracking. So far 90 resolutions in opposition to offshore drilling have been adopted along the West Coast since April 2017, when President Trump announced plans to drastically expand offshore drilling.
Posted in Environment | Tags: Marin County Bans Offshore Drilling
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 10, 2020
Avian Botulism Kills 40,000 Birds at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge
Audubon reports on Avian Botulism killing 40,000 birds at the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge
Heat, drought and water policy have created a Slow-Motion Catastrophe at the California-Oregon Border
Read story at Avian Botulism Kills 40,000 Birds at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge | Audubon California
Posted in Birds | Tags: Avian Botulism, klamath national wildlife refuge
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 10, 2020
How Big Basin’s strangest creatures survived its most deadly fire
SF Gate write about how banana slugs survive fires. Read article that includes interesting facts about banana slug behaviors and survival skills at How Big Basin’s strangest creatures survived its most deadly fire – SFGate
Posted in Animals | Tags: Banana Slugs, Big Basin
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 9, 2020
Southern portion of Yosemite under a fire advisory
Southern portion of Yosemite under a fire advisory; Mariposa Grove closing on September 6 at 7 pm
A fire advisory is in effect south of Chinquapin (this includes Wawona). An advisory message is a notice of danger in the future; it is not an evacuation order, but you should GET SET if an order is given. Mariposa Grove closing on Sep 6 at 7 pm.
more
Posted in Park | Tags: Yosemite National Park
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 9, 2020
Forest Service routinely skirts environmental protection laws
WildEarth Guardians New Release
Agency “categorically excluded” tree cutting, burning, and road construction on over 3.7 million acres from any serious environmental review and public input in just first quarter of 2020
The U.S. Forest Service routinely skirts environmental protection laws when proposing industrial logging projects across vast areas of important fish and wildlife habitat, according to a report released today by WildEarth Guardians. Logging harms a range of fish and wildlife species such as bull trout, Canada lynx, Mexican spotted owl, Utah prairie dog, and innumerable other threatened and endangered species.
Read full article at Report: Forest Service routinely skirts environmental protection laws | WildEarth Guardians
Posted in Environment | Tags: Forest Service Skirts Environmental Laws
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 9, 2020
East Bay Regional Parks – Fire Warning Information
Fire Warning Information Extreme Fire Danger Restrictions in Place for ALL Regional Parks NOTICE: Due to the extreme fire activity in the region some Regional Parks are CLOSED. See parks and read more about park closures at EBRPD – Fire Warning Information
Posted in Park | Tags: East Bay Regional Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 9, 2020
Pt. Reyes Woodward Fire Update 9/9/20
Posted in Park | Tags: pt reyes national seashore, Woodward Fire
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 9, 2020
UC Botanical Garden is closed today
The UC Botanical Garden is closed today, Wednesday, September 9th, due to low visibility from the smoke and haze.
Posted in Garden | Tags: UC Botanical Garden is closed today
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 9, 2020
All California National Forests Closed
Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region News Release
Due to unprecedented and historic fire conditions throughout the state, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region is announcing a temporary closure of an additional ten National Forests, meaning all eighteen National Forests in California are now closed. The closure of the additional ten forests will be effective at 5:00 pm today.
Posted in Park | Tags: All California National Forests Closed
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 9, 2020
Redwood National Park Closures
ALERT: Redwood National Park Implements Stage III Fire Restrictions Due to Extreme Fire Danger
Effective immediately, Redwood National Park has closed all backcountry camping and prohibited the use of open flame within the park until conditions improve.
This closure includes dispersed backcountry camping along Redwood Creek, and the primitive campsites at Elam Creek, 44 Camp, Flint Ridge, DeMartin, and Little Bald Hills.
Open flame includes the use of fire rings, picnic grills, and camping stoves. Smoking is only allowed inside parked vehicles in designated parking lots.
For current park conditions, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
[Image description: A National Park Service fire engine is parked under an American Flag with tall evergreen trees and blue sky over head.]
Posted in Park | Tags: Redwood National Park
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 8, 2020
Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos 9/8/20
Photos from a visit to the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley. It is a botanic garden of California native plants. The garden is open for visitors Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free but reservations are required. For reservations click here.
You can see other photos from the Regional Parks Botanic Garden on the garden’s Flickr group page at Regional Parks Botanic Garden.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 8, 2020
Just for fun: One-Star Reviews To A Celebration of America’s ‘Subpar Parks’
Illustrator Amber Share has created fun posters of the US National Parks based on one star reviews from people who don’t seem to understand what the parks are all about. Read an article about her work and see several of her posters at From One-Star Reviews To A Celebration of America’s ‘Subpar Parks’ | KSJD
To see many more of her posters go to Subpar Parks
Posted in Park | Tags: National Park Posters, Subpar Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 8, 2020
Outside For All: Investing in Parks to Build Community Power
from UC – Berkeley
What does conservation have to do with community? Everything, says Diane Regas. As President and CEO of The Trust for Public Land, Regas leads a national nonprofit dedicated to using parks and public land as a means to create healthier, stronger neighborhoods. Since 1972, The Trust for Public Land has pioneered a “land for people” movement, working alongside communities nationwide to create and advocate for the parks and open spaces everyone needs and deserves. In this time of public health emergency, economic freefall, and worldwide demand for systemic social change, America’s parks, trails, and open spaces are more vital than ever—providing spaces for respite, exercise, recreation, and community assembly. And yet, great parks are not distributed equally, and too often the people who need parks the most have the least access.
On August 26th, Regas joined in conversation with community leaders Taylor Toynes, Executive Director of For Oak Cliff in Dallas, and Teresa Bendito, co-founder of Parque Padrinos in Wenatchee, Washington, as they discussed how great parks can unite us, amplify our voices, and create community power. Rausser College hosted this virtual event, with an introduction from and Dean David Ackerly, as part of the Albright Lecture series. The recording of “Outside For All: Investing in Parks to Build Community Power” can be viewed here: https://nature.berkeley.edu/news/2020/08/outside-all-investing-parks-build-community-power
Posted in Environment, Park | Tags: Conservation and Community
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 7, 2020
Forest Service Temporarily Closes Southern California National Forests, Adds Prohibitions in Others
National Forest Press Release
Most of California remains under the threat of unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions with a combination of extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit. Due to these conditions, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region is announcing the following temporary closures and fire restrictions to provide for public safety and reduce the potential for human caused fire starts. They will go into effect at 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on Monday, September 7, 2020, and will be re-evaluated daily as conditions change.
- Closure of the following National Forests: Stanislaus National Forest, Sierra National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Los Padres National Forest, Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino National Forest, and Cleveland National Forest.
- Prohibition of the use of any ignition source on all National Forest System lands (campfires, gas stoves, etc.) throughout California.
- Closure of all developed campgrounds and day-use sites on National Forests in California.
Posted in Park | Tags: Southern California National Forest Closures
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 7, 2020
Earth’s ‘lost species’ only the tip of the iceberg
The BBC reports
Scientists have calculated how many mammals might be lost this century, based on fossil evidence of past extinctions.
Their predictions suggest at least 550 species will follow in the footsteps of the mammoth and sabre-toothed cat.
With every “lost species” we lose part of the Earth’s natural history, they say.
Yet, despite these “grim” projections, we can save hundreds of species by stepping up conservation efforts.
Read full article at Earth’s ‘lost species’ only the tip of the iceberg – BBC News
Posted in Animals | Tags: Mammal Species Loss
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 7, 2020
Pt. Reyes Woodward Fire Update 9/7/20
Posted in Park | Tags: pt reyes national seashore, Woodward Fire
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 7, 2020
Big Basin State Park Will Be Closed For At Least A Year
SF Gate reports
California’s oldest state park will remain closed for at least a year following extensive damage caused by the recent CZU August Lightning Complex fires
.Because the park’s ancient redwood trees are currently unstable, they must be stress tested against the effects of winter storms, wind, soil erosion and potential flooding in burned-out areas before the public is allowed to return, according to the department, which is still assessing the damages.
Read full story at ‘Saddened’: Oldest state park in Calif. closed for at least a year due to wildfire damage – SFGate
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 7, 2020
Conservationists Fear Pt. Reyes Elk Die-off
Center for Biological Diversity News Release
National Park Service Pressed to Tear Down Elk Barrier, Ensure Water Supply for Point Reyes Elk
Conservationists Fear Another Elk Die-off Due to Fence, Drought
POINT REYES, Calif.— In response to reports of tule elk dying amid an ongoing drought, the Center for Biological Diversity and Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic today demanded that the National Park Service remove a fence from Tomales Point in northern Point Reyes National Seashore that confines elk on a peninsula with inadequate water.
“Point Reyes is a national park, not a zoo. The park’s native wildlife shouldn’t be confined or prevented from finding water and food,” said Jeff Miller, a senior conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The Park Service should tear down the Tomales Point fence so that all elk in Point Reyes National Seashore are able to thrive and find adequate water during a drought.”
Posted in Animals, Park | Tags: Point Reyes National Seashore, Tule elk
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 6, 2020
Berkeley Yard Photos September 6, 2020
Between the smoke and head have been getting out less but this morning I did at least spend some time photographing in my yard.
This is part of my continuing project, the “Stay at Home Photo Project”. It includes many street photos from Berkeley and Albany as well as photos from the UC Berkeley campus, my yard and neighbors’ yards You can see larger higher quality versions of many of the photos at Flickr in my collection Stay at Home Photo Project which includes the following albums
- Berkeley and Albany Street Photos
- Yard Photos
- UC – Berkeley Forest Science Tree Trail
- Berkeley Hills
- Rockridge and Claremont-Elmwood Street Photos
Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's), Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Berkeley Street Photos, Flowers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 6, 2020
Pt. Reyes Woodward Fire Update 9/6/20
Posted in Park | Tags: pt reyes national seashore, Woodward Fire
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 6, 2020
Mojave Desert fire destroyed the heart of Joshua Tree forest
The LA Times reports on the impact of the August fire on Joshua Trees
a quarter of the sprawling Cima Dome Joshua tree forest — which extends beyond the preserve boundaries north of I-15 — was destroyed.
Read article at Mojave Desert fire destroyed the heart of Joshua Tree forest – Los Angeles Times
Posted in Park | Tags: Fire, Joshua Trees, Mojave Desert
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 6, 2020
Washington Reverses Direction On Wolf-killing Policies
Center for Biological Diversity News Release
Gov. Inslee Orders Rework of Washington’s Wolf-killing Policies
New Directive Reverses State’s Previous Rejection of Petition by Wolf Advocates
SEATTLE— In a win for wolf advocates, Gov. Jay Inslee directed the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission today to draft new rules governing the killing of wolves involved in conflicts with livestock. This action reverses the commission’s denial of a petition filed by advocates in May that called for reforms of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife’s lethal wolf-management policies.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 5, 2020
Soil Preferences Of Rare California Plants
A Chart from the California Native Plant Society showing the soil preferences of rare California plants
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 5, 2020
Pt. Reyes Woodward Fire Smoke Report 9/5/20
Posted in Park | Tags: pt reyes national seashore, Woodward Fire
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 5, 2020
Marin CNPS Plant Sale
September sale dates: Sept 9 to 16th
September plant pickup date: Sat. Sept. 19th
October sale dates: Oct 7 to 14th
October pickup date: Sat. Oct. 17th
Sales will take place online through the CNPS web site; full details will be sent in a separate email. Your order will be boxed and ready for collection on the designated pickup date. Charlotte has been growing plants for the past year and we have lots of GORGEOUS thriving specimens to offer! Mark your calendars.
Posted in Garden | Tags: California Native Plant Sale
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 4, 2020
Virtual Visit to Lands End Sept. 8
from Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
Nature Boost—International Literacy Day
Take a virtual exploration and a reading adventure at Lands End with Jaclyn Lim and Yakuta Poonawalla – your Park Friends from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
Are you a fan of the outdoors? Watch all of our Nature Boost programs, available on our Virtual Trailhead.
Sept. 8, 11:30 a.m., YouTube
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 4, 2020
East Bay Regional Park Labor Day Weekend Updates
|
Enjoy Labor Day Weekend in Your Regional Parks
However some activities are prohibited, including swimming
|
|
Labor Day Weekend is typically one of the busiest times of the year for the Park District. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, excessive heat, and the anticipation of poor air quality, the Park District is encouraging the public to go early and limit the length of their visit.
Some things will be different this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, including:
Additionally, some park facilities remain closed due to COVID-19 and the impacts from recent wildfires. For more information about what parks are open and closed, visit
|
Posted in Park | Tags: East Bay Regional Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 4, 2020
California Biodiversity Day 9/7/20
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
Posted in Birding Reports, Birds, Desert, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: California Biodiversity Day
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 4, 2020
Pt. Reyes Woodward Fire Smoke Report 9/4/20
Posted in Park | Tags: pt reyes national seashore, Woodward Fire
Natural History Wanderings 