Photos taken along the streets of Albany and the North Berkeley Flatlands on April 28, 2020. All photos in this post and on the previous Berkeley and Albany Street photo post were taken within a mile and a half of home.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 29, 2020
Albany and Berkeley Street Photos 4/28/20
Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: Albany Street Photos, Berkeley Street Photos
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 29, 2020
Watch 2020 Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower May 1 to May 3
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower may be better viewed in the moon-free predawn hours on May 1, 2 and 3, 2020, than on the peak date of May 5, 2020.
In 2020, the forecast calls for the greatest number of Eta Aquariid meteors to fall before dawn on (or near) May 5. However, this shower has a rather broad maximum, so just as many meteors may be flying on the mornings before and after. There is one big bugaboo for watching the Eta Aquariids in 2020, though. The shower will have to contend with a nearly full waxing gibbous moon. That’s why we recommend you try watching for meteors before sunup on May 1, 2 and 3. Fewer meteors will be flying then, but there will be a larger moon-free window between moonset and dawn.
Read more All you need to know: Eta Aquariid meteors | Astronomy Essentials | EarthSky
Posted in Astronomy | Tags: Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower, Meteor Showers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 29, 2020
Audubon Spring Migration Show Tonight
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Posted in Birds | Tags: Spring Migration
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 29, 2020
Now Is The Time To Garden For Birds
From Golden Gate Audubon
Birding from home has become more important than ever in our current sheltered situation. Many of us are learning that it is possible to bird from our windows, yards and sidewalks. There are easy ways to make your home (and surrounding areas) hospitable for birdlife, even while sheltering-at-home. When we learn to include in our gardens the plants that provide food, shelter, and nesting areas for birds, we can watch native wildlife thrive.
Read more at Now Is The Time To Garden For Birds – Golden Gate Audubon Society
Posted in Birds, Garden, Uncategorized | Tags: Gardening for Birds
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 28, 2020
Berkeley Street Photos 4/27/20
Photos taken along the streets of the North Berkeley Flatlands on April 27, 2020. All photos taken in this post and on previous Berkeley Street photo posts over the last two weeks have all been taken with in a mile and half of home.
Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: Berkeley Street Photos
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 28, 2020
3 Upcoming Virtual Botanical Presentions
from the North Coast CNPS Chapter
Register for our Virtual evening program via Zoom
April 29, Wed. 7:00 p.m. “Restoring Nature with Pollinator Gardens” with Bill Rodstrom.
May 13, Wed. 7:00 p.m. “Botanizing the BLM Lands of the North Coast” with Jennifer Wheeler.
May 20, Wed. 7:00 p.m. “Capturing California’s Flowers” with Jenn Yost and Katie Pearson.
Posted in Talks | Tags: Virtual Botanical Presentions
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 27, 2020
Huge asteroid that’ll safely pass Earth April 29
EarthSky reports on how to see the asteroid
The huge asteroid known as (52768) 1998 OR2 will pass closest on April 29, 2020. Observers peering through telescopes will see it as a slow-moving “star.” Charts, tips – plus how to watch online
Read more at Here’s how to see that huge asteroid that’ll safely pass Earth in April | Astronomy Essentials | EarthSky
Posted in Astronomy, Drives | Tags: Asteroid 52768) 1998 OR2, Asteroids
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 26, 2020
Berkeley Campus Photos: Forest Science Tree Trail pt. 2
On 4/25 /20 we explored the upper or eastern half of the Forest Science Tree Trail on the UC- Berkeley campus. It is a great place to be outdoors right now as there are very few people on campus. You can get a detailed map of the trees with descriptions, small photos and information about each of the species at http://gif.berkeley.edu/documents/UCB%20Forestry%20Tree%20Trail.pdf
Posted in Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: UC Berkeley Forest Science Tree Trail
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 26, 2020
New Website Will Help Steer the U.S. Away From Fossil Fuels
SABIN CENTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE LAW has created a new website that will help steer the U.S. away from fossil fuels.
A new website, Model Laws for Deep Decarbonization in the United States, was launched on Tuesday to help accelerate a sustainable U.S. transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. It will provide policy makers at the federal, state and local levels with the legal tools needed to transition away from fossil fuels.
The website already provides more than 1,500 resources, including enacted and model laws, for reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Among the many actions these laws enable or require are the construction of large numbers of renewable energy facilities, energy efficiency improvements in new and existing buildings, installing electric vehicle charging stations, producing low-carbon gaseous and liquid fuels, and reducing emissions of such pollutants as methane, black carbon, and fluorinated gases.
Read more about this website at New Website Will Help Steer the U.S. Away From Fossil Fuels
Posted in Environment, Uncategorized | Tags: SABIN CENTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE LAW
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 25, 2020
6 Tips For Talking To Kids About Climate Change
NPR talks about how to talk to kids about Climate Change
Today’s kids are bombarded with the realities of climate change — whether through extreme weather or in the news. These tips will help you and your kids cope with the overwhelming feelings to move beyond helplessness and toward action.
Read more or listen to the report at 6 Tips For Talking To Kids About Climate Change : NPR
Posted in Environment | Tags: Climate change, Cloi
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 25, 2020
Nature crisis: ‘Insect apocalypse’ more complicated than thought
The BBC reports
Previous research indicated an alarming decline in numbers in all parts of world, with losses of up to 25% per decade.
This new study, the largest carried out to date, says the picture is more complex and varied.
The creatures are among the most abundant and diverse species on the planet and play key roles, from aerating the soil to pollination and recycling of nutrients.
Read full article at Nature crisis: ‘Insect apocalypse’ more complicated than thought – BBC News
Posted in Animals, Environment | Tags: Insect Apocalypse, Species Lostt
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 24, 2020
Berkeley Yard Photos 4/24/20
Photographed in my yard today.
Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: Flower photos, Garden
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 24, 2020
Mono Lake Moments: Join the Mono Lake Committee digitally
Join the Mono Lake Committee digitally from wherever you are as you stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’ll share arriving birds, springtime flowers, and scenic views of the Mono Basin with you wherever you may be. Over the next few months you can bring Mono Lake into your home and enjoy some moments of peace and tranquility from the Mono Basin during these uncertain times.
Upcoming live events
• every Wednesday and Friday at 11:00am PDT
• Tune in to Facebook Live to watch
• Recordings of the live events will also be uploaded to this page within 24 hours.
Recorded live events
• You can play the most recent Mono Lake Moment below, and all other Moments are listed below that. You can also view the entire series on YouTube.
• April 22: Celebrating Earth Day at Mono Lake
• April 21: La ecología y la geología de Mono Lake
• April 17: Nature journaling at Mono Lake
• April 15: Los Angeles Aqueduct history in the Mono Basin (coming soon!)
• April 10: Geology overview of the Mono Basin with Dr. Guleed Ali
• April 8: Stormy afternoon at Mono Lake
• April 3: Discussing Mono Lake’s level
• April 1: Lee Vining Creek
• March 27: Mono Lake Q&A
• March 25: Talking tufa
• March 24: Introducing Mono Lake Moments
Learn more about the Mono Lake Committee at http://monolake.org/mlc/moments
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 24, 2020
Endangered Species Lawsuit Launched Over Trump Administration’s Suspension of Pollution Monitoring
Center for Biological Diversity News Release
WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a notice today of its intent to sue the Trump administration over the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision last month to suspend monitoring and reporting requirements for major pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular today’s notice urges the agency to ensure that endangered and threatened species, such as salmon, are not harmed by the suspension.
Posted in Animals, Environment, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: EAP, Endangered species, Polluters
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 24, 2020
EAC Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival Webinars
From the West Marin Environmental Action Committee: EAC Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival Webinars: April 24th – May 1st
As a special thank you to our supporters, and to honor Earth Day and the Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival, we are announcing a FREE series of online webinars to keep you engaged with Wild West Marin from April 24th through May 1st. These webinars are focused on bird conservation, spring migration, wildflowers, bobcats, Cooper’s Hawks, Spotted Owls, and some special family programming for the little ones in your lives.
Posted in Animals, Birds, Talks, Uncategorized, Wildflowers and Other Plants
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 24, 2020
City Nature Challenge April 24 to May 3
The 2020 City Nature Challenge takes place in 2 parts
April 24 – 27 Taking pictures of wild plants and animals.
April 28 – May 3 Identifying what was found.
To see a list of participating cities, click here.
Results will be announced on Monday May 4th.
Taking Part is Easy
Exploring wildlife during COVID-19
Learn more at https://citynaturechallenge.org
Posted in Animals, Birds, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: City Nature Challenge
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 23, 2020
Supreme Court rejects Trump administration’s view on key aspect of Clean Water Act
The Washington Post reports
The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the Trump administration’s reading of a key part of the Clean Water Act as creating an “obvious loophole” in its enforcement, and gave a partial win to environmentalists in a case from Hawaii.
The court ruled 6 to 3 that a wastewater treatment plant in Hawaii could not avoid provisions of the act, which regulates the release of pollutants into rivers, lakes and seas, by pumping the pollutants first into groundwater, from which they eventually reach the ocean.
Posted in Environment | Tags: Clean Water Act
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 23, 2020
Why Are Some Parks Closed But Not Others?
Bay Nature reports
What you’re allowed to do right now isn’t that different, no matter where in the Bay Area you live — except with parks and open spaces. When it comes to exercise in nature, access and policy diverges widely. Sonoma and San Mateo have fully closed all parks within the county. Marin has closed all of its parking lots, and many parks, but not all of its open space preserves. San Francisco has closed parking lots, but its parks remain open. Individual cities in Alameda County have followed different policies, and the East Bay Regional Park District has closed some parking lots and some parks on some days, while keeping 69 of its 73 parks open. California State Parks has followed local guidance, fully closing its parks in San Mateo and Sonoma while closing only parking lots at Samuel P. Taylor, Mount Diablo and Henry Coe. It’s a dizzying array of rules.
Read more at : Why Are Some Parks Closed But Not Others? – Bay Nature
Posted in Park | Tags: Bay Area Park Closures
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 23, 2020
Crowds Flood Grand Canyon and Zion Putting Visitors and Park Staff at Risk
National Parks Conservation Association Press Release
The administration needs to immediately close parks that are unable to meet CDC guidelines, before this dangerous situation turns into a crisis.
Statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO for the National Parks Conservation Association:
“Many of our most iconic national parks remain open during this public health crisis, and this could come at great risk. National parks are home to some of our country’s greatest natural wonders, and the parks are designed to direct visitors to them. While visitors expect to encounter crowds on popular trails and overlooks under normal circumstances, during this global pandemic it could put them in harm’s way.
“Warnings on the National Park Service website and closed park facilities are not enough to deter people. In fact, the visitors are still coming in droves. Parking lots are full and attractions are too crowded as people try to seek respite in this incredibly stressful time. On a popular trail in the Grand Canyon, a ranger had 600 contacts with visitors in just one day, proving that social distancing just isn’t possible, despite people’s best intentions. If an outbreak were to occur in one of these parks, the rural community hospitals and staff would be overrun.
Posted in Park | Tags: Crowded National Parks Create Coronavirus Risk
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 23, 2020
Oregon’s Wolf Population Grows to 22 Packs, 158 Animals
Center for Biological Diversity News Release
Wolves Still Concentrated in Northeast Oregon, More Growth Key to Recovery
Oregon’s wolf population increased by 21 confirmed animals from 137 to 158 wolves in 2019, according to a report released today by the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. The state also added six new packs, for a total of 22. The overall population increase marks an annual growth rate of 15% above last year’s numbers.
Posted in Animals | Tags: Gray Wolf, Oregon Wolf Packs
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 22, 2020
Berkeley Campus Photos: Forest Science Tree Trail
On 4/21/20 we explored the lower or western half of the Forest Science Tree Trail on the UC- Berkeley campus. It is a great place to be outdoors right now as there are very few people on campus. You can get a detailed map of the trees with descriptions, small photos and information about each of the species at http://gif.berkeley.edu/documents/UCB%20Forestry%20Tree%20Trail.pdf
Posted in Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: UC Berkeley Forest Science Tree Trail
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 22, 2020
Mission Peak parking area closure extended
East Bay Regional Parks District officials said Wednesday that they are extending the closure of the Stanford Avenue staging area — a parking and trailhead location — at Mission Peak Regional Preserve in Fremont through May 4. The district closed it on April 21. The nearby Ohlone College staging area remains open.
Posted in Park | Tags: Mission Peak
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 22, 2020
As people stay home, Earth turns wilder and cleaner
Today is Earth Day
The Associated Press reports
An unplanned grand experiment is changing Earth.
As people across the globe stay home to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, the air has cleaned up, albeit temporarily. Smog stopped choking New Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world, and India’s getting views of sights not visible in decades. Nitrogen dioxide pollution in the northeastern United States is down 30%. Rome air pollution levels from mid-March to mid-April were down 49% from a year ago. Stars seem more visible at night.
Read More As people stay home, Earth turns wilder and cleaner
Posted in Environment | Tags: Earth Day
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 22, 2020
Reduced Mowing Helping UK’s Bees and Rare Wildflowers
The Guardian has two articles on how the reducing mowing of verges is helping rare wildflowers and declining bee populations to recover.
Projects to reduce grass cutting and increase the diversity of plants and wildlife along Britain’s roads are having dramatic results
Read more at On the verge: a quiet roadside revolution is boosting wildflowers | Environment | The Guardian
Rare wildflowers and declining bee populations could start to recover during the coronavirus lockdown because many councils are leaving roadside verges uncut, according to Europe’s biggest conservation charity for wild plants.
Read more Coronavirus may prove boost for UK’s bees and rare wildflowers | Environment | The Guardian
Posted in Animals, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Bees, Mowing, Wildflowers and Other Plants
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 21, 2020
Looking for a Scenic, Uncrowded Bay Trail Outing?
from Friends of the Bay Trail in Richmond
The Landfill Loop Trail would be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a Bay Trail experience offering scenic vistas and abundant bird life without crowded conditions. This three-mile loop located between the huge, rich tidal marshes at the mouths of Wildcat and San Pablo Creeks was created and is maintained by Republic Services. You will find along the trail ten engaging interpretive panels describing the natural and human history of the site. There was a surprising abundance of bird life this morning, especially large wading birds of many species sheltering in place when most have migrated north and inland. Especially striking were the many, active Black-necked Stilts, as well as Avocets in breeding plumage.
CLICK HERE to download the informative guide to the Wildcat Marsh & Landfill Loop Trail. (https://www.pointrichmond.com/baytrail/pdfs/WildcatMarsh.LandfillLoop.pdf). Referring to attached map, the Landfill Loop may be accessed by bicycle via the Wildcat Creek & Marsh Trail or by car from Parr Blvd. as described on the trail guide.
Posted in Walks & Hikes | Tags: Landfill Loop Trail
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 21, 2020
Earth Day Nature Journaling Virtual Workshop 4/22/20
Sonoma Land Trust Webinar: Earth Day Nature Journaling with Jack Laws
Description
Join us on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, with our host John Muir Laws for a nature journaling session for adults and families — all ages and experience levels welcome! Jack will present basic techniques and tips to help you get in the right mindset to begin your nature journaling journey. Afterwards, we’ll spend some time journaling together to get a chance to practice what we’ve learned.
What to bring:
• A piece of fruit or vegetable — take a safari in your kitchen or backyard to find the most interesting fruit or vegetable you can;
• A notebook or piece of paper; and
• Your go-to writing tool — any pencil or pen will do just fine!
Posted in Class/Workshop | Tags: Earth Day Nature Journaling
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 21, 2020
Estuaries are warming at twice the rate of oceans and atmosphere
From the University of Sydney
Data taken over 12 years from rivers, lakes, lagoons and creeks along the entire coast of New South Wales show an increase in temperature and acidity, raising concerns for biodiversity and aquaculture.
Read more at Estuaries are warming at twice the rate of oceans and atmosphere – The University of Sydney
Posted in Environment | Tags: Warming Estuaries
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 20, 2020
Berkeley Street Photos 4/20/20
Photos taken along the streets of the North Berkeley Flatlands on April 20, 2020. All photos taken in this post and on previous Berkeley Street photo posts over the last two weeks have all been taken with in a mile and half of home.
Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: Berkeley Street Photos
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 20, 2020
Home gardening blooms around the world during coronavirus lockdowns
Reuters reports
People around the world are turning to gardening as a soothing, family friendly hobby that also eases concerns over food security as lockdowns slow the harvesting and distribution of some crops. Fruit and vegetable seed sales are jumping worldwide.
Read more: Home gardening blooms around the world during coronavirus lockdowns – Reuters
Posted in Garden | Tags: Lockdown Gardening
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 20, 2020
Tips For Connecting with Nature Under Shelter-In-Place Orders
Lost Padres Forest Watch has a list of ideas for nature connection indoors, in your neighborhood, or on the trail at Tips For Connecting with Nature Under Shelter-In-Place Orders
Posted in Birds, Garden, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Nature Under Shelter-In-Place Orders
Natural History Wanderings 