Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 15, 2025

Geoscientists prove for the first time that microplastics are stored in forests

Phys.org reported

Microplastics and nanoplastics are not only polluting our oceans, rivers and fields, but also our forests, according to geoscientists at TU Darmstadt. Their research is published in Communications Earth & Environment.

According to the new study, harmful microplastics are not only stored in agricultural and urban soils, but also in forests. The majority of the tiny plastic particles enter the forests from the air and accumulate in the forest soil

Read on phys.org/news/2025-08-geoscientists-microplastics-forests.html

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 14, 2025

2025  Natural Landscape Photography Awards

The Results of the 2025 Natural Landscape Awards. See the gallery of winning images and photography projects at 2025 Competition Results & Gallery – Natural Landscape Photography Awards

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 14, 2025

Struggling Monarchs Sure Picked Some Inconvenient Habitat 

Bay Nature reported

All 16 Bay Area “critical habitat” groves in a proposed federal threatened listing include eucalyptus. How do we protect a native that now depends on a non-native to survive?

Source:Read story at Bay Nature

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 13, 2025

Legal capture of endangered manta ray sparks bipartisan outrage in Florida 

The Guardian reported

Florida authorities have agreed to review the issuing of special permits allowing companies to capture endangered creatures to sell, after an outcry over the netting of a huge manta ray for an aquarium in Abu Dhabi.

Read more: Legal capture of endangered manta ray sparks bipartisan outrage in Florida | Florida | The Guardian

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 13, 2025

Hedgehog highways could become requirement for new buildings in UK

The Guardian reported

Hedgehog highways and bird-safe glass could become requirements for all new buildings as members of the House of Lords push through amendments to the government’s planning bill.

Read more Hedgehog highways could become requirement for new buildings | Animals | The Guardian

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 12, 2025

Dancing Cockatoos

Cockatoos perform 30 distinct dance moves and may combine them in unique ways. Watch the Cockatoos dance at click here

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 11, 2025

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos 9/8/25

Photographed in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on September 8, 2025.

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a California native plant garden. It is located within Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley, California, It is a 10-acre garden includes many of the state’s rare and endangered plants and a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses from plant communities throughout the state. There are free weekend and holiday tours.  Admission and parking are free. For more information about the garden visit the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden.

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Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's), Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 11, 2025

Job Openings

A list of Jobs from the CNPS Job site. Click on each for more information.

Botanist & Wetland Delineation Specialist, Central/Southern California

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Nursery/Gift Shop Hiring Announcements

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Hiring Announcement: Tucker Lichenologist

State Parks supervisory position: Botany and Invasive Species Management Programs.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 11, 2025

Scientists link more deadly heat waves to fossil fuel companies 

NPR reported

The 2021 heat dome in the Pacific Northwest that overwhelmed emergency rooms and left hundreds dead. The 2022 heat wave in India that devastated the wheat harvest. The deadly heat waves in France in 2003, and China in 2013.

A new study links these recent heat waves — and more than 200 others — to human-caused climate change, and the greenhouse gas pollution of major fossil fuel producers.

Read more Scientists link more deadly heat waves to fossil fuel companies : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 11, 2025

Californians Urged to Observe and Report Monarch Butterfly Sightings

California State Parks Foundation News Release

As California Biodiversity Day approaches, California State Parks Foundation is asking the public to help observe and report sightings of western monarch butterflies. California Biodiversity Day is celebrated from September 6th to 14th. The data from these observations will help scientists understand where these butterflies are at different times of the year and will also help inform the upcoming 29th annual Western Monarch Count.

Millions of western monarchs used to return to coastal California every year, but the population has plummeted in recent decades. Numerous factors have contributed to this decline, including climate change, habitat loss, pesticides, and disease. The 28th annual Western Monarch Count found a peak population of 9,119 monarchs, the second-lowest overwintering population ever recorded since tracking began in 1997. A Species Status Assessmentpredicts a greater than 95% chance of extinction for western monarchs by 2080.

Read more Californians Urged to Observe and Report Monarch Butterfly Sightings | Cal Parks

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 11, 2025

Chimps learn vocal, visual communication patterns from mom, not dad 

NPR reported

In a study published in the journal PLOS Biology, Mine and his colleagues conclude that young chimps learn vocal and visual patterns of communication primarily from their mothers and maternal relatives. They think that this ability, which mirrors the way that young humans learn from their primary caretakers, may date back to at least that ancient moment.

Read more article at  Chimps learn vocal, visual communication patterns from mom, not dad : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 10, 2025

Paid Internships at Yosemite

Yosemite’s Resources Management & Science Division is looking to fill two paid internships through the Scientists in Parks (SIP) program.

These internships offer immersive, paid work experiences in natural resource fields, allowing you to work on real-world projects while gaining professional experience and forming a lifelong connection with Yosemite National Park.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 10, 2025

Condor Tour at Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge Saturday, September 20, 2025

Greetings Fellow Condor Lovers,
We are pleased to be able to offer a tour of Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge on September 20, 2025.  This refuge was established in 1985 to protect nesting territory of the critically endangered California condor and is closed to the public.

Tours are limited to a maximum of 24 people, so applicants will be accepted on a first come basis and preference will be given to those persons who have NOT attended a tour in the past 2 years.   Due to the nature of the tour, no children under 10 please.

To apply for a spot, click the button and complete all of the information in the online form.

Yes, I would like to be considered to attend

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 10, 2025

Leave the Leaves: Winter Habitat Protection | Xerces Society

Xerces Society reported

Where do insects and other invertebrates go in the winter? The vast majority “overwinter,” or spend winter, right where they spent all summer — just less active and more hidden.

Think twice before you rake, mow, and blow this year. Invertebrates rely on fallen leaves and other organic debris to cover and insulate them from the elements. Whatever your landscape, you can ensure that resources for nests and overwintering habitat are available.

Read more  Leave the Leaves: Winter Habitat Protection | Xerces Society

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 10, 2025

Meet the Beautiful Dragonfly That Thrives in Your Pollution 

The New York Times reporters

As humans reshape environments, we drive away many creatures. A select few species stick around or even come to join us: the rats who relish our trash, the pigeons who make cliffs of our skyscrapers, the coyotes as at home in our cul-de-sacs and city parks as they are in deserts

.Add to that list the blue dasher dragonfly, an azure-tailed aeronaut with a canted, ready-for-takeoff stance. In a paper published last month in the journal BMC Ecology and Evolution, researchers detailed the survival strategies of these insects, who happily make their homes in the scuzzier corners of our built environment.

Read more Meet the Beautiful Dragonfly That Thrives in Your Pollution

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 9, 2025

Efforts underway to save Sequoias in McKinley Grove

The Sacramento Bee reported

Sequoias in McKinley Grove face threats from the Garnet Fire. Efforts, including sprinklers and smoke jumpers, are underway to protect these trees.

Read on www.sacbee.com/news/california/fires/article312044791.html

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 9, 2025

New Zealand embarks on one of the most ambitious conservation projects in the world

NPR reported

New Zealand has set a goal of exterminating millions of rats, possums and other invasive species that pose a threat to the country’s biodiversity.

Read on www.npr.org/2025/09/09/nx-s1-5507110/new-zealand-embarks-on-one-of-the-most-ambitious-conservation-projects-in-the-world

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 9, 2025

The great migration of flies is a force in ecosystems and economies

Anthropocene Magazine reported

In a new paper, scientists make a compelling case for preserving migration corridors for hundreds of species of tiny flies.

Read on www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/04/its-not-the-march-of-the-penguins-but-the-great-migration-of-flies-is-major-force-in-ecosystems-and-the-economy/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 9, 2025

Magic mushrooms: how scientists discovered fungi are the secret ingredient for restoring the world’s forests

The Guardian reported

Healthy fungal networks help trees and plants grow, making them key to successful reforestation. The only problem? Almost nothing is known about this subterranean ecology

Read on www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/15/biology-mycorrhizal-fungi-map-restoring-world-forests

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 8, 2025

Smoke blankets Calif. mountain towns as Garnet Fire explodes

SFGate reported

The Garnet Fire made a great significant run on Sunday and into Monday, burning through an additional 12,000 acres up a large drainage full of dead trees.

— Read on www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/garnet-fire-smoke-calif-mountain-towns-yosemite-21037464.php

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Posted in Environment, Park | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 8, 2025

Coyotes are swimming all the way to San Francisco’s Angel Island

SF Gate reported

Bay Area officials captured a video of a coyote swimming in Raccoon Strait adjacent to Angel Island.

Read on www.sfgate.com/local/article/coyote-angel-island-swimming-san-francisco-bay-21035657.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 8, 2025

Cuisine Fad Unleashes Invasive Threat Into The US Wilderness

Science Alert reported

Golden oyster mushrooms, with their sunny yellow caps and nutty flavor, have become wildly popular for being healthy, delicious and easy to grow at home from mushroom kits.

But this food craze has also unleashed an invasive species into the wild, and new research shows it’s pushing out native fungi.

Read more : Cuisine Fad Unleashes Invasive Threat Into The US Wilderness : ScienceAlert

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 8, 2025

Garnet fire, burning near sequoias, turns ‘dynamic,’ scorches 10,000 more acres

DNyuz reported

Garnet fire, burning near sequoias, turns ‘dynamic,’ scorches 10,000 more acres

Read on dnyuz.com/2025/09/08/garnet-fire-burning-near-sequoias-turns-dynamic-scorches-10000-more-acres/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 7, 2025

What climate change means for the Mediterranean Sea

Phy.Org reported

Temperatures in the Mediterranean are currently rising to record levels. Instead of a refreshing dip, holidaymakers in places like Greece, Italy, and Spain, among other places, are now facing water temperatures up to 28° C or even higher. With an average water temperature of 26.9° C, July 2025 was the warmest since records began for the Mediterranean Sea, according to the Copernicus Earth Observation Service.

Read on phys.org/news/2025-09-climate-mediterranean-sea.html

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 7, 2025

Tropical bird populations reduced by a third since 1980, compared to a world without climate change

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research reported

Tropical bird populations reduced by a third since 1980, compared to a world without climate change

Source: Tropical bird populations reduced by a third since 1980, compared to a world without climate change — Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 6, 2025

Fall Photography in Northern California: A Local’s Guide to Light, Color, and Place

From Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

Below is a practical, place-specific guide to help you plan photography outings that immerse you in the unique beauty of Northern California. We’ve also included an interactive Google Map at the end to help you find each place. If you’d like good company (and easy planning) for outings like these, consider joining our Photo Friends community.

See Guide at Northern California Fall Photography: Best Places & Timing – Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 6, 2025

Public strongly backs aim of 30% of land and sea set aside for nature, poll finds

The Guardian reported

Much of the world favours protecting 30% of the world’s land and water for nature by 2030, according to new research that has found overwhelming public support for the goal across eight countries on five continents.

Read on www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/sep/05/30×30-biodiversity-target-protecting-nature-land-seas-survey-public-support-aoe

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 6, 2025

What the Future Ocean Might Look Like Amid Climate Change, Overfishing and More

The New York Times reported

Some marine ecosystems could soon be unrecognizable, according to new research. We mapped the possibilities.

Read article and see maps at www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/09/04/climate/ocean-water-temperatures-sea-levels.html

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 6, 2025

Are Fireflies Going Extinct? Here Are Six Ways To Make Sure They Survive

Xerces Society reported

While many fireflies are in serious trouble, the good news is that we are unlikely to be the last ones to see these glowing beetles, and there are many things we can do to help. 

One important thing to keep in mind is that there are many different species of fireflies across the world, so each of their situations will be a little different. The US is home to over 175 firefly species, some of which are indeed at risk of extinction — or likely to be very soon — due to a variety of threats including habitat loss, light pollution, pesticide use, and climate change. We know some firefly populations have been wiped out forever, but we also know that some others appear to be more resilient. 

Read on xerces.org/blog/are-fireflies-going-extinct-here-are-six-ways-to-make-sure-they-survive

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 5, 2025

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Annual Fall Plant Sale Saturday, October 4

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