Wednesday, August 20–Monday, August 25
Don’t miss our pop-up plant sale featuring resilient plants from around the world, plus we’ll feature plants propagated from the Garden collection that thrive in our region’s natural rainfall.
Member Evening Early-Access Sale: Wednesday, August 20, 5:00–6:00 pm
General Public: Thursday, August 21–Monday, August 25 10:30 am–4:30 pm
| More Information & Plant List |
UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley | 200 Centennial Dr | Berkeley, CA 94720
Posted in Garden | Tags: Drought Tolerant Gardening, Plant Sale
from the National Park Service
Posted in Park, Photography | Tags: National Parks, World Photography Day
See upcoming events for Friends of California Condors Wild and Free at www.friendsofcondors.org/events
Smithsonian Magazine reported
Scientists have rediscovered a coral species they presumed had gone extinct, spotting it in the waters surrounding the Galápagos Islands for the first time in 24 years.Writing in the journal Marine Biology, biologists describe finding more than 250 healthy colonies of Rhizopsammia wellingtoni, a species of black stony coral that was last officially documented by researchers in 2000.
Posted in Animals | Tags: black stony coral, Rhizopsammia wellingtoni
from Golden Gate Bird Alliance
In this talk, Eddy Rubin delves into the human and natural forces—biological and physical—that have shaped San Francisco’s western shoreline. Through a blend of scientific analysis and personal narrative, he explores the interactions of members of this vibrant coastal ecosystem, with particular emphasis on the birds of Ocean Beach.
Date: Thursday, August 21 (7pm)
Location: In-person at the David Brower Center (2150 Allston Way Berkeley, CA) and online via Zoom
Register to attend speaker series in-person here.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87367265546?pwd=aDANKzzKy1IZ0RcYO5PD8bmMuH8hGR.1
Passcode:261212
About Our Speaker
Posted in Talks | Tags: Ocean Bach
Fishing pink salmon at sea is a win-win for coastal fisheries and wild salmon. Norway’s pristine northern rivers are under siege. The invader? A species of wild Pacific pink salmon, known locally as pukkellaks, introduced decades ago through Russian stocking programs. In recent months, its spread along the country’s northern coastline — particularly in Finnmark and Troms near the Russian border — has grown dramatically, drawing headlines and concern from regulators and scientists alike.Read more at Opinion: Norway’s invasive wild Pacific salmon problem may be a commercial opportunity | Intrafish
Posted in Animals | Tags: Invasive species, Pacific Salmon
The Guardian reported
After more than 150 years, golden eagles could be set to return to England, as a study is expected to confirm there are enough suitable sites to support the reintroduction of the UK’s most iconic bird of prey.
Read on www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/17/golden-eagles-poised-reintroduction-england
Posted in Birds | Tags: Golden Eagles
We are proud to partner with the Borrego Art Institute and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to present the Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest.
— Read on theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/
Posted in Photography
Mono Lake Commitee reported
For centuries California Gulls have migrated east across the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada to nest at Mono Lake. Their graceful, raucous, and quirky presence is a distinct and iconic part of the Mono Basin along with granite peaks, brine shrimp, tufa towers, and volcanic islands. For generations gulls have played an important role in the biodiversity of the Mono Basin and Eastern Sierra, and their health is a measure of the health and abundance of the Mono Lake ecosystem.
Now, three decades after the California State Water Resources Control Board ordered that Mono Lake must be allowed to rise to 6,392 feet above sea level—which it has not yet reached—California Gulls are not only struggling to recover, they’re also struggling to survive. A new report documents record nest failure last year, signaling serious trouble for the gull colony as chronically low lake levels and continuing stream diversions by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (DWP) are damaging the lake’s ecological health.
Read more: Mono Lake may be losing its California Gulls
Posted in Birds, Environment | Tags: California Gulls, Mono Lake
Good News Network reported
Usually when scientists announce the discovery of a new species, it’s some small brown frog, a gnarly spider in a rainforest you’ll never visit, or a new sea-something.
But Earth still has some curveballs to throw at us—like a new species of manta ray, just the third known in the world.
These large fish belong to the suborder Elasmobranchii, which contains sharks, rays, and skates. Graceful and curious, the genus was thought to just contain two species: the giant oceanic manta (Mobula birostris) and the reef manta (Mobula alfredi).
Read more Scientists Identify a New Manta Ray Species, Just the Third Known in the World
Posted in Animals | Tags: New Manta Ray Species
Bird Life International reported
Every spring and autumn, millions of birds cross the Strait of Messina, a narrow channel between Sicily and mainland Italy that forms one of Europe’s most important migration bottlenecks.
This passage is a key part of the African-Eurasian flyway where species like European Honey Buzzards, Western Marsh Harriers, Black Kites, and European Bee-eaters [1] funnel through after journeys of up to 2,700 km across the desert and 140 km over open sea. Besides being internationally important for bird migration, the area is home to habitats and species protected under the EU’s Natura 2000 network
The Italian government has now given final approval for the construction of the Messina Strait bridge. It’s set to be the longest single-span bridge in the world at 3.7 km, with two towers nearly as tall as the Empire State Building. The bridge will place massive structures directly in the path of one of the busiest migratory routes, increasing the risk of collisions with towers and cables, and placing a deadly obstacle for countless birds. Its lighting will disorient birds, exhausting them and leading to more deaths [3 Over time, migration patterns might be disrupted.
Read more Millions of birds at risk from Italy’s planned Messina Strait Bridge – BirdLife International
Posted in Birds | Tags: Hazards to Bird Migration, Strait of Messina
| 20 years of impact; celebrating 20 years of the Anza-Borrego Photo Contest!
For the past two decades, photographers have ventured into the quiet corners of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, waiting patiently for the perfect light, the rare bloom, or a fleeting flash of wildlife. What they’ve captured is more than beautiful imagery; it’s a living archive of the Park’s spirit, stories, and changes. . Submissions open November 1! Categories include:
Your lens can help connect others to this unique and breathtaking place. Help us celebrate 20 years of seeing what the eye alone might miss. |
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Posted in Photography | Tags: Anza-Borrego Photo Contest
Discover Wildlife reported
The discovery of the newly identified animal in the arid Karoo region suggests the area was once covered by ancient forests, say researchers.
A new species of velvet worm has been found in the Karoo region of South Africa – a first for this vast, dry landscape in the south-west of the country.
Read more ‘Living fossil’ found hiding on riverbank in South Africa’s Swartberg Mountains | Discover Wildlife
Posted in Animals | Tags: Swartberg Mountains, Velvet Worm
Drought Tolerant Plants Pop-Up Sale
Wednesday, August 20–Monday, August 25
Members Evening Preview and Sale:
Wednesday, August 20, 5:00–6:00 pm
General Public:
Thursday, August 21–Monday, August 25
10:30 am–4:30 pm
Location:
UC Botanical Garden Entrance Oval
Posted in Uncategorized
NewsNationNow reported
Some rabbits in Colorado have been seen in the U.S. with “hornlike” growths described as black, tentacle-like protrusions coming from their heads.
Read on www.newsnationnow.com/animals/colorado-wild-rabbits-hornlike-growths/
Posted in Animals | Tags: Rabbits With Hornlike Growths
The New York reported
Being in nature is great for your brain. Experts are trying to figure out why.
Read on www.nytimes.com/2025/08/14/well/mind/nature-brain-attention.html
Posted in Walks & Hikes | Tags: Benefits of Being in Nature
Anza-Borrego Foundation hosts a variety of events and educational programs, including hikes, botany walks, photography workshops, and more. See the schedule at Events | Anza-Borrego Foundation
Posted in Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Anza-Borrego Foundation Events
The New York Times reported
A nonprofit planted five “microforests” to tackle environmental problems in Elizabeth, N.J. Scientists say they’re making a big difference.
This 45 foot by 40 foot plot, tucked inside a small urban farm behind a library in the city of Elizabeth, N.J., was the state’s first “microforest.” It’s exactly what it sounds like: a miniature forest, packed with more than 260 native plants (and one anomaly, a Kentucky coffee tree).
Read more at In New Jersey, Benefits Bloom in Tiny Forests
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: New Jersey Microforests
Outside reported
The extinct creature was eight-inches long, had razor-sharp teeth, and resembled a character from the ‘Alien’ movies
Readmore Ancient Penis Worms Used to Inhabit the Grand Canyon
Posted in Animals | Tags: Kraytdraco spectatus, Penis Worms
SF Gate reported
Dozens of rare amphibians boarded a helicopter from the Bay Area last week, unaware of the journey that was ahead: a 250-mile flight to their new home in a national park.
Yellow-legged frogs were once one of the most abundant animals in the alpine habitats of the Sierra Nevada. But for the past decade, the Oakland Zoo has been raising individuals from the now-endangered species and releasing them to the wild as a way to boost their numbers in the aftermath of a deadly disease that has decimated 90% of their population. Known as chytridiomycosis, or the chytrid fungus, the disease leads to “devastating effects” and has contributed to the greatest loss of biodiversity ever caused by a pathogen, the zoo said in a news release.
Read on www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/rare-species-california-national-park-frog-20811053.php
Posted in Animals | Tags: yellow-legged frogs, Yosemite National Park
From Theodore Payne
Saturday in the Garden: Gottlieb Native Garden
Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (PT) Private garden, Beverly Hills • Beverly Hills CA
Get my tickets
Posted in Garden
The CNPS Education and Community Science Project Manager leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of education and community science initiatives that support CNPS campaigns. This role connects people of all backgrounds meaningfully with California native plants through inclusive, engaging programming. A key responsibility of this position is to serve as the strategic lead for our flagship Biodiversity in Urban Gardens (BUG) project.
➡️ Accepting applications until September 14.
➡️ This hybrid position is based in Sacramento and open to candidates within 100 miles of Sacramento.
➡️ Learn more and apply or share with your networks to get the word out!
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: CNPS Job Opening
Whale Scientists reported
A new study spanning the eastern North Atlantic demonstrated how aerial imagery is revolutionizing whale research. Flying at heights of around 25 meters, consumer-grade drones captured detailed images of sperm whales’ entire dorsal surface, revealing identifying features that were previously difficult or impossible to document from boats (with handheld cameras).
Read on whalescientists.com/drones-transform-sperm-whale-research/
Posted in Animals | Tags: Sperm Whales
Photographed in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on August 10, 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.
See the schedule of upcoming Bay Nature Events mailchi.mp/baynature/march-11
Posted in Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Bay Nature Events
MSN reported
Among the usual crowd” of birds off the California coast, one caught the eye of conservationists.
The bird, spotted on Farallon Islands in July, had a “bright orange bill and distinctive forehead crest” and brought a “serious punk rock energy to the usual seabird scene,” Point Blue Conservation Science said in an Aug. 8 Facebook post.
Conservationists said the “rare Crested Auklet (was) roosting on the water off Shubrick Point.”
Posted in Bird Festivals, Birds | Tags: Crested Auklet
from Channel Islands Maritime Museum
Upcoming Exhibit: Josh Ball – Photography & Cyanotype Prints
August 14 – November 10, 2026
Posted in Photography | Tags: Channel Islands Maritime Museum
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: Channel Islands, Job Opening
Natural History Wanderings 