Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 2, 2025

Upcoming UC Berkeley Botanical Garden Events

See the events calendar for the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden at Garden Events

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 2, 2025

Once-Extinct Species Makes a Miraculous Return in the Galápagos

Indian Defense Review reported

A once-thought-extinct species, the leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus maresi), has made an astonishing return to Rábida Island in the Galápagos, thanks to an ambitious restoration and rewilding project. This small, enigmatic reptile, measuring only about eight centimeters, had been known solely through 5,000-year-old fossils until recent years. Its rediscovery on the island has generated excitement in conservation circles, especially as this event was not just a natural occurrence but the result of carefully planned and executed human intervention. A recent study published in PLOS ONE provides detailed insights into the gecko’s return, further emphasizing the importance of these conservation efforts.

Read more: Once-Extinct Species Makes a Miraculous Return in the Galápagos

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 1, 2025

Los Nogales Nursery is Now Open 🪴

It’s official: Los Nogales Nursery is OPEN FOR BUSINESS! 🎉  In collaboration with our friends at Audubon Center at Debs Park, we’re bringing you California native plants for birds at a convenient location in Northeast Los Angeles.
🌿🐦 Come visit us TODAY & shop the nursery!
Regular business hours are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-Nursery
Learn moreLearn more 
Location: 4700 Griffin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Finding the nursery: We are at the foot of the hill on Griffin Ave, across from the soccer fields. Look for the Los Nogales Nursery banner, and park on Griffin for easiest access.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 1, 2025

Tick Bites Highest In 5 Years, CDC Says. How to Protect Yourself

Healthline reported

Health officials report an increasing number of tick bites across the United States as the regions where the insects typically breed have expanded.
Experts cite climate change as a major factor in the rise and spread of tick populations and the diseases they carry.
Infected ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other illnesses by biting humans.
You can reduce your risk of tick bites by wearing clothes that cover your arms and legs and checking yourself and your pets for ticks after outdoor activities.

Read on www.healthline.com/health-news/tick-season-2025-how-to-protect-yourself

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 1, 2025

Tourist discovers ‘extinct’ jellyfish while rock-pooling in Outer Hebrides

The Guardian reported

For nearly 50 years, there has been no trace of Depastrum cyathiforme, a stalked jellyfish that resembles a thistle flower.

The distinctive jellyfish was feared globally extinct after being last spotted in Roscoff, northern France, in 1976.

But a holidaymaker who was rock-pooling on South Uist in the Outer Hebrides found four of the creatures, which attach themselves to rocks rather like anemones, and took what turned out to be the first ever photographs of the species, previously only known from historic drawings and paintings.

Read on www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/01/tourist-rediscovers-jellyfish-rock-pooling-outer-hebrides

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 1, 2025

Theodore Payne Foundation  Upcoming Events 

Theodore Payne Foundation inspires and educates Southern Californians about the beauty and ecological benefits of California native plant landscapes.We are located on 22 acres of canyon land in the northeast corner of the San Fernando Valley. Our full-service native plant nursery, seed room, book store, art gallery, demonstration gardens, and hiking trails are open to the public year round. We offer garden tours and classes for adults and families, as well as field trips to TPF and in-classroom programs for children. Friendly on-leash dogs are welcome and there is no admission charge!

See upcoming events at  Theodore Payne Foundation Events – 20 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 1, 2025

The Lost Birds of Point Reyes –

Bay Nature reports

As birding became more popular in the 1970s and 1980s, records of the rare sightings accumulated from Point Reyes and other local “vagrant traps,” coastal sites with high concentrations of vagrant birds.

What accounts for the appearance of birds from the northern U.S. and Canada ending up at Point Reyes?

Read story at  The Lost Birds of Point Reyes –

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 31, 2025

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Upcoming Events

See all Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Upcoming Events at see all upcoming events

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 31, 2025

Explore These Short Hikes in California State Parks 

from California State Parks Foundation

In our guide, you’ll find: Tips for hiking in state parksHikes in Northern California, Central California, and Southern CaliforniaBeach strolls, nature trails, and a few short but strenuous hikes that have a view at the top!

Read more and get guide at  Explore These Short Hikes in California State Parks | Cal Parks

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 31, 2025

Happy World Ranger Day!

from Organ Pipe Cactus National Park
Today, we celebrate the park rangers who protect and preserve natural, historical, and cultural resources across the world.
From building and maintaining trails, enforcing laws, monitoring plants and wildlife, restoring sensitive habitat, educating visitors, and more, it’s clear that rangers wear MANY hats (including the funny looking one.) Every day in the United States and across the globe, rangers put their brains and bodies on the line to preserve important public resources.
The next time you visit a national park, be sure to thank the public servants who work hard to make your visit enjoyable, memorable, and safe!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 31, 2025

New resort near Calif. national park a ‘giant red flag,’ locals warn

SF Gate reported

For years, residents of the desert city of Twentynine Palms have debated what to do about Ofland. The eco-style resort project, a collection of deluxe cabins set across 152 acres with access to amenities such as an outdoor movie theater, pool and hot tubs, has been hailed as an economic and tourism engine for the area east of the city of Joshua Tree by some and vilified as a nuisance — or worse — by others. Whichever side you fall on, Ofland now seems here to stay.

Read more  New resort near Calif. national park a ‘giant red flag,’ locals warn

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 31, 2025

Amur leopards, once nearly extinct, are making a comeback in Far East Asia

Monga Bay reported

The Amur leopard lives in isolation in the freezing forests of southeast Russia and northeast China. It’s one of the most endangered of eight leopard subspecies in the world. Today, its population is on the upswing.

Read on news.mongabay.com/short-article/2025/07/amur-leopards-once-nearly-extinct-are-making-a-comeback-in-far-east-asia/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 30, 2025

Upper Valley conservationists hope to bring back the American chestnut

Valley News  reported

New London conservationists are eagerly awaiting the first nuts from their crop of about 100 American chestnut trees, as their counterparts in Grantham embark on a similar adventure to preserve the so-called “redwoods of the East.”

Read more  Valley News – Upper Valley conservationists hope to bring back the American chestnut

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 30, 2025

How Wimbledon Tennis Balls Are Helping Vulnerable UK Harvest Mice

Country LIving  reported

55,000 tennis balls are used at the tennis tournament each year – here’s what happens to them afterwards.

While many are sold on-site to raise funds for the Wimbledon Foundation, the All England Lawn Tennis Club has another second act for the fuzzy yellow orbs – one that supports British wildlife and the environment.

After the tournament wraps up, used balls are donated to the Wildlife Trusts, a grassroots movement of 46 independent charities working to bring back and support wildlife.

Read more at  How Wimbledon Tennis Balls Are Helping Vulnerable UK Harvest Mice

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 29, 2025

Photos from my Garden – 7/28/25

Here are some of photos of what is happening in my garden now.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 29, 2025

In Alabama, a Social Media Influencer Really Gets Wild 

The  New York Times reports on a social influencer encouraging people to learn about native plants

Kyle Lybarger built a loyal following online by talking about native plants and why biodiversity matters.

Read more at In Alabama, a Social Media Influencer Really Gets Wild

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 28, 2025

Job Opening: Gardener

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden has an opening for a full-time Gardener position. For an application and additional information, please follow this link to the East Bay Regional Park District website:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ebparks/jobs/4962212/gardener

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 28, 2025

One of the Bay Area’s best hiking trails closed indefinitely

SF Gate reported

The popular Steep Ravine Trail in Mount Tamalpais State Park has been indefinitely closed after fallen redwood trees and erosion led to “unsafe” conditions.

Read on www.sfgate.com/local/article/steep-ravine-trail-bay-area-closed-20781233.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 28, 2025

Mojave lichen defies death rays—could life thrive on distant exoplanets? 

ScienceDaily reported

Lichen from the Mojave Desert can survive, and replicate, under levels of extreme solar radiation found on Earth-like planets in other solar systems.

Lichen from the Mojave Desert has stunned scientists by surviving months of lethal UVC radiation, suggesting life could exist on distant planets orbiting volatile stars. The secret? A microscopic “sunscreen” layer that protects their vital cells—even though Earth’s atmosphere already filters out such rays.

Read more Mojave lichen defies death rays—could life thrive on distant exoplanets? | ScienceDaily

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 27, 2025

World’s smallest-known snake found under rocks in Barbados after nearly 20 years

CBS News reported

Some scientists worried that maybe the Barbados threadsnake had become extinct before it was rediscovered in March.

Read on www.cbsnews.com/news/barbados-threadsnake-worlds-smallest-snake-rediscovery/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 27, 2025

Female baboons with strong relationship to fathers found to live longer

The Guardian reported

Study suggests role of male parents may be under-appreciated in some primate species

Read on www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/18/female-baboons-strong-relationship-fathers-live-longer

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 26, 2025

Why Yosemite National Park experts are mad at Netflix’s ‘Untamed’

SFGate reported

Netflix’s new No. 1 show is filled with inaccuracies about Yosemite National Park.

Read on http://www.sfgate.com/california-parks/article/yosemite-experts-mad-about-netflix-untamed-20782434.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 26, 2025

Bay Nature’s 2025 Summer Guide! – Bay Nature

For this summer, we’ve pulled together a few of our favorites—reads, guides, coastal trails and summer volunteering opportunities.
— Read on baynature.org/2025/05/16/bay-natures-2025-summer-guide/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 26, 2025

Soil conditions significantly increase rainfall in megastorm hotspots

University of Leeds reported

Large contrasts in soil moisture levels over a wide area can increase the size and intensity of so-called megastorms which cause flooding and mudslides in hotspots across the globe.

Read on www.leeds.ac.uk/research-32/news/article/5761/soil-conditions-significantly-increase-rainfall-in-megastorm-hotspots

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 25, 2025

California State Parks Upgrades Website to Streamline Campground Bookings

Modern Campground reported

California State Parks has launched a series of digital upgrades to its reservation system, allowing visitors to check real-time campsite availability and make bookings directly through the Parks.ca.gov website, a move aimed at improving access to popular campgrounds and streamlining the user experience.

Read on moderncampground.com/usa/california-state-parks-upgrades-website-to-streamline-campground-bookings/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 25, 2025

World Photography Day August 19

A Celebration of Photography, August 19th, 2025
Part of World Photography Week – August 12th – 26th
Share your best photos on social media using hashtag #WorldPhotographyDay. Then look for posts using that tag – “Like”, comment and share other’s photos that resonate with you the most!

World Photography Week continues through August 26th, be sure to use hashtag #WorldPhotographyWeek!

View Today’s Photos

Online & In-Person Events, Giveaways and Competitions

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 25, 2025

These beetles can see a color most insects can’t

ScienceDaily

Beetles that can see the color red? That s exactly what scientists discovered in two Mediterranean species that defy the norm of insect vision. While most insects are blind to red, these beetles use specialized photoreceptors to detect it and even show a strong preference for red flowers like poppies and anemones. This breakthrough challenges long-standing assumptions about how flower colors evolved and opens a new path for studying how pollinators influence plant traits over time.

Read more These beetles can see a color most insects can’t | ScienceDaily

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250617014210.htm

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2025

More Photos of What’s Happening in the Regional Parks Botanic Garden – July 22, 2025

Photos taken in the Regional Park Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on July 22, 2025. This sideshow emphasizes summer fruits, berries and seeds. There are also several flowers, a Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar and some mushrooms.

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a botanic garden of California native plants. The Garden is open Monday through Sunday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.  It is located within Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley, California.  It is a 10-acre garden for 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. To learn more about the garden visit the website at www.nativeplants.org .

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

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2025

Nations must act on climate change or could be held responsible, top U.N. court rules

NPR reported

The top United Nations court has ruled that nations are obligated under

The top United Nations court has ruled that nations are obligated under international law to limit climate change, and countries that don’t act could be held legally responsible for climate damages elsewhere.

The decision is a win for many small countries vulnerable to climate impacts that pushed for the issue to be heard by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

It’s the court’s first major ruling on climate change, but the decision is only advisory, meaning that countries are not legally bound by it. Still, legal experts say it could be a boost for other climate change lawsuits pending in national courts around the world.

Read more at  Nations must act on climate change or could be held responsible, top U.N. court rules : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2025

How does this bird know how to sew?

Vox reported in a story on “How do animal instincts work?”

In the forests of Asia lives a small bird with a very apt name — the common tailorbird. These animals, which are covered in a coat of green, gray, and chestnut feathers, are known for their ability to sew leaves together to create a nest.

The birds poke holes in leaves and then, using their beak as a needle, stitch them together with bits of spider web, plant fibers, or other string-like materials. It’s pretty incredible to watch.

Read more: How do animal instincts work? | Vox

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