Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 9, 2018

San Juan National Forest Fall Color 10/8/18

San Juan National Forest  reports on October 8, 2018

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:

Durango to Purgatory – 95-past%
Missionary Ridge – 95-past%
Molas Pass/Coal Bank – 95-past%
Silverton/Red Mtn Pass – 95-past%
Pagosa – 95%
Dolores to Lizard Head Pass – 95-past%
Mancos/La Platas – 95-past%
Ouray to Telluride – 95-past%

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas:
Hurry before the weather finishes them off.

Estimated Peak Viewing Period:
Mostly the weather finished off the leaf colors, but there are still a few good pockets to find.

Viewing Suggestions / Tips:
Search for the groves that remain.

Trees That Are Currently Turning Color:
Oak Brush holding on.  Aspens good and almost done..

For More Information on Fall Colors Please Contact:
San Juan Public Lands Center, Durango (970) 247-4874

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 9, 2018

New England Fall Foliage 10/9/18

Yankee Fall foliage’s map shows now shows peak color in much of Maine,  northern Vermont and northern New Hampshire. Check out the continuing updated map and reports at New England Fall Foliage.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 9, 2018

What’s Behind the Worldwide Decline of Shorebirds?

Cornell’s “All About Birds” has an article describing the serious threat that the loss of habitat poses to shorebirds. Read article at  Losing Ground: What’s Behind the Worldwide Decline of Shorebirds?

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 8, 2018

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day

My Christmas Cactus decided to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and not wait until Christmas to bloom.

Christmas Cactus/Schlumbergera truncata ‘Harmony”

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 8, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/8/18

California Fall Color has several new posts. Highlights include:

Carson Pass and Hope Valley 

  • Kirkwood (7,690′) – Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!
  • Caples Lake (7,800′) – Past Peak – YOU MISSED IT!
  • Woods Lake (8,200′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Red Lake Vista (8,400′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Red Lake (7,861′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Red Lake Creek Cabin – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Hope Valley (7,300′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Sorensen’s Resort (7,000′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

Rocky Mountain National Park (7,800′) – Peak to Past Peak – GO NOW as YOU ALMOST MISSED IT! (note this is in Colorado)

North Lake (9,225′) – Peak to Past Peak – GO NOW as YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!

Mulholland Highway, Santa Monica Mountains NRA, Malibu – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

See many photos and full detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 8, 2018

Moose and Bighorn Sheep Learn To Migrate

NPR reports

Insects and birds might have an innate drive to migrate at certain times and in certain directions, but a new study suggests that large mammals such as moose and bighorn sheep have to learn to do it.

Read full story at Migration 101: It Doesn’t Come Naturally For Moose And Sheep : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/7/18

California Fall Color has several new posts. Highlights include:

  • Aspen Grove Trail, Sand to Snow National Monument, Big Bear (7,150′) – Patchy to Near Peak (10-75%) GO NOW!It will Peak within the coming two weeks.
  • Lundy Canyon (7,858′) – Patchy (10-50%) Lundy canyon the trail is Patchy. This will likely be Near Peak next week.
  • Sagehen Summit (8,139′) – Peak to Past Peak – GO NOW or YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
    At Sagehen Meadows, pockets of peak color remain among wind-swept aspen. Though, the area has lost a lot of color and is declining.
  • Humboldt Road (Plumas 307) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Hope Valley (7,300′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

See many photos and full detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2018

Birding Elsie Roemer 10/6/18

For the October Big Day we went birding at the Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary in Alameda, CA. Most abundant were the shorebirds. Black-bellied Plovers, Marbled Godwits, Willets, and Western Sandpipers were all in the 100’s. It was also a good day to see Egrets, Terns, and Pelicans. We saw 24 different species.

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2018

Just a Few Pieces of Plastic Can Kill Sea Turtles

The New York Times reports

A new study shows that especially for young turtles, ingesting just a little more than a dozen pieces of plastic in the ocean can be lethal.

Read Story at Just a Few Pieces of Plastic Can Kill Sea Turtles – The New York Times

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/5/18

California Fall Color has several new posts. Highlights include:

  • Crimson Knotweed, Lassen Volcanic National Park (8,500′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • California Wild Grape (1,198′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Sonora Pass (9,623′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! 
    Sonora Pass (CA-108) has never been better, Jeff Simpson of Mono County Tourism tells us.
    He drove the route yesterday to find glorious orange and yellow quaking aspen and golden cottonwood along the way.
    Leavitt Meadow is awash with warm-toned grasses and ringed with full peak aspen.

See numerous photos and full detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2018

New England Fall Foliage 10/6/18

Yankee Fall foliage’s map shows now shows peak color in many areas and peak in portions of  Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. Check out the continuing updated map and reports at New England Fall Foliage.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2018

Eastern National Forest Fall Colors 10/5/18

Eastern Regional National Forests have the following fall color reports

Illinois

Shawnee National Forest

The Shawnee National Forest true color season is still a couple weeks away, with peak color usually happening around October 22nd.  The weather this week will be good for a hiking trip to any of the scenic locations throughout the Shawnee National Forest.  Make a note and try to visit the Snake Road this Saturday and join Scott Ballard, IDNR Natural Heritage Biologist for a guided hike along Snake Road. During the guided hike learn about the variety of reptiles and amphibians that are found in this ecologically rich area. Be sure to wear long pants, hiking boots and bring other essentials like water and snacks.  And don’t forget a camera!  Along Snake Road looking up through the trees at the bluff.

Indiana

Hoosier National Forest

No noticeable change from last week. Still small amount of color change, some yellows and reds, but mostly still green. Cool days and very cool mornings made the Hoosier National Forest very nice to visit and hike. Warmer temperatures expected this week. Mid-80s. check out hemlock cliffs for some fantastic views of fall color!

Massachusetts

Urban Connections – Boston

Fall color emergence in Boston continues to progress slowly.  Some trees in Olmsted Park in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston have progressed nicely and are showing vibrant color across half of their crowns.  Walking along the paths within the park you will see beautiful reddish-orange hues.  The weather continues to fluctuate between the mid-60s and 70s, so more color is anticipated soon.  Dryer weather this week combined with partly sunny days will give a warm, beautiful welcome to the early days of fall.

Michigan

Hiawatha National Forest

Color change throughout the Hiawatha National Forests is currently at about 10-15%.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2018

47th Sonoma County CNPS Annual Plant Sale 10/13/18

Milo Baker CNPS 47th Annual Plant Sale 10/13/18

October 13 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Bldg.

1351 Maple Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 5, 2018

Frog Takes Center Stage At Supreme Court

The Economist reports

In the justices’ hands was a three-inch amphibian known as the dusky gopher frog. One of the most endangered species in the world, the dusky gopher numbered 135 in 2015—all of them living near a pond in Mississippi. Weyerhaeuser Co. v United States Fish and Wildlife Service asks whether the federal government erred in 2012 when it designated 1,544 acres in Louisiana as additional “critical habitat” essential to the species’ survival.

The area in question belongs to Weyerhaeuser and a few other lumber companies,

Read full story at An endangered frog takes centre stage at the Supreme Court – On the brink of extinction

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/4/18

California Fall Color has several new posts. Highlights include:

  • Frenchman Lake (5,588′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Bishop Creek –  color has almost peaked at the highest elevations, but there’s still great color to be seen up Bishop Creek Canyon for another two weeks. Presently, the color is peaking under 9,000′.South Fork, Bishop Creek
    • South Lake (9,768′) – Peak to Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW or YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
    • Wier Pond (9,650′) – Peak to Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW or YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
    • Parcher’s Resort (9,260′) – Peak to Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW or YOU ALMOST MISSED IT!
    • Willow Campground (9,000′)  – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
    • Surveyor’s Meadow (8,975′)  – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
    • Table Mountain Camp (8,900′) – Patchy (10-50%)
    • Mist Falls and the Groves Above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350′) – Patchy (10-50%)
    • Mountain Glen Campground (8,200′) – Patchy (10-50%)
    • Four Jeffreys (8,000′) – Patchy (10-50%)
    • Big Trees Campground (7,800′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

    Middle Fork, Bishop Creek

    • Lake Sabrina (9,150′)- Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
    • Sabrina Approach (9,100′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
    • Sabrina Campground (9,000′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
    • Groves Above Cardinal Village (8,550′)- Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
    • Aspendell (8,400′) — Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
    • Intake II (8,000′)  – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
    • Bishop Park Group Campground (8,400′) – Patchy (10-50%)

    North Fork, Bishop Creek

    • North Lake (9,225′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
    • North Lake Rd (9,000′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

Other Eastern Sierra Hotspots

  • Rock Creek  (8,500’+) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Josh wrote, “Wow. Just wow!” The colors are still pretty green below 8,500′ but above that, it’s stunning and made even more dramatic when contrasted against the snow-covered Eastern Sierra.
  • Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,000’+) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – -–  Colors in the Mammoth Lakes Basin are still bright and vibrant. Definitely worth stopping by Lake George, then making your way back through Twin Lakes.
  • McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) – Patchy (10-50) –Not a whole lot happening here at the moment. Colors should change in the next couple of days as nighttime temps drop to the 20’s at night.
  • Convict Lake (7850′)- Patchy (10-50) – Similar to McGee Creek, this location is off to a slow start. Should pick up in the next few days. Colors are quite beautiful up high in the canyon.

See numerous photos and full detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2018

San Juan National Forest Fall Color 10/4/18

San Juan National Forest  reports on October 4, 2018

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:

Durango to Purgatory – 95%
Missionary Ridge – 95%
Molas Pass/Coal Bank – 95-past%
Silverton/Red Mtn Pass – 95-past%
Pagosa – 75%
Dolores to Lizard Head Pass – 95%
Mancos/La Platas – 85%
Ouray to Telluride – 95%

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas:
Hurry before the weather finishes them off.

Estimated Peak Viewing Period:
Leafs that make it through this weeks rains will probably peak this weekend.

Viewing Suggestions / Tips:
Aim for the high percentage areas for the best photography.

Trees That Are Currently Turning Color:
Oak Brush changing early and good.  Aspens good and changing fast..

For More Information on Fall Colors Please Contact:
San Juan Public Lands Center, Durango (970) 247-4874

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2018

When, Why & How Vibrant Will Maple Leaves Be?

The Cool Green Science Blog reports on the science of fall foliage

The best information, at least that I’ve found, is based on studies by the USDA Forest Service, the University of Vermont and the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Read on for the facts about fall foliage at Fall Foliage: When, Why & How Vibrant Will Maple Leaves Be? – Cool Green Science

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2018

Mono County Fall Color 10/3/18

Fall Colors in Mono County – Mono County Tourism   reports below. See photos at: Fall Colors in Mono County – Mono County Tourism and Film Commission

October 3, 2018: IT SNOWED TODAY! (Above the 10,000+ foot level) The storm front so far has not affected the Mono County fall color season – if anything, it has improved it! The clouds have provided great contrast and lighting for spectacular photos, and in some places there’s the added bonus of fresh snow-capped mountains. We are currently right on pace for this time of year and colors should be perfect for the next three weeks!

75-100% Peaking GO NOW! Last call for locations above 9,000 feet including Virginia Lakes, Upper Rock Creek, Lobdell Lake Road, Sagehen Summit, Sonora Pass and Tioga Pass. All of these areas are at full peak and looking spectacular right now but will be rapidly approaching past peak as the week goes on. You’ll still find fantastic color in all of these areas at lower elevations along the road and closer to the US 395 level.

For hikers, take McGee Canyon Trail, Parker Lake Trail, Lundy Canyon Trail or Molybdenite Trail for quaking aspens in higher elevations that will be PERFECT for this weekend. If you’re driving, start at Conway Summit and work your way up Virginia Lakes to Dunderberg Meadows Road over to Green Creek and down through Summers Meadows road exiting back at US 395 on Green Creek Road. This loop has incredible color right now and you’ll be able to see five of our favorite fall color destinations at once. (AWD is recommended)

50-75% Near Peak Go Now! Conway Summit barley made the list as it’s still quite patchy, but there are sections with vibrant yellows and lime greens visible from the vista points off US 395. Monitor Pass has yellow trees at the top but still pretty green a couple hundred feet down.

On Deck: Other locations that are still too green but will be approaching the 50-75% level into next week include: Twin Lakes Bridgeport, June Lake Loop, Lundy Lake, Summers Meadow, Lee Vining Canyon, Convict Lake, and McGee Creek.

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ

Monitor Pass (8,314′) – 50-75% Go Now!  Yellow on the very top and green/yellow sections below.
Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – 75-100% GO NOW!  Fantastic color here right now, but go now before it’s too late. (AWD is recommended)
Walker Canyon (5,200′) – 0-10%
Towns of Walker & Coleville – 0-10%
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – 50-100% Go Now!  Great color near the top of the pass. Green/yellow around the Leavitt Meadows elevation.

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES

Twin Lakes (7,000′)  – 10-50% Look for this to come online next week!
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) 75-100% GO NOW!  A few sections of past peak near the lake but still holding well along the road.
Conway Summit (8,143) – 50-75% Go Now!  Patchy still but nice sections of yellow developing rapidly.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – 10-50% – Still mostly green along the road with some reds visible at the highest elevations.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/3/18 part 2

California Fall Color has several new posts. Highlights include:

  • Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway -patchy chartreuse, red, yellow and rust shrubs sprouting from volcanic soil along CA-89, approximately six miles south of where CA-299E intersects the byway.
    Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway – Patchy (10-50%)
    Trinity County – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Martis Creek – Aspen surrounding the decaying cabin beside Middle Martis Creek (CA-267) are at peak and will remain good, weather permitting, through this coming weekend.

See numerous photos and full detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2018

New York Fall Color 10/3/18

New York Fall Foliage reports Week of October 3– 9, 2018

Beautiful Peak Colors Beginning to Appear in New York State

Some Areas of the Adirondacks to see Peak and Near-Peak Leaves this Weekend

This is the fourth 2018 Fall Foliage Report for New York State. Reports are obtained from field observers and reflect expected color conditions for the coming weekend. Fall Foliage Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon.

Vibrant peak and near-peak foliage is expected this weekend in some areas of the Adirondacks region, while near-peak colors will emerge in the Thousand Islands-Seaway region and parts of the Catskills, according to observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY program.

In the Adirondacks region, Franklin County spotters in Tupper Lake are predicting peak foliage this weekend with 85 percent color change and buttercup, burnt sienna, ginger, carrot, copper, bittersweet, scarlet, rhubarb, and burgundy leaves of above-average brilliance. Saranac Lake spotters are calling for near-peak foliage this weekend with 60-70 percent color change and a bright, gorgeous mix of red, orange, and yellow hues. In Malone, midpoint to near-peak foliage is predicted for the weekend. Look for 50 percent color change and the continued emergence of deep shades of red and vibrant shades of gold.

In Essex County, spotters reporting from the Whiteface area around Wilmington note that colors have progressed quickly over the past week, with 65 percent transition and bright, near-peak foliage expected this weekend. Look for vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold. In Lake Placid, look for 50-60 percent color change this weekend with bright shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold and foliage at the midpoint to near-peak of change. In Crown Point, foliage should be at the midpoint of change by the weekend, with 30-50 percent color transition. Look for shades of golden yellow, russet, and some bright bursts of flame-red and orange. There is more fall color in elevated areas away from the valley. In Willsboro, spotters expect foliage to be at the midpoint of change by the weekend with 30 percent color transition and rich dark reds mixed with rust browns highlighted by bright shades of gold and yellow. In Ticonderoga, foliage will be heading toward the midpoint of change this weekend with 20-25 percent transition and increasingly vibrant yellow, orange, and red leaves. Spotters in Schroon Lake predict 20 percent color change by the weekend with some very colorful groups of trees with bright red and gold leaves.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2018

New England Fall Foliage 10/3/18

Yankee Fall foliage’s map shows moderate color in many areas and peak in portions of  Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. Check out continuing updated map and reports at New England Fall Foliage.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2018

Garden Nursery Photos

Photos taken yesterday at Annie’s Annuals Nursery

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/3/18

California Fall Color has several new posts. Highlights include:

  • Eastern Sierra Nevada
    Hope Valley (7,300′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – It’ll be great for maybe another week.
    Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
    Dunderberg Meadows (8,609′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – This is a wow destination right now.
    June Lake Loop (7,654′) – Just Starting to Patchy (0 – 50%) – Plan now to visit in mid October.
    South Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (9,768′) – Peak to Past Peak (75-100%) GO NOW or YOU MISSED IT! – There will still be great color down the canyon, but it’s almost past peak at the highest elevations.
    Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek Canyon (9,150′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Are your bags packed?
    North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon (9,000′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! – Is your motor running?
  • Antelope Lake in Plumas County
    Aspen, riparian shrubs and grasses are at peak with red, orange and gold tones warming the scene. Jeff says the aspen dominate the scene with large clusters of brightly colored trees. Antelope Lake (5,000′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!

See numerous photos and full detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2018

October Big Day—6 October 2018

From CornellLab eBird News

Every year for the last four years Global Big Day has set new heights for a single day of birding. This massively international collaborative birding event has been so great we want to have another worldwide eBird Big Day in October. Why October? Because spring is rejuvenating the southern hemisphere and the northern reaches of the world are in the midst of migration. No matter where you are, we’re confident you can find some great birds on 6 October. Let’s see what we can find together on the first October Big Day!

How to participate

  • Get an eBird account: eBird is a worldwide bird checklist program used by hundreds of thousands of birders. It’s what allows us to compile everyone’s sightings into a single massive October Big Day list—while at the same time collecting the data for scientists to use to better understand birds. Sign up here. It’s free.
  • Watch birds on 6 October: It’s that simple. You don’t need to be a bird expert or go out all day long. Even 10 minutes in your backyard counts. October Big Day runs from midnight to midnight in your local time zone. You can report birds from anywhere in the world.
  • Enter what you see and hear in eBird: You can enter your sightings via our website or—even easier—download the free eBird Mobile app. You can enter and submit lists while you’re out birding, and the app will even keep track of how far you’ve walked, so you can just focus on watching birds. While you’re downloading free apps, try out the Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID app for help with identification. Please enter sightings before 9 October for our initial results announcement.
  • Watch the sightings roll in: During the day, keep an eye on how the lists are growing in different parts of the world. Follow along with sightings from more than 100 countries. Stats will be updated in real-time on our October Big Day page.

Learn more at October 6 Big Day

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 2, 2018

October Photos In My Garden

This is a set of photos taken on October 1, 2018 in my garden.

View album at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sandysteinman/albums/72157671903945477 

View as slideshow at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sandysteinman/albums/72157671903945477/show

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 2, 2018

San Juan National Forest Fall Color 10/1/18

San Juan National Forest  reports on October 1, 2018

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:

Durango to Purgatory – 90%
Missionary Ridge – 85%
Molas Pass/Coal Bank – 95-past%
Silverton/Red Mtn Pass – 95-past%
Pagosa – 65%
Dolores to Lizard Head Pass – 95%
Mancos/La Platas – 75%
Ouray to Telluride – 85%

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas:
The west side ids getting better with Lizard Head Pass area peaking soon.
Hwy 145 Rico to Telluride.

Estimated Peak Viewing Period:
Leafs that make it through this weeks rains will probably peak this weekend.

Viewing Suggestions / Tips:
Aim for the high percentage areas for the best photography.

Trees That Are Currently Turning Color:
Oak Brush changing early and good.  Aspens good and changing fast..

For More Information on Fall Colors Please Contact:
San Juan Public Lands Center, Durango (970) 247-4874

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 2, 2018

E.P.A. to Eliminate Office of the Science Advisor

The New York Times reports

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to dissolve its Office of the Science Advisor, a senior post that was created to counsel the E.P.A. administrator on the scientific research underpinning health and environmental regulations, according to a person familiar with the agency’s plans. The person spoke anonymously because the decision had not yet been made public.

Read full story at  E.P.A. to Eliminate Office That Advises Agency Chief on Science – The New York Times

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 1, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 10/1/18

California Fall Color has several new posts. Highlights include:

  • San Gogonio Wilderness- strong winds from the edges of Tropical Storm Rosa may strip turned color which photos indicated might peak by the coming weekend. However, there’s lots of green in the forest, so the peak will last another week or two. If you’d like to visit it, the Aspen Grove is accessible only by hiking there (about 1.5 mi.) along Aspen Forest Road 1N05. Considering this week’s winds, you might want to consider to … GO NOW!  Aspen Grove, San Gorgonio Wilderness, Sand to Snow National Monument – Patchy to Near Peak (10-75%) GO NOW!
  • Hope Valley – “It’s a mixed bag, right now … (and) It’s windy, GO NOW!” Hope Valley – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Coldstream Valley – hike is mellow after a short climb up the glacial moraine of the glacier that once filled the valley. In spring, the valley is decorated with wildflowers and in autumn, scattered fall color. The entire loop is 6 mi. Coldstream Valley, Truckee (5,817′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Lassen National Park -Everywhere you look on a drive through Lassen Volcanic National Park (northeast California), there’s molten color to be seen. fall color now appearing in all the national park’s meadows are impressive though, “Kings Creek Meadow from its upper vantage point is spectacular!”
    At Manzanita Lake (northwest entrance), foliage varies in degree change, but overall it’s at Peak. An easy trail winds around the lake with thinleaf alder (Alnus tenuifolia), Pacific (Salix lasinandra) and Lemmons (Salix lemmonii) willow and black cottonwood (Populus trihocarpa) inhabit the shoreline and scatter gold, yellow and orange leaves upon the lake.

    One of the finest reflection shots in any national park can be taken from the west end of the Manzanita Lake trail, with Lassen Peak perfectly reflected on its mirror surface – best near sunset.
    Kings Meadow, Lassen Volcanic National Park (7,500′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
    Devastated Area, Lassen Volcanic National Park (7,000′) – Near Peak(50-75%) GO NOW!
    Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park (5,900′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!

See photos and detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 1, 2018

Lake Sabrina Fall Color 9/30/18

Lake Sabrina Boat Landing reports

What an absolutely beautiful week at the Lake until Saturday, then in came the wind and just like that a lot of the leaves were gone. Come Tuesday there’s a good probability a lot more will be gone – a bit of rain and some talk of the white stuff above 7000’ – 4” to 8” – it’s that time.

See photos from September 30 at This Week’s Report

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 1, 2018

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Native Plant Sale 10/6/18

Fall is the best time to plant many California natives. Choose from a huge selection of California native plants at our annual fall sale to benefit the Garden.
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Friends of RPBG members only
Memberships may be purchased starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Botanic Garden on October 6.

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Open to the public.

Sale held at Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Regional Park.
Entrance to the sale will be at the Botanic Garden’s west gate on Anza View Drive via Wildcat Canyon Road.

Free parking and no entrance fee
Bring your own small wagon or boxes
Plenty of fun and expert advice!

A plant list will be posted on the website shortly before the sale. Check at http://www.nativeplants.org/fall-plant-sale-saturday-october-6/

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