Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 30, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 9/29/18

California Fall Color has several new posts. They include:

  • Eastern Sierra – North Lake appears to be about what it did last year, getting hot upstairs while it’s still warming downstairs.
    Dunderberg Rd (7,500′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
    Sagehen Summit (8,139′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
    Virginia Lakes (9,770′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
    North Lake, Bishop Creek Canyon – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Anderson Valley 
    Anderson Valley – Patchy (10-50%)

 

See photos and detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 30, 2018

Minnesota Fall Color 9/26/18

California Fall Color has a report on fall foliage in Minnesota

A mix of deciduous maple (sugar, red), red twig dogwood, witch hazel, birch, poplar and smoke tree grow among coniferous pine and spruce in the state’s two main forests, the Laurentian mixed forest and Eastern broadleaf forest.

This color now carpets the undulating hills of the Sawtooth Mountains (north shore of Lake Superior) and Misquah Hills (northeast Minnesota), with a Peak blend of evergreens with red, orange, yellow and russet.

Nick wrote that he found the Oberg Mountain Loop trail to be truly spectacular. True to his training as a TV newsman, he wished he’d had a drone with him. Oberg Mountain was an easy three-mile hike on the north shore of Lake Superior, with about 500 feet of elevation gain.

This past week, he described, the treetops “started to look like lollipops, and the further inland from Lake Superior, the better. Another hiker told us that she was there just two days earlier, on Monday, and everything was basically green.”

At Gooseberry Falls State Park, also along the north shore, only a few trees were showing any color change. And, at Shovel Point at Tettegouche State Park, “the color really hadn’t made it’s way to the lake yet, but there was some signs of yellow.” He noted that as a first time visitor to Minnesota, he was impressed at how much the cliff side of the lake looked like the Northern California or Oregon coast.

Minnesota’s mountains only reach elevations of 2,266′. So, though hiking there is not likely to make you breathless, the autumn color certainly will.

Minnesota (2,266′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!

See photos and detailed reports at https://www.californiafallcolor.com/2018/09/29/special-report-land-of-10000-lakes/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 30, 2018

Native Plant Gardening Guide

Fall is Planting season

Check out Calflora’s Planting Guide
It’s time to plan your native plant garden; Calflora’s Planting Guide uses soil, climate, and elevation factors to generate a complete list for you.
To start, click on the map to choose a location. This location could be anywhere in CA you would like to plant native plants.
Zoom in to your point location of interest, then click SEARCH. You may specify low water, riparian, or shade.
You may limit your results to wild plants in the same county or within 10 miles and choose only plants that are easy to establish.
Your Planting Guide Results
Your results may include a bloom wheel and butterfly indicating plants attractive to beneficial insects. Click on scientific name and then CNPLX to see which nurseries near you sell the plant.
Create a Spreadsheet of Your Results
Under TOOLS at the top of the page, you have the option to download a spreadsheet of your results.
How does it work?
The Calflora Database contains soil, climate, and elevation factors derived from Calflora plant occurrence data across the state of California. Our planting guide algorithm uses these data to generate a list of native plants that suit your chosen location.
If you need help or have questions, you may read our help page or reply to this email.
Soil and Climate Factors
Explore the soil and climate factors under the Layers drop-down found above every Calflora map.
Also specify a watershed, protected area, CNPS Chapter, etc. under Layers.
We welcome your feedback.
Enjoy the planting season!
Calflora.org | 1700 Shattuck Ave

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 29, 2018

Abbott’s Lagoon: Birds, Wildflowers, Otters and Deer 9/29/18

Today I went birding with several friends from the Audubon Masterbirding Program. We saw 27 species at Abbott’s Lagoon. Birding highlights today included watching an Osprey fish, 2 Peregrine Falcon, playing with Turkey Vultures and a group of Snowy Plovers.

The fun highlight was watching a group (family?) of five river otters. Also seen were mule Black-tailed Deer.

Flowers in bloom included Dune Gumplant, Coyote Bush, Beach Suncups, Wild Heliotrope, Yarrow, California Poppy, Cow Parsnip, Marsh Hedge Nettle, Goldenrod, Poison Hemlock, Common Monkeyflower, Candyflower, Musk Cinquefoil, Lotus, a purple aster, Pearly Everlasting,Rocket (alien) and Thistles (alien).

Also seen were White Pelicans at Nicasio Reservoir and a Coyote on the road before getting to Abbott’s Lagoon.

Best snack was the Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 29, 2018

Plumas County Fall Color

Awesome Autumn in Plumas County has reports

Better hurry to Antelope Lake. Plumas County, Greenville, California

See photo at Antelope Lake

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 29, 2018

Eastern Sierra Fall Color

See photos of Eastern Sierra Fall Color posted by Scott Kim on his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/scott.latticeoptics?hc_ref=ARRBpF0KVDAeslx0qFHXf0hCtCIxM2a1IL5cD14pJ2AixrS9mP6y2dskyRfKl7v-fho&fref=nf

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 29, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 9/29/18

California Fall Color has several new posts. Highlights include:

  • Hope Valley –The Hope Valley (CA-88) has arrived, with autumn color painting its aspen in lovely tones of vermillion, rose, orange, saffron, yellow and lime.
    The best days to visit Hope Valley in the coming week appear to be Sunday (tomorrow), Monday, Friday and Saturday (Oct. 6), with rain and snow Tues. through Thurs.
    Hope Valley (7,300′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Sonora Pass – Like the Tioga Road (CA-120E), fall color along the Sonora Pass is often removed from the highway, though there are places where it gets up close and personal.quaking aspen that are at the high end of being Patchy, with Near Peak color just around the bend.
    Sonora Pass (9,624′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • San Jose – a San Jose park draped with electric pink, yellow, orange and lime Chinese pistache, Pistacia chinensis, as if decorated for a fiesta.
  • The colorful trees are one of the first exotic varieties to show fall color, and carry long-lasting vibrance for weeks. Native to western and central China, it is now so common a non-native tree in California, that they are naturalizing.San Jose (82′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

See photos and detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 29, 2018

San Juan National Forest Fall Color 9/28/18

San Juan National Forest  reports on September 28, 2018

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:

Durango to Purgatory – 80%
Missionary Ridge – 70%
Molas Pass/Coal Bank – 95-past%
Silverton/Red Mtn Pass – 95-past%
Pagosa – 45%
Dolores to Lizard Head Pass – 80%
Mancos/La Platas – 60%
Ouray to Telluride – 75%

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:
This week we could see some peak colors in some areas.

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 | September 29, 2018

October 2018 Birding Field Trips

October 2018 Golden Gate Audubon Birding Field Trips

For more information on any of the trips below go to http://goldengateaudubon.org/field-trips/fieldtrips/

  • Fall Bird Walk Series | Golden Gate Audubon Society & Salesforce Park Salesforce Park, San Francisco Tuesday, October 2, 7:30 — 8:30 a.m (Repeats Tuesday, November 6, 7:30 — 8:30 a.m.)
  • Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley Friday, October 5, 8:30 — 11:30 a.m.
  • San Francisco Botanical Garden Sunday, October 7, 8:00 — 10:30 a.m.
  • Lafayette Community Park, Lafayette Sunday, October 7, 8:30 — 11:00 a.m.
  • Valle Vista Staging Area, Upper San Leandro Reservoir, Moraga Friday, October 12, 8:30 — 11:30 a.m.
  • Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County  Sunday, October 14, 8:30 a.m. — 3:30 p.m.
  • Chain of Lakes, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Sunday, October 14, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
  • Corona Heights, San Francisco Friday, October 19, 8:00 — 10:00 a.m.
  • Las Gallinas Storage Pond Walk, San Rafael Saturday, October 20, 8:00 — 11:00 a.m.
  • Fort Mason Community Garden, San Francisco Sunday, October 21, 8:00 — 10:00 a.m.
  • Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, Oakland Sunday, October 21, noon — 3:00 p.m. (because of tides)
  • Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont Sunday, October 21, 8:00 am – 11:30 pm
  • MLK Regional Shoreline, Oakland Tuesday, October 23, 8:00 — 10:30 a.m.
  • Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park, Oakland Wednesday, October 24, 9:30 a.m. – noon
  • Hilltop Lake Park, Richmond Wednesday, October 24, 9:00 — 10:45 a.m.
  • Hayward Shoreline, Alameda County Sunday, October 28, 9:00 a.m.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 28, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 9/28/18

California Fall Color has several new posts. They include:

  • Mammoth Lakes has transitioned from Patchy to Peaking.
    Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,000′ and Up!) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! 
  • Middle Martis Creek Shack (7,000′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Plumas County Feather River Canyon fall color is still two weeks away from Near Peak, though individual specimens and Indian Rhubarb along the upper banks of the Feather River are Near Peak.
    Quincy (3,432′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
    Belden (2,221′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
    Twain (2,858′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
    Feather River Canyon – Just Starting (0-10%)
    Fall River – Just Starting (0-10%)

See photos and detailed reports at California Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 28, 2018

Eastern National Forests Fall Color 9/28/18

Eastern Region National Forests reports for September 28, 2018

Illinois

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

The prairie is abound with colors this time of year. From the blues and purples of New England aster and smooth blue aster to the yellows of stiff and Riddell’s goldenrod. The foliage has not yet started to turn, but is expected to soon.

Indiana

Hoosier National Forest

There is not much change on the Hoosier National Forest from last week. However, temperatures are ranging from low 70s to low 80s with night temperatures in the upper 60s. It seems that we have indeed reached fall. A lot of rain is predicted over the weekend with still more in the forecast.

Massachusetts

Urban Connections – Boston

Fall color within the City of Boston remains below 10%.  Random splashes of fall color can be found along most walking paths, especially within the crowns of Maples and Little Leaf Lindens.  The Boston Commons and Public Garden are good locations to immerse yourself in nature, especially while watching the swans and other waterfowl at the Pubic Garden Lagoon.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 28, 2018

2018 Sandhill Crane Festival November 2-4

Registration is now open for the 2018 Sandhill Crane Festival in Lodi California. There are presentations, workshops, exhibits  and field trips. Registration is now open.  Register early as workshops and field trips can fill up. To register and for more information go to https://cranefestival.com/index.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 27, 2018

Maine Fall Color 9/26/18

Maine Foliage reports

Fall Colors are Arriving in Northern Maine

(AUGUSTA, Maine) – Maine’s leaf-bearing trees are starting to show off their dazzling colors of yellow, orange and red this week. The third Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry reports moderate color change in northern Maine as we approach the last weekend in September. The rest of the state is seeing less than fifty percent color change with low leaf drop (less than thirty percent).

Read more and see map at  MaineFoliage.com: Foliage Reports

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 27, 2018

New York Fall Color 9/26/18

New York Fall Foliage reports

Week of September 26–October 2, 2018

This is the third 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.

Gorgeous fall colors at the midpoint of change have arrived in some areas of the Adirondacks region, according to observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY leaf-peeping program. Projected colors throughout the rest of the state are expected to remain at the early stages of change through the weekend.

In the Adirondacks, foliage will be at the midpoint of change this weekend in Saranac Lake in Franklin County, with more than 50 percent color transition expected. Look for red, orange, and yellow leaves of average brilliance. Spotters in Tupper Lake expect 45–50 percent color change this weekend, with muted colors. A rosy, golden glow marks the landscape with the leaves slowly transitioning to goldenrod, saffron, russet, pumpkin, scarlet, and cranberry. In Malone, foliage spotters expect a 20 percent color change, with dashes of gold, orange, and red leaves of average brilliance appearing. In Old Forge, Herkimer County, 35 percent color change is predicted for the weekend, with burgundy, red, and orange leaves of average brilliance emerging.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 27, 2018

National Parks Bear Brunt Of Climate Change

UC Berkeley News Release

Human-caused climate change has exposed U.S. national parks to conditions hotter and drier than the rest of the nation, says a new UC Berkeley and University of Wisconsin-Madison study that quantifies for the first time the magnitude of climate change on all 417 parks in the system.

Without action to limit greenhouse gas emissions, many small mammals and plants may be brought to the brink of extinction by the end of the century, the study shows.

The analysis reveals that over the past century, average temperatures in national parks increased at twice the rate as the rest of the nation and yearly rainfall decreased more in national parks than in other regions of the country.

At the current rate of emissions, the team projects that temperatures in the most exposed national parks could soar by as much as 9 degrees Celsius or 16 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100. This rate of change is faster than many small mammals and plants can migrate or “disperse” to more hospitable climates.

“Human-caused climate change is already increasing the area burned by wildfires across the western U.S., melting glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park and shifting vegetation to higher elevations in Yosemite National Park,” said Patrick Gonzalez, associate adjunct professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management at UC Berkeley and a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, a summary of the most up-to-date scientific knowledge of climate change.

“The good news is that, if we reduce our emissions from cars, power plants, deforestation, and other human activities and meet the Paris Agreement goal, we can keep the temperature increase in national parks to one-third of what it would be without any emissions reductions,” Gonzalez said.

Read more at National parks bear the brunt of climate change | Berkeley News

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 26, 2018

Pennsylvania Fall Color Prediction

The Lebanon Daily News reports that the heavy summer rains in Pennsylvania could create poor conditions for this year’s fall color.

The record-setting rains  have caused widespread outbreaks fungal diseases this year. It makes a lot of yards and tree-covered hills look like they are losing their leaves “early” and the leaves are still green with brown edges or spots.

Rainy and windy weather during the autumn can knock leaves down prematurely as well.

Read full story at  Will our soggy summer mess with fall colors?

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 26, 2018

Mono County Fall Color 9/26/18

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

September 26, 2018: Fall color season is officially in full swing across many areas of Mono County this week! Plan your trip within the next three weeks to catch peak color splendor at all your favorite destinations.

75-100% Peaking GO NOW! The four must-see destinations this week are Lobdell Lake Road, Rock Creek Road, Virginia Lakes Road and Sagehen Summit. Sagehen Summit, in particular, has never been more brilliant as deep oranges and reds are currently covering the mountain from top to bottom. Head to this location first as the colors won’t last much longer here. Virginia Lakes Road and Rock Creek Road are both at full peak along the upper sections of the road. If you’re driving to Virginia Lakes, consider taking Dunderberg Meadows road to Green Creek for additional groves of quaking aspens. (AWD is recommended for this dirt road) Lobdell Lake Road is a lesser known destination off of Burcham Flat Road between Bridgeport and Walker. You’ll find full groves of oranges and reds near the top while yellows and greens are plentiful at the bottom. (AWD is recommended for this dirt road.)

50-75% Near Peak Go Now! Sonora Pass and Tioga Pass are both showing significant change in the upper elevations. You’ll find peaking groves of aspens along the tops of the passes and at turnouts along the road. Some sections are still green the closer you get to US 395. Golden Gate Mine Road out of Walker/Coleville was absolutely brilliant earlier this week. Take this road to Little Antelope Pack Station at Rodriguez Flat for a panorama views of yellows and oranges in the mountains above. (AWD is Recommended for this dirt road.) Book a pack trip or take a hike up Correl Valley Trailhead for additional viewing!

Can’t wait for the Wednesday report? Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/VisitEasternSierra and Instagram.com/MonoCountyTourism for daily pictures and fall color conditions before they are uploaded to this website.

Guide:
0-10% – Just Starting
10-50% – Patchy
50-75% – Near Peak (Go Now!)
75-100% – Peaking (GO NOW!)
Past Peak – (You Missed It)

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ

Monitor Pass (8,314′) – 10-50% Patchy – We drove to the top of the pass on 9/21 and found mostly green trees.
Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – 75-100% GO NOW! – Full peaking colors at the top with green/yellow leaves at the bottom. Colors should be great here for the next 10 days.
Walker Canyon (5,200′) – 0%
Towns of Walker & Coleville – 0%
Sonora Pass (9,623′) – 50-100% Go Now! Still patchy in places but great near the top of the pass.

BRIDGEPORT / VIRGINIA LAKES

Twin Lakes (7,000′)  – 0%
Virginia Lakes (9,819’) 75-100% GO NOW! – Great color along the road and at lake level. Still green near the Conway Summit turnoff. Take Dunderberg Meadows Road to Green Creek Road for additional groves of color. (AWD is recommended)
Conway Summit (8,143) – 0-10% – Still mostly green with a few yellow trees. A good 7-10 days away from a recommendation.
Summers Meadow (7,200′) – 10-50% – Still mostly green along the road with some reds visible at the highest elevations.

LEE VINING

Tioga Pass (9,943′) 50-75% Go Now – Patchy in sections, especially at lower elevations. Saddlebag Lake Road should be your best bet.
Lee Vining Canyon (6,781′) – 0-10%
Lundy Lake & Canyon (7,858′) -0-10%

BENTON & 120 EAST 

Sagehen Summit (8,139’) 75-100% GO NOW! – Unbelieve color here right now. Go as soon as you can, as this will be the first location to be past peak.

JUNE LAKE LOOP

June Lake Loop/Hwy 158 (7,654′) 0-10%
Parker Lake (8,000′) 0-10%

MAMMOTH LAKES

Follow Visit Mammoth on Instagram and Facebook for more!
Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,996′) 10-50% – Some great color change in the Lakes Basin. Laural Canyon looks fantastic from US 395 if you want to make the hike.

CROWLEY LAKE/McGEE CREEK/CONVICT LAKE

McGee Creek Canyon (8,600’) 10-50% – Colors look fantastic in the upper elevations from US 395. Green trees are still present near the road at US 395.
Around Crowley community (6,781′) 0-10%
Convict Lake (7850′) 0-10%

ROCK CREEK CANYON

Rock Creek Road (9,600’) – 75-100% GO NOW! – Full peak around the lake and down the road. Still green near US 395.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 26, 2018

Bishop Creek Fall Color 9/25/18

California Fall Color has a number of reports for Bishop Creek. Below are the highlights.

Reports filtering in from Bishop Creek Canyon (west of Bishop, CA) are confirming peak color at the highest elevations. The upper regions of the S. Fork and M. Fork are peaking. Only the North Fork of Bishop Creek (North Lake) has been lagging, and that could change any day within the coming week.

Bishop Creek Canyon – Peak (75-100%) at South Lake, Parchers and Lake Sabrina GO NOW!
Bishop Creek Canyon was “awash in yellow,” at its highest elevations
Lower Bishop Canyon remains green, but “further up the canyon, bright yellow is widespread.
color to be “almost uniformly yellow with a few hints of orange and red.
the Sabrina Fork and South Fork of the creek has nice color, and both Sabrina Lake and South Lake too.
North Lake is still pretty green.”the ground cover at North Lake “was amazing … best I’ve seen it. But the main groves on the lake level are just starting. Mostly green,

Pine Creek Canyon – Just Starting (0-10%)
Color here is provided mostly by “sunshine-yellow rabbitbrush that is in full bloom.

Lower Rock Creek Canyon – Just Starting (0-10%)
Lower Rock Creek Canyon (north of Bishop in the Round Valley) is still green,

South Fork, Bishop Creek

  • South Lake (9,768′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Wier Pond (9,650′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Parcher’s Resort (9,260′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Willow Campground (9,000′)  – Near Peak (50-75%) 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%)
  • Aspendell (8,400′) – 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′) – Patchy (10-50%) – At the high end of Patchy, likely to peak within a week.
  • Four Jeffries (8,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Intake II (8,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Big Trees Campground (7,800′) – Just Starting (0-10%)

North Fork, Bishop Creek

  • North Lake (9,225′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • North Lake Rd (9,000′) – Just Starting (0-10%) – ground covers are the best in years, aspen groves still green

See full report and many photos at https://www.californiafallcolor.com/2018/09/25/head-em-up-move-em-out/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 26, 2018

Another LA Water Grab In Mono County?

The LA Times reported that Los Angeles is reducing Eastern Sierra water deliveries. LA says it is due to climate change. However, the reduction in water to Mono County will negatively impact natural habitat and ranching.

Bob Gardner, chairman of the Mono County Board of Supervisors, summed up the tensions in a recent letter to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

“We refuse to accept that climate change and ratepayer obligations justify the impacts to our natural environment and regional economy,” he said. “Quite simply, LADWP’s arbitrary plan is nothing more than a veiled water grab.”

Read full article at  Los Angeles reduces Eastern Sierra water deliveries because of climate change. At risk, ranchers say, is a way of life – Los Angeles Times

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 25, 2018

Birding Emeryville Shoreline 9/25/18

We went birding at the Emeryville Shoreline today. It was high tide and the shorebirds were roosting on the rocky shoreline next to the road.  There were very large numbers of Marbled Godwits and Willet with some Whimbrel along the shoreline right next to the road. Across the way we saw Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret and a juvenile Black-crowned night Heron.  We saw 22 species.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 25, 2018

Sierra Fall Color 9/23/18

From Where to Photograph in California (Calphoto yahoo group)

G Dan Mitchell, the author of “California’s Fall Color: A Photographers Guide to Autumn in the Sierra,”  posted
some substantial color already at the higher elevations in the Rock Creek area and in other spots I could see from US 395 as I drove north to cross at Tioga Pass. There were a few spots where the color was already sufficient for fall color photography. Of course, someone reports early color every year! And then, most often, the season plays out on more or less the usual schedule, albeit with some seasonal variations.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 25, 2018

Today Is National Voter Registration Day

from the California Secretary of State Alex Padilla
Today is National Voter Registration Day, and Secretary of State Alex Padilla is encouraging Californians to ensure they are registered ahead of the November 6, General Election.
“Whether this will be your first time voting or you’re a veteran, the first step to casting a ballot is to have up-to-date voter registration,” Secretary Padilla said. “There are many important contests and issues on this November’s ballot and I want every voter’s voice to be heard. If you are 16 or 17, you won’t be able to vote this November, but you can still pre-register to vote so you’re ready to cast a ballot as soon as you turn 18.”
“On National Voter Registration Day, I encourage all Californians to take a few minutes to ensure they are registered to vote. It’s quick, it’s easy, and you can even do it from your mobile device.”
“If you have moved or changed your name, you need to update your voter registration. If you want to change your political party preference or receive your ballot by mail, you can do so easily by updating your registration and preferences either online or using a paper form,” Padilla added.
There are 19,023,417 Californians registered to vote as of May 21. However, there are still 6.1 million eligible, but unregistered Californian citizens.
The last day to register to vote in the November 6, General Election is October 22. Californians can register to vote online at: http://registertovote.ca.gov/
Californians can check their voter registration status using the “My Voter Status” tool at: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 25, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 9/25/18

California Fall Color has several new posts today. They include:

  • High Sierra –Near 9,000′ Fall color was mostly Patchy,  though touching glory. 
        Mt. Whitney Trail (8500-9000′) – Patchy (10-50%)
        Lee Vining Creek (8,000′) – Patchy (10-50%)
        Lee Vining Canyon (8,500 – 9,000′) – Patchy to Near Peak (10-75%)
        Tioga Pass (9,943′) – Near Peak (50 -75%) GO NOW!

Go to California Fall Color to see full reports and photos.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 25, 2018

Lake Sabrina Fall Color 9/24/18

Lake Sabrina Boat Landing reports

Fall is here – no disputing it! The Lake colors are at their peak and plenty of people enjoyed the yellows, golds, oranges, reds and lime greens ringing the Lake. An absolutely gorgeous week (once the wind had died down).

See photos from the last few days at This Week’s Report

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 25, 2018

Judge Restores Grizzly Bears’ Protections As Endangered Species

NPR reports

A federal judge has restored Endangered Species Act protections for grizzly bears living around Yellowstone National Park.

In his ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen said the federal government didn’t use the best available science when it removed the bears from the threatened-species list last year.

Read story at Judge Restores Grizzly Bears’ Protections As Endangered Species : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 24, 2018

New England Fall Foliage 9/24/18

Yankee Fall foliage’s map shows moderate color beginning to appear in Maine and Northern New Hampshire. Check out continuing updated map and reports at New England Fall Foliage.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 24, 2018

California Fall Color Updates 9/24/18

California Fall Color has several new posts this morning They include:

  • Hope Valley (7,300′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Sonoma Wine Country – fall color has not yet arrived in any significance, Darrell reported. From Arnold Drive and back along CA-12, there are only spots of color and narrow bands of gold on the lower edge of the vines.
    there is ample fall color to be enjoyed in the heavy clusters of purple grapes awaiting harvest. Similarly in the Sierra Foothills, Pleasant Valley vines are still green, though many have now been picked.Mid-October is when grape leaves are expected to blush in scarlet, amber, and international orange tones. 
    Sonoma Valley – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Tahoe Donner – Peak mountain mule ear at Peak, though the overall impression of the Tahoe Donner area was of Patchy quaking aspen displaying a mix of lime, yellow and orange. 
    Tahoe Donner (6,700′) – Patchy (10-50%

 

Go to California Fall Color to see full reports and photos.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 24, 2018

San Juan National Forest Fall Color 9/23/18

San Juan National Forest  reports on September 23, 2018

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:

Durango to Purgatory – 80%
Missionary Ridge – 70%
Molas Pass/Coal Bank – 95-past%
Silverton/Red Mtn Pass – 95-past%
Pagosa – 45%
Dolores to Lizard Head Pass – 70%
Mancos/La Platas – 40%
Ouray to Telluride – 65%

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

Estimated Peak Viewing Period:
This week we could see some peak colors in some areas.

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 | September 24, 2018

230+ Groups Oppose Trump Administration Plan to Cripple Endangered Species Act

Defenders of Wildlife News Release

“This Trump/Zinke extinction plan does nothing to ensure the conservation of wildlife and their habitat.” Jason Rylander

More than 200 conservation and animal-welfare organizations today urged Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke in a letter to withdraw three dangerous proposals that would undermine the Endangered Species Act.

Today’s letter points out that the Trump administration’s plan would drastically roll back critical protections for the nation’s most imperiled animals and plants.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 23, 2018

Indoor Flower Photos

I have put together an album of indoor flower photos (something different for me). All photos were taken indoors using natural window light from a northern exposure and in most cases with a reflector putting extra light on the shadow side.

See the album at Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/photos/sandysteinman/albums/72157695818841960

or as a Flickr slideshow https://www.flickr.com/photos/sandysteinman/sets/72157695818841960/show

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