Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 18, 2025

The Sounds of Joshua Trees

from NPR

Plants are green because they absorb red and blue light and reflect green light back to our eyes. They also reflect other wavelengths, like near-infrared light. Although humans can’t see it, artist Scott Kildall uses an infrared sensor to translate near-infrared light into sound. He uses his device to turn California’s Joshua trees into an instrument.

🎧 Listen to the shimmering, otherworldly music of the Joshua treeand read about how scientists analyze near-infrared light to assess plant health.

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Posted in Environment, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 17, 2025

Elusive Calif. mammal has been photographed alive for the first time

SF Gate reported

Until last year, only one California mammal species had never been caught on camera. A group of Bay Area researchers just shared the first photo of it.

Read on www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/elusive-california-mammal-photographed-20040772.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 17, 2025

Volunteer at Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

New 2025 Volunteer training! Do you like wildflowers? Talking to people? Enjoying the beauty of the Antelope Valley? Do you want to visit the Poppy Reserve multiple times? If you answered yes to any of these questions consider becoming a Poppy docent. Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 17, 2025

Pacific Orchid Expo 2025 Begins Feb. 27th

Buy your advance discounted tickets now as some tiers will sell out!

Now every membership comes with POE perks!

  • 3 days of early access to the POE online presale, prior to the sale being accessible to all ticket holders
  • 1 hour early access on Saturday of POE weekend. Doors at 9am instead of the general public at 10am​

Simply buy any membership tier to take advantage of these POE perks!
NOTE: Supporting Membership Tier and Higher get FREE weekend passes and the Benefactor tier and higher ALSO get tickets to the POE Gala. 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 17, 2025

Wrong trees in the wrong place can make cities hotter at night

ScienceDaily  reports

While trees can cool some cities significantly during the day, new research shows that tree canopies can also trap heat and raise temperatures at night. The study aims to help urban planners choose the best combinations of trees and planting locations to combat urban heat stress.

Read more at  Wrong trees in the wrong place can make cities hotter at night, study reveals | ScienceDaily

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 16, 2025

How Southern California Landscaps & Habitats Are Impacted By Wildfires

Southern California’s wildfires are tearing through diverse landscapes, transforming the habitats within many state parks. Learn how these critical ecosystems are facing immense challenges in the wake of the flames.
🌵 Chaparral
Chaparral dominates parks such as Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, providing shelter for coyotes, bobcats, quails, and more. While chaparral is fire-adapted, frequent, intense fires can prevent full recovery, leading to erosion and habitat loss for these species.
🌿 Coastal Sage Scrub
Coastal sage scrub, found in parks like Topanga State Park, is one of the rarest and most endangered habitats in California. Fires can devastate this ecosystem, destroying native plants like California sagebrush and buckwheat, which take years to regenerate. Without these plants, the habitat loses its ability to support specialized species.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 16, 2025

Xerces Society Events

The list of events will be updated regularly. To view past webinars, please visit our YouTube channel. We also announce events on social media and via our e-newsletter. If you have questions, please email outreach@xerces.org.
To see current list of events go to  Events | Xerces Society

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 16, 2025

Should I Remember to Bring My Camera?

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 15, 2025

East Bay Regional Parks Activities and Events

See the January editioin of the East Bay Regional Parks monthly news letter at  Park Explorer – News, Features, & Events

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 15, 2025

Sonoma Land Trust Events

Check out the latest events and news for Sonoma Land Trust at OUTINGS & EVENTS

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Posted in Talks, Walks & Hikes

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 15, 2025

Theodore Payne Open and Winter Plant Sale Feb. 11 to 15

Theodore Payne Foundation is now open and all onsite classes will proceed as scheduled

Announcing the Annual Winter Plant Sale

We are pleased to announce our annual Winter Plant Sale, February 11th–15th—a time to gather, reconnect, and celebrate our shared love of native plants and the message they bring of renewal and resilience. While our hearts and minds are heavy with individual and collective grief, replanting our cultivated spaces with native plants can be a meaningful way to create positive change in our communities. Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 15, 2025

Anza-Borrego Foundation Events 

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

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 15, 2025

Join the Duxbury Docents!

from Environmental Action Committee of West Marin

Are you passionate about nature, conservation, and education? Here’s your chance to make a difference! We are seeking enthusiastic and responsible individuals to join our team of Duxbury Docents.

Docents help to protect the Duxbury Reef’s sensitive intertidal habitat and marine life by educating visitors about the wonders they discover on the reef, protective tidepooling practices, and California’s marine protected areas or MPAs.

Why Become a Docent?

  • Share your love for the environment with others.
  • Gain hands-on experience in educating the public about the wonders of Duxbury Reef and West Marin’s unique ecosystem.
  • Join a community of like-minded people dedicated to preserving our planet.

Ready to Dive In?
Learn more and register today!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 15, 2025

Job Opening with Xerces Society

Endangered Species Conservation Biologist Apply by January 19, 2025

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 15, 2025

Science prevails: Grizzlies to keep endangered species protections 

Science prevails: Grizzlies to keep endangered species protections  – Western Environmental Law Center
— Read on westernlaw.org/science-prevails-grizzlies-to-keep-endangered-species-protections/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 15, 2025

Outdoor giant ends travel program, lays off 428 employees

SF Gate  reported

Outdoor recreation retail giant REI has ended its 40-year-old Experiences program, known for holding outdoors classes and wilderness trips, the company announced Wednesday. The move also means the elimination of 428 jobs associated with the program.

Read more at  Outdoor giant ends travel program, lays off 428 employees

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 15, 2025

Shrubs can help or hinder a forest’s recovery after wildfire

ScienceDaily reported

When and where to plant tree seedlings to restore forests after wildfires has a lot to do with shrubs, finds a new study.

Read article at  Shrubs can help or hinder a forest’s recovery after wildfire | ScienceDaily

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 14, 2025

Search is on for person who illegally drove on Death Valley sand dunes

SF Gate  reported

Officials are on the lookout for someone who damaged endangered plant life by illegally driving over the famed Eureka Dunes in Death Valley, the National Park Service announced Monday.

The incident occurred in late December at Eureka Dunes, the tallest sand dunes in California, the park service announced in a news release. The vehicle or vehicles “caused significant damage to rare plants that are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act” by driving over the dunes, the park service wrote.

Read more  Search is on for person who illegally drove on Death Valley sand dunes

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 14, 2025

Theodore Payne Foundation Will Reopen Tomorrow, Wednesday January 15

Theodore Payne Foundation will reopen to the public on Wednesday, January 15. We will resume regular hours, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. We thank you for your patience as we clean up and restock the sales yard. In the meantime, you can always shop online.
If you placed an online pick-up order during the closure, please wait to come in until you receive an email confirming that your order is ready for pickup. If an item you’re looking for is sold out, check back in a couple of days for the latest availability.
We are touched by the support and spirit the community has shown throughout this catastrophic event. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the fires. Thank you for helping us sow the seeds of resilience with California native plants.
-Theodore Payne Foundation

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 14, 2025

Apparently Coyotes Can Climb Trees

Bay Nature reported

Coyotes are an evolutionary masterpiece, with agility, brains and body size to help them adapt to their environment. Now, they are climbing trees.

Read more at Coyotes in Trees

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 13, 2025

Defund the Sierra Club????

From Alt National Park

Elon Musk wrote, ‘Defund Sierra Club,’ on his social media platform, X. However, he might not realize that the Sierra Club is not government funded. #FactsMatter

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 13, 2025

Kangaroo species went extinct in the Pleistocene. Research hops in with a possible explanation.

NPR reported

In a mass extinction event some 40,000 years ago, Australia lost 90% of its large species, including nearly two dozen kinds of kangaroos. Two theories suggest why.

Read on www.npr.org/2025/01/12/nx-s1-5254719/kangaroo-species-went-extinct-in-the-pleistocene-research-hops-in-with-a-possible-explanation

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 13, 2025

The Remarkable Revival of the Giant Sea Bass in California: Catalina Island’s Growing Giants 

Curated California reported

The Giant Sea Bass, also known as Stereolepis gigas, has long been a majestic part of California’s coastal ecosystems. This behemoth of a fish can grow up to nearly 7 and a half feet long, weighing a whopping 560 pounds, and can live to the age of 75. These gigantic, slow-moving sea creatures were once a common sight in the coastal waters of Southern California, particularly around Catalina Island. However, overfishing in the 20th century dramatically reduced their populations to critically low levels. Now, thanks to conservation efforts, these gentle giants are making a triumphant, albeit precarious, return. This is their story of recovery and resilience.

Read story and see photos at The Remarkable Revival of the Giant Sea Bass in California: Catalina Island’s Growing Giants – California Curated

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 12, 2025

A River in Washington State Now Has Enforceable Legal Rights

Inside Climate News reported

Voters in the city of Everett chose to grant the Snohomish River watershed rights to exist, regenerate and flourish as part of a November ballot initiative.

Read more at  A River in Washington State Now Has Enforceable Legal Rights – Inside Climate News

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 12, 2025

The ‘Mushroom Color Atlas’ Captures the Palette and Potential of Fungi 

 Atlas Obscura reports on an artist’s use of mushrooms to create dyes

Julie Beeler’s work presents a sustainable alternative to synthetic fabric dyes.

Beeler has spent the last decade developing foraged mushrooms into dyes and pigments

Read story at : The ‘Mushroom Color Atlas’ Captures the Palette and Potential of Fungi – Atlas Obscura

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 11, 2025

National Zoo’s giant pandas make the most of D.C.’s winter storm : NPR

NPR reported

The two giant pandas were seen on camera playing around in the snowfall that blanketed much of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic on Monday.

View and read on www.npr.org/2025/01/06/nx-s1-5250273/national-zoo-giant-pandas-dc-snow

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 11, 2025

Greg Helms Shares Innovations in Coastal Conservation and Ocean Stewardship  

Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series Presenter Greg Helms Shares Innovations in Coastal Conservation and Ocean Stewardship   January 16, 2025  7:00 p.m. 

 

Join us for Greg Helms’ presentation, “Conserving Ocean & Coast: Ocean Conservancy on Santa Barbara Channel Region’s Role at the Leading Edge.” Discover how the Santa Barbara Channel shapes global conservation efforts, from sustainable seafood practices to coastal energy innovations.

The cost is free for SBMM Navigators Circle members; $10 for all other SBMM members; and $20 for the general public. SBMM members will enjoy a pre-lecture reception from 6:15 – 6:45 p.m.
Learn More and Purchase Tickets 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 11, 2025

Breakthrough AI model can translate the language of plant life

ScienceDaily reported

A pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) powered model able to understand the sequences and structure patterns that make up the genetic ‘language’ of plants, has been launched by a research collaboration.

Read more at  Breakthrough AI model can translate the language of plant life | ScienceDaily

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Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 10, 2025

MAJOR POSITIVE CHANGES AT PT. REYES

Below are a few highlights from the  Environmental Action Committee of West Marin

On Wednesday, January 8th, the Point Reyes National Seashore announced a Revised Record of Decision (ROD) for the General Management Plan Amendment (GMPA) and Settlement Agreement on the management of ranching on public parklands.

  • Twelve of fourteen ranches in Point Reyes will voluntarily cease operations within 15 months;

  • NPS issued the Revised ROD in light of the private, voluntary ranch closure agreements between TNC and the operators. Under these agreements, ranchers will cease operations and surrender their leases in exchange for compensation from TNC.

  • The action benefits native tule elk by providing increased habitat and disallowing culling. Tule elk will be managed as one herd in Point Reyes, and elk will be allowed to expand within the park.

Read full article at  Breaking: Seashore Announces Settlement + Town Hall Tomorrow

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Posted in Animals, Park | Tags: ,

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 10, 2025

Theodore Payne Foundation Temporarily Closed

Theodore Payne Foundation is closed to the public until further notice
We are safe, but we are closed to prioritize staff safety and well being at this time.
Classes are being rescheduled – if you are currently signed up for a class, check your email for updates. The online store remains open for orders, but fulfillment will be delayed until staff are safely able to return to work.

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