Anza-Borrego Foundation hosts a variety of events and educational programs, including hikes, botany walks, photography workshops, and more. See the schedule at Events | Anza-Borrego Foundation
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 2, 2025
Anza-Borrego Foundation Events
Posted in Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Anza-Borrego Foundation Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 2, 2025
Saguaro National Park Star Party Friday, January 17th, 2025
Saguaro National Park Star Party Friday, January 17th, 2025m 5 PM – 8 PM
– Where: Red Hills Visitor Center 2700 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson, AZ 85743
Special Guests:
– Kitt Peak National Observatory
– Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
– DarkSky International
Event Highlights:
– 5:00 PM: Talks by experts from Saguaro National Park, DarkSky International, and Kitt Peak National Observatory inside the Red Hills Visitor Center
– 6:30 PM: Telescope viewing & ranger-led programs outside the Red Hills Visitor Center
This event is free and open to the public! Parking is limited, so carpooling is highly encouraged.
For more information, call: 520-733-5158
Posted in Astronomy | Tags: Saguaro National Park Star Party
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 2, 2025
Tiger-cats, sea squirts and beetles, oh my! Meet some species identified in 2024
NPR reported
Officially, Earth boasts roughly two million species. Unofficially, scientists suspect there could be millions — perhaps over 100 million — more.
Each year, scientists add thousands of new species to the scientific record in an attempt to get a better count. Some discoveries stem from intrepid adventures deep into the jungle, while others come from reanalyzing old specimens stored in dusty museum collections.
Each new plant, fish, beetle or bird is a unique and irreplaceable answer to the question of how to make a living on Earth, and scientists are racing to describe them. Climate change and the ongoing biodiversity crisis add extra urgency to these efforts, since many of these new species risk going extinct just as soon as they’re discovered.
Read more at Tiger-cats, sea squirts and beetles, oh my! Meet some species identified in 2024 : NPR
Posted in Animals | Tags: Newly identified species
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 1, 2025
A Florida Commission Keeps Approving Utility Plans With Lots of Fossil Fuels. Now Young Adults Are Suing – Inside Climate News
Inside Climate News reported
The plaintiffs claim the Public Service Commission’s practice of approving utility plans based on fossil fuels violates their constitutional rights to life and health.
Read on insideclimatenews.org/news/18122024/young-adults-suing-florida-commission-over-fossil-fuels/
Posted in Environment | Tags: Florida, Fossil Fuels
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 1, 2025
Point Reyes Fungus Fair Jan. 12
The 18th Annual BAMS / Point Reyes National Seashore Fungus Fair
Sunday, January 12, 2025 10 am to 4 pm
For information go to Fungus Fair at Point Reyes – Point Reyes National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)
Posted in Mushrooms | Tags: Point Reyes Fungus Fair
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | January 1, 2025
Countdown to an ice-free Arctic: New research warns of accelerated timelines
The University of Colorado – Boulder reported
The first summer on record that melts practically all of the Arctic’s sea ice, an ominous milestone for the planet, could occur as early as 2027.
For the first time, an international research team, including CU Boulder climatologist Alexandra Jahn and Céline Heuzé from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, used computer models to predict when the first ice-free day could occur in the northernmost ocean. An ice-free Arctic could significantly impact the ecosystem and Earth’s climate by changing weather patterns.
“The first ice-free day in the Arctic won’t change things dramatically,” said Jahn, associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and fellow at CU Boulder’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research. “But it will show that we’ve fundamentally altered one of the defining characteristics of the natural environment in the Arctic Ocean, which is that it is covered by sea ice and snow year-round, through greenhouse gas emissions.”
Posted in Environment | Tags: Arctic Ice Loss
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 31, 2024
Four new tarantula species found in India’s Western Ghats mountains
Mong a Bay reported
Four new species of tarantulas, including one new genus, have been described from India’s Western Ghats mountains.
A concerning trend shows that 25% of newly described tarantula species since 2000 have appeared in the pet trade, with some appearing for sale within months of being scientifically described.
Tarantulas face dual threats from illegal collection for the pet trade and habitat loss in the Western Ghats, where many are found only in small patches of remaining forest surrounded by tea plantations.
These spiders serve as important predators and indicators of healthy habitats in their ecosystems, but are particularly vulnerable due to their slow reproduction rates and the difficulty in detecting them during smuggling attempts.
Read on news.mongabay.com/2024/12/four-new-tarantula-species-found-in-indias-western-ghats-mountains/
Posted in Astronomy | Tags: New Tarantula Species
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 31, 2024
10m trees to be planted in US to replace ones destroyed by hurricanes
The Guardian reported
Arbor Day Foundation non-profit to plant trees in six of the worst-hit states over the next four years
Read on www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/31/arbor-day-foundation-trees-hurricanes
Posted in Environment | Tags: Tree Planting
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 31, 2024
Where Glaciers Melt, the Rivers Run Red
The New York Times reports
As the glaciers of South America retreat, the supply of freshwater is dwindling and its quality is getting worse.
Read more at Where Glaciers Melt, the Rivers Run Red
Posted in Environment | Tags: Glacial Melt
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 30, 2024
Last Remaining Piece Of Unprotected Land At Grand Teton National Park Acquired By Interior
National Park Traveler reported
The sale of 640 acres within Grand Teton National Park from the state of Wyoming to the Interior Department was finalized Monday, ensuring permanent protection for the parcel that is key for migratory wildlife and erasing concerns that the property might have been sold for development.
The one-square-mile tract was state school trust land, land intended to generate revenue for Wyoming’s Common School Permanent Fund. The purchase price — $100 million — will go into that fund. In return, the permanent conservation of the land maintains essential connectivity for wildlife in the southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem—one of the last remaining, nearly intact temperate ecosystems on the planet.
Read more at Last Remaining Piece Of Unprotected Land At Grand Teton National Park Acquired By Interior
Posted in Park | Tags: Gran Teton National Park
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 30, 2024
Killer Whales Hunt Whale Sharks and Feast on Their Livers
The New York Times reported
Whale sharks are gentle, filter-feeding giants, but orcas in Mexican waters were documented attacking the animals and devouring their livers.
Read more at Killer Whales Hunt and Feast on the Largest Fish on Earth
Posted in Animals | Tags: Killer Whales, Whale Sharks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 29, 2024
Honey bees boost crop pollination, but at a cost to wild bees
Advanced Science News
Honey bees compete with wild bees for resources in croplands, but nutritious wildflower plantings can mitigate these effects.
Read more at Honey bees boost crop pollination, but at a cost to wild bees – Advanced Science News
Posted in Animals, Environment | Tags: Crop Polination, Honey Bees, Native Bees
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 28, 2024
Samuel Taylor State Park Mushroom Hikes
They’re back! Guided hikes for Fungi Fridays!
(Weather permitting)
Practice the art of slowing down and discover the decomposers that dwell in Marin’s Redwood groves.
Hikes will meet and start from the South Creek Trailhead
in Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
January 3rd
January 17th
January 31st
11am-12pm
Distance: ~1 mile
Difficulty: Beginner, Accessible
California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities, who need assistance should contact the park at: (415) 488-9897
Posted in Mushrooms, Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Samuel Taylor Mushroom Hikes
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 28, 2024
Tahoe Bears Remain Active in Fall, Winter
YubaNet reported
it is not a time to let your guard down when it comes to living in or recreating responsibly in bear country. It’s important to keep in mind not all bears in the Lake Tahoe Basin will hibernate. We must all work together to ensure human attractants are properly stored to keep Tahoe bears wild!
Read on https://yubanet.com/author/tahoe-interagency-bear-team/
Posted in Animals | Tags: Tahoe Bears Active in winter
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 28, 2024
Giant Redheaded Centipedes Are Venom Mixologists
The New York Times reported
The arthropods can tailor their toxins depending on whether they are hunting prey or defending themselves from predators, according to a new study.
Read more at Giant Redheaded Centipedes Are Venom Mixologists
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 27, 2024
Montana Supreme Court affirms landmark youth-led climate decision, upholding constitutional rights to a safe and livable climate – Western Environmental Law Center
Western Environmental Law reported
Montana Supreme Court affirms landmark youth-led climate decision, upholding constitutional rights to a safe and livable climate
Posted in Environment | Tags: Environmental Rights
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 27, 2024
Bumblebee population increases 116 times over in ‘remarkable’ Scotland project
The Scotsman reported
The bumblebee population has made an impressive comeback in a developed area by increasing to 116 times what it was two years ago thanks to a nature restoration group.
Rewilding Denmarkfield, a 90-acre project based just north of Perth, has been working to restore nature to green spaces in an increasingly built up area for the past two years.
Read more at Bumblebee population increases 116 times over in ‘remarkable’ Scotland project
Posted in Animals | Tags: Bumblebees, Rewilding
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 27, 2024
Hochul Signs Law That Penalizes Companies for Greenhouse Gas Emission
The New York Times reported
The measure will seek to raise funds to pay for some of the damage caused by extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent because of the combustion of fossil fuels.
Read on www.nytimes.com/2024/12/26/nyregion/hochul-climate-change-superfund-law.html
Posted in Environment | Tags: Greenhouse Gas Penalties
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 26, 2024
Mosses and ferns offer new hope for crop protection
ScienceDaily reported
Mosses, liverworts, ferns and algae may offer an exciting new research frontier in the global challenge of protecting crops from the threat of disease.
Read more Not so simple: Mosses and ferns offer new hope for crop protection | ScienceDaily
Posted in Environment | Tags: Crop Protection, Ferns, Mosses
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 25, 2024
‘Truly remarkable’: Native California species booming off SF coast
SF Gate reported
Fur seal pups — hundreds of them — had taken over the inlet at the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and were bobbing on the surface of the water in a shiny, blubbery mass, likely hiding from great white sharks as they waited for their mothers to return from the sea to nurse. The sight wasn’t exactly unheard of — island biologists at Point Blue Conservation Science had first noticed the older seal pups using the cove as a covert hideout sometime last year, McChesney, a manager for the refuge, told SFGATE. But he was on the island one day in late October when biologist Jim Tietz delivered the news: The seals were back in full force, and in numbers they had never seen before.
Read more at ‘Truly remarkable’: Native California species booming off SF coast
Posted in Animals | Tags: Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Fur Seals
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 25, 2024
Christmas Day Garden Photos 2024
Photos from my garden on Christmas day.
Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: Garden Photos
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 25, 2024
Coal Or Solar Panels
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 25, 2024
Bird flu kills 20 big cats in WA sanctuary
The Seattle Times reported
Bird flu has taken a terrible toll at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center, a sanctuary for wildcats and their hybrids on Harstine Island.
Read on www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/bird-flu-kills-20-big-cats-in-wa-sanctuary/
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 24, 2024
Santa Cruz Fungus Fair 2025 – Jan. 10 to 12
Come to Santa Cruz and explore the fascinating world of Fungi. Learn interesting and fun facts about the hundreds of beautiful and fascinating species of mushrooms found in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Area. Fungi will be beautifully displayed in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa Cruz tradition features three days of fantastic fun, informative speakers, fantastic food, vendors, and demonstrations, with fungal activities for the whole family.
Source: Fungus Fair 2025 – General Information | Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
Posted in Mushrooms | Tags: Santa Cruz Fungus Fair
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 24, 2024
‘Devious’ New Deep Sea Slug Hid Its Identity From Scientists
The New York Times reported
It took nearly 25 years for biologists to discover that a swimming and glowing organism in the ocean’s midnight zone was actually a sea slug.
Read more at ‘Devious’ New Deep Sea Creature Hid Its Identity From Scientists
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 23, 2024
Marin County Parks Events
See the upcoming schedule of events at Marin County Park at Events Calendar | Marin County
Posted in Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Marin County Parks Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 23, 2024
UC Botanical Garden Holiday Hours and Closures
Garden’s holiday hours:
• Mon, Dec. 23: Early closure at 2:00 pm
• Tues, Dec. 24 & Wed, Dec. 25: Closed
• Tues, Dec. 31 & Wed, Jan. 1, 2025: Closed
The Garden is open Thurs, Dec. 26 through Mon, Dec. 30.
Posted in Garden | Tags: UC-Berkeley Botanical Garden
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 23, 2024
Regional Parks Botanic Garden Closures- Updated
The garden will be closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Additionally, the Botanic Garden will be closed Jan. 5 to 10 To ALL (except staff) for several days for major maintenance projects. The closure will start at 5:00 PM on Saturday January 4, 2025 and will reopen at 8:30 AM on Saturday January 11, 2025.
Please check the Botanic Garden’s website: https://nativeplants.org/ for news or updates during that week.
Posted in Garden | Tags: Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 23, 2024
Baby mammoth in Russia is the ‘best-preserved’ ever found
The Guardian reported
The 50,000-year-old female, nicknamed Yana, is one of only seven whole remains discovered in world
Read on www.theguardian.com/science/2024/dec/23/baby-mammoth-russia-best-preserved-ever-yana
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 23, 2024
Cute, hungry otters gobble up invasive green crabs in California
USA Today reports
A California ecosystem has gotten a big boost from an adorable, fluffy and hungry friend.
At Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, a newly-reinvigorated population of native southern sea otters has eaten so many invasive European green crabs that researchers say the otters have locally solved a problem that has plagued the West Coast for years.
Read more at Cute, hungry otters gobble up invasive green crabs in California
Posted in Animals | Tags: European Green Crabs, Southern Sea Otters
Natural History Wanderings 