Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 7, 2024

Earth’s Land and Trees Absorbed Almost No Net Carbon in 2023 

The Revelator reported

Earth’s land-based carbon sinks — forests, wetlands, grasslands and soil — are essential for absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide, regulating the planet’s temperature and mitigating climate change.

A preliminary report shows that last year — the hottest ever recorded — almost no net carbon was absorbed by land. This means the world’s terrestrial carbon sinks temporarily collapsed, reported The Guardian.

Read on Earth’s Land and Trees Absorbed Almost No Net Carbon in 2023 – EcoWatch

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 6, 2024

Regional Parks Botanic Garden’s New Website

The Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden have a new and upgraded website. Check it out at Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 6, 2024

Video of Wisdom, Oldest Know Bird

See a video of Wisdom  from the NY Times that shows her with  her new partner and displaying meeting behaviors at https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/06/science/wisdom-albatross-bird-egg.html

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 6, 2024

Wisdom, the world’s oldest known wild bird, just laid yet another egg.

Wisdom, the world’s oldest known wild bird, is back with a new partner and just laid yet another egg.
At an approximate age of 74, the queen of seabirds returned to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge at the northwestern edge of the Hawaiian Archipelago last week and immediately began interacting with a male.
Like other Laysan albatross, or mōlī in Hawaiian, Wisdom returns to the same nesting site each year to reunite with her mate and if able, lay one egg. For decades she did this with the same partner, Akeakamai, but that bird has not been seen for several years, causing Wisdom to begin courtship dances with other males.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 6, 2024

Adaptability of trees persists after millions of years of climate change

ScienceDaily reported

Seven of the most common forest trees in Europe have been shown to be able to shelter their genetic diversity from major shifts in environmental conditions. This is despite their ranges having shrunk and the number of trees having fallen sharply during ice age cycles.

Read more at Adaptability of trees persists after millions of years of climate change

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 5, 2024

Satellite images reveal the total collapse of the Conger-Glenzer ice shelf in East Antarctica – ABC News

Th Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported

In short
Scientists have used satellite imagery over a 25-year period to document the “evolution” of the Conger-Glenzer ice shelf — about 1,200 square kilometres in size — which rapidly disintegrated in 2022.
They have identified four distinct phases in the lead-up to its collapse, which occurred in a part of Antarctica previously considered relatively stable.
What’s next?
The research team says it’s important to understand the processes that lead to ice shelf collapse because of the role they play in either reducing or increasing the risk of sea level rise.

Read on www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-06/antarctic-conger-glenzer-ice-shelf-collapse-documented/104683798

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 5, 2024

Twin Peaks trails reopen in San Francisco after renovations

The San Francisco Chronicle reported

Two popular hiking trails at Twin Peaks overlook in San Francisco have reopened after six months of renovations. The trails were closed for repairs to the steps, retaining walls, and fencing.

Read article: Twin Peaks trails reopen in San Francisco after renovations

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 5, 2024

Job Openings at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are currently recruiting for multiple GS-05 Wilderness and Trailhead Ranger positions to be stationed in both parks and the Interagency Visitor Center in Inyo County. There are notable differences in trailhead and wilderness rangers, although they are listed under the same announcement.
🥾 Trailhead rangers spend about half of their work time patrolling the wilderness and the other half facilitating wilderness trips at permit issuing stations in the parks.
🥾 Wilderness rangers spend the entire summer stationed in the remote High Sierra, and leave rarely, if ever.
Campsite maintenance, education, PSAR, emergency response, resource monitoring and protection are some of the regular job duties. These are not law enforcement jobs.
Learn more about the position descriptions, requirements, and apply online at USA Jobs (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/817608200

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 5, 2024

Grizzly Bears are faster than Humans

from Defenders of Wildlife

The top speed of a grizzly bear is 35 miles per hour? That means the average grizzly is faster than the fastest recorded human – Usain Bolt who reached a top speed of 27mph in 2009!
Learn more about grizzly bears: https://dfnd.us/47RTcvZ

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 4, 2024

Excessive levels of harmful radiation found at popular Bay Area park

SF Gate reported

The state-ordered report found high levels of harmful radiation at the waterfront park.

Read on www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/excessive-levels-harmful-radiation-bay-area-park-19957776.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 4, 2024

Flora of the Northern Sierra Nevada 12/9

 from Marin CNPS

“Flora of the Northern Sierra Nevada – Botanical encounters off the beaten path”

Guest Speaker: Tanya Baxter M.S.    Monday, December 9 at 7:30 pm

On over 1,146,000 acres Plumas National Forest hosts some of the most diverse habitat in the northern Sierra Nevada range. Since 2023 Tanya Baxter and crews of consultant botanists have been documenting remote, rugged, and often unvisited portions of the national forest around the area of Quincy for a fuels reduction mitigation inventory. Over the last few years several large fires have ravished the yellow pine forests of Plumas National Forest and drastically impacted the ecology and timber harvest. Numerous new rare plant populations were documented during these botanical surveys. This talk will cover an entertaining hour of plant communities, botanical highlights, scenic sections of the Feather River, and the unexpected field encounters.

Read more. . .

Join us! Register for this Zoom meeting here.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 4, 2024

Ever wonder what’s on the menu for a Mojave Desert Tortoise?

from Joshua Tree National Park

Ever wonder what’s on the menu for a Mojave Desert Tortoise?
These slow-moving desert dwellers are actually plant-powered! Their diet consists of wildflowers, grasses, and desert plants, making them key players in the ecosystem by spreading seeds as they munch—nature’s true gardeners.
Though they move at their own leisurely pace, tortoises can roam over several acres, returning to the same burrows year after year. They may be slow, but they sure know how to get around!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 3, 2024

Plan Before You Park: Arches Moves to Make Seasonal Timed-Entry Permanent · National Parks Conservation Association

The National Park Conservation Association reported

“Timed entry takes the guesswork out of whether you’ll be able to visit and helps Arches use its limited staff and resources for more national park protection and less traffic management work” — NPCA’s Cassidy Jones

Read on www.npca.org/articles/5129-plan-before-you-park-arches-moves-to-make-seasonal-timed-entry-permanent

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 3, 2024

These rats can drive. How does it change their brains?

NPR reported

In neuroscientist Kelly Lambert’s lab at the University of Richmond, rats hop into cars, rev their engines and skid across the floor of an arena. Researchers taught these tiny rodents to drive — and turns out, they really like it. But why?Host Regina G. Barber talks with Kelly about her driving rats, and what they tell us about anticipation, neuroplasticity, and decision making. Plus, why optimism might be good for rats, and for humans too.Want to hear more fun animal stories?

— Read on and listen at www.npr.org/2026/01/01/1249800798/science-brain-driving-rats-behavior

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 3, 2024

Giants of the Golden Coast: The Majestic Saga of California’s Elephant Seals

From California Curated

Once teetering on the brink of extinction, the California elephant seal has made an astounding recovery thanks to stringent conservation efforts. But as you’ll read below, their recovery comes with an asterisk. These remarkable creatures, once hunted for their blubber, now thrive along California’s iconic coastline. With their distinctive trunk-like snouts and massive size…

Read more at Giants of the Golden Coast: The Majestic Saga of California’s Elephant Seals

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 2, 2024

Top Photos of 2024 International Landscape Photographer of the Year

See the top photos of the 2024 International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest at  2024International Landscape Photographer of the Year

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 2, 2024

Rugged Falklands landscape was once a lush rainforest 

ScienceDaily reports

Extraordinary discovery made after chance find on local building site

A researcher has found evidence that the treeless, rugged, grassland landscape of the Falkland Islands was home to a lush, diverse rainforest up to 30 million years ago.

Read more at  Rugged Falklands landscape was once a lush rainforest | ScienceDaily

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 1, 2024

Common Misconceptions About Native Plants?

from National Wildlife  Federation
Have you ever heard any of these common misconceptions about native plants?
Native plants are:
  • weedy and unattractive
  • difficult to grow and attract pests
  • only suitable for naturalistic gardens
  • don’t provide year-round interest
  • not as effective at soil erosion control
  • less beneficial than exotics for wildlife
As the Customer Care Manager at Garden for Wildlife, I’ve heard all of these comments and more.
It’s time to debunk these myths! Native plants are not only beautiful but also vital for our ecosystems. They offer a variety of benefits, including:
  • Supporting wildlife: Providing food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other beneficial insects.
  • Conserving water: Adapting to local climate conditions and requiring less water once established.
  • Reducing maintenance: Thriving in natural conditions and requiring no chemical intervention.
It’s time to add some natives to your yard. Explore our full catalog of native wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs to find your perfect match.
Let’s get to work creating a more sustainable and vibrant future for our planet.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 1, 2024

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Seeking Astronomy Volunteer

Organ Pipe Cactus is seeking a volunteer to join us for a winter in the Sonoran Desert! Come experience some the darkest skies in the U.S. and share your passion for astronomy with the public!In this volunteer position, you will work with park rangers to research, prepare, and deliver night sky programs using traditional, digital, and electronically assisted telescopes. Those applying to this position are expected to have knowledge of basic telescope operations and maintenance.Applicants must be able to arrive in their own self-contained RV unit. In exchange for 32 hours a week in volunteer time across two months, a dedicated site in the volunteer-only campground complete with all hook-ups and utilities, as well as a community room with Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, showers, and freezers, will be set aside.To apply, visit: https://www.volunteer.gov/…/a09SJ00…/astronomy-volunteer

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 1, 2024

‘You could single-handedly push it to extinction’: how social media is putting our rarest wildlife at risk

The Guardian reported

From breeding spots overrun by visitors to photographers disturbing endangered species, experts say the rarer the find is, the bigger the problem

Read more‘You could single-handedly push it to extinction’: how social media is putting our rarest wildlife at risk | Endangered species | The Guardian

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 30, 2024

Rare species only found on sliver of Calif. land may soon be protected

SF Gate reported

An extremely rare subspecies of plant that only grows on a tiny sliver of land in Southern California may soon be protected before it gets wiped out.

The Bear Lake buckwheat is an extremely rare subspecies of plant found on only one parcel of land in California.

Read more : Rare species only found on sliver of Calif. land may soon be protected

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 30, 2024

A Comprehensive Guide to Gardening with Native Plants for Wildlife

from the National Wildlife Federation

Gardening isn’t just about creating a beautiful outdoor space; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature and make a positive impact on the environment. If you’re looking to start a garden that’s not only beautiful but also supports your local birds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators, then wildlife gardening with native plants is the perfect choice. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the exciting world of wildlife gardening and how native plants can help you get started on this rewarding journey.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 29, 2024

Wayne Roderick Lectures | Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden

Join us November through March for our popular Wayne Roderick Lecture series of free public lectures, on a broad array of topics related to plants and natural history. Named in honor of its founder, the Wayne Roderick Lecture Series takes place on Saturday mornings starting at 10:30 AM and begin at the Garden’s Visitor Center
— Read on nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/wayne-roderick-lectures/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 29, 2024

Upcoming Marin/Sonoma Bird & Nature Activities

from Wild Birds Unlimited

Sun, 12/1: Jack Gedney Birds in the Oaks talk, Book Passage, Corte Madera
Thurs, 12/5: Las Gallinas Ponds, San Rafael, Marin Audubon
Sat, 12/7: Bahia and Rush Creek, Novato, Marin Audubon
Sun, 12/8: Indian Tree, Novato, Marin Parks
Tues, 12/10: Limantour Beach, Point Reyes, Marin Parks
Sat, 12/14: Shollenberger Park, Petaluma, Petaluma Wetlands Alliance
Sun, 12/15: Family walk at Indian Tree, Novato, Marin Parks
Sun, 12/15: Mushrooms at Stafford Lake, Novato, Marin Parks
Tues, 12/17: Senior Stroll at Las Gallinas, San Rafael, Marin Parks
Sun, 12/22: Stafford Lake, Novato, Marin Parks
Sun, 12/22: Salmon of San Geronimo Valley, Marin Parks
Sat, 12/28: Ellis Creek Ponds, Petaluma, Madrone Audubon

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 29, 2024

Huge deal struck but is it enough? 5 takeaways from a dramatic COP29

The BBC reported

COP29 is over, with developing countries complaining that the $300bn (about £240bn) a year in climate finance they will receive by 2035 is a “paltry sum”.
Many of the rich country voices at the UN’s climate conference were amazed that developing nations were unhappy with what on the surface seems a huge settlement. It is an improvement – on the current contribution of $100bn (£79.8bn) a year.
However, the developing world, which had pushed for more, had many genuine issues with the final sum.

Read more at Five key takeaways from COP29

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 29, 2024

This Shark Can Live Up to 400 Years, Making It The Oldest Known Vertebrate 

ScienceAlert reported

Scientists have discovered that the mysterious Greenland shark can live to roughly 400 years old – and possibly even older – deep below the Arctic sea.To put that into p

Read more This Shark Can Live Up to 400 Years, Making It The Oldest Known Vertebrate : ScienceAlert

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 28, 2024

Elusive deer spotted wearing high-vis jacket in Canada: ‘Who is responsible?’ | Canada

The Guardian reported

‘Double takes’ as British Columbia mountain community tries to figure out how local animal came to don neon jacket

Read on www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/27/deer-high-visibility-jacket-british-columbia

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 28, 2024

Wild Turkeys in the Desert

from Anza- Borrego Desert Natural History Association

There are over 50,000 wild turkeys roaming around in San Diego County. A few have even been spotted in Anza-Borrego Desert at Scissors Crossing, Tamarisk Grove, Ram’s Hill, De Anza & Borrego Valley! They are frequently seen on Banner Grade, in Julian & in Santa Ysabel.

These “wild” turkeys are descendants of 234 turkeys that were released near Sutherland Lake and Pine Hills in 1993 by the California Department of Fish & Game.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 27, 2024

Regional Park Botanic Garden Photos November 26, 2024

Photos taken in the Regional Park Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on November 26, 2024.

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a botanic garden of California native plants. The Garden is open Monday through Sunday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.  It is located within Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley, California.  It is a 10-acre garden for many of the state’s rare and endangered plants and a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses from plant communities throughout the state. To learn more about the garden visit the website at www.nativeplants.org .

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

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 27, 2024

Green Friday at the East Bay Regional Parks

For the 10th consecutive year the East Bay Regional Parks is turning Black Friday Green with a Free Park Day to encourage the public to visit parks rather than shopping centers. All entrance and activity fees are waived, including parking, dogs, horses, boat launching, and fishing, as well as entrance to Ardenwood Historic Farm. The fee waiver does not include state fees for fishing licenses, watercraft inspections, or concessionaires, such as the Tilden Merry-Go-Round or Redwood Valley Railway steam train.

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