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 | December 8, 2024
Anza-Borrego Foundation Events
Posted in Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Anza-Borrego Foundation Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 8, 2024
Raptor Presentation
Good 1-hr video on raptors from Cornell on the wide diversity of these impressive birds and explore the who, what, where, and when of their migrations. Educational and entertaining.
Click here. to watch recording of webinar.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 7, 2024
Conserving Coast & Ocean: Santa Barbara Channel Region at the Leading Edge,” 1/16/25
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January 16, 2025 7:00p.m. Join us as Greg Helms gives an enlightening presentation “Conserving Coast & Ocean: Santa Barbara Channel Region at the Leading Edge,” which focuses on the region’s pivotal role in global ocean wildlife and coastal protection. This event will take place at 7:00 p.m. and will include a pre-lecture members only reception from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. The cost is free for SBMM Navigators Circle members; $10 for all other members; and $20 for the general public. Learn More and Purchase Tickets |
Posted in Talks | Tags: Conserving Coast & Ocean
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
Posted in Environment | Tags: Carbon Absorption
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.
Posted in Garden, Park | Tags: Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden
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
Posted in Birds | Tags: Wisdom The Albatross
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.
Posted in Birds | Tags: Oldest Albatross, Wisdom The Albatross
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
Posted in Environment | Tags: Adaptability of Trees
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
Posted in Environment | Tags: Conger-Glenzer ice shelf, Ice Shelf Collapse
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
Posted in Walks & Hikes | Tags: Twin Peaks Hiking trails
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.
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
Posted in Job Openings, Park | Tags: Job Openings, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
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
Posted in Animals | Tags: Grizaly Bears
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
Posted in Park | Tags: Albany Bulb
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.
Join us! Register for this Zoom meeting here.
Posted in Talks, Wildflowers and Other Plants
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!
Posted in Animals | Tags: Mojave Desert Tortoise
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
Posted in Park | Tags: Arches National Park, Timed Entry
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
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
Posted in Animals | Tags: Elephant Seals
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
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
Posted in Uncategorized
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.
Posted in Garden | Tags: misconceptions about native plants
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
Posted in Astronomy | Tags: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
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
Posted in Animals | Tags: Endnagered Species
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
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Bear Lake buckwheat, Eriogonum ursinum
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 30, 2024
A Comprehensive Guide to Gardening with Native Plants for Wildlife
Posted in Garden | Tags: Native Plant Gardens for Wildlife
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/
Posted in Garden | Tags: Wayne Roderick Lectures
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
Posted in Birds, Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Marin/Sonoma Bird & Nature Activities
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
Posted in Environment | Tags: COP29
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
Posted in Animals, Uncategorized | Tags: 400 year old shark
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
Natural History Wanderings 