Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 21, 2024

California State Park Activities Guide

Get the activities guide at www.calparks.org/activitiesguide

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 21, 2024

U.S. 395 has reopened

U.S. 395 has reopened between Burcham Flat Road and State Route 108 north of Bridgeport after crews installed two wildlife crossings as part of the Sonora Junction Shoulders Project.

TRAFFIC IMPACT: Drivers are advised that they no longer need to use the detour along State Route 182 and Nevada Routes 338 and 208 in Smith Valley, NV. U.S. 395 through the project area is once again open to traffic. Travelers can drive between Bridgeport and the towns of Walker, Coleville, and Topaz using U.S. 395 again. Those traveling over Sonora Pass and Monitor Pass are now able to turn south on U.S. 395 instead of using the detour.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 21, 2024

Earth to get an asteroid mini-moon for 2 months

EarthSky reports

Earth to get an asteroid mini-moon for 2 months

Read on earthsky.org/space/earth-asteroid-mini-moon-for-2-months-2024/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 21, 2024

Tarantulas have surprising partnerships with other species and their hairiness may be a defense mechanism 

ScienceDaily reports

A new study reveals that tarantulas are often on friendly terms with amphibians, reptiles, and even army ants, which are known to feed on spiders. The researchers suggest that the dense hair covering tarantulas may have in fact evolved as a defense mechanism against these predatory ants.

Read more Tarantulas have surprising partnerships with other species and their hairiness may be a defense mechanism | ScienceDaily

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 20, 2024

Study charts how Earth’s global temperature has drastically changed over the past 485 million years, driven by CO₂

phys.org reports

A new study co-led by the Smithsonian and the University of Arizona offers the most detailed glimpse yet of how Earth’s surface temperature has changed over the past 485 million years.

A new study co-led by the Smithsonian and the University of Arizona offers the most detailed glimpse yet of how Earth’s surface temperature has changed over the past 485 million years.

— Read on phys.org/news/2024-09-earth-global-temperature-drastically-million.html

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 20, 2024

Pesto the huge penguin chick is a huge social media star

NPR reports

Pesto, who weighs 46 pounds at just nine months old, has been on display at an Australian aquarium since April. As he grew, so did his social media fanbase — especially after a recent gender reveal.

Read on www.npr.org/2024/09/20/nx-s1-5120916/pesto-penguin-australia

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 20, 2024

Tioga Road in Yosemite has reopened.

Tioga Road (continuation of Highway 120 through the park) has reopened!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 20, 2024

Habitat Destruction

from Alt National Park Service

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 20, 2024

Horticulturist Carlos Magdalena Is Saving Rare Flowers From Extinction 

The New York Times reports

Carlos Magdalena, whose botanical adventures have shades of Indiana Jones, was a driving force in saving the world’s smallest water lily and finding the largest one. He has been called the “plant messiah.”

Read Risking His Own Extinction to Rescue the Rarest of Flowers

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 19, 2024

California Native Plant Sales

CNPS local chapters are gearing up for this year’s online and in-person sales, where you’ll find a wide selection of native plants suited to your region. When you buy from CNPS chapters, you also support their important work year-round, like monthly programs, restoration, field trips, and native plant propagation. Take a look at the ongoing list of scheduled chapter plant sales—we’ll update it as new information comes in!

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 19, 2024

Yosemite Fall Reservations

Planning to visit Yosemite this fall? While a reservation is required to drive into or through the park during peak hours on weekends and Columbus Day (October 14) through October 27, we have two updates.
With the season change, a reservation will only be required until 3 pm (instead of 4 pm).
We are also releasing more reservations for this weekend at 8 am tomorrow (September 19).
We continue to monitor impacts of the reservation system and are adapting our pilot based on on-the-ground observations.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 19, 2024

Stark before and after photographs reveal sharp decline of Norway’s seabirds

The Guardian reports

When Rob Barrett set out to survey one of the country’s largest colonies in the 1970s there were too many birds to count. Now, his pictures and archive images show a species decline echoed around the world.

Read on Stark before and after photographs reveal sharp decline of Norway’s seabirds

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 19, 2024

Less Severe Forest Fires Can Reduce Intensity of Future Blazes

UC Davis reports

Not all forest fires have devastating effects. Low- and moderate-severity forest wildfires can reduce the intensity of future conflagrations for as long as 20 years in certain climates, according to new research by the University of California, Davis. 

The extent of reduced severity of these second fires, or reburns, and the duration of the moderating effect, varies by climate, forest type and other factors. But initial fires continue to mitigate future severity even during extreme weather, such as wind, high temperatures and drought, research published in the journal Ecological Applications finds.

Read more at Less Severe Forest Fires Can Reduce Intensity of Future Blazes | UC Davis

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 18, 2024

Photographer Captures First-Ever Image of Bird of Prey ‘Lost’ for 55 Years

PetaPixel reports

A wildlife photographer captured the first-ever image of an elusive bird of prey known as the New Britain Goshawk long thought to be lost.

— Read on petapixel.com/2024/09/16/rare-lost-bird-of-prey-new-britain-goshawk-is-photographed-for-the-first-time-ever/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 18, 2024

Job Opening Executive Director (The Theodore Payne Foundation) 

The Theodore Payne Foundation (TPF) isseeking an outstanding leader to continue and expand the organization’s success in inspiring and educating Southern Californians about the beauty and ecological benefits of California native plants. TO APPLY:Please click “Apply For This Job” on this page to fill out the application. Note that a letter of application, resume, and three references are all required. All application materials must be received by November 1, 2024.

Apply for this Job

Read more at  Executive Director (The Theodore Payne Foundation) #0219 job at AmpersandPeople in Los Angeles, CA, powered by JobScore

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 18, 2024

Bay Nature Talk: Banana Slugs Online September 23 12pm–1pm

Bay Nature Talk: Banana Slugs
Online | September 23 | 12pm–1pm
Join us online for a Bay Nature Talk on Monday, September 23 from 12–1pm with banana slug researcher Janet Leonard, of UC Santa Cruz’s Institute of Marine Sciences. This talk will feature information on banana slug biology and ecology, plus a look at ongoing research on their sexual behavior, taxonomy, and rapid evolution. This talk is inspired by this piece from Bay Nature’s Fall 2018 issue. Tickets are free for members, $5 for nonmembers.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 18, 2024

The skyscraper-sized tsunami that vibrated through the entire planet and no one saw

The Conversation reported

Earthquake scientists detected an unusual signal on monitoring stations used to detect seismic activity during September 2023. We saw it on sensors everywhere, from the Arctic to Antarctica.

We were baffled – the signal was unlike any previously recorded. Instead of the frequency-rich rumble typical of earthquakes, this was a monotonous hum, containing only a single vibration frequency. Even more puzzling was that the signal kept going for nine days.

Initially classified as a “USO” – an unidentified seismic object – the source of the signal was eventually traced back to a massive landslide in Greenland’s remote Dickson Fjord.

Read more The skyscraper-sized tsunami that vibrated through the entire planet and no one saw

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 18, 2024

Carnivore and Succulent Plant Sale – UC Botanical Garden

Buy one pitcher plant (Sarracenia) and get free Sarracenia of equal value!In addition to these spectacular pitcher plants, we will be selling a wide array of succulents, cacti, and a few special carnivores. Ranging from large specimen Agave to beautiful Nepenthes for inside your house, this sale combines plants from vastly different biomes. What they share in common is a love for the sun.

Members receive their regular 10% discount on plant purchases. Bring a box and/or plastic bag to carry your purchases homeIf you plan to only shop without a Garden visit, there is no reservation or admission fee required.

HOURS & DAYS Friday Evening Opening: Sept 20, 5:00–6:30 pmSaturday, Sept 21Members only from 9:00–10:00 amGeneral Public: 10:00–4:30 pmSunday, Sept 22–Sunday, Sept 2910:30 am–4:30 pm(Except Tuesday, Sept 24, the Garden is closed)Plant List

Source: Carnivore and Succulent Plant Sale – UC Botanical Garden

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 18, 2024

Fossils Show Giant Predatory Sea Scorpions Were Distance Swimmers 

The New York Times reports

Specimens of what appear to be the largest eurypterid species found in Australia could shed light on the sudden extinction of the massive arthropods.

Read more at Fossils Show Giant Predatory Sea Scorpions Were Distance Swimmers

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 17, 2024

Spectacular stretch of Bay Area coastal forest may soon open to public

Sf Gate reports

A stretch of coastal redwood forest twice the size of Central Park could soon be open to the public and permanently protected against development if an environmental nonprofit manages to purchase the Sonoma County property by the end of this year. 
— Read on www.sfgate.com/local/article/private-bay-area-coastal-forest-open-public-19771524.php

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 17, 2024

Animals at London Zoo are being checked and measured as part of its annual weigh-in day.

The BBC reports

The zoo staff will need to gently tempt every mammal, bird, reptile, fish and invertebrate, from Humboldt penguins to camels and lion cubs, by strategically placing food next to the scales to check their health and wellbeing.

Data is then added to the Zoological Information Management System.

It is shared with zoos around the world and helps zookeepers compare information on threatened species.

Animals at London Zoo are being checked and measured as part of its annual weigh-in day.The zoo staff will need to gently tempt every mammal, bird, reptile, fish and invertebrate, from Humboldt penguins to camels and lion cubs, by strategically placing food next to the scales to check their health and wellbeing.Data is then added to the Zoological Information Management System.It is shared with zoos around the world and helps zookeepers compare information on threatened species.

Read more at  London Zoo animals take to scales for annual weigh-in

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 16, 2024

A Popular Nature Park Rescued by Dog

MSN  reports

Dogs are not allowed off leash at a popular hiking and dog walking spot called the Nature Reserve in Lewes, England. Many of the park’s native wildflowers and grasses had disappeared after decades of use, leaving it sparse and overly trodden.

“It was a degraded woodland,” said Dylan Walker, a wildlife manager in Lewes. “We weren’t seeing any plants coming up. People were loving our urban nature reserve to death.”

So dog owners were surprised in March when they saw an unusual offer: They could bring in their dogs and let them run free in the reserve, as long as the pups would wear backpacks while frolicking. The backpacks would be filled with seed mix to help reseed the ground.

Read more at A Popular Nature Park Was trambled by Overuse. Dogs Came to the Rescue.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 15, 2024

The Aerial Ballet of Vaux’s Swifts: A Migration Marvel

Generated by A. I. (Gemini)

Vaux’s Swifts are a fascinating species of bird known for their acrobatic aerial feats and their remarkable migration patterns. These small birds spend the majority of their lives in flight, soaring effortlessly through the skies. Their agility and grace are truly awe-inspiring.

Every fall, Vaux’s Swifts embark on a long-distance migration, traveling thousands of miles to their wintering grounds. Before their departure, they gather in large flocks, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. These gatherings, often occurring in urban areas, offer a unique opportunity for birdwatchers to witness the sheer numbers of these incredible creatures.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 15, 2024

Missouri Botanical Garden claims victory in water lily weigh-off competition

KCUR reports

A Missouri Botanical Gardens Victoria lily held up under 142 pounds, besting competitors from gardens and zoos around the world. The St. Louis institution has been growing water lilies since 1894.

— Read on www.kcur.org/arts-life/2024-09-05/missouri-botanical-garden-claims-victory-in-water-lily-weigh-off-competition

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 15, 2024

CNPS Student Research Grants

Students: Research grant applications are open now

Calling undergrad and grad students—now is the time to apply for the 2025 CNPS research grants! Successfully funded projects will intersect with California native plants and expand on information gaps within the natural and social sciences. We encourage applicants whose research relates to native plants in fields such as conservation, botany, ecology, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, land management, horticulture, communications, economics, history, or other socio-cultural connections.

CNPS will evaluate applications on their ability to advance CNPS’s mission of conserving California’s native plants and their natural habitats, now and into the future, through science, education, stewardship, gardening, and advocacy. CNPS is committed to increasing ways for people of all backgrounds to deepen their relationships with California native plants. People from groups underrepresented in the natural and social sciences are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2024.  

Learn more and apply

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 15, 2024

How the World’s Oldest Humpback Whale Has Survived Is a Mystery

The New York Times reports

Old Timer, a male first photographed in 1972, was spotted last month near Alaska, enduring in the Pacific Ocean while some other humpbacks have struggled in a changing environment.

Read more at How the World’s Oldest Humpback Whale Has Survived Is a Mystery

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Posted in Animals, Uncategorized

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 14, 2024

Partial Eclipse Sept. 17 to 18

EarthSky reports

People in the Americas, parts of Antarctica, western Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Atlantic Ocean, and eastern Polynesia will see a shallow partial lunar eclipse overnight on September 17-18, 2024. The steady golden light near the eclipsed moon will be the planet Saturn.

Read more and see map at https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/partial-lunar-eclipse-seotember-17-18-2024/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 14, 2024

Upcoming CNPS Events

See the calendar of upcoming events of the California Native Plants Society at https://www.cnps.org/events

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 14, 2024

Horses help regenerate wildflower meadows at Scotney Castle

The BBC reports

Time-honoured techniques are bringing nature back to life in Kent.

Scotney Castle, near Lamberhurst, is owned by the National Trust and has started using horses for mowing duties to help grow wildflower meadows on the estate.

The Oakwood Clydesdale horses – called Percy and Frank – are used as they cause less damage to the soil and wildlife when clearing vegetation compared to modern machines, the trust said.

Read on www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjwd3d8pyp0o

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Posted in Garden, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags:

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 14, 2024

Mixed approach to reforestation better than planting or regeneration alone

ScienceDaily reports

Reforestation in low- and middle-income countries can remove up to 10 times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at lower cost than previously estimated, making it a potentially more effective option to fight climate change. Most current reforestation programs focus on tree planting alone, but the study estimates that nearly half of all suitable reforestation locations would be more effective at sequestering carbon if forests were allowed to grow back naturally.

Read more at  Mixed approach to reforestation better than planting or regeneration alone | ScienceDaily

 

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