The Revelator reports
A recent success got a lot of publicity, offering us insight into not only the species but the narratives that resonate with people.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 11, 2024
What 70 Celebrity Tortoises Can Teach Us About Conservation Stories
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 11, 2024
‘Frog saunas’ could save species from deadly fungal disease
The Guardian reports
Australian scientists create brick refuges in greenhouses to help green and golden bell frogs survive infection
Posted in Animals | Tags: fungal disease threat to frogs
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 11, 2024
New Mushrooms and Foraging
Two New York Times articles on Mushrooms and Foraging
The Mushroom Hunters Can’t Stop Finding Mysterious Fungi
For years, mycologists and hobbyists alike have been using DNA sequencing on foraged fungi.
As many as 95 percent of the planet’s fungal species have yet to be described, according to a 2023 report from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Foraging on Public Lands Is Becoming More Limited
Collecting wild mushrooms, berries and other foods from public forests and parks has become so popular that state and federal agencies are imposing more restrictions.
Posted in Mushrooms | Tags: Mushroom Foraging
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 10, 2024
California lake closed amid die-off of hundreds of thousands of fish
The San Francisco Chronicle reports
A massive fish die-off has shut popular Lake San Antonio in Monterey County, with oxygen depletion due to warm water suspected as the cause, officials said.
Read on www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/fish-die-off-closes-monterey-county-lake-19565933.php
Posted in Animals, Environment | Tags: Fish Die Off
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 10, 2024
Ospreys of the San Francisco Bay
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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 10, 2024
A man tries to smuggle 100 live snakes into China in his pants
NPR reports on another case of wildlife smuggling and the wildlife black.
The man’s bizarre smuggling attempt included many non-native species of snakes stuffed into his pants, according to China’s customs authority.
— Read on www.npr.org/2024/07/10/nx-s1-5035210/100-live-snakes-pants-smuggle-china
Posted in Animals | Tags: wildlife black market, Wildlife Smuggling
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 10, 2024
Proposed Designation of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
From Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
NOAA is releasing for public comment the draft designation documents for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. This action comes after the agency conducted a thorough analysis and evaluated feedback from the public, stakeholders, tribes and Indigenous communities, scientists, and federal and state agencies.
Posted in Environment, Park | Tags: Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 10, 2024
Theodore Payne Early Closures
Due to the rising temperatures of summer reaching close to 100 degrees this week, we will be closing our nursery and HQ a couple hours early today through Friday (July 10-12).
Please note our special hours this week:
- Wednesday, July 10, 8:30 AM–2 PM
- Thursday, July 11, 8:30 AM–2 PM
- Friday, July 12, 8:30 AM–2 PM
We will resume regular operating hours (8:30 AM–4:30 PM) on Saturday, July 13th. Don’t forget, you can shop online 24/7!
Posted in Garden | Tags: Theodore Payne
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 10, 2024
Sea level rise wipes out a U.S. species for the first known time
Axios reports
Sea level rise driven by human-caused climate change may have wiped out an entire species in the U.S. for the first time.
Why it matters: The loss of the only known stand of Key Largo tree cactus in the U.S. shows how rising seas can alter the coastal environment.
- It may be the first sea level rise-related loss of a species in the U.S., although globally, other species have been lost to this and other climate-related factors.
- It could also be an indicator of extinctions to come for other plants and animals in similarly vulnerable environments.
Read more Sea level rise wipes out a U.S. species for the first known time
Posted in Animals | Tags: Key Largo tree cacti
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 9, 2024
California has the highest concentration of plants at risk of extinction in the nation
AOL and The Sacramento Bee have an opinion piece on the state of California’s wildflowers
The large displays of wildflowers that we experience in California are extremely rare, globally. California is in one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hot spots and is home to more than 6,000 types of native plants, including hundreds of wildflower species. Only a few other places on Earth, like Chile’s Atacama desert and Western Australia, have such dramatic blooms.
A sad reality is that the super blooms that thrill Californians today are but a fraction of the wildflowers that used to blanket our state. Once, wildflowers spanned miles in places like the Central Valley. In just the last 150 years, most of these grassland habitats were lost to development, agriculture and invasive species.
Read full article at California has the highest concentration of plants at risk of extinction in the nation | Opinion
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: California Wildflower Extinction Risk
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 8, 2024
Carson Pass Interpretive Hikes
From Carson Pass Visitor Center
Interpretive Hikes/Walks from Carson Pass. All hikes are limited to 12 people (including the leader) except the Devil’s Ladder, which is outside of the “wilderness” therefore is not limited in size.
All hikes are FREE but donations are always welcomed
ENFIA 2024 Interpretive
Walks/Hikes at Carson Pass Call the station to reserve your spot at 209 258 8606
Hikes coming up in the next week or so…
July 11 Thursday @ 10am Laurel Gromer Family Scavenger Hike (1.5 hours)
July 14 Sunday @ 10am Marc Hoshovsky Geology Hike (1-2 hours)
July 26 Friday @ 10 am Laurel Gromer Family Scavenger Hike (1.5 hours)
Posted in Walks & Hikes | Tags: Carson Pass
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 8, 2024
Wild Birds of Novato Now Hiring
Do you enjoy talking about birds? Would you like to learn more about them? Would you like a job where the extra perks come in seed, suet, and binoculars? Then join our team at Wild Birds Unlimited in Novato!
We are currently hiring for the position of part-time Sales Associate. Applicants should have an interest in birds or ability to feed birds at home, but need not be bird experts. Applicants should also be able to comfortably lift at least 20 lbs. and be available to work 2-4 days per week.
For more information and an application, see our website. You can also apply via our job listing on Indeed.
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: Job Opening
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 8, 2024
Upcoming Marin County Bird Walks and Nature Events
Sat, 7/13: China Camp, San Rafael, Friends of China Camp
Sun, 7/14: Trees at China Camp, San Rafael, Friends of China Camp
Sun, 7/14: Family Walk at Indian Tree, Novato, Marin Parks
Sun, 7/14: Wild Carnivores at Ring Mountain, Tiburon, Marin Parks
Tues, 7/16: Evening Wildlife at China Camp, Friends of China Camp
Weds, 7/31: Rodeo Lagoon, Marin Headlands, Marin Audubon
Weds, 7/31: Bird Banding Demo at Palomarin, Bolinas, Point Blue
Sat, 8/3: Sky Trail & Limantour Beach, Point Reyes, Marin Audubon
Posted in Birds, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Marin County BirdWalks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 8, 2024
Zambian forest reserve rebounds with a little assistance
Monga Bay reports
Conservationists and farmers have restored large parts of a forest reserve in Zambia in just four years through natural regeneration.
The Katanino Forest Reserve had lost more than 58% of its forest cover by 2019, when dozens of families living inside it and cutting trees to make charcoal were finally evicted by state officials.
Read more Zambian forest reserve rebounds with a little assistance
Posted in Environment, Park | Tags: Katanino Forest Reserve
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 7, 2024
LIVE on Monday: Should YOU be scared of SHARKS?
EarthSky presets
LIVE on Monday: Should YOU be scared of SHARKS?
— Read on earthsky.org/earth/live-on-monday-should-you-be-scared-of-sharks/
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 7, 2024
Wildlife Protections Take a Back Seat to Elon Musk’s Ambitions
A New York Times investigation found that Elon Musk exploited federal agencies’ competing missions to achieve his goals for space travel.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2024/07/07/us/politics/spacex-wildlife-texas.html
Posted in Environment | Tags: Elon Musk, Space X, Wildlife Protection
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 7, 2024
Beavers released in California river for first time in over 100 years
SF Gate reports
A family of seven beavers slipped out of their kennels and curiously glided across the marshy waters of the South Fork Tule River deep in the southern Sierra Nevada earlier this month. It marked the historic comeback of a native species that was once abundant in the 71-mile California tributary and surrounding meadows but has been absent for over a century.
Read more Beavers released in California river for first time in over 100 years
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 6, 2024
See rare Yosemite rainbow waterfall
See rare Yosemite rainbow waterfall at https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAltUSNationalParkService%2Fvideos%2F8385526448207025%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0
Posted in Park | Tags: rainbow waterfall, Yosemite National Park
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 6, 2024
The “Super” Ghost Orchid Now Blooming | Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Audubon reports
The “Super” ghost orchid at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is now blooming. Ghost orchids (Dendrophylax lindenii) are rare flowering plants that rely on extremely sensitive, wetland habitats, and are only known to live in South Florida and Cuba.
Read more at The “Super” Ghost Orchid Now Blooming | Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Dendrophylax lindenii, Ghost Orchids
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 6, 2024
Park Closures Extended Through Saturday; Reopening Sunday, July 7 | East Bay Parks
Park Closures Extended Through Saturday; Reopening Sunday, July 7 | Swim Facilities and Shoreline Regional Parks Remain Open
— Read on www.ebparks.org/about-us/whats-new/news/park-closures-extended-through-saturday-reopening-sunday-july-7
Posted in Park | Tags: East Bay Regional Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 6, 2024
Webinar:Regenerating Landscapes 7/11/24
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Naturehood: Regenerating Landscapes Thursday, July 11 at 5:30 PM |
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Join author and environmental specialist Doug Kent to learn how urban landscapes can improve our health and quality of life. Growing and crafting the materials that sustain us can create wellbeing. Doug will explore cultivating and capturing comfort, personal health, and a wide variety of tangible necessities, such as craft items, landscape materials, and energy. Learn how your garden, in whatever form it takes, can sustain you. |
Posted in Environment | Tags: Urban Landscape Regeneration
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 6, 2024
Leeches can jump – caught on video in a world first
Digital Camera World reports
New footage, captured in the forests of Madagascar, has now disturbingly proven that the parasitic worms can, in fact, propel themselves. “By coiling their body back, the blood-sucking invertebrates are able to throw themselves forward, potentially towards new prey,” according to the Natural History Museum, London.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 5, 2024
Jobs at eBird – eBird
We are always looking for people who share our passion. Come be a part of Team eBird!
— Read on ebird.org/about/jobs
Posted in Birds, Job Openings | Tags: EBird, Job Openings
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 5, 2024
Pollinator advocates praise Colorado law limiting sale of certain pesticides
Denver 7 reports
A Colorado law limiting the sale of certain pesticides called neonicotinoids, which are known to kill pollinators, took effect on July 1.
Read more at Pollinator advocates praise Colorado law limiting sale of certain pesticides
Posted in Animals, Environment | Tags: neonicotinoid pesticides, pollinators
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 5, 2024
Beavers: “Our Uninvited Watershed Ally”
Guest Speaker: Heidi Perryman, Ph.D.
Monday, July 8 @ 7:30 pm
Heidi Perryman, a child psychologist, became an accidental beaver advocate in 2006 when a beaver family moved into her town of Martinez, California. She started the organization Worth A Dam dedicated to maintaining beavers in Alhambra Creek. Through her advocacy for responsible stewardship, creative problem solving, community involvement, and education, Martinez became the first city in California to utilize flow devices enabling beavers to coexist in an urban environment.
Beavers and their dams have a dramatic positive impact on wildlife by creating wetlands which store and filter water thereby augmenting fish and bird populations. Beaver occupied streams are three times more resistant to wildfire. Beaver dams create micro habitats with cooler air and water and slow floods which help to mitigate our changing climate.
Posted in Animals, Environment | Tags: Beavers, watershed
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 4, 2024
On the Kenya-Tanzania Border, an Elephant Hunting Ban Has Collapsed
The New York Times reports
Five bulls from the area around a Kenyan wildlife reserve have been shot and killed in Tanzania in recent months. The countries have very different conservation strategies.
—Read on www.nytimes.com/2024/07/03/climate/elephant-hunting-amboseli-kenya-tanzania.html
Posted in Animals | Tags: Elephant Killings
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 4, 2024
Regional In Nature (RIN) Activity Guide | East Bay Parks
Regional In Nature (RIN) Activity Guide. Fun facts on wildlife, plants, ecology, and history; games and activities for kids and families!
— Read on www.ebparks.org/whats-new/rin
Posted in Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags: East Bay Regional Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 4, 2024
Don’t Feed the Bears
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 4, 2024
Upcoming CNPS Events
See the calendar of upcoming events of the California Native Plants Society at https://www.cnps.org/events
Posted in Talks | Tags: Upcoming CNPS Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 4, 2024
Should we manage wild horses as wildlife, pets or livestock?
Anthropocen Magazine reports
Wild horse numbers are out of control. The remedy hinges on whether they are wildlife, pets or livestock.
The lack of sound science isn’t what’s keeping land management agencies from effectively dealing with the horse conundrum. It’s the politics.
Read more at Should we manage wild horses as wildlife, pets or livestock?
Posted in Uncategorized
Natural History Wanderings 