from Xerces Society
Clear Space for Bees: Why Pollinators in Your Yard Need Access To Bare Ground
Open patches of soil and sand, with few or no plants, are a key nesting habitat for the majority of native bees, and easy for us to provide.Learn more
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 30, 2024
Clear Space for Bees
Posted in Animals | Tags: Bees, pollinators
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 29, 2024
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Upcoming Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 29, 2024
East Bay Regional Parks Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities to get involved. Learn more about our volunteer programs at https://bit.ly/3V730xd or sign up for current volunteer projects at https://www.ebparks.org/volunteer
Posted in Park | Tags: East Bay Regional Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 29, 2024
Butterfly Fest 6/2/24
From East Bay Regional Parks
Join us at the 24th Annual Butterfly & Bird Festival on June 2 at Coyote Hills Regional Park! Explore a vibrant array of butterflies, birds, and local pollinators while supporting their health in the Bay Area landscape. Connect with parks, people, and pollinators to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the East Bay Regional Park District! bit.ly/3yBPAkb#EBRPD#EBParks90#LoveEBRPD Sandy
Posted in Butterflies | Tags: Butterfly Fest
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 29, 2024
Potentially New Species of Coral Discovered in the Freezing Arctic Ocean
The Inertia reports
A unique coral was discovered in the freezing waters of the Arctic Ocean, and researchers believe it is likely a brand new species.
Corals are generally associated with tropical climates; warm, clear waters that teem with brightly colored fish darting to and fro among the reefs that corals create. But they’re far more diverse than that. They can survive in a multitude of different ecosystems, from the paradisiacal Pacific atolls to the darkest, deepest depths of the sea.
Read more at Potentially New Species of Coral Discovered in the Freezing Arctic Ocean
Posted in Environment | Tags: New Corral Discovery
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 28, 2024
UC-Berkeley Botanical Garden Closed Wed. 5/29
The Garden will be closed on Wednesday, May 29 due to the Centennial Bridge road construction. This UC Berkeley capital project is nearing completion and we greatly appreciate your patience! Find more information: https://capitalstrategies.berkeley.edu/centennial-bridge
Posted in Garden | Tags: UC-Berkeley Botanical Garden
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 28, 2024
Another Giant Antarctic Iceberg Breaks Free
Universe Today reports
On May 20th, 2024, an iceberg measuring 380 square kilometers (~147 mi2) broke off the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica. This event (A-83) is this region’s third significant iceberg calving in the past four years. The first came In 2021, when A-74broke off the ice sheet, while an even larger berg named A-81 followed in 2023. The separation of this iceberg was captured by two Earth Observation satellites – the ESA’s Copernicus Sentinel-1 and NASA’s Landsat 8 satellites – which provided radar imaging and thermal data, respectively.
Posted in Environment | Tags: Climate change, Global warming, iceberg
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 27, 2024
Flamingos in Florida: Back for good? 101 counted in the wild
The Florida Rambler reports
For years, the only flamingos in Florida were at zoos, Hialeah Race Track or decorating people’s lawns.
Now, however, 101 wild flamingos have been counted in Florida, months after the September 2023 Hurricane Idalia swept them here from the Yucatan.
Read more Flamingos in Florida: Back for good? 101 counted in the wild
Posted in Birds | Tags: Florida Flamingos
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 27, 2024
Giant Sequoias Thriving in UK
Please note the trees the British are referring to are Sequoiadendron giganteum, which are called Giant Sequoias in the U.S. (The British common name is Wellingtonia or ‘Big Tree’)
The article is not referring to the Coast Redwoods Sequoia sempervirens.
The BBC reports
Giant redwoods – the world’s largest trees – are flourishing in the UK and now even outnumber those found in their native range in California.
The giants were first brought to the UK about 160 years ago, and a new study suggests they are growing at a similar rate to their US counterparts.
An estimated 500,000 trees are in the UK compared to 80,000 in California.
Read more at Giant redwoods: World’s largest trees ‘thriving in UK’
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 26, 2024
The Summer of 2023 Was the Hottest in 2,000 Years
The Scientific American reports
Ancient tree rings show that the summer of 2023 was the hottest in the past 2,000 years because of human-caused climate change
— Read on www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-summer-of-2023-was-the-hottest-in-2-000-years/
Posted in Environment | Tags: 2023 Hottest Year on Record
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 26, 2024
History of the East Bay Regional Parks
An expansive Park District did not just happen overnight. Inspired and determined individuals convinced East Bay cities of the need and brought the idea to voters in 1934! Explore the District’s historic timeline: “Parks For and By the People” to learn more. https://www.ebparks.org/celebrating-90-years #LoveEBRPD #ebparks90 #EBRPD
— Read on www.facebook.com/
Posted in Park | Tags: East Bay Regional Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 26, 2024
Why Brown Pelicans Are Starving and Dying
KQED reports
The state’s working hypothesis is that this situation, similar to what happened in 2022 when nearly 800 starving pelicans were rescued, was likely caused by late spring storms hitting the coast.
“The waters were incredibly choppy, it was very windy, visibility was poor,” said Tim Daly, spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Our strongest belief at this point is that the pelicans were simply having trouble reaching the fish that were below the surface.”
Emaciated brown pelicans are washing up on California shores in the hundreds. State officials and researchers aren’t sure why, but they think it could be weather-related.The state’s working hypothesis is that this situation, similar to what happened in 2022 when nearly 800 starving pelicans were rescued, was likely caused by late spring storms hitting the coast.“The waters were incredibly choppy, it was very windy, visibility was poor,” said Tim Daly, spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Our strongest belief at this point is that the pelicans were simply having trouble reaching the fish that were below the surface.”
Read more at California Has a Theory on Why Brown Pelicans Are Starving and Dying | KQED
Posted in Birds | Tags: Brown Pelican Deaths
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 25, 2024
Photos from Crete 4/19/23
Photos from last year’s trip to Crete taken on April 16, 2023
Posted in Photos (Sandy's), Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Wildflowers of Crete
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 25, 2024
UK’s puffin protection laws at centre of post Brexit Row
The BBC reported
The endangered puffin – one of Britain’s most iconic seabirds – is at the centre of a row over the UK’s post Brexit freedoms.
The UK recently banned fishing in the North Sea for the bird’s favourite food, the sandeel. But the European Union is demanding the ban be lifted, claiming it breaches the UK’s post-Brexit breakup deal.
Read on at UK’s puffin protection laws at centre of post Brexit row
Posted in Birds | Tags: UK Puffin Controversy
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 24, 2024
Governor Scales Back Park Access and Adaptation to Climate Change | Cal Parks
From California State Parks Foundation
The Governor is to scale back on funding for park access and adaptation to climate change. Learn how the state budget crisis will affect state parks in the upcoming years. Learn more: ow.ly/zhCa50RT3fV.
Posted in Park | Tags: California State Park Funding Cuts
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 24, 2024
Researchers identify fastest rate of natural carbon dioxide rise over the last 50,000 years
Oregon State University reports
Today’s rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide increase is 10 times faster than at any other point in the past 50,000 years, researchers have found through a detailed chemical analysis of ancient Antarctic ice. The findings, just published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provide important new understanding of abrupt climate change periods
— Read on today.oregonstate.edu/news/researchers-identify-fastest-rate-natural-carbon-dioxide-rise-over-last-50000-years
Posted in Environment | Tags: Climate change
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 24, 2024
Wounded orangutan seen using plant as medicine
The BBC reports
A Sumatran orangutan in Indonesia has self-medicated using a paste made from plants to heal a large wound on his cheek, say scientists.
It is the first time a creature in the wild has been recorded treating an injury with a medicinal plant.
Read more and see video at Wounded orangutan seen using plant as medicine
Posted in Animals | Tags: orangutan seen using plant as medicine
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 23, 2024
California State Parks Offers Free Admission to Veterans, Active and Reserve Military on Memorial Day
from California State Parks
California State Parks is honoring the service of veterans, and active and reserve military members, by offering free admission to 143 participating state park units on Memorial Day – Monday, May 27, 2024. The list of participating park units can be found at parks.ca.gov/MemorialDay2024.
Posted in Park | Tags: Free Military Park Admission
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 23, 2024
Global study finds conservation makes a measurable difference
Anthropocene Magazine reports
All the money and effort spent on biodiversity conservation is not just a little bit better than doing nothing at all, they found, but many times greater.
Read more Global study finds conservation makes a measurable difference
Posted in Animals, Environment
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 22, 2024
Adding Microhabitats is an Easy Way to Make a Difference
from Xerces Society
Wildlife conservation sometimes focuses on the protection of large spaces, far away from our cities and homes, that support many kinds of life. These wilderness areas are very important, but they aren’t the whole story. While big animals, like elk and bison, can only thrive in large spaces, bugs are pretty tiny! Any of us with even a tiny postage stamp of a yard—or just a deck or balcony—can create a vital part of the habitat bugs need to flourish. And if each of us—you, your neighbor, your friend down the block—takes a step, that adds up to a lot.
As you consider what you can do, remember that you don’t have to do it all in one go. Look at your yard and see what’s possible to do this year. Then decide what you might do next year.
Every small change you make will make your yard better, and will pay off when you see more beautiful wildlife around you. Together, we can reweave the fabric of our environment.
Posted in Environment | Tags: Value of Microhabitats
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 21, 2024
Coyote Advisory
From East Bay Parks
As visitation to East Bay Regional Parks increases in warmer months, encounters with coyotes become more common. Coyotes are native to California and are found in various wildland habitats, as well as in rural and urban areas. They hold cultural and ecological importance throughout the state.
Coyote parents are active and protective of den sites from spring through fall, when new pups are born. It is a normal reaction for them to run away when spotted, although some have become used to human presence and will continue their activities while being watched. Visitors are encouraged to keep coyote safety precautions in mind when visiting Regional Parks throughout the year.
Coyote Safety Tips
— Read on www.ebparks.org/about-us/whats-new/news/coyote-advisory
Posted in Animals, Park | Tags: Coyotes, East Bay Regional Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 21, 2024
Where to Spot Spring Wildflowers in California state parks | Cal Parks
From Cal Park – a state wildflower guide
As the weather begins to warm up and the rains pass, much of California explodes into a vibrant display of floral sights and smells. Take full advantage of our beautiful state this spring by visiting a state park near you! In our guide, you’ll find:
Tips for viewing spring blooms in California state parks
State parks to visit in Northern California, Central California, and Southern California
To get the guide read on www.calparks.org/wildflowerguide
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 20, 2024
California sequoia is world’s largest tree. It may face a new threat
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 20, 2024
Gualala Wildflower Show May 25 and 26
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Gualala Wildflower Show
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 20, 2024
Photos From Crete 4/18/23
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Crete Wildflowers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 20, 2024
Bay Nature Calendar of Events
See the Bay Nature Calendar of events around the Bay Area at Bay Nature
Posted in Walks & Hikes | Tags: Bay Nature Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 20, 2024
New Updated Calscape
Calscape has updated its website. It is an excellent resource for finding native plants that are right for your garden.
Check out the new Calscape website at Calscape | California’s Native Plant Gardening Destination.
You can also still use the old website at legacy.calscape.org.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 19, 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 | May 19, 2024
Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center 2024 events
See this year’s schedule of events at Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center announces 2024 events
Posted in Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Mono Lake Area Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 19, 2024
A New Tree of Flowering Plants? For Spring? Groundbreaking.
The New York Times reports
Now, after a heroic DNA sequencing effort, a collaboration involving hundreds of scientists has created a new family tree for flowering plants. Comparing gene sequences from more than 9,500 species — many of them dried specimens preserved in museums — scientists have sketched important branching points in the evolution of flowering plant life. In a study published in April in the journal Nature, the data they present suggests that more than 80 percent of major modern flowering plant lineages originated in a sudden burst of invention that began around 150 million years ago, in the late Jurassic Period.
Read article at A New Evolutionary Tree of Flowers? For Spring? Groundbreaking. – The New York Times
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants
Natural History Wanderings 