ScienceDaily reports
Invasive plants can stay dormant for decades or even centuries before rapidly expanding and wreaking ecological havoc, finds a new study.
Read article at Invasive plant time bombs: A hidden ecological threat | ScienceDaily
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 9, 2024
Invasive plant time bombs: A hidden ecological threat
Posted in Environment | Tags: Invasive Plants
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 8, 2024
How does animal behavior change during a solar eclipse?
Researchers suggest that some animal behaviors change as a reaction to a solar eclipse.
— Read on www.kron4.com/news/national/how-does-animal-behavior-change-during-a-solar-eclipse/
Posted in Animals | Tags: animal eclipse behavior
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 8, 2024
High One Wildflower Map
Highway One Road Trip has a wildflower map for iconic the stretch of Highway 1 through San Luis Obispo County at View the Highway 1 Wildflower Map
Posted in Drives, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Highway One Wildflowers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 8, 2024
Photos from Crete 4/16/23
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 | April 8, 2024
US buildings kill up to a billion birds a year. These architects want to save them
The Guardian reports
Highly transparent glass can lead to devastating collisions. But innovations in design are creating safer skylines – without sacrificing beauty
Read article US buildings kill up to a billion birds a year. These architects want to save them | Birds | The Guardian
Posted in Birds
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 7, 2024
On-Call Mid-Senior Level Botanist
Stantec is hiring an On-Call Mid-Senior Level Botanist
— Read on stantec.jobs/chico-ca/on-call-mid-senior-level-botanist/860F1E406409466F89281ACD70F3FDD9/job/
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: Job Opening
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 7, 2024
Discovery could end global amphibian pandemic
UC Riverside reports
A fungus devastating frogs and toads on nearly every continent may have an Achilles heel. Scientists have discovered a virus that infects the fungus, and that could be engineered to save the amphibians.
— Read on news.ucr.edu/articles/2024/04/03/discovery-could-end-global-amphibian-pandemic
Posted in Animals | Tags: Amphibian Pandemic
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 7, 2024
Yosemite Road Closure
The Big Oak Flat Road (extension of Highway 120) is closed from the Foresta Junction to the intersection with El Portal Road (extension of Highway 140) due to rockfall. Park crews are currently assessing the situation as the rockfall area may still be active. We expect the closure to last at least through Tuesday evening (April 9). We will announce updates as more information becomes available.
Posted in Drives, Park | Tags: Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Road Closure
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 7, 2024
Logging decline after political change in Brazil, Colombia
The number of trees lost in tropical forests in Brazil and Colombia fell dramatically last year because of political action, a new analysis finds.
Researchers say new leaders have prioritised the environment, with tree losses in the Brazilian Amazon down by a huge 39%.
However, increased tree felling and fires in Bolivia, Laos and Nicaragua wiped out many of these gains.
Global losses were up by a quarter, mainly due to forest fires in Canada.
Read more at Climate change: Logging decline after political change in Brazil, Colombia
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 7, 2024
Death Valley Pupfish
theethogram reports
Death Valley is home to several species of fish found nowhere else: the Death Valley pupfish. Researchers have placed the pupfish of Death Valley into several groups of species and subspecies, including the Salt Creek Pupfish (Cyprinodon salinus), the Amargosa Pupfish, (Cyprinodon nevadensis), and the Devil’s Hole Pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis). These tiny desert-dwellers, each no longer than your pinky finger, are specialists for this seemingly rough life, descendants of fish from a much more hospitable time.
Read more at Creature Feature: Death Valley Pupfish
Posted in Animals | Tags: Death Valley Pupfish
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 6, 2024
South Bay Wildflower Walk and Hiking Guide
Wildflower Walks – POST Hiking Guides
Get the guide at guides.openspacetrust.org/wildflowers/
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 6, 2024
Simple device filters methane out of barns
from Anthropocene Magazine
A novel and relatively simple device filters most of the methane out of animal barns
The invention removes between 50 and 100% of ambient methane, and is now being scaled up for real-world pig and cattle barns.
Read more at https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/?p=102394
Posted in Animals | Tags: Methane Filter
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 5, 2024
ACTION ALERT: Ask Federal Agencies to Provide National Park Passes to New Naturalized U.S. Citizens at Swearing-In Ceremonies!
ACTION ALERT: Ask Federal Agencies to Provide National Park Passes to New Naturalized U.S. Citizens at Swearing-In Ceremonies!
— Read on friendsoftheinyo.salsalabs.org/action-alert-national-park-passes-for-new-citizens
Posted in Park | Tags: Inclusion, National Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 5, 2024
Do we inherit the earth or borrow it?
Posted in Environment
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 5, 2024
Find an Earth Month Event Near You
| Sierra Club is holding events in almost every state nationwide this Earth Month. Join us to learn, connect, and celebrate!Check out our map to find an event near you.
Or, join us from wherever you are for a virtual town hall with Sierra Club’s Executive Director Ben Jealous on Thursday, April 11 celebrating a huge milestone toward building a clean energy future! |
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Posted in Environment | Tags: Earth Month Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 5, 2024
Job Opportunities – Birds Canada
See a list of job openings at BIrd Canada at Job Opportunities – Birds Canada | Oiseaux Canada
Posted in Birds, Job Openings | Tags: Birds Canada, Job Openings
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 5, 2024
‘Strange bird’ specimen might have looked like any other bird 120 million years ago — until it opened its mouth
CNN reports
A peculiar fossil has helped scientists discover an unusual bird that lived among the dinosaurs 120 million years ago, and the find is changing the way researchers think about avian evolution.
The previously unknown species has been named Imparavis attenboroughi, which means “Attenborough’s strange bird” in Latin in honor of British naturalist Sir David Attenborough.
Read more at Peculiar fossil reveals oldest toothless bird from 120 million years ago | CNN
Posted in Birds | Tags: Imparavis attenboroughi
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 4, 2024
Oregon salmon accidentally populate wrong river after truck carrying them crashes
Mid Michigan Now reports
Tens of thousands of threatened Chinook salmon were reintroduced into the Oregon ecosystem Friday, but not in the river they were intended for.
A truck carrying roughly 100,000 fish from Lookingglass Hatchery to the Imnaha River in the north of the state crashed along Lookingglass Creek, killing about a quarter of the cargo and causing the remainder to slide into the creek.
Red more at Oregon salmon accidentally populate wrong river after truck carrying them crashes
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 4, 2024
Native plants for gardens and how to care for them on YouTube
Bart O’Brien will be sharing some of his favorite California native plants for gardens and how to care for them in a rapidly changing climate. Familiar, lesser known, and newer selections will be discussed, with a focus on plants that are appropriate for smaller gardens. Read More…
Posted in Garden | Tags: Native Plants for the Garden
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 4, 2024
Why do woodpeckers like to hammer on houses? And what can I do about it?
CornellLab reports
Woodpeckers usually hammer on houses for one of four reasons:
1. Because it makes a loud noise that proclaims the bird’s territory and attracts a mate. If the birds are drumming for these reasons, they will most likely stop once breeding has begun in the spring (loud drumming is not related to looking for food).
Posted in Birds | Tags: Why do woodpeckers like to hammer on houses, Woodpeckers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 3, 2024
Celebration of the Whales on Sunday, April 7th
from Channel Islands Maritime Museum
Celebration of the Whales on Sunday, April 7th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Channel Islands Harbor will host the free family-friendly whale-themed festival from Farmer’s Market to the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. This year’s event will feature a concert in the park, a children’s fun zone, and chalk artists.
Posted in Animals | Tags: Celebration of the Whales
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 3, 2024
Sonoma County Wildflower Guide
The Sonoma Land Trust has a wildflower guide. It includes:
- Gorgeous pictorial of some of our favorite native flowers
- Habitats where each can be found
- Peak blooming seasons
- The best wildflower hikes in Sonoma County
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Sonoma County Wildflower Guide
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 3, 2024
“Bowman Canyon, New Acquisition to Mount Burdell Preserve” – Zoom Presentation
“Bowman Canyon, New Acquisition to Mount Burdell Preserve” Monday, April 8 @ 7:30 pm
Guest Speakers: Julian Geoghegan, Vegetation Ecologist and Jon Campo, Principal Natural Resources Planner for Marin County Parks
Bowman Canyon is a recently purchased addition to Mount Burdell Preserve on its western boundary. Jon and Julian will describe the Marin County Parks public access planning process for this 400-acre property. The presentation will highlight the existing conditions of the property, vegetation assessments, and thoughtful public access planning informed by numerous biological studies.
Join Marin CNPS led by Susan Schlosser in an exploration of Bowman Canyon on April 14, 2024.
Posted in Park, Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Bowman Canyon, Mount Burdell Preserve
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 3, 2024
Proposed Haze Pollution Consent Decree Sets Schedule to Improve Visibility in National Parks and Wilderness Areas
National Parks Conservation Association News Release
In response to legal action by Earthjustice, Environment Integrity Project, the National Parks Conservation Association and Sierra Club, the Environmental Protection Agency published notice of a proposed consent decree that includes deadlines for the agency to take action on 33 states’ plans to reduce haze pollution that harms air quality in national parks and wilderness areas.
After over a decade of urging EPA and state agencies to protect clean air in and around public lands, the proposed consent decree represents a tangible, welcome step forward in fulfilling the Clean Air Act’s mandate to eliminate haze pollution in national parks and wilderness areas.
Haze, centered in the groups’ legal challenge, is a major concern for 98 percent of national parks in the United States. The same pollutants responsible for the widespread air pollution also harm public health, particularly in communities experiencing targeted, systemic racism from polluting industries. Air pollution from burning fossil fuels and other sources worsens community health, increases healthcare costs and harms nature and sensitive ecosystems on public lands.
Posted in Park | Tags: Air Pollution in National Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 2, 2024
April Marin CNPS Chapter Event
Upcoming Marin Chapter Events
- 4/3 12:30 – 4:30 pmField Trip: Hoo-Koo-E-Koo
- 4/4 6 pm Online Plant Sale Opens
- 4/8 6 pm Online Plant Sale Closes
- 4/8 7:30 pm Chapter Meeting: Bowman Canyon
- 4/13 10:30 am – 1 pm Plant Sale Pickup – Bonair
- 4/14 10 am – 2 pm Field Trip: Bowman Canyon
- 4/21 11 am – 2 pm Tabling at Earth Day Mill Valley
- 4/29 10 am – 2 pm Field Trip: Mitchell Canyon, Mt. Diablo
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 2, 2024
The Birds of the Oregon Coast 4/4/24
The Birds of the Oregon Coast
Thursday, April 4 (7pm) Online via Zoom
(Zoom Link, Password: 840655)
Please join us on Thursday night for a special GGBA Travel Program Speaker Series with Ivan Phillipsen, co-founder of Wild Latitudes. The GGBA Travel Program has been working with Wild Latitudes for seven years now, and in that time Ivan has become a favorite tour leader among our members who have traveled with him.
Posted in Birds, Talks | Tags: The Birds of the Oregon Coast
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 2, 2024
Mt. Rainer Requires Summer Reservations for Paradise & Sunrise
From the National Park Service
Mount Rainier National Park has experienced an approximate 40% increase in visitation over the last 10 years, leading to overcrowding during the summer and damage to fragile ecosystems. In 2024, Mount Rainier National Park will implement a pilot timed entry reservation system to improve the visitor experience to the park by reducing wait times, congestion, and resource impacts on trails caused by overcrowding.
A timed entry reservation is required for two areas of the park: (1) Paradise Corridor coming from the southwest (near Ashford, WA) or southeast (near Packwood, WA), and (2) Sunrise Corridor coming from the northeast (via Enumclaw, WA) from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Each corridor requires a separate vehicle reservation. Timed entry reservations are for good a single day, per vehicle, and are required in addition to an entrance fee or park pass.
What You Need
Posted in Drives, Park | Tags: Mt. Rainier National Park, Paradise Corridor, Sunrise Corridor
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 2, 2024
Is Our Food Waste Creating a Murder of Crows?
The Revelator reports
Ongoing research finds that trashcans can feed and boost crow populations, which comes with a potentially deadly cost for some other bird species.
Read more: Is Our Food Waste Creating a Murder of Crows? • The Revelator
Posted in Birds
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 1, 2024
Highway 1 collapse: All Big Sur state parks, beaches are closed
The S. F. Chronicle reports
The collection of state parks dotting the 70-mile stretch of rugged coast through Big Sur are closed until further notice in light of Saturday’s road collapse on Highway 1.
On Sunday, the California Department of Parks and Recreation announced that campers and day visitors would be turned away at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Limekiln State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Point Sur State Historic Park. Those parks attract thousands of visitors each year and are home to some of Big Sur’s major attractions, including Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls.
Read more at Highway 1 collapse: All Big Sur state parks, beaches are closed
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Big Sur Park Closures
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 1, 2024
2024 Regional Parks Botanic Garden Spring Classes
From Friends of The Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Join us for two series of in-person classes led by Glenn Keator, one focusing on the diverse plant habitats of the Bay Area and the other focusing on the Bay Area’s diverse plant families. These series are tailored for plant enthusiasts who wish to explore the beauty and botanical diversity our region offers. Series 1.
— Read on nativeplants.org/2024-spring-classes-with-dr-glenn-keator/
Posted in Class/Workshop | Tags: Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Natural History Wanderings 