Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 28, 2023

Job Openings: Aquatic Ecology- Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 28, 2023

Plane-dropped bait vaccinates raccoons in the eastern U.S.

NPR reports

Every year, the USDA drops millions of oral rabies vaccines across fourteen states, mostly along the eastern seaboard. (Texas also has a program.) In urban and suburban areas, this usually means officials drive around, depositing bait where raccoons are likely to find it and eat it, like around dumpsters.

In rural areas, though, there’s a more efficient way to distribute the bait.

“They’re scattered by these low flying planes.

Read or listen to full story at  Plane-dropped bait vaccinates raccoons in the eastern U.S. : Short Wave : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 27, 2023

Pt. Reyes Photos November 23 to 25, 2023

Photographs from a three day trip to Pt. Reyes from November 23 to 25, 2023.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 27, 2023

Wildlife bridge: Caltrans expects skeleton of crossing by early 2024

The Ventura County Star  reports

Crews mostly completed a large, concrete wall along the north side of Highway 101 near Agoura Hills this month – one of the initial steps in building a first-of-its-kind wildlife crossing.

Construction started last year on the bridge over the 10-lane freeway, a barrier for mountain lions, mule deer and other wildlife in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Ten large columns went up in the median over the past several months and work on a second wall started along southbound lanes.

Billed as the world’s largest urban wildlife crossing, the bridge may help save an isolated mountain lion population from extinction. It will stretch 210 feet long and look like natural habitat.

Read more Wildlife bridge: Caltrans expects skeleton of crossing by early 2024

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 27, 2023

Boreal and temperate forests now main global carbon sinks, satellite image analysis finds

Phys.org  reports

Researchers discovered that boreal and temperate forests have become the main global carbon sinks. Tropical forests, which are older and degraded by deforestation, fire and drought, are nearly carbon neutral. The findings, published in Nature Geoscience, highlight the importance of accounting for young forests and forest degradation in predictive carbon‑sink models to develop more effective climate change mitigation strategies.

Read full article Boreal and temperate forests now main global carbon sinks, satellite image analysis finds

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 26, 2023

Wiki Science Photo Competition

The Wiki Science Competition (WSC) is an international photo contest for the sciences. It is organised by Wikimedia, that is the movement behind Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia – a global collaboration authored by volunteers.

To participate and learn more go Wiki Science Competition

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 26, 2023

A giant tumbleweed rolled down a California highway

NPR reports

A giant tumbleweed roughly the size of a Volkswagen beetle was spotted hurtling its way down a four-lane road in California this week.

The jaunty brown bundle of brush was captured on video and posted on Tuesday on X, formerly known as Twitter, where it has gathered a number of fans who have compared it to a giant hairball, belly lint gone wild, and the critters from the eponymously named 1986 sci-fi horror movie.

Read more and see video at A giant tumbleweed rolled down a California highway : NPR

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 25, 2023

The 2023 Bird Taxonomy Update is Complete

from CornellLab of Ornithology

Our understanding of species is constantly changing. Every year, some species are “split” into two or more, while others are “lumped” from multiple species into one, as we gain a better understanding of the relationships between birds. Our 2023 update includes 3 newly-described species, 124 species gained because of splits, and 16 species lost through lumps, resulting in a net gain of 111 species and a new total of 11,017 species recognized worldwide.

Read more about the 2023 Taxonomy Update

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 25, 2023

2024 Northern California Botanists Symposium Jan. 8 to 10

8-9 January 2024 with Workshops on the 10th California State University

Chico Bell Memorial Union Auditorium (In Person) and Online

Northern California Botanists will host its 12th botanical symposium on January 8-9, 2024 on the campus of California State University in Chico. The sessions will also be available online. Optional workshops will be held on Wednesday, January 10. A 2-day schedule of presentations by working botanists will include sessions on Vegetation Classification, Climate Change, Grassland Restoration, Bryophytes, Locally Rare Plants, Now the Good News, New Discoveries, and a session of Lightning Talks.

Two workshops will be held on Wednesday and will include a field trip/workshop on the Soils, Landforms, and Vegetation of Big Chico Creek Canyon and Beyond by Andrew Conlin with the Chico Soil Survey Office, Natural Resources Conservation Service and a field trip/workshop on “Heritage Growers Source Identified Native Seed Production Facility Tour” by Pat Reynolds with Heritage Farms.

See the Program and Workshop Page for more information.

Learn more at  2024 Symposium – Northern California Botanists

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 24, 2023

Bay Nature Schedule of Events

See the Bay Nature calendar of events throughout the Bay Area at https://baynature.org/events/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 24, 2023

UC Berkeley Botanical Garden Photos 11/20/23

Photos from the UC- Berkeley Botanical Garden taken on November 20, 2023.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 24, 2023

New study finds global climate change could impact the flavor and cost of American beer

Virginia Tech reports

A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications found the changing global climate may be affecting the flavor and cost of beer.

A warmer and drier climate is expected to lower the yield of hops — the aromatic flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant that give beer its signature bitter flavor — in Europe up to 18 percent by 2050. The alpha acid content of hops is also expected to drop as crops begin to ripen earlier.

Read more New study finds global climate change could impact the flavor and cost of American beer | Virginia Tech News | Virginia Tech

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 23, 2023

2024 Morro Bay Bird Festival Jan. 11-15

Morro Bay is a world-renowned destination for birding, and the Bird Festival is the perfect opportunity to experience all that this beautiful area has to offer. With over 200 events to choose from, there’s something for everyone at the festival.

Here’s just a sample of what you can do at the festival:
— Read on for more information and registration at morrobaybirdfestival.org/

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 23, 2023

2024 Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 23, 2023

The health impact of climate change is not adequately recorded

 Monash University reports

A Monash University-led study has proposed a solution for the urgent need to capture real-time data on the impact of climate change-related events on human health, healthcare workforces, and healthcare systems at the point of care.As the global community faces growing climate challenges, the study calls for action, collaboration, and innovation to safeguard human health and wellbeing in the face of environmental crises.

Read more  The health impact of climate change is not adequately recorded: study – Monash University

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 22, 2023

New Book on Plants of Mt. Tamalpais

from Backcountry Press

Plants of Mount Tamalpais includes:

  • Color images for identifying over 600 plant taxa
  • Descriptions of the major plant communities
  • Overview of the biotic and abiotic factors that influence plant distributions
  • Spectacular photos from across Mount Tam

Learn more at  Plants of Mount Tamalpais · Backcountry Press

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 22, 2023

Why Monarchs Need Early-Season Milkweeds

from Xerces Society

Early-season milkweed species are available to monarchs for egg laying and caterpillar feeding relatively early in the breeding season, when populations are at their smallest sizes at the end of winter. These early milkweeds are likely critical to monarch survival because they are the first suitable host for egg-laying. They are also important because overwintering monarchs may not survive long enough to breed on later-emerging species, or may have lower fecundity later in their lifecycle.

The Xerces Society and our partners have begun a 3-year project to increase the supply of pesticide-free, early-season milkweed plants available for restoration Learn more

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 21, 2023

Yosemite Road Closures

from Yosemite National

Tioga Road (continuation of Highway 120 through the park) is closed for the season due to snow. This road usually opens around late May or June. Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) for road conditions and tire chain requirements.
Glacier Point Road is temporarily closed due to snow and icy conditions. Tire chains may be required on other roads. Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check status.

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 21, 2023

Plant Sales at Regional Parks Botanic Garden

Weekly and first-Saturday plant sales have resumed at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park. Plants and seeds are sold at the potting shed on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seeds can also be purchased at the Visitor Center. More info

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 21, 2023

Gardeners aren’t surprised as USDA updates key map

NPR reports

A newly updated government map has many of the nation’s gardeners rushing online, Googling what new plants they can grow in their mostly warming regions.

It’s called the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “plant hardiness zone map,” and it’s the national standard for gardeners and growers to figure out which plants are most likely to survive the coldest winter temperatures in their location.

See new map and read more at USDA’s plant hardiness zone map shows half the country has shifted : NPR

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 20, 2023

4 ways to observe Black Friday without shopping

NPR reports

From hiking local trails to studying black holes, some Americans are finding creative ways to mark the country’s busiest shopping day without spending a dime.

Read on www.npr.org/2023/11/20/1213214810/black-friday-2023-alternatives-shopping

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 20, 2023

UC Berkeley Botanical Garden Events

See the events calendar for the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden at Garden Events

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 20, 2023

How Much Can Trees Fight Climate Change?

The New York Times reports

How Much Can Trees Fight Climate Change? Massively, but Not Alone, Study Finds.

The research, which comes with important caveats, was partly an effort to address the scientific uproar surrounding an earlier paper.

Restoring global forests where they occur naturally could potentially capture an additional 226 gigatons of planet-warming carbon, equivalent to about a third of the amount that humans have released since the beginning of the Industrial Era, according to a new study published on Monday in the journal Nature.

Read more at How Much Can Trees Fight Climate Change? Massively, but Not Alone, Study Finds. – The New York Times

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 19, 2023

Celebrate Green Friday, November 24

Celebrate Green Friday, November 24, with a FREE Park Day in Regional Parks. Green Friday provides healthy and fun ways to enjoy the day after Thanksgiving with family and friends.
On Green Friday, all entrance activity fees are waived in Regional Parks, including parking, dogs, horses, boat launching, and fishing, as well as entrance to Ardenwood Historic Farm. The fee waiver does not include state fees for fishing licenses and watercraft inspections or concessions, such as the Tilden Merry-Go-Round and Redwood Valley Railway steam train.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 19, 2023

Upcoming Activities in the East Bay Regional Parks

Sat, Nov 18, 8:30-10am, Birdwalk Along the Bay, Crown Beach (Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary)

Sat, Nov 18, 2-3pm, Flavors of the Delta: Native American Cooking, Big Break

Sat, Nov 18, 4-5pm, Whooo’s Out at Dusk?, Coyote Hills

Fri, Nov 24, 3:30-5pm, Woodland Wonderland, Del Valle

Sat, Nov 25, 11:30am-12:30pm, Simple Machines, Ardenwood

Sat, Nov 25, 1:30-3pm, Traditional Plant Uses, Black Diamond Mines

Sat, Nov 25, 1:30-3pm, Ancestral Skills, Tilden Nature Area

Sun, Nov 26, 11-11:30am, Time Traveling Tales, Sunol

More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 19, 2023

New Eastern Sierra Land Conservation Protects Sage-grouse habitat

 from  Eastern Sierra Land Trust

Breaking news! ESLT closes on landmark project in Nevada. Today, ESLT proudly announces the conservation of Desert Creek Ranch, a 1,228-acre historically and ecologically significant ranch in Smith Valley, Nevada.
This marks ESLT’s inaugural conservation project in Nevada and is a huge achievement for sage-grouse habitat in the state.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 18, 2023

SpaceX’s recent launches impact on surrounding national wildlife refuge & state park lands

from Defenders of Wildlife

Don’t destroy Earth on the way to Mars. Watch & learn more about SpaceX’s recent launches & how this experimental rocketry impacts the surrounding national wildlife refuge and state park lands and the threatened and endangered species that call these lands home. See video at https://www.facebook.com/DefendersofWildlife/videos/326746776742614

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 18, 2023

2023 Natural Landscape Photography Awards

Announcing our 2023 Winners
View the Results Here
The 3rd annual NLPA was quite competitive! 11,176 photographs were submitted to the competition by 1,023 photographers from 54 countries, including:
  • 3,437 Grand Scenic photographs
  • 3,765 Intimate Landscape photographs
  • 1,829 Abstracts and Details photographs
  • 232 Projects
Of these, 1,989 photographs made it to the RAW verification stage and final judging. From here, the judges narrowed down their top selections to just 157 photographs for the live finals, which lasted 6 hours via Zoom.
See the Full 2023 Gallery

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 17, 2023

Leonids Meteor Shower Peaks 11/18/23

From EarthSky

Predicted peak: is predicted** for November 18, 2023, at 5:33 UTC.
When to watch: Watch late on the night of November 17 until dawn on November 18. The morning of November 17 might be worthwhile, too.
Duration of shower: November 3 through December 2.
Radiant: Rises around midnight, highest in the sky at dawn.
Nearest moon phase: In 2023, first quarter moon falls on November 20. So there will very little interference from moonlight in 2023.
Expected meteors at peak, under ideal conditions: Under a dark sky with no moon, you might see 10 to 15 Leonid meteors per hour.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 17, 2023

Job Opening: Archeologist Channel Islands

We are hiring! Channel Islands National Park Service is recruiting for an Archeologist to support field inventory and data processing. This is a Full-Time Temporary job lasting up to four years, stationed in Ventura, CA. If you have Archeology credentials and are interested in working for the National Park Service, please check us out at https://www.usajobs.gov/job/760105300

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