Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 17, 2023

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos 11/15/23

Photos from the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden on November 15, 2023.

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a  living museum of California native plants. Located within Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley, California, the 10-acre garden is a sanctuary for many of the state’s rare and endangered plants and a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses from plant communities throughout the state. It is part of the East Bay Regional Parks. Admission and parking are free. For more information about the garden and visiting go to Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden

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from Los Padres Forest Watch

A new program that increases protections for wildlife corridors throughout southern California’s Ventura County has prevailed after a three-judge panel agreed with the county and conservationists and found that the wildlife protections were lawful.

The unanimous ruling, issued on November 13 by the California Court of Appeals, upholds a set of land use ordinances to protect creeks, rivers, and other pathways used by wildlife to travel between key habitat areas. The program was approved by the County’s board of supervisors in 2019 to provide incentives for landowners to avoid development that may hinder wildlife connectivity. It is the first program of its kind in California.

Read more at  Appeals Court Upholds Ventura County Programs to Safeguard Wildlife Connectivity 

from California Natural Resources Agency

Nearly $18 Million in Grant Funding Also Announced to Connect More Communities to Nature

Overlooking the central city from the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, state and local leaders gathered Wednesday to celebrate a new plan that will increase access to the outdoors for all Californians, regardless of who they are or where they live.

Called the “Outdoors for All Strategy,” the plan serves as a blueprint for how the state California Natural Resources Agency and communities will build a movement and further momentum on work already underway — while partnering with key communities across the state to track progress and support future actions that get more people outside and provide outdoor experiences. More specifically, the Outdoors for All Strategy lifts up six key priorities:

  • Establishes spaces for people and nature to thrive by creating and maintaining more high-quality outdoor spaces of all shapes and sizes, especially in park-limited places;
  • Fosters belonging in the outdoors through policies and programs that build a welcoming and inclusive culture;
  • Connects people and the outdoors by improving information and transportation;
  • Co-creates with communities through frequent and meaningful tribal consultation and community engagement, with attention to underserved communities;
  • Builds equitable career pathways and a representative workforce by improving opportunities for all Californians to enter and sustain outdoor recreation, natural resources and restoration professions;
  • Aligns funding to achieve Outdoors for All in partnership with federal, state and non-governmental entities.

Read more  Newsom Administration, Natural Resources Agency Launch Historic Plan to Increase Outdoor Access in California

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 16, 2023

Upcoming CNPS Events

Naturehood: TLC for Native TreesThursday, December 7 at 5:30 PM PST

California’s native trees are truly awe-inspiring–they can soar to majestic heights, live for thousands of years, and require dozens of people to circle them for a hug. But how do we care for them when they are in our garden? Get insights into tree care from experts experienced with native trees.

Featuring: Oscar Sanchez of TreeCare LA and the CNPS Horticulture Team

Register Today
Upcoming Events

Native Gardens in Two Orange County Schools: Challenges and Rewards (Orange County Chapter)

Evolving Horizons at Sonoma Botanical Garden (Milo Baker Chapter)

Making a Sustainable Seasonal Wreath Using Dried Native California Flowers: A Talk by Jill Sowards (Santa Clara Valley Chapter) 

California Water Culture: An Overview of how California’s Unique Waterways Have Been Transformed (North San Joaquin Valley Chapter)

See more events

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 16, 2023

California OakWatch

Join the California OakWatch

Oaks give so much food, shade, shelter, and more. Native oak trees are foundational to California’s vaunted biodiversity because so many organisms depend on oaks for survival. California is home to over 20 species of native oak, which used to cover one-third of our state. Yet these mighty trees are also vulnerable to the climate crisis. 

As Community Science Coordinator Jose Esparza Aguirre writes in a new blog, “Globallyone-third of oaks are threatened by extinction in California, that number jumps to nearly half.” 

That’s where the power of community science comes in! Through the California Oakwatch Project, community scientists are collecting valuable data about oaks, with an emphasis on young oaks. They post this data on iNaturalist, which helps scientists learn which oak species are thriving, and where.

Read the blog to learn more about the California Oakwatch Project and how you can join.  

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 15, 2023

Student Conservation Association Education Internship Opportunity

from Channel Islands National Park
Student Conservation Association Education Internship Opportunity
24 -Week Internship – January 2024 – June 2024
Interested in outdoor education or a career with a public land agency? Join Channel Islands National Park’s education team as a Student Conservation Association intern. Engage K-12 students from Ventura County with the park’s unique natural and cultural resources. Develop resume-building knowledge and skills in public speaking, virtual and in-person education, interpreting park resources to the public, and more. Build your understanding and appreciation for the role of public lands and the opportunities they present.
For more details, email chis_education@nps.gov.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 15, 2023

A Couple of Photos from the Regional Parks Botanic Garden

Fiery Skipper on Gum Plant.

 

 

 

Sonoma Manzanita-Arctostaphylos densiflora (James West Form)

See the schedule of ABDNHA Anza Borrego nature programs and activities – calendar for hikes, walks, desert flowers, tours, lectures, in Anza-Borrego and Borrego Springs at  Borrego Springs Anza Borrego Desert Activities, Hikes, tours, classes, lectures

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 15, 2023

Watch How Animals React to the Scariest Sound on the Savanna

Vuink reports

When confronted with recordings of human voices, 19 species fled instantly, while they were less frightened by lion sounds and other potentially threatening recordings.

Read more at: Watch How Animals React to the Scariest Sound on the Savanna

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 14, 2023

Webinar: Ancient Forests of Sonoma County 11/16/23

from Sonoma Land Trust

Language of the Land: Ancient Forests of Sonoma County

November 16, 7-8:30pm, Zoom (registration required)

Did you know remains of trees dating thousands of years old, back to the last Ice Age, have been found in Sonoma County? In this talk, retired State Archaeologist Breck Parkman will highlight two of his important discoveries. The first was a Sitka spruce at Bodega Head, remnants of which were exposed during a winter storm, and the second was a Monterey pine found eroding from Sonoma Creek. He will discuss the nature of the ancient forests of Sonoma County and what these discoveries might mean in a world facing a changing climate.

Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 14, 2023

 Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Upcoming Events

SB Museum features exhibit halls focusing on regional natural history (birds, insects, mammals, marine life, paleontology), Native Americans, and antique natural history art. In addition there is a life-size Blue Whale skeleton

See upcoming events at  Calendar | Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

DNyuz  report

In more than 1,500 animal species, from crickets and sea urchins to bottlenose dolphins and bonobos, scientists have observed sexual encounters between members of the same sex.

Some researchers have proposed that this behavior has existed since the dawn of the animal kingdom. But the authors of a new study of thousands of mammalian species paint a different picture, arguing that same-sex sexual behavior evolved when mammals started living in social groups. Although the behavior does not produce offspring to carry on the animals’ genes, it could offer other evolutionary advantages, such as smoothing over conflicts, the researchers proposed.

Read more: Same-Sex Behavior Evolved in Many Mammals to Reduce Conflict, Study Suggests – DNyuz

ScienceDaily  reports

Twenty-year experiment finds that active replanting beats natural recovery for restoring logged tropical forests. • The higher the diversity of replanted tree species, the more quickly canopy area and biomass recovered. • Results emphasize the importance of preserving biodiversity in pristine forests and restoring it in recovering logged forest.

Read more Study shows replanting logged forests with diverse mixtures of seedlings accelerates restoration | ScienceDaily

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 12, 2023

Bring Birds to Your Yard with Native Plants

frm National Audubon

Did you know that adding native plants to your yard, balcony, or garden can help brighten up your green space while also providing food and shelter for your favorite birds?

Native plants are naturally low maintenance, help ease the impact of climate change, and attract the birds you love. They also support a host of other beneficial wildlife: pollinators critical to the whole web of life.

But what to plant? Find out with our native plants database. Just enter your zip code! With enhanced bird customization, easy filtering of plants, and additional resources in your community, you’ll find everything you need to get up and grow.

Pick Your Plants
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 11, 2023

Upcoming Bird Festivals

from Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Attend a Bird Festival: Many of these events offer guided field trips, keynote speakers, workshops, special events, exhibits, and vendors. It’s a great way to learn about birds and birding hotspots, and meet like-minded people—check out our full listings.

H. T. Harvey & Associates, an ecological consulting firm with four offices in Northern California and one in Hawaii, is looking for an experienced senior botanist and/or wetlands ecologist with a background in wetland delineation and experience in regulatory permitting for a full-time managerial position in the botany group in our San Francisco Bay Area office (Los Gatos, Santa Clara County). This position offers significant opportunities for growth and potential leadership within the botany team and the Bay Area office.

Learn more about this postion and how to apply at  Recruitment

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 11, 2023

Does beach replenishment smother a shorebird’s next meal?

Anthropocene Magazine reports

The total number of invertebrates falls by more than half in the wake of beach replenishment, according to a new study. And the invertebrate community may take longer to recover than previously thought.

Read more Does beach replenishment smother a shorebird’s next meal?

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 10, 2023

Tioga Road Reopens Today

from Yosemite National Park
Tioga Road is scheduled to reopen today, Friday, November 10 at 2 pm Pacific Time.
Another storm is forecast to arrive next week, with the possibility of stormy conditions through the following week. Before traveling to our park this season, please call our road status phoneline anytime at 209/372-0200 (then press 1 and 1 again) for current road conditions, including closures and any tire chain restrictions. Tire chains may be required during your visit.
More info about tire chains here: go.nps.gov/chains

NPR reports

Solar activity is expected to strengthen in 2024, which could activate more frequent displays of the aurora borealis, or the northern lights, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Read more at Stronger solar activity could bring more displays of the northern lights in 2024 : NPR

 

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 10, 2023

Join the Christmas Bird Count 

124th Christmas Bird Count will be held from Dec 14, 2023 to January 5, 2024!

The Christmas Bird Count occurs December 14 to January 5 every season.  Sign up to receive information and results about all of Audubon’s community science programs through American Birds, our newsletter by email.

Oct 2023: Please follow the CDC COVID-19 safe requirements  available here

Click here for a map view of the circles expected to be included in the 124th CBC.

For more information go to  Join the Christmas Bird Count

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 10, 2023

How to Recognize Spiders By their Webs

from Bay Nature

Spiders create ideal traps with their webs. This is a guide to some of the most common types of spider webs. Get guide and learn more at  How to Recognize Spiders By their Webs – Bay Nature Magazine

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 9, 2023

Reds Meadow Rd. Closed for Season

 From Inyo National Forest
Due to the need for removing additional large trees from Reds Meadow before the impending winter snow, Reds Meadow Road will be now be closed for the winter on the Mammoth Ranger District.
While contractors work on the weekdays due to the Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project, contractors through the @Whitebark Institute are removing trees from the valley on the weekends as part of a fuels reduction effort as quickly as possible before substantial snow arrives. With an even more narrow one-lane road due to the reconstruction project, the road is not safe for both logging trucks and public use.
For more information on road conditions and forest closures, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/inyo/alerts-notices
For the full news release, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/news-events/…
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 9, 2023

Tioga Road Remains Closed; Glacier Pt. Road Reopens This Afternoon

from Yosemite National Park
Tioga Road (continuation of Highway 120 through the park) may not reopen on Thursday afternoon; we will have an update later tomorrow.
Glacier Point Road will open Thursday afternoon (November 9). The National Weather Service is forecasting a potential for significant snow early next week, so additional closures (and chain requirements on other roads) are possible then.
For current road conditions, including closures and any active chain restrictions, please call our road status phoneline anytime at 209/372-0200 (then press 1 and 1 again).
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 9, 2023

Free National Park Admission Saturday, November 11 Veterans Day

All National Park Service (NPS) sites will waive entrance fees on Saturday, November 11 to honor Veterans Day. Parks will still charge camping fees.

From Golden Gate Bird Alliance

PREY-GO-NEESH NES-KWE-CHOHL: CALIFORNIA CONDORS RETURN TO YUROK COUNTRY

When: Thursday, November 16 @ 7pm

Where: Zoom

Description: Tiana Williams-Claussen, Director of the Yurok Tribe Wildlife Department, will join us and provide an update on the newly released population of California condor in Yurok country in far northern California, after conclusion of the first year of initial releases. She will also discuss biology of the birds, their cultural importance to the Yurok people, and next steps for condor reintroduction in the Pacific Northwest.

Zoom Link: HTTPS://US06WEB.ZOOM.US/J/89198505969?PWD=OXHTC0TWCHDRZNRXYURUK29WZTLZUT09
Passcode: 781063

•Redlining was a racially biased investment and lending practice established in the 1930s and applied in 239 cities across the United States.

• The program was terminated in 1968 but has since been linked with strong segregation of human communities, wealth, and green amenities in cities nationwide.

• In Greater Los Angeles, California, redlining continues to be negatively related to avian community patterns, their habitat and the people who may experience them.

• Luxury-effect patterns, where biodiversity is positively associated with affluence, largely predicted avifaunal patterns in Greater Los Angeles

• Legacy-effect patterns due to historical redlining also showed strong relationships and patterns of bird habitat and community composition, suggesting the practice is potentially a powerful force structuring contemporary urban avifauna and human communities.

• Careful yet deliberate action in urban greening could likely benefit birds and humans in redlined zones and other low-income areas of Greater Los Angeles.

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 8, 2023

INYO NATIONAL FOREST, BLM SEEK INPUT ON PROPOSED WILD HORSE GATHER

from Inyo National Forest

INYO NATIONAL FOREST, BLM SEEK INPUT ON PROPOSED WILD HORSE GATHER
Inyo National Forest, in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management – California – Bishop Field Office, is seeking public input on proposed gathers of wild horses outside the Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory in Mono County, California. The proposed gathers would maintain sustainable wild horse herd management levels, protect resources on public and private lands, protect proposed critical habitat for the bi-state distinct population segment of greater sage-grouse, and address public safety concerns for motorists.

Read More…

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 8, 2023

Zoom Talk: Klamath-Siskiyou Serpentines”

From Marin CNPS

“Stark Beauty: Klamath-Siskiyou Serpentines”. Guest Speaker: Julie Kierstead

Monday, November 13 @ 7:30 pm

The Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains of northwest California and southwest Oregon are the largest serpentine area in North America. We will look at three distinct areas of serpentine geology in NW California: the Josephine ophiolite, the Rattlesnake Creek Terrane, and the Trinity Ultramafic Sheet, and learn about their similarities and their differences. We will take a landscape level look at each of these areas, and touch on their endemic plant species, many of which are rare. For a preview, see https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/beauty/serpentines/

Bio: Julie is a retired Forest Botanist for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. From 1989-2019, she conducted rare plant surveys and managed the botany program for that 2.2 million acre federal property.

Read more. . .

Register for this Zoom meeting here.

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 8, 2023

The Future of Oceans – Webinar 11/15/23

All life on Earth depends on our oceans.
A virtual presentation hosted by The Nature Conservancy – Zoom Webinar
Wednesday, November 15th, 2023
12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. PTOcean ecosystems are on the brink of collapse. The Nature Conservancy is taking action and our plan is bold because it has to be. Join California Oceans Director Tom Dempsey for a conversation on the future of our oceans.

Reserve Your Spot Now
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | November 8, 2023

Female frogs fake their own deaths to avoid mating, study finds

NBC Bay Area reports

Next time you spot a frog that appears to be dead, it could just be the female amphibian trying to escape male attention, scientists have discovered.

Research has shown that female European common frogs are engaging in “tonic immobility,” which is essentially frogs faking their own deaths to dodge mating, a study in Royal Society Open Science found.

Read more Female frogs fake their own deaths to avoid mating, study finds – NBC Bay Area

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