AI Is a Place
Artificial intelligence is not magic, or placeless, or limitless. It is nature: wind, water, coal.
The Many Faces of iNaturalist
Once a Berkeley student project, iNaturalist is a social network—and a scientific database. Now, the public departure of its cofounder highlights the challenge of balancing the two.
LATEST STORIES
Heroic HAB volunteers track harmful algal blooms
Summer volunteers watch for potential harmful algal blooms (HABs), fed by gallons of sewage effluent, through Baykeeper’s monitoring program.
Voting Guide for the California State Bee Race
The race is on for the 19 native bee candidates to be chosen to represent the Golden State.
An Unexpected Threat to Aquatic Life in San Francisco Bay? Our Pets.
Pesticides used in common over-the-counter topical tick and flea treatments have been found in Bay Area wastewater effluent at levels that are toxic to aquatic organisms.
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COMMUNITY VOICES
Articles written by our readers from the San Francisco Bay nature community.
In Memory of Jake Sigg, a California Conservationist
Jake Sigg, one of California’s best-known advocates for protecting native biodiversity, died on June 10, one week after his 99th birthday.
IN SEASON IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Yellowjackets—Bane of the Picnic, Builder of Hidden Kingdoms
These bold insects live in complex underground matriarchies that are seriously metal.
Where to Watch Birds Migrate in the North Bay This Fall
Longtime birder David Wimpfheimer has intel for us.
Where There’s Good Fire, There’s Good Smoke
To prevent megafires, we need more fire. But that also means learning more about smoke.
Staff picks
When You Find a Feather, What Can It Teach You?
Currently, birds are the only creatures in existence that have feathers.
Dorothea Lange, Water Prophet
New performances of Last West: Roadsongs for Dorothea Lange in fall of 2026.
Golden-Crowned Sparrows and the Song of Fall
Golden-crowned sparrows are a symbol and sound of Bay Area fall. When you hear one, you know that the season has begun.
Why Do Ants Enter My House When It’s Warm or Raining?
Why do ants do what they do, and what makes them leave? Naturalist Michael Ellis explains.
