David Amme, author of “Grassland Heritage” in Bay Nature’s April-June 2004 issue, called purple needlegrass “the undisputed candidate for official state grass.” Now that may soon become literally as well as figuratively true: State Sen. Michael Machado, D-Linden, is sponsoring … Read more
To learn more about California’s oaks, contact the following organizations: California Oak Foundation 1212 Broadway, Suite 810 Oakland, CA 94612 510-763-0282 www.californiaoaks.org California oak advocacy and education organization. Online monthly oak report, membership newsletter, oak tree care information, and merchandise. … Read more
Across the Bay Area, a wide range of nonprofits, public agencies, research institutions, and community groups work to protect San Francisco Bay and advance environmental conservation throughout the region. Acterra 3921 East Bayshore Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303 (650) 962-9876 … Read more
There are two kayak launch sites for Elkhorn Slough: Kirby Park and Moss Landing Harbor District Launch Site (just north of Moss Landing). You can rent kayaks at the latter site. Be sure to check tide and weather conditions before … Read more
NURSERIES, SEED SUPPLIERS, PLANT SALES, AND BOTANIC GARDENS Bay Natives 375 Alabama St. #440 San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 287-6755 http://www.baynatives.com Berkeley Horticultural Nursery 1310 McGee Ave. Berkeley, CA 94703 (510)526-4704 Stock includes California natives among other types of plants. … Read more
Though whales were never hunted in San Francisco Bay itself, the whaling industry had a long presence here. Beginning in the 1830s, whaling ships of British and New England–based fleets wintered in San Francisco Bay. A hundred ships or more … Read more
To See the Stars Well do I know that I am mortal and a creature of one day;but when my mind follows the massed wheeling circles of the stars,my feet no longer touch the earth…—Ptolemy, epigram to the Almagest Observatories … Read more
The new Eastshore State Park comprises one of the largest undeveloped public landholdings fronting San Francisco Bay, stretching from the Bay Bridge in Oakland to Marina Bay in Richmond. The 8.5-mile-long, 260-acre park is the result of more than four … Read more