Erica Reder

Erica Reder is a native San Franciscan. In addition to covering the environment beat at SF Public Press, she reports for Bay Nature Magazine and KPFA Radio. She holds a B.A. in history from Yale University. This story was originally published at sfpublicpress.org.

Good News for Steelhead from SFPUC

February 10, 2011 •  by

Things are looking up for the steelhead trout of Alameda Creek. A revised plan to replace the Calaveras Dam includes several features that will benefit the federally threatened fish. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) approved the project on January 27, 2011, ending years of discussion with conservation groups and federal agencies.

Next Frontier for Restoration: Your Backyard

December 16, 2010 •  by

Environmental action often hinges on what not to do at home: don’t leave lights on, don’t bring home plastic bags, don’t use pesticides. But what about actively creating a wildlife habitat right outside your backdoor? San Franciscans will soon have help doing just that, from the nonprofit Nature in the City, which will offer backyard habitat services.

San Jose a Trailblazer on Banning Single-Use Bags

December 6, 2010 •  by

Two weeks ago, Los Angeles supervisors voted to ban retailers from distributing single-use plastic bags in unincorporated parts of the county. Then on November 29, the governor argued for a statewide ban of plastic bags at a Sacramento press conference. Now San Jose becomes the nation’s largest city to ban plastic bags.

West Oakland Group Wins Major Grant for New Urban Farm and Park

November 19, 2010 •  by

Last year, City Slicker Farms grew and distributed almost 7,000 pounds of pay-what-you-can produce in West Oakland. That number may double in coming years, thanks to a $4 million grant the nonprofit won last week. City Slicker Farms will use the money purchase and develop a 1.4-acre neighborhood farm and park.

Give a Hand for the Salmon

November 8, 2010 •  by

The arrival of the rains each fall kicks off spawning season for coho salmon. The rains also mark the end of this season’s work on the Redwood Creek Restoration Project. On November 14, you can help welcome the salmon back to an improved watershed, and kick in a little on the restoration too!