Why Some Flowers Bloom In the Dead of Summer
Most local annuals and perennials grow and breed in spring and early summer when times are good and water is abundant. Not these weirdos.
Category: Biodiversity
Summer 2025 Almanac: Oatgrass and Opossums
Humans aren’t the only ones who like to travel.
Hairy Woodpeckers: Drilling With Love
For a hairy woodpecker, summer is actually a slight reprieve after a very busy spring of finding and drilling out the perfect hole.
Naturalist’s Notebook: Beaver Bingo
Bay Area beavers are making a comeback. Here's how to recognize they've been working in an area.
A Ramble Around Pacheco Marsh
Stepping onto the spanking new Pacheco Marsh trail near Martinez for the first time on May 1, I was struck by the contrast between nature and human industry all around.
Survival of the Flittest: Relocated Butterflies Are Spotted in San Francisco
At a recent release, volunteers help a new batch of silvery blues adjust to city life.
This Trump Change Could ‘Eviscerate’ the U.S. Endangered Species Act
A plan to redefine ‘harm’ could remove federal habitat protections from almost 100 Bay Area listed species. The proposal is now open for public comment until May 17.
Spring 2025 Almanac: Madrones and Gophers
Life during spring can take your breath away.
Behold the Flamboyant Mating Rituals of Grebes
Western and Clark’s grebes strike rakish figures on Bay Area waters. But for all the attention they command, the secrets of their lives are well-guarded.
Even Ground Squirrels Got In On the Vole Feast Last Summer
For the first time, scientists documented concerted carnivory by California ground squirrels. But why were there so many voles?
