A Sparkling Terror in the Dark, and Other Tales of Readers’ Wildlife Encounters
Readers submitted their mini-stories of nature encounters, including a thrill in the dark, a bobcat vs. squirrel drama, and a surprisingly aggressive flower.
Exploration
All Those Whose Eyes Do Shine at Night: Naturalist’s Notebook, by John Muir Laws
Why do some animals' eyes shine at night? John Muir Laws explains.
At This Sonoma Park, You Can Walk to Pluto
If you’re looking to combine a stunning walk with a deeper contemplation of the cosmos, the PlanetWalk Trail, in Sonoma County’s Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, fits the bill.
Explore the Bay by Ferry
Ferries are a cheap, environmentally friendly way to breathe in some brisk salt air and see the Bay in a new way. Here are five places you can go.
After ‘Heartbreaking’ Vandalism, Sausal Creek Plant Nursery Volunteers Pick Up the Pieces
Over 4,000 native plant seedlings were knocked over in broad daylight at the Friends of Sausal Creek's native plant nursery in Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland. At least 600 seedlings were...
The Bald Eagles Have Landed in Alameda, and They’re Building a Nest
Longtime birder and Alameda local Rick Lewis found the nest, and he's been discreetly visiting it almost daily since. No sign of eggs yet, but the birds seem good so...
Naturalist’s Notebook: Thrush Henge
You can use thrushes as a sort of seasonal calendar, as they fly in and out of the Bay Area.
A Doe on the Patio Table: Readers’ Close Encounters With Nature
We asked for your mini-stories about memorable nature moments, and you, readers, provided a wondrous bounty, like acorn woodpeckers contributing to the communal haul. Here are our favorite dozen.
A Santa Cruz Forest Reborn, After a Century Off-Limits
San Vicente Redwoods in Santa Cruz. Trail: 4.4 mi, 442 ft elevation gain, loop
EBRPD Trails Challenge: So Many Trails to Choose From
January 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the Trails Challenge—a beloved annual tradition that helps people of all abilities access the vast East Bay Regional Park District and inspires them...
