On the eve of the 100-year anniversary, the decision to drain Hetch Hetchy Valley to build a reservoir for San Francisco is still actively debated, even as the city’s dependence on the Sierra water has deepened.
The San Francisco Bay is our region's dominant geographic feature.
Naturalist’s Notebook: Stilt vs. Avocet
Stilts and avocets are common San Francisco Bay shorebirds. Here’s how to tell them apart.
Volunteers Stick to it at Suisun Marsh
On a 21-foot aluminum boat floating in Suisun Marsh, Amanda Schwabe heaves up the otter trawl as Cesar Morales coils the rope on deck. When Schwabe brings up the net, Captain Teejay O’Rear pours its contents into a shallow pan. … Read more
Inspired by the Natural World
An interview with Frans Lanting, an internationally renowned wildlife photographer who moved to Santa Cruz 30 years ago and never looked back.
Right On Course with John Wade, Farallon Islands Patrol Skipper
John Wade is one of about 20 skippers who make up the Farallon Patrol for PRBO Conservation Science. Skippers offer their boats and volunteer their time to sail to the Farallon Islands, a shuttle and resupply the scientists who live … Read more
Mapping the future of the coast
Most of the people in the world–and most of their infrastructure–can be found in jurisdictions bordering the coast or coastal watersheds. The Bay Area is no exception. However, in this era of climate change, the benefits of living close to … Read more
The Farallon Islands: To be there is to understand wildness
The Farallon Islands off the San Francisco Bay may be small in scope but it ranks with the Serengeti in its significance to conservation.
Water desalination plants on the horizon
Water desalination may seem too costly and too riddled with complications to go anywhere fast. But that doesn’t mean water managers are giving up hope. Faced with an uncertain future of diminishing water supplies, officials are floating plans for 17 … Read more
Effort renews to control invasive Asian kelp
A long, wavy greenish-brown kelp dangles off the docks at South Beach Marina by AT&T Park in San Francisco. It may seem like the seaweed belongs there, but it’s an invasive kelp from Asia, known as Undaria pinnatifida. It’s so … Read more
EcoFair Marin Returns!
Mark your calendars for September 9th! EcoFair Marin is back, and even better this year, with over 80 exhibits, do-it- yourself demonstrations and speakers, including author Van Jones, as keynote presenter. Inspired by San Rafael’s Climate Action Plan and presented in … Read more