A blue heron cam will be watching the majestic birds nest on Stow Lake this year to aid in research and public education.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, slices of nature pop up in the most unexpected places, a testament to the region's wealth in biodiversity and the resilience of its natural systems. Bringing nature to urban areas is not just about ensuring the survival of species, but enhancing people's quality of life through a fulfillment of our innate need to be with nature.
Water, Water Everywhere…?
In these days of scarce water, the supply of organizations talking about water policy seems to exceed the supply of the precious liquid itself. But alongside the economically powerful giants duking it out for their share of the dwindling supplies, … Read more
Sunday Bioblitz a Chance to See Lake Merritt’s Wild Side
The wild side of Lake Merritt inspired Jim Carlton’s career. This Sunday is a chance for everyone else to join in on the fun.
New Life for Presidio’s Historic Forest
The young trees are dwarfed by the backdrop of towering eucalyptus, Monterey pine, and Monterey cypress planted in the Presidio more than 120 years ago, but the mission is lofty: to replace a dying forest.
Before the Annual Fungus Fair, It’s All About Finding the Right Mushroom
Served in French dishes under the alias pom pom du blanc, lion’s mane has a texture and taste resembling lobster or shrimp. Chris Schoenstein, a lifelong enthusiast and member of the Mycological Society of San Francisco, has only seen one 2 or 3 times. But that, if you’re a mushroom hunter, is the hook that keeps you coming back to an event like the Wunderlich Foray.
Dublin Land Exchange Raises Concern Over Burrowing Owls
The burrowing owl requires only a few basic ingredients to survive urban settings but biologists say those needs are threatened by a new land exchange.
Researchers Identify a Parasitic Fly that Turns Honey Bees into “Zombees”
San Francisco State researcher John Hafernik noticed bees acting like zombies a few years ago. Now he’s traced the “zombee” infestation to its source: a mind-controlling parasitic fly.
Finding Nature in Mussel Rock Park
Mussel Rock Park has an uneven human and geologic history. That hasn’t stopped Oscar Porter from hiking there every day in search of extraordinary nature. He’s collected his photos of coyotes, birds and spiders on YouTube and in a book called Nature Under the Fog.
Photo Gallery: Coyotes Raising Kids in San Francisco
Coyotes are among the 3-5 percent of mammal species that mate for life, and parents raise pups cooperatively. Except for loners and transients, coyotes live in nuclear families not so different from our own.
Naturalist’s Notebook: Discover the Jungle on San Bruno Mountain
Hidden biodiversity beneath a canopy of coyote bush on a windswept ridge of San Bruno Mountain