Exploring Nature in the San Francisco Bay Area
The remarkable creatures of these vernal pools, from tadpole shrimp to tiger salamanders, have evolved to thrive in an environment of extremes
Bettina Ring is Executive Director of the Bay Area Open Space Council, a group of 60 organizations dedicated to protecting and maintaining the Bay Area’s network of open space lands, including its parks, trails and agricultural lands.
Unlike sea lions and elephant seals, harbor seals shun attention. A harbor seal may flee at the slightest disturbance, and mothers have been known to abandon pups when harassed. Late April is peak pupping time, so watch out when you are kayaking on the Bay or walking certain beaches.
The Bay Area may gain 1,500 acres of protected open space this year thanks to a pending acquisition by the Solano Land Trust of Rockville Trails Estates, northwest of Fairfield. The former ranch boasts rich biodiversity and impressive vistas that could become a public asset, if the trust can raise the funds by August 31.
Spring is a great time to visit Mount Wanda near Martinez. We took a tour with ranger Thad Shay, and there’s a couple more chances for you to do the same!
It all started with some crooked zucchinis in Bolinas. They didn’t conform to the strict aesthetic standards of the market, so they were snipped from the vine and left to rot. The folks at Marin Organic recognized an opportunity and, and the group’s School Lunch and Gleaning Program was born.
Independent, nonprofit environmental journalism connecting people with nature in the San Francisco Bay Area.
