Exploring Nature in the San Francisco Bay Area
David Amme, author of “Grassland Heritage” in Bay Nature’s April-June 2004 issue, called purple needlegrass “the undisputed candidate for official state grass.” Now that may soon become literally as well as figuratively true: State Sen. Michael Machado, D-Linden, is sponsoring legislation to make purple needlegrass California’s official state grass. The long-lived, drought-tolerant purple needlegrass, or…
To learn more about ancient megafauna and efforts to protect and restore the Bay Area’s megafauna: Megafauna Video Check out our feature article on the Bay Area’s prehistoric megafauna, and then watch KQED’s video on megafauna, part of their Quest program. Tule Elk Restoration Point Reyes National Seashore Association Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 (415)…
To learn more about California’s oaks, contact the following organizations: California Oak Foundation 1212 Broadway, Suite 810 Oakland, CA 94612 510-763-0282 www.californiaoaks.org California oak advocacy and education organization. Online monthly oak report, membership newsletter, oak tree care information, and merchandise. California Oak Mortality Task Force www.suddenoakdeath.org Sudden Oak Death research, monitoring, and education website, including…
Although the disease is popularly known as Sudden Oak Death, the funguslike organism that causes it, Phytophthora ramorum, is also responsible for less severe symptoms in a number of other native and nonnative plants. The continually growing list of affected plants currently stands at 26, ranging from the towering coast redwood to the diminutive western…
Despite their recreational and functional value, most reservoirs come at a cost. To build a reservoir, we must drown a valley. In the Bay Area, that probably entails flooding valuable wildlife habitat, such as oak woodlands, vernal pools, and riparian corridors. It is not surprising, then, that several current reservoir proposals are drawing fire from…
To familiarize yourself with all the Marin Headlands have to offer, start at the National Park Service’s Marin Headlands Visitor Center. There, browse their historical and natural history exhibits, tap into their educational resources on the Miwok Indians or the Headland’s military history, and swing by the gift shop. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area…
Independent, nonprofit environmental journalism connecting people with nature in the San Francisco Bay Area.
