National parks are not only recreational hubs, but they also serve as centers for scientific research and environmental monitoring programs. Since the federal government shutdown, researchers have been unable to continue their work running the risk that months of consistent study could be lost in a few weeks.
Tag: Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge
Spring Issue 2011
A Happy Return for Bird’s Beak
It’s always nice to see plants and wildlife return to a restored site. But it’s especially nice when a plant that’s both rare and finicky shows up in a spot miles away from the nearest remaining population. That’s what happened when Point Reyes bird’s beak appeared at LaRiviere Marsh near Newark.
Fall Issue 2010
A Squabble of Gulls
Gulls don’t inspire the awe that a golden eagle or red-tailed hawk does. Or the affection we feel for hummingbirds. But the Bay Area’s dozen gull species are true survivors: Adaptable, voracious predators, they breed by the thousands in the South Bay and at the Farallones, and it takes some determined biologists to keep an eye on them.
Winter Issue 2006
New Golf Course in Menlo Park
After hearing testimony from 89 speakers, bleary-eyed Menlo Park city council members voted 3 to 2 on November 1 to move forward with plans for a public golf course in the heart of Menlo Park’s only open space. Converted from … Read more
Stewardship
Bayshore Visitor Centers
For many Bay Area commuters, the San Francisco Bay is unfortunately more an obstacle to be crossed during rush hour than the signature natural feature of our region. But a variety of shoreline parks and visitor centers offer us an … Read more
Fall Issue 2004
Man in the Mud
Since immigrating to the United States from Norway in the 1950s, Hallvard Haugnes spent almost every day of his life moving mud around the South Bay salt ponds –all in an effort to keep the Bay waters out and salt … Read more
Fall Issue 2004
A Tall Order
There are many factors to consider—from endangered species and sediment deficits to flood control and budget deficits—when you restore 16,500 acres of salt ponds.
Fall Issue 2004
Bay Activist: Florence LaRiviere
When Florence LaRiviere heard last year that 16,000 acres of Cargill’s salt ponds had been acquired for restoration, the longtime Bay advocate rejoiced. “This work will start changing the land and the waters back to what they looked like a … Read more
Fall Issue 2004
Invitation to a Restoration
Planners designing a strategy for one of the biggest wetlands recovery projects ever undertaken in this country—the South Bay salt pond restoration—want to hear what folks like you and your neighbors have to say about it. You may have ideas … Read more
Fall Issue 2004
Refuge Volunteer: Eileen McLaughlin
The baylands’ swampy smells and power lines are distasteful to many. But to Eileen McLaughlin, Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge was unknown territory to be explored. This energetic woman started volunteering at the refuge in 1998, going out to closed … Read more
