Apr-Jun 2011
We bring you news of a landmark conservation plan for the Bay Area, plus explorations of Bolinas Lagoon, butterflies in the East Bay, and the spring wildflowers (and otherwordly critters) at Jepson Prairie in Solano County. Cover photo by John W. Wall, jwallphoto.blogspot.com.
Issue Contents
Not all print articles and images appear online immediately.
Photo by Kevin Nibur.
When it comes to the challenge of preserving biodiversity in the face of climate change, population growth, and other pressures, you have to think big. A new regional plan does just that with a proposal for a comprehensive Conservation Lands Network whose implementation would help ensure the preservation of diverse habitats essential for the survival of healthy populations of native species.
Special Section
in the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
Feature
by Jacoba Charles
For years, controversy raged about the future of Bolinas Lagoon, a significant coastal wetland that seems forever in danger of filling in, to the detriment of the fishing fleet and wildlife like seals and shorebirds. While some locals continue to push for dredging, others say this is all part of a natural cycle. But sea level rise driven by climate change might swamp the whole debate.
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
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East Bay Parks Feature
by Joe Eaton
From migrating monarchs to giant yellow swallowtails to tiny pygmy blues, butterflies are endlessly enthralling. For folks like retired East Bay Regional Parks naturalist Jan Southworth and artist Liam O'Brien, what started as an interest in colorful insects became a passion for creating nectar gardens and protecting habitat to sustain butterfly populations in San Francisco, the East Bay, and beyond.
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
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First Person
interview by Diane Poslosky
Dr. Marty Griffin has been working for decades to protect open spaces and wildlife along the Marin and Sonoma coasts. In January 2011, Bay Nature recognized him with our first-ever Local Hero award in conservation advocacy. His advice for getting things done? “Seal the deal!” And figure out how to pay for it later.
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
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On the Trail
by Aleta George
The vernal pools of Jepson Prairie are transformed by winter rains and spring blooms: The dry plain gives way to muddy ponds, then concentric rings of colorful wildflowers. Don’t miss the show!
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
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On the Trail
by Jocelyn Knight
Home to rare plants adapted to serpentine soils, this small preserve on the Tiburon peninsula seems a bit larger than it really is, thanks to some adjoining private lands that have been used as parkland for years. That could change with a new proposal to build housing.
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
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Photo by David Schoen.
On the Trail
by Sarah Schoen
In only six miles, you can take in dozens of species of wildflowers along a six-mile loop through varied terrain at Monte Bello Open Space Preserve west of San Jose.
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
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On the Trail
by John Gallagher
Los Vaqueros Reservoir in eastern Contra Costa is a good destination for springtime hiking, despite a dam expansion that will lead to closures on the north side. Head south for good trails, connections to other parks, and perhaps a glimpse of soon-to-be-flooded lands.
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
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Signs of the Season
by Barry Breckling
Ticks can be trouble, yet you can’t help but admire their toughness as they cling to vegetation waiting for a meal to come within arm’s length. Fortunately for us, some of those meals come from western fence lizards, whose blood neutralizes the pathogen that causes Lyme disease. Now that’s a handy bit of natural selection!
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
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Photo by John Bradley.
Conservation in Action
by Erica Reder
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.
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
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Photo by Ken Hickman.
Families Afield
by Alan Kaplan
For some flowers, bugs, and (of course) skunks, strong BO is a good MO for survival. Remember that the next time you’re dealing with smelly gym socks!
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
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Naturalist's Notebook
by John Muir Laws
Jack Laws says we pass we pass fascinating natural hotspots every day on our way hither and yon. Try stopping between here and there now and then--you may discover biodiversity where you least expect it, just like he did at Brisbane Lagoon off Highway 101.
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
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Ask the Naturalist
by Michael Ellis
Bay Nature reader Rich saw a number of dead barn owls along I-5. What's going on? Turns out barn owls may be the most widespread birds in the world -- and they may be the original ghosts!
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
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Photo courtesy San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory.
by Aleta George
Big birthdays for Save the Bay and San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, high school kids working for redwoods and oaks, the upside of a dam expansion, and more.
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Photo by Lester Rowntree.
Letter from the Publisher
by David Loeb
Surprise (almost) manzanita blossoms halfway up a mountain in Borneo.
From the Apr-Jun 2011 issue
Published April 01, 2011
Length:
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