Thanks to REI’s generous support of the 2010 GGNP Endangered Species Big Year, we are happy to bring you a new interim Big Year competition to win nature prizes during the month of June! From June 1 until June 30, any 2010 Golden Gate National Parks Endangered Species Big Year competitor that (1) completes the […]
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will release his budget proposal to the public June 1. A growing chorus of environmental and social service groups are hoping the Mayor’s budget will help save community services by closing the money-losing, endangered species-killing Sharp Park Golf Course. Add your voice by contacting the Board of Supervisors & the […]
Saturday, May 29, 2010, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Join Greg Reza of the Marin County Parks and Open Space District to help restore the Tiburon Paintbrush’s habitat. Lunch is provided. After the noon lunch, there is an optional 40 minute hike to see the Tiburon Paintbrush. This counts as a Big Year action Item for the […]
Thanks to REI’s generous support of the 2010 GGNP Endangered Species Big Year, we are happy to announce our next reward for seeing and saving endangered species! This competition focuses on the Tiburon Paintbrush, a beautiful little wildflower that can only be seen in a few select places within the Golden Gate National Parks. It […]
Sorry, this trip has been canceled due to the fact that Darren Fong, the trip leader has been called to help with the oil spill in the Gulf. You can still enjoy Endangered Species Day by participating with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy: http://www.parksconservancy.org/calendar Saturday, May 22, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Celebrate Endangered Species […]
Thursday, May 20, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Join Michael Chasse of the National Park Service and Shelley Estelle of the Presidio Trust to monitor for one of the only remaining populations of the endangered Presidio Clarkia, a beautiful wildflower. This satisfies the GGNP Endangered Species Big Year conservation action item for Presidio Clarkia. […]
Congresswoman Jackie Speier has introduced a bill to spend a billion federal dollars and create a new federal office dedicated to San Francisco Bay wetland restoration. It’s a great sign that, after some early missteps, the Congresswoman finally understands the importance and timeliness of science-based wetland restoration projects. Now we need the Congresswoman to display […]
Join Brent Plater, Executive Director of the Wild Equity Institute, for a presentation about local endangered species and thing you can do to help them recover. This talk will discuss Wild Equity Institute projects, including Restore Sharp Park, the GGNP Endangered Species Big Year, and Bay Climate Defense.
The Gulf Oil Spill is a heartbreaking disaster, more so because it could have been prevented if proper environmental review had been conducted before exploration occurred. And as oil reaches coastal communities and the explosion continues to spew carbon into the atmosphere, it is clear that those with the least resources to adapt to a […]
Saturday, May 1, 2010, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Join lepidopterist Liam O’Brien at the old rifle range in Marin County’s Rodeo Valley to search for and learn about the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly. We’ll take a short hike around the abandoned rifle range in search of Mission Blues while learning the basics about butterflies and how […]
Thursday, April 29th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Join Jennifer Maddox of the Golden Gate Audubon for an afternoon restoring habitat for the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland. Participation counts as the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse action item for the Endangered Species Big Year competition; but because […]
This week you’ll get one more chance to see the Mission Blue Butterfly with last year’s Big Year co-champion Liam O’Brien. With the recent sighting of a Mission Blue mud-puddling for reproductive success, this may be your best chance to see the species yet! Plus you can bend O’Brien’s ear for some tips on winning […]
Meeting spot is Arrowhead Marsh in Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Park, off of Swan Way, Oakland, CA 94621. For Public Transportation: Check with www.511.org Directions: From I-880 South take Exit 36 for Hegenberger Road toward the Coliseum/Oakland Airport, turn right onto Hegernberger Road, turn rigt onto Pardee Drive then turn left (east) on Swan […]
Participants in last weekend’s GGNP Endangered Species Big Year Mission Blue Butterfly hike got a rare and scientifically important treat: they not only saw a Mission Blue, but also watched it engage in a behavior not previously proven to occur in the subspecies. Mission Blue Butterfly Mud-puddling in the GGNP The rare butterfly was seen […]
Sunday, April 25, 2010, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Join lepidopterist Liam O’Brien at the old rifle range in Marin County’s Rodeo Valley to search for and learn about the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly. We’ll take a short hike around the abandoned rifle range in search of Mission Blues while learning the basics about butterflies and how […]
U.S. EPA Earth Day Festival April 22, 2010‐ 11:00am‐3:00pm Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
This week get outside and search for the Mission Blue Butterfly with last year’s Big Year co-champion Liam O’Brien. With the recent sighting of a Mission Blue mud-puddling for reproductive success, this may be your best chance to see the species yet! Plus you can bend O’Brien’s ear for some tips on winning the Big […]
U.S. EPA Earth Day Festival April 22, 2010‐ 11:00am‐3:00pm Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
Saturday, April 17, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: Join fishery biologist Michael Reichmuth on this talk and walk discussing the coho salmon life cycle and, in particular, the changes salmon undergo during their freshwater to saltwater transition. The walk will include a visit to our downstream migrant trap where participants will view our current monitoring program […]
Saturday, April 17, 2010, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.: Join butterfly monitors Susie Bennett and Caroline Christman, both from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, in the Marin Headlands to search for the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly in its beautiful and unique grassland habitat. They will lead you on a moderate hike where you will learn about […]
Saturday, April 17, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.: Visit Wild Equity Institute’s table and learn about our local endangered species at the Golden Gate National Park’s Earth Stroll. Many fun-filled activities are planned for kids of all ages. The Earth Stroll will occur at the relocated Crissy Field Center, 1199 East Beach Drive, in the Presidio, […]
Thursday, April 15, 2010, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Join Michael Chasse and Ellen Hamingson, ecologists and local botanical experts from the National Park Service, at Nicasio Ridge for a day monitoring rare and endangered plants, including the Tiburon paintbrush and the Marin dwarf-flax. Nicasio Ridge is usually closed to public access, so this is a rare […]
Sunday, April 11, 2010, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Join Kevin Phuong to remove invasive plants crowding out Northern Spotted Owl hunting grounds and help promote the endangered bird’s population at Muir Woods. Note: this satisfies the Big Year Conservation Action Item. Meet at Muir Woods National Monument main parking lot, Muir Woods National Monument, […]
Coral reefs provide billions of dollars of economic benefits to the world, and some 30 million of the poorest people on the planet are completely dependent on reefs for their livelihood and survival. But a new report on climate and biodiversity suggests that if we fail to stabilize carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere at […]
Saturday, March 27, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Check out the early wildflower bloom and stunning views atop this wind blown ridge, while restoring habitat for the endangered Mission blue butterfly and the endangered San Bruno Elfin butterfly. Join Price Sheppy of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy at Milagra Ridge in northern Pacifica. Rain or […]
Sue Digre put this forum together with the help of Margaret Goodale. Attend if you can, it should be awesome! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In Pacifica, as elsewhere along the 700 mile coast of California, cliffs crumble and beaches wash away and return. Almost every year we are reminded that here along the San Mateo coastal erosion averages […]
December 15, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: BRENT PLATER, WILD EQUITY INSTITUTE, 415-572-6989 MORE LEGAL VIOLATIONS AT SHARP PARK UNEARTHED GOLF COURSE HAS UNPERMITTED POLLUTANTS IN WATER ALL GOLF ALTERNATIVE WOULD VIOLATE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SAN FRANCISCO— E. coli, fecal coliform, ammonia, phosphates, zinc, mercury, selenium, copper: these are just some of the pollutants found […]
104 Hilton Way, Pacifica, CA
Sunday, March 14, 2010, 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: Join local naturalists for a sea watch looking for Marbled Murrelet, California Sea Otter, and Steller Sea Lion. Because you never know…you might get lucky! RSVP Required: see above and/or email mbzlat[at]yahoo.com. Meet at Louis’ Restaurant, 902 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, 94121 and then walk to the […]
Sunday, March 14, 2010, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: California’s smallest tern is also its most imperiled. You can help prepare habitat for the California Least Tern’s nesting season while earning prizes through the GGNP Endangered Species Big year. Meet at the gate for the proposed Alameda Wildlife Refuge, northwest corner of the former Alameda Naval Air […]
Saturday, March 13, 2010, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Join Bob Flasher of the National Parks Conservancy at Muir Beach for a day of shared work to improve the habitat of a more natural creek and wetland system. Come improve the habitat for three species on the federal Endangered Species List: steelhead trout, coho salmon, and the […]
Saturday, March 6, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Enjoy stunning vistas and work-off those holiday calories while removing invasive French Broom from Mission blue butterfly habitat in the Marin Headlands. Join Price Sheppy of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy at Alta Avenue , set atop a ridgeline above Sausalito and Marin City. Rain or Shine. […]
Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Join the Presidio Park Stewards at the Lobos Dunes to remove invasive species and restore habitat for the San Francisco Lessingia. Meet at the Lobos Creek Valley parking area at the intersection of Lincoln Blvd, Bowley Street and Howard Road near the Presidio’s 25th Avenue Gate, Presidio, San […]
Sunday, February 28, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Naturalist and Historian David Schmidt will lead a hike from the San Francisco Zoo to see snowy plovers. RSVP required: see above and/or email info[at]CaliforniaNatureTours.com. Everyone is welcome. Free. Meet at the corner of Sloat Blvd. and Great Highway, San Francisco, near the San Francisco Zoo.
PROGRAM FULL. NO MORE RSVPs. Saturday, February 27, 2010, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: Muir Woods marks the southern front in a battle for survival between two competing owl species. On this strenuous seven-mile dusk hike we will look and listen for the owls that make Muir Woods their home, learn more about their history and ecology, […]
Saturday, February 27, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: For thousands of years, coho salmon and steelhead have come back to Muir Beach. Coming up from the ocean they travel up Redwood Creek to spawn and die, thus nourishing the ancient redwood forest. Now, these species are on the brink of extinction. Join Bob Flasher of the […]
Sunday, February 21, 2010, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: California’s smallest tern is also its most imperiled. You can help prepare habitat for the California Least Tern’s nesting season while earning prizes through the GGNP Endangered Species Big year. Meet at the gate for the proposed Alameda Wildlife Refuge, northwest corner of the former Alameda Naval Air […]
Sunday, February 14, 2010, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: As the sun sets below the Dipsea Ridge and Muir Woods transitions from day to night, come see and hear the subtle changes of an ancient redwood forest. Travel slowly through the Woods with Ranger Lou Sian on this easy walk in search of the rich sounds of […]
This weekend we offer another opportunity to try and find the elusive endangered sea creatures of the Golden Gate National Parks, this time while doing some habitat restoration for non-Big Year species that call the Park home: Sea Watch and Habitat Restoration, February 20, 2010, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.: Help protect and preserve the California coastline […]
The Pacifica Tribune recently reported on a letter written by Pacifica’s Climate Committee urging San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Department to consider how climate change and sea level rise will impact the viability of the controversial Sharp Park Golf Course. In the letter the Committee states that the Department’s all-golf alternative report for Sharp Park […]
Saturday, February 13, 2010, 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: Join local naturalists for a sea watch looking for Marbled Murrelet, California Sea Otter, and Steller Sea Lion. Because you never know…you might get lucky! RSVP Required: see above and/or email mbzlat[at]yahoo.com. Meet at Louis’ Restaurant, 902 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, 94121 and then walk to the […]
Thursday, February 11, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Come learn about Mori Point, spot red-legged frogs, and help restore habitat for the critically endangered San Francisco garter snake and the threatened red-legged frog. This program will be led by Price Sheppy of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Rain or shine so please come […]
Study Session BLUFF EROSION NORTH OF MANOR DRIVE, PACIFICA February 10, 2010 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. City Council Chambers 2212 Beach Blvd. Pacifica, CA 94044 Public Comments/Q&A – Please limit comments/question to three minutes Attend if possible to give input re beach armorning
Sunday, February 7, 2010, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Join Ranger Lou Sian to learn about winter’s natural wonders including the redwoods. Look for coho salmon and steelhead, mushroom displays and the season’s first wildflowers. Dress for cold, wet weather and wear boots, as trails may be muddy. Heavy and/or slanting (high winded) rain cancels the trip. […]
Saturday, January 30, 2010, 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.: Join local naturalists for a sea watch looking for Marbled Murrelet, California Sea Otter, and Steller Sea Lion. Because you never know…you might get lucky! RSVP Required: see above and/or email mbzlat[at]yahoo.com. Meet at Louis’ Restaurant, 902 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, 94121 and then walk to the […]
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More than two years after the Cosco Busan oil spill devastated San Francisco Bay, government agencies announced that they will move forward with restoration actions to mitigate for the harms caused by the spill. However, their plans aren’t final yet, and you can help ensure that restoration work benefits people and the plants and animals […]
Saturday January 23, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Get your fingers dirty and help restore habitat for the critically endangered San Francisco garter snake, with a chance to see California red-legged frogs! Join Price Sheppy of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy for a day of planting around several newly created frog ponds at Mori Point […]
Monday, January 18, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Join naturalist and historian David Schmidt to restore the habitat for Coho Salmon and Central California Coastal Steelhead Trout. Have fun planting native seedlings and/or removing invasive plants to help restore the Muir Beach wetlands and give the Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout a place to transition from […]
Saturday, January 16, 2010, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Join naturalist and historian David Schmidt on a moderate 3-mile journey and learn about the lives of Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout as the fish return from the Ocean to spawn in the waters of Redwood Creek. Dress for cold, wet weather and wear boots as […]
Saturday, January 16, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Enjoy stunning vistas and work-off those holiday calories while removing invasive French Broom from Mission blue butterfly habitat in the Marin Headlands. Join Price Sheppy of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy at Alta Avenue , set atop a ridgeline above Sausalito and Marin City . Dress in […]
Get the 2010 Golden Gate National Parks Endangered Species Big Year started with a bike ride to observe some of the threatened flora and fauna dwelling in the wild northwestern corner of San Francisco. This ride will travel to a few locations and check in on a variety of imperiled birds, animals, and plants before […]
The GGNRA Endangered Species Big Year will celebrate its second edition at the Sports Basement in the Presidio. After a brief orientation and some complimentary drinks and snacks, we’ll head over to Crissy Field to search for the Western Snowy Plover!
Here at the Wild Equity Institute we spend most of our time concerned about the fate of our communities and the fate of our Earth—and we wield every fiber of our collective being to create a healthier and more sustainable global community for all. But the holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on […]
Announcing the 2010 GGNP Endangered Species Big Year! The 2010 Golden Gate National Parks Endangered Species Big Year begins January 1, 2010! Celebrate the incredible diversity of life around you by participating in the 2010 GGNP Endangered Species Big Year Kick-off Celebration on January 9, 2010 at 1pm at the Sports Basement in the Presidio. […]
The Recreation and Parks Department released its controversial report about the future of Sharp Park last month. Now the San Francisco Board of Supervisor’s Government Audit & Oversight Committee will have an opportunity to hear from the Department—and from you—about the future we desire on this land. Please attend this important hearing on Wednesday, December […]
December 14, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: BRENT PLATER, WILD EQUITY INSTITUTE, 415-572-6989 DRIVE-BY SCIENTIST MAKES MIRACULOUS DISCOVERY: SAN FRANCISCO’S NAMESAKE PLANT FOUND SEVENTY YEARS AFTER GOING EXTINCT IN WILD SAN FRANCISCO— A San Francisco resident recently got an astounding view while driving the Golden Gate Bridge—the first sighting of San Francisco’s namesake manzanita in […]
In a new report released Tuesday, fiscal conservatives on Capitol Hill, led by Senator John McCain, highlight a $2.2 million dollar federal stimulus bailout for Sharp Park Golf Course—owned by the City and County of San Francisco but located in Pacifica, California—as one of one-hundred projects that benefit private interests over the public good and […]
We can’t thank you enough for supporting our campaigns to build a more equitable world for people and the plants and animals that accompany us on Earth. In honor of the year 2010, our first full year in operation, the Wild Equity Institute is building 10 founding supporters who will donate $2,000 each and 2000 […]
Join Eddie Bartley, Noreen Weeden and Brent Plater for a birding and interpretive hike around Sharp Park and the National Park Service’s adjacent Mori Point property. We’ll search for Twain’s Frog, the Beautiful Serpent, and lots of birds, and learn more about the restoration vision for Sharp Park.
Thanks to the thousands of calls, letters, and email messages sent by all of you, Congresswoman Jackie Speier met with a delegation of people working to build a better public park at Sharp Park on Monday, November 30. The Congresswoman heard our voice, but is continuing to chair behind-the-scenes meetings with the golf lobby—and without […]
The Government Audit and Oversight Subcommittee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisor’s will hear a report on the Recreation and Parks Department’s fatally-flawed alternative report on the future of Sharp Park December 16, 1pm at San Francisco’s City Hall. The report has been heavily criticized by scientists, geologists, and biologists because it fails to […]
We’ll kick off the 2010 Big Year