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 Shine. Dress in warm layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of friends! We provide snacks, tools and gloves. Meeting spot is at the Milagra Ridge entrance gate off Sharp Park Road. Group limit is 30 people. A carpool is available from Fort Mason, Building 34 – the third duplex on your left (leaving at 9:15 a.m.). RSVP required: see above. For carpool: call Price Sheppy 1-415-561-3073. Limited supply of T-shirts will be given to participants (while supplies last).
Posts about Wild Equity and how you can be part of our movement.
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 sea watch location. Be prepared for all weather conditions and some light hiking.
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 Station, between hangers 22 & 23, Monarch street, Alameda, CA 94501. RSVP REQUIRED: e-mail Leora at leoraalameda@att.net (Best RSVP method) or call 510-522-0601.
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 California red-legged frog. Rain or Shine. Dress in warm layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of friends! We provide snacks, tools and gloves. Meet at Muir Beach Parking Lot. RSVP Required: See above.
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. Dress in warm layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of friends! We provide snacks, tools and gloves. Meeting spot is Alta Avenue entrance gate. Group limit is 30 people. A carpool is available from Fort Mason, Building 34 – the third duplex on your left (leaving at 9:15 a.m.). RSVP Required: See above. For carpool: call Price Sheppy 1-415-561-3073. Limited supply of T-shirts will be given to participants (while supplies last).
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 Francisco, CA, 94129. For more information call 415-561-2857. RSVP Required: See Above.
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, and receive the latest research updates on our most famous resident, the spotted owl, which is defending its habitat from the invading barred owl. Dress in layers and bring a flashlight, water, and snack. Heavy and/or slanting (high winded) rain cancels the trip. Meet at Muir Woods National Monument Visitor Center. Park entrances fees apply and $3 material fee requested. Group limit is 25. Reservations required, 415-388-2596. If you need to cancel, please call to cancel, so that waitlisted people can attend.
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 National Parks Conservancy at Muir Beach for a day of restoration work to improve the habitat for these species. Rain or Shine. Dress in warm layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of friends! We provide snacks, tools and gloves. Meet at Muir Beach Parking Lot. RSVP Required: use links above.
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 Station, between hangers 22 & 23, Monarch street, Alameda, CA 94501. RSVP REQUIRED: e-mail Leora at leoraalameda@att.net (Best RSVP method) or call 510-522-0601.
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 nature that are fast becoming endangered in this busy metropolitan area. After hours when no one is around, hear the water in the creek, the gentle drops of redwood seeds on tanoak leaves, the wind soughing through the canopies of these very tall and ancient redwoods, and learn how protecting nesting northern spotted owl led to the National Park Service’s efforts to preserve the natural soundscape of Muir Woods. Bring flashlight, dress in layers and sturdy shoes. Heavy and/or slanting (high winded) rain cancels the trip. Adults of all abilities welcome. Meet at Muir Woods National Monument Visitor Center. Park entrances fees apply. Reservations required, 415-388-2596.
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 while listening for the howls of Stellar Sea Lions just off Point Lobos. With incredible views of the Farallon Islands, it’s also possible to catch a glimpse of the Southern Sea Otter and Humpback Whale! Join Alex Hooker of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy at Lands End to help cleanup the beaches and plant native species. Dress in warm layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of friends! We provide snacks, tools and gloves. Meeting spot is the trailhead at the Lands End parking lot. RSVP Required—click here to do so.
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 sea watch location. Be prepared for all weather conditions and some light hiking.
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 prepared to enjoy being outside. Snacks, gloves, and tools provided. Meeting spot is the Mori Point entrance gate located at the intersection of Bradford Way and Moris Point Road, Pacifica, CA 94044. Room for 20 people; all ages welcome. Please RSVP to mmgrush[at]yahoo.com. A carpool may be available from Fort Mason: for more information, please contact Price Sheppy at 415-561-3073.
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. Meet at Muir Woods National Monument Visitor Center, Mill Valley, CA 94941. Park entrances fees apply. For information and reservations, phone 415-388-2596.
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 sea watch location. Be prepared for all weather conditions and some light hiking.
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 that accompany us on Earth by reviewing the record of damage at the San Francisco Public Library and commenting on their proposals. Let them know that restoration actions should prioritize our most imperiled wildlife and the disenfranchised communities that lost nature-based recreation opportunities because of the oil spill.
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 in Pacifica . Rain or Shine. Dress in warm layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of friends! We provide snacks, tools and gloves. Meeting spot is Mori Point entrance gate. Group Limit is 30 people. A carpool is available from Fort Mason, Building 34 – the third duplex on your left (leaving at 9:15 a.m.). RSVP Required: see above. For Carpool: RSVP required, call Price Sheppy 1-415-561-3073.
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 fresh water to salt water. If we are lucky, we might see some of the fish. RSVP required: email info@CaliforniaNatureTours.com. Meet at the Muir Beach parking lot.
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 trails may be muddy. RSVP required: email info[at]CaliforniaNatureTours.com. Meet at Muir Woods National Monument south parking lot near the Dipsea Trail Kiosk. Park entrance fees apply, but the hike is free.
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 warm layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring lots of friends! We provide snacks, tools and gloves. Meeting spot is Alta Avenue entrance gate. Group limit is 30 people. RSVP: email: babethsemail[at]yahoo.com A carpool is available from Fort Mason, Building 34 – the third duplex on your left (leaving at 9:15 a.m.). Carpool RSVP required, call Price Sheppy 1-415-561-3073. Limited supply of T-shirts will be given to paricipants (while supplies last).
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 ending at the Sports Basement in the Presidio to join a kick-off party for the 2010 Endangered Species Big Year. Free food and drink once you are there! Rain cancels the bike ride, but not the kick-off party.
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 the beauty and joy we still find in the world. We have much to be thankful for: the successful launch of our organization, the rediscovery of the Franciscan manzanita, and we’re even thankful for our strange bedfellows!
Franciscan manzanita, Arctostaphylos franciscana
We foresee great opportunities in 2010, but we also face great challenges: from climate change to callous public officials to a body politic so distressed that it’s difficult to focus public attention on our obligation to others. This holiday season, consider how you can partner with the Wild Equity Institute to overcome these obstacles and create a world you’ll be proud to leave behind for the next generation to enjoy. Contact us if you’d like to loan us your skills and help us accomplish our mission, and please consider supporting our work by making a contribution today on-line or through the mail. We can’t do it without you: thank you so much for your continued support!
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. We’ll present a short description of this year’s competition, enjoy some complimentary drinks and snacks, and then take a short hike to search for the Western Snowy Plover at the Crissy Field Wildlife Protection Area.
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 members who will donate $10 each to help us fulfill our mission. And for those of you looking for a level of support that is just right, we’re rounding out our campaign by building 100 supporters who will contribute $100 each to WEI. If you are interested in becoming a founding supporter, a member, or contributing to our work at any level please make a contribution today and help our programs thrive!
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.
We’ll kick off the 2010 Big Year