Bay Area Naturalist Events Calendar
Your one-stop guide to bird walks, fungus forays, work parties, wildflower hikes, beach cleanups, exhibit openings, garden tours, wildlife festivals, star parties, ecology classes, science symposia, employment opportunities, and natural history lectures. Compiled by Patrick Schlemmer. If you have an event to list on the calendar, please submit it to jkodiak@earthlink.net. This calendar is updated every day, so check back often!
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March 1-April 26 The California Academy of Sciences and GFNMS are offering an eight-week Rocky Shore Naturalist Training Course. We will meet March 1-April 26 on Monday evenings from 6-8 pm. The course will cover rocky intertidal invertebrate natural history, marine biology, interpretive techniques and research methods. For more information or to sign up, contact Rebecca Johnson.
March 1-31 An exhibit of recent work by Amy Meyer. Fort Mason Center. Opening reception March 4, 5:30-7:30 pm. Landmark Bldg. A, Main Office, Marina Blvd. @ Buchanan Street. RSVP to lsew@fortmason.org or (415) 345-7561. Free.
Mon., March 8 Benjamin Dean Lecture: From Galileo to the Present – 400 Years of Solar Physics. Alan Title, NAS, NAE, Professor Physics, Stanford University, Senior Fellow, LM Advanced Technology Center. In 1609 Galileo discovered Sunspots and measured the rotation of the Sun. These observations started a revolution in our understanding of our solar system and the universe as a whole. In this talk, Dr. Title will step quickly through four centuries of critical scientific discoveries and even take a short peek into the future. The talk will present an overview of the progress in and importance of understanding our star using observations, computer animations, and numerical simulations. California Academy of Sciences, 7:30 pm. Adults $12, Seniors $10, Academy members $6. Seating is limited.
Thurs., March 11 Seth Shostak, SETI Institute and Author of Confessions of An Alien Hunter. Shostak has been at the center of the sometimes admired, sometimes dismissed effort to pick up extraterrestrial radio communication. Shostak will discuss the challenges of trying to detect alien communications and the practical questions of contact: Would alien societies communicate via radio or something more advanced? How could we understand what they were saying? Would it be safe and proper to reply, and who would decide what to say back? Join us as we probe these questions and more. Menlo Park City Council Chambers, 701 Laurel Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025. 7 pm. For more information, call (800) 847-7730. $15.
March 11-16 Medicinal Plants of the Anza-Borrego Desert: a Spring Bloomfield Exploration. Instructor: Tellur Fenner. Anza-Borrego State Park lies within the Colorado Desert of Southern California, which in turn comprises the western-most extension of the larger Sonoran Desert. It is approximately 90 miles east of San Diego. Of the four U.S. deserts, the Sonoran is by far the most botanically diverse, and is home to a large number of medicinal, edible, and other such useful plants. Come join us in this promising El Nino year as we explore this vast and tranquil landscape in search of many of these colorful treasures of spring. Topics to be covered include: field botany/ID, plant family characteristics, medicinal/edible/utilitarian uses, medicine making techniques, ethical harvesting practices, safety issues, natural history, etc. Days will be spent hiking and exploring trails which wind through the various plant communities within the park. Nights will include interactive hands-on workshops, relaxing with friends, not to mention camping under a blanket of stars, and.... hot springs. To register, call (510) 428-1810, email bluewindbmc@gmail.com, or visit www.bluewindbmc.com. $200.
Fri., March 12 “Chasing Molecules” illustrates the potential for green chemistry to revolutionize the materials we make, how they're used, and the benefits to our health and the environment. Journalist Elizabeth Grossman opens the door on a new world of green chemistry. Chemistry is about as important as anything else in your life. To quote Paul Ehrlich: “As much as we have to fear from climate change, what scares me just as much is the vast number of untested substances we dump into the environment each year in huge quantities and with unknown effects.” Come learn why there’s hope. California Academy of Sciences, 2 pm. Seating is limited. Free with museum admission.
Sat., March 13 Beyond First-Year Beekeeping, "I already have a hive, Now What?" Workshop. Randall Museum, San Francisco, 10 am-4 pm. Click for more information.
Sat., March 13 The 16th annual Bowl the Planet, by SaveNature.org. Serra Bowl in Daly City, 3-6 pm. Call or go online to www.savenature.org/content/news_events/events to reserve a lane.
Sun., March 14 22nd Annual Pi Day. Welcome to our 22nd annual Pi Day, founded at the Exploratorium by our own Prince of Pi, Larry Shaw. Come to the Exploratorium and celebrate Pi, the never-ending number (3.1459...), as well as Einstein's birthday. Create Pi puns; participate in activities, rituals, and Pi-related antics; and have a slice of pie, all lovingly prepared by museum staff and friends. This event has become an international holiday and is included in the price of admission to the Exploratorium. 1-3:30 pm. For more information, go to http://press.exploratorium.edu/pi-day-march-2010/.
Wed., March 17 Expedition Spotlight: Papua New Guinea, with Dr. Jack Dumbacher. Curator of Birds and Mammals at the California Academy of Sciences, Dr. Dumbacher will talk about his field expeditions to Papua New Guinea. Some of the best discoveries in science are completely serendipitous. Dr. Dumbacher discovered, quite by accident, that a common New Guinea bird uses potent poisons for protection. And there’s more to the story… California Academy of Sciences, 12:30 pm. Seating is limited. Free with museum admission.
Wed., March 17 Environmental Education Presentation hosted by the Friends of Sausal Creek. Dimond Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland, 7-9 pm. Oakland geology writer Andrew Alden will talk about the geology of the Sausal Creek Watershed. Geologically, Sausal Creek is a microcosm of Oakland, cutting across numerous rock types and layers. Find out how the ground we walk on every day relates to the vegetation that grows on top of it, the likelihood of landslides and earthquakes, and what mysteries lie under our feet. Contact Kimra at coordinator@sausalcreek.org or (510) 501-3672 for more information. Free.
Fri., March 19 Explore Corona Heights Park to check out its avian inhabitants with Audubon experts. Birders will circle the hill to look into several habitats, each of which is enjoyed by different bird species. The east canyon, the south cliffs, the north forest, and the hilltop grasslands will all be explored. Beginning birders are welcome! The walk lasts about two hours and includes several stairs and a steep path to climb. Meet in front of the Randall Museum at 8 am. Meet at the Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way (off Roosevelt, above Castro & 14th Streets), San Francisco, CA. 8 am. Ages 5 and up; kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Free.
through March 19 Animals Everywhere. The animal kingdom has been a constant source of inspiration in our studio and a variety of work from past and present artists will be on display. Opening Reception: Saturday, January 23, 2-5 pm. NIAD is an innovative visual arts center assisting adults with developmental and other physical disabilities. Located just 6 miles north of Berkeley in Richmond, California, NIAD serves up to 50 adults from Contra Costa and Alameda County each day. Adults working at NIAD come from diverse cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. National Institute of Art and Disabilities, 551 23rd Street, Richmond, CA 94804. For more information, call (510) 620-0290. Free.
Sat., March 20 Obscura Day in San Francisco - Field Trip to Musee Mecanique & Aquatic Park Tombstones. Join Atlas Obscura (http://atlasobscura.com) for an afternoon excursion to the amazing Musee Mecanique for an afternoon of creepy wind-up fortune tellers, prisoner-made toothpick automata, and naughty peep shows of yesteryear. Proprietor Dan Zelinsky will be on hand to tell stories and answer questions about the contraptions. When all the quarters run out, we'll head down to Aquatic Park for afternoon snacks on the terraces made of discarded Gold Rush era tombstones. Musee Mecanique: Noon-2pm, Aquatic Park 2:30 pm. Meet us at the entrance to the Musee at noon, or find us inside pawing the machines. Obscura Day is an international celebration of unusual places taking place around the world on March 20, 2010. It is sponsored by Atlas Obscura, a guide to the world's wonders, curiosities, and esoterica. To find out more about the Atlas and Obscura Day, visit http://ObscuraDay.com. Musee Mecanique, Pier 45, Shed A, Taylor Street, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133. Noon-4 pm. Free, but bring quarters for the machines.
Sat., March 20 'Introduction To Beekeeping' Workshop. Randall Museum, 9 am-4 pm. Click for more information.
Tues., March 23 Pritzker Lecture: America's Great Plains. A nature photographer and Nebraska native, Michael Forsberg shares his work documenting this vast landscape, its lakes, prairies along with its plants and animals. “The Great Plains are a dynamic but often forgotten landscape – overlooked, undervalued, misunderstood, and in desperate need of conservation. Forsberg’s book helps lead the way forward, informing and inspiring readers to recognize the wild spirit and splendor of this irreplaceable part of the planet.” Seating is limited and admission is for the lecture only. California Academy of Sciences, 12:15 and 6:30 pm. Adults $12, seniors $10, members Free.
Tues., March 23 Kamchatka: Land of Ice and Fire, with Segrid Selle. The Kippings invite you to a Potluck/Slideshow on the 4th Tuesday of each Month. San Francisco County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park at 9th Ave., 7 pm. Please bring a dish & beverage to serve 8 people. For more information, call (415) 753-7090. Free.
April 23-26 Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival. Some of Northern California’s best birders and naturalists will be leading trips, including Jules Evens, David Herlocker, Doreen Smith, David Wimpfheimer, Lisa Hug, Steve Howell, Sarah Allen and Keith Hansen. There will be walks, boat trips, classes, demonstrations, and a pelagic trip to Cordell Bank. The Festival focuses on birding, wildflowers, marine mammals, and butterflies, as well as other types of natural history. The Festival is now open for registration! Go to www.pointreyesbirdingfestival.org for more information.
Fri., March 26 Celebrate Endangered Species Day! Do you know a child who loves playing outside and learning about nature? Does your son or daughter make amazing pictures of animals, birds, fish or plants? Do you know a school or scout troop who is looking for a fun way to help save endangered species? Join the Endangered Species Day art contest! The national Endangered Species Day Art Contest is organized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Endangered Species Coalition, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art/ University of New Orleans. The contest provides young people with an opportunity to learn about endangered species and express their knowledge and support through artwork. The deadline for entries is March 26.
Sun., March 28 Bountiful Spring—Medicinal Plants of California, with Tellur Fenner. As the rains begin to recede and the days lengthen, we are reminded that spring has arrived. All around, lush carpets of green span the horizon as many plants begin their annual ascent towards the sun. Join us as we explore the diverse array of medicinal plants found growing throughout this vibrant landscape. Roots, barks, and the succulent edible “greens” of the season will be the primary focus of our study. The morning session will consist of a lecture/slide-show highlighting the basic taxonomical and chemical characteristics of selected medicinal plants. After lunch, we’ll stroll nearby trails while observing, experiencing and discussing many of the medicinal plants found growing there. Medicinal uses, identification tips, preparation methods, harvesting ethics, and botanical safety uses will be addressed on our walk. Anyone curious about the healing potential of our local flora will find this class not only insightful, but self-empowering, as well. For more information, go to www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars. 10 am-5 pm. $50.
Mon., March 29 Harold Varmus, PloS Cofounder, In Conversation With Roy Eisenhardt. Winner of the 1989 Nobel Prize, along with longtime collaborator Dr. Michael Bishop, for their groundbreaking research into the genetic basis of cancer, Harold Varmus was also the Director of the National Institutes of Health during the Clinton administration. Dr. Varmus sought to increase public access to scientific papers and co-founded the Public Library of Science, a nonprofit, open-access publisher. He continues to be a vocal advocate for science in the public forum and in government policy-making. He is the 2010 Claire Matzer Lilienthal Distinguished Lecturer. For tickets, call (415) 392-4400 or visit City Box Office. Adults $20; Academy members: $18; series tickets: $108 and $96. Herbst Theatre, 8 pm.
March 29-April 2 Tree Frog Treks Teen Outdoor Adventure Camp. Wanna go on an adventure out of the city? Climb aboard the Wild Science Wagon with Mr. Science at the controls & let's go! You'll be transported to the top of Mount Diablo, the mudflats of Bodega Bay, the kelp forest at Monterey Bay Aquarium, and then paddle in your own sea kayak across Tomales Bay in Point Reyes to camp overnight on a remote beach under the stars. Students in 6th through 9th grade are welcome to attend. 9 am-5 pm (with one overnight). Space is limited so sign up early! Register online now! $495 plus $100 activity fee.
Tues., March 30 Fascinating film footage from a cable car traveling east on Market Street circa 1905: www.wimp.com/sanfrancisco.
Wed., March 31 USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 2010 Sudden Oak Death Research Request for Proposals. Approximately $500,000 will be available in summer 2010 to fund new research projects to combat Sudden Oak Death/Phytophthora ramorum. Deadline for submission is Wednesday, March 31, 2010. For further details, see the Request for Proposals at www.fs.fed.us/psw/ or www.suddenoakdeath.org. In 2009, the National Ornamental Research Site was established at Dominican University of California. (For questions about NORS-DUC, contact Sibdas Ghosh at sibdas.ghosh@dominican.edu or go to www.dominican.edu/norsduc.) Via this Request for Proposals, we anticipate funding roughly seven projects, including one to be conducted at this facility. For more information on Sudden Oak Death, see www.suddenoakdeath.org.
Sat., April 3 The Romance of Birds, with Eddie Bartley. From spring song to food selection, molting to migration, nearly all aspects of the lives of adult birds culminate annually into their one primary goal: reproduction. This fast-paced class on breeding behavior will introduce you to many of the fascinating mating strategies and unique reproductive adaptations of birds. Eddie will intersperse presentations using colorful imagery and discussions on pair bonding, nesting and parenting with local field trips to see a variety of birds (many in brilliant spring plumage) that are situating their nesting territories here in the Point Reyes area, migrating, or completing preparations for their journey to distant breeding grounds. 9 am-4 pm. For more information, go to www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars or contact Corrie Stetzel at (415) 663-1200 ext. 373 or seminars@ptreyes.org. $60.
Sat., April 3 Spring Wildflowers of Mt. Burdell, with naturalist Bob Stewart. Located in east Marin County, and a part of 25,000 acres acquired by the Marin County Open Space District since its inception in 1972, Novato’s Mt. Burdell rivals the Point Reyes Headlands for its wildflower displays in spring. The flowers attract many insects and its oak habitats are well-known for diverse bird populations. Mt. Burdell has a volcanic geologic history and its outcrops of serpentine are host to a variety of wildflower species. We will saunter for six miles with elevation gains of 400 feet, and although our focus will be on wildflowers, we will also be attentive to the insects, birds, lichens, and geology of the area. 9 am-3:30 pm. For more information, go to www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars. $55.
Sun., April 4 Wildflowers & Birds of Abbotts Lagoon, with naturalist Bob Stewart. Situated in the northern part of Point Reyes National Seashore, Abbotts Lagoon is one of the best places for enjoying wildflowers. The array of habitats includes: freshwater, saltwater, dune, and various stages of scrub. Although our focus will be on the lagoon’s wildflower displays, we will also watch the insects, grasses, birds and mammals of the area, with Bob educating us about the interrelationships between them. Join us for a special day delighting in the magic of spring. 9 am-3 pm. For more information, go to www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars. $55.
April 5-9 Tree Frog Treks Teen Outdoor Adventure Camp. Wanna go on an adventure out of the city? Climb aboard the Wild Science Wagon with Mr. Science at the controls & let's go! You'll be transported to the top of Mount Diablo, the mudflats of Bodega Bay, the kelp forest at Monterey Bay Aquarium, and then paddle in your own sea kayak across Tomales Bay in Point Reyes to camp overnight on a remote beach under the stars. Students in 6th through 9th grade are welcome to attend. 9 am-5 pm (with one overnight). Space is limited so sign up early! Register online now! $495 plus $100 activity fee.
Fri., April 9 Spring Wildflowers of Wolf Ridge, with Bob Stewart. Wolf Ridge is just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and a few miles south of the Point Reyes Peninsula. With an underlying geology that is part of the continental plate, massive outcrops of radiolarian chert originally formed in the deep ocean are readily-apparent and are covered in places with abundant, colorful lichens. The number and kind of wildflowers we will see will be especially diverse, as the trail offers the opportunity to see species growing on both south and north-facing slopes. On the drier south-facing areas, we will find shrubs and annuals that are adapted to more intense solar radiation, while on the north-facing slopes, early wildflowers will still be blooming, along with species normally found in deep forests and riparian habitat. Although our focus will be on wildflowers, we will also look at insects, birds, lichens and the geology of the ridge, not to mention its spectacular views! For more information, go to www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars. 9 am-3:30 pm. $55.
Sat., April 10 Birding the Remote Grasslands of Bolinas Ridge, with Josiah Clark. Though a prominent feature in the landscape of West Marin, the Bolinas Ridge is rarely visited by birders and naturalists. The remote middle portions of this trail are among the least frequented, as they are isolated and time-consuming to reach. Our 8-10 miles of hiking will begin with a steep, sustained uphill hike to the top of the ridge, with elevation gains of around 1,000 feet. We’ll traverse this portion as quickly as possible to save time for the treasures ahead. Once up on the ridge, we’ll be treated to mile upon mile of redwoods, chaparral, oak woodland and grassland. These ecosystems serve as a buffer that keeps the wildness tucked within and the influences of the busy human world at bay. We will have our eyes peeled for anything that crosses our path, keeping a special eye out for the grassland specialists, which are some of the most vulnerable and rare breeding birds in the county. Birding will be our focus, but Josiah will also teach us about the abundant and diverse life forms of the area—trees, wildflowers, reptiles, and more. For more information, go to www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars. 9 am-3 pm. $60.
Sat., April 10 Wildflowers & Birds of Rock Spring, with Bob Stewart. At nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, Rock Spring is the meeting place of several habitats, including grassland, serpentine, Douglas-fir forest, oak woodland, alder-willow, riparian, chaparral and sergeant cypress forest. Located high on Mt. Tamalpais, the Rock Spring trail is a loop walk of a few miles, and will offer us opportunities to view and identify a variety of wildflowers, birds and insects, along with views of the Pacific Ocean and Bolinas Lagoon that are not to be missed! 9 am-3:30 pm. For more information, go to www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars. $50.
Sun., April 11 Wildflower Walk Below Mt. Tamalpais, with Bob Stewart. Starting at Deer Park in Fairfax, we’ll walk a 6-mile loop through a variety of habitats, including riparian creekside, buckeye-freckled grassland, scrub, redwood forest and coast live oak, valley oak and black oak woodland. With Bob’s enthusiasm, intimacy with the Marin County landscape, and vast knowledge of natural history, we will identify and marvel at all the wildflowers, butterflies, other insects, birds and bird song we encounter. This is a moderate hike that could be completed in a couple of hours if you didn’t pause to look at anything (but how could you resist!) We’ll just amble along, stopping often to discuss what we see and hear. For more information, go to www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars. 9 am-3:30 pm. $55.
Mon., April 12 The Brightest, Dimmest, Soonest, and Longest: Fascinating New Phenomena in the World of Supernovae. Dr. David Pooley, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Supernovae, the explosions of massive stars, have been recorded and studied for thousands of years, but they remained mysterious until the era of modern astronomy in the past century. New search techniques have led to the discovery of the brightest supernovae ever seen, including one that has stayed bright longer than any other known supernova and which may be indicative of a never-before-seen type of explosion that only the most massive stars experience. Dr. Pooley will briefly review the general phenomena of supernovae and then discuss these new, state-of-the-art observations. California Academy of Sciences, 7:30 pm. Purchase advanced tickets online or call (800) 794-7576. Adults $12, Seniors $10, Academy members $6. Seating is limited.
Wed., April 14 Louann Brizendine In Conversation With Michael Krasny. Neuropsychiatrist Louann Brizendine follows up her New York Times best selling book The Female Brain, which has been published in 24 countries across the world, with The Male Brain, due out in early 2010. She is a practicing clinician, best-selling author, public speaker and media commentator who specializes in the relationship dynamics that result from the neurobiology of male and female brains. Herbst Theatre, 8 pm. For tickets, call (415) 392-4400 or visit City Box Office. Adults: $20; Academy members: $18; series tickets: $108 and $96.
Sat., April 17 Wildflowers of Chimney Rock, with Wendy Dreskin. Come greet some of the thousands of wildflowers that carpet the outer bluffs of the Point Reyes Peninsula. We’ll learn wildflower names, some traditional uses of certain plants, and on which species butterflies are likely to lay eggs. Join us to learn about the colorful spring kaleidoscope that blooms in great profusion along the dunes and bluffs of Point Reyes. 10 am-3 pm. For more information, go to www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars. $55.
Sun., April 18 Exploring Ring Mountain, with Wendy Dreskin. 10 am-3 pm. Ring Mountain is home to more than 150 native plants, including eight that are endangered, rare, or of limited distribution. We’ll look for mule ears, tidy tips, and the bright Indian pink, and we’ll check out butterflies and other insects that visit the flowers. Many of the plants on Ring Mountain are adapted to the challenges of growing on serpentine soils, and you’ll learn how adaptation to toxic soil saved them from the invasion of non-native species common lower on the mountain. At the Indian Grinding Rock, we’ll learn about the Miwoks who ground their acorns there and look at other plants they used for food, medicine, and basketry. Then we’ll head up to Petroglyph Rock, where their ancestors carved circles and ovals, whose meaning has been lost with time, into the blue schist. At the top of the mountain, we’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Bay and give thanks to the few determined individuals who, along with the Nature Conservancy, saved this mountain from a planned 2100-home development so that we can still enjoy it today. For more information, go to www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars. $55.
Sun., April 18 Gardens are being sought to participate in the Going Native Garden Tour, set for Sunday, April 18, 2010, which showcases bird- and butterfly-friendly, pesticide-free, and water conserving gardens. Gardens must be located in Santa Clara County or San Mateo County, and contain 50% or more California native plants. To submit your garden, visit www.GoingNativeGardenTour.org. The deadline is December 1, 2009. For more information, email info@GoingNativeGardenTour.org.
Wed., April 21 Expedition Spotlight: São Tomé. Dr. Drewes is the curator of herpetology while Roberta Ayres serves as a co-manager of the Naturalist Center. Fresh from the field, they will talk about their recent Academy expedition. São Tomé is one of two islands forming a single nation off the western equatorial coast of Africa, and it may be the last undisturbed paradise on earth. More than 17 million years old, the sparsely inhabited island is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Free with museum admission. California Academy of Sciences, 12:30 pm. Seating is limited.
Sat., April 24 Butterflies for Beginners, with Wendy Dreskin. 10 am-3 pm. Join Wendy to explore Cascade Canyon, a lush preserve tucked into the hills above Fairfax, and one of the gems of the Marin County Open Space System. Its 500 acres host some of the most pristine habitat in the Corte Madera Creek watershed. From swallowtails to checkerspots and blues, we’ll search for a variety of species and observe behaviors like puddling, nectaring, and maybe even egg-laying. We’ll also learn to recognize various host plants like California pipevine, ocean spray, sticky monkeyflower and purple needle grass, as well as favorite nectar plants including yerba santa, blue dicks and buckeye. Participants are invited to join the North American Butterfly Association’s annual butterfly count in June, the butterfly community’s equivalent of the Christmas Bird Count. For more information, go to www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars. $50.
Mon., April 26 Pritzker Lecture: San Francisco Bay Area Regional Climate Strategy. Executive Director of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), Will Travis will detail the profound impacts that global warming caused sea level rise will have on this region and what strategies we should adopt to address the issue. California Academy of Sciences, 6:30 pm. Seating is limited and admission is for the lecture only. Adults $12, Seniors $10, CAS Members Free.
Tues., April 27 Digging for Dinosaurs, with Rodney Mangus. The Kippings invite you to a Potluck/Slideshow on the 4th Tuesday of each Month. San Francisco County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park at 9th Ave., 7 pm. Please bring a dish & beverage to serve 8 people. For more information, call (415) 753-7090. Free.
Tues., April 27 Andrew Revkin In Conversation With Healy Hamilton. An award winning journalist for The New York Times, Andrew C. Revkin reports on the global environment in print and on his New York Times online blog. Dot Earth focuses on the projection that by 2050 or so, the world population is expected to reach nine billion people. Those additional billions will be seeking food, water and other resources on a planet where, scientists say, humans are already shaping climate and the web of life. Revkin examines efforts to balance human affairs with the planet's limits. He has spent over 25 years covering environmental and social subjects ranging from Hurricane Katrina and the Asian tsunami to the assault on the Amazon and the troubled relationship of climate science and politics. He was also part of the Times' Pulitzer-winning "Nation Challenged" team and a contributor to the best-selling book drawn from that coverage. Herbst Theatre, 8 pm. For tickets, call (415) 392-4400 or visit City Box Office. Adults: $20; Academy members: $18; series tickets: $108 and $96.
through April Project FeederWatch. Share information about which birds visit your feeders between November and April, and help scientists track changes in bird numbers and movements from year to year, through Project FeederWatch, a citizen-science program from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada. Project FeederWatch begins on November 14 and runs through early April. Taking part is easy. Anyone can count the numbers and kinds of birds at their feeders and enter their information on the FeederWatch website! For more information and to sign up, go to the Project FeederWatch website! Free.
Sun., May 2 Registration for the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour (which takes place on Sunday, May 2) is now open! Register now at www.BringingBacktheNatives.net to receive your garden guide in the first mailing. This event is expected to fill; registering at this time will reserve your place on the tour.
Sat., May 8 Botanical Art—Basic Drawing, with Linda Ann Vorobik. 9 am-4 pm. Join professional botanist and botanical artist Linda Ann Vorobik for a day of drawing plants—revelling in their beauty, understanding their structure and learning the basic techniques to speed up and improve your drawing skills. Linda will teach basic artistic techniques, such as visualizing and correctly depicting time, shape, arcs and angles, as well as shading to show three-dimensionality. In addition, she will demonstrate procedures for creating a final botanical image in pen and ink. This class is designed for all skill levels, as Linda’s goal will be to increase students’ knowledge and abilities, regardless of their level of skill. Beginners will be gently encouraged, while more advanced students are welcome to share their knowledge with the rest of the class. For more information, go to www.ptreyes.org/fieldseminars. $95.
Tues., May 18 Pritzker Lecture: Mammals and Climate Change. Dr. Elizabeth Hadly, Professor, Dept. of Biology, Stanford University. Dr. Hadly’s research in the far reaches of the globe from India to Patagonia to SE Asia addresses the issues of what determines and maintains vertebrate (especially mammal) diversity through space and time and how that diversity is influenced by the environment. California Academy of Sciences, 6:30 pm.
Fri., May 21 Endangered Species Day is a celebration of our nation's wildlife and wild places. Started in 2006 by the United States Congress, Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for young and old to learn about the everyday actions that people can take to help protect our nation's disappearing wildlife and last remaining wild places. Every year, thousands of people throughout the country celebrate Endangered Species Day at parks, wildlife refuges, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, libraries, schools and community centers. There are a variety ways to participate, including festivals, field trips, park tours, community clean-ups, film showings, classroom presentations and other activities. Many cities and states also declare Endangered Species Day the third Friday in May and many places celebrate throughout the month. We hope you will consider sponsoring your own event to celebrate Endangered Species Day 2010. For a toolkit which includes a step-by-step guide to planning an Endangered Species Day event and materials to make your event fun and successful., visit www.EndangeredSpeciesDay.org. For the 5th Anniversary, we hope to add many new exciting ways to celebrate. We'll be in touch throughout the new year about fun opportunities. This year, we are particularly excited to have a new and just plain fun way for your organization and your members to participate in Endangered Species Day-through the Sunchaser Challenge! The Endangered Species Coalition has teamed up with Wild Ones Promotions, a media and events production company, to host four fun adventure races-one in each time zone of the continental U.S. Groups can participate in and benefit from the Sunchaser Challenge in a number of ways. We plan to have 4,000 people competing across the nation and to use the Sunchaser Challenge to build public awareness about endangered species:
This is an opportunity for you to engage and educate members in an all-out-fun way to learn about endangered species. It also provides an opportunity to raise the profile of your own organization's work. The entry fee for the race goes to Wild Ones Promotions. Competitors will be encouraged to raise pledges to benefit the ESC. To participate in the Sunchaser Challenge, groups can notify their members about the Sunchaser Challenge in the upcoming weeks. A sample alert can be found here. Groups can also display a website banner that links to the Sunchaser Challenge website (www.sunchaserchallenge.com). The banner can be downloaded here. And groups can receive additional recognition by sending their logos as a jpeg to Wild Ones Promotions at carolinemoss@wildonespromtions.com to be placed on the home page. Please support the Sunchaser Challenge by spreading the word, taking part, and maybe even racing yourself! Thank you for your work to protect wildlife and wild places.
Tues., May 25 Lewisias in 3-D, with Jack Muzatko. The Kippings invite you to a Potluck/Slideshow on the 4th Tuesday of each Month. San Francisco County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park at 9th Ave., 7 pm. Please bring a dish & beverage to serve 8 people. For more information, call (415) 753-7090. Free.
Thurs., June 3 Maude Barlow In Conversation With Alan Snitow. Maude Barlow is considered by many to be one of the world's leading experts on water issues. "This notion that we'll have water forever is wrong. California is running out. It's got twenty-some years of water." Barlow talks about how our misuse of water may actually be changing the hydrological cycle and contributing to global warming. In 2008, she was appointed as the United Nation's first senior adviser on water issues, a role she hopes to use to establish water as a human right. She is also the co-founder of the Blue Planet Project, a group that works to protect fresh water from trade and privatization around the world. Barlow chairs the board of Washington-based Food & Water Watch and is also an executive member of the San Francisco-based International Forum on Globalization. Barlow holds several honorary doctorates and has written or co-written 16 books including the international best seller Blue Covenant: The Global Water Crisis and The Coming Battle for the Right to Water. Herbst Theatre, 8 pm. For tickets, call (415) 392-4400 or visit City Box Office. Adults: $20; Academy members: $18; series tickets: $108 and $96.
June 14-Aug. 13 Come exploring with Tree Frog Treks - grab your goggles, strap your shoes on tight, & get ready to Get Out and Get Dirty! Everyday, campers will hike outdoors, do hands-on science experiments, create art projects, & learn new ways to save, preserve & maintain our home! At Tree Frog Treks Summer Camp, we make science fun while exploring our local parks & adventuring in nature. With different weekly themes, you & your child can opt for several weeks of science exploration! Even repeating a session theme, your child will have new experiences each day. Early bird special rates until May 1st: Half-day camp is available for children entering pre-school and kindergarten for $299 and full-day camp is available for children entering 1st-5th grade for $399. Visit our Summer Camps page for more information.
Tues., June 22 Hudson Bay – At the Edge of the Arctic. The Kippings invite you to a Potluck/Slideshow on the 4th Tuesday of each Month. San Francisco County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park at 9 th Ave., 7 pm. Please bring a dish & beverage to serve 8 people. For more information, call (415) 753-7090. Free.
Aug. 2-6 Teen Machine Adventures! Wanna go on an adventure out of the city? Climb aboard the Wild Science Wagon with Mr. Science at the controls & let's go! You'll be transported to various locations throughout the Bay Area from the top of Mount Diablo and Redwood Regional Park to Tomales Bay and the Del Valle Reservoir. There is something for everyone on this adventure, so pack up your bags and get ready to GET OUT and GET DIRTY! Pick-up and drop-off will take place at Tree Frog Treks Frog Hall ( 2114 Hayes St.) unless otherwise specified.
Here are the places we go:
Monday - Santa Cruz
Tuesday - Redwood Regional Park
Wednesday - Sunol Regional Park
Thursday - Del Valle Reservoir (overnight)
Friday - Del Valle to Mines Road and Del Puerto Canyon
Summer Sessions: August 2-6 & August 9-13
9 am-5 pm (with one overnight)
Each session is $495 plus $100 activity fee. Space is limited, so sign up early!
Register online NOW!
Aug. 9-13 Teen Machine Adventures! Wanna go on an adventure out of the city? Climb aboard the Wild Science Wagon with Mr. Science at the controls & let's go! You'll be transported to various locations throughout the Bay Area from the top of Mount Diablo and Redwood Regional Park to Tomales Bay and the Del Valle Reservoir. There is something for everyone on this adventure, so pack up your bags and get ready to GET OUT and GET DIRTY! Pick-up and drop-off will take place at Tree Frog Treks Frog Hall ( 2114 Hayes St.) unless otherwise specified.
Here are the places we go:
Monday - Santa Cruz
Tuesday - Redwood Regional Park
Wednesday - Sunol Regional Park
Thursday - Del Valle Reservoir (overnight)
Friday - Del Valle to Mines Road and Del Puerto Canyon
Summer Sessions: August 2-6 & August 9-13
9 am-5 pm (with one overnight)
Each session is $495 plus $100 activity fee. Space is limited, so sign up early!
Register online NOW!
