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Diane Shader Smith
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Innovative Water Storage Projects Aid Wildlife, Salmon and Fishing Jobs
Environmental and fisheries groups have often opposed water storage projects. But two proposed projects in California have earned their backing, and Rachel Zwillinger of Defenders of Wildlife and John McManus of the Golden Gate Salmon Association, explain why.
Willow flycatchers, already an endangered species, also imperiled by climate change
The southwestern willow flycatcher is facing serious environmental challenges.
When the migratory songbird was added to the endangered species list in 1995, it was mainly because of habitat loss caused by human development. It also gets bullied by another bird species, the brown-headed cowbird, which destroys its eggs and steals nests.
Now, according to a UCLA-led study, the willow flycatcher is facing another threat: climate change.
Just say no to grass
The American Dream typically involves a two-car garage and a sizable lawn for the kids to play on. The problem is, depending on where in America the dreamer lives, that lawn might not be feasible.
California’s Next Climate Change Challenge is Water Whiplash
While overall precipitation levels will not change significantly in the next decades, the state has already entered a period of increased extreme precipitation events that will continue to present tremendous challenges to ensuring stable water supplies.
Morning habits that are bad for the environment
‘Plants for Birds’ Campaign Promotes Native Gardening
Spring is now here, and the National Audubon Society is promoting plant growth that will help animals that roam the skies.
Native Gardening Part 2 – Site and Soil
Since successful gardens are always changing, planning never really ends, but this dedicated time when you first begin, and again periodically, can really help budget time and material resources. Even if you have an established garden, it’s good to periodically revisit the idea of the garden and determine if everything is still working or if changes need to be made.
Los Angeles needs open space for wildlife and for our sanity
For years, residential developments in the hillsides and canyons of Los Angeles have encroached on wildlife as our neighborhoods have spread into, well, theirs.
A silver lining from California’s drought: Water conservation led to reduced energy use and less pollution
In April 2015, Gov. Jerry Brown called on the people of the most populous state to reduce their water use by 25% in response to a punishing four-year drought.
It was an audacious goal, and Californians came close to meeting it. Now, research has revealed there were some unintended side effects to this massive water-conservation experiment. It turns out that California residents weren’t just saving water, they were saving energy as well.
How bird genetics adapt to climate change
Using genetics, UCLA biologists involved in the Bird Genoscape Project are racing against time to find out the potential for adaptation and how best to protect vulnerable populations of birds.