Environmental News

A curated set of environmental news stories brought to you by the Gottlieb Native Garden team.

This Artist Transforms Ocean Plastics Into Stunning Sculptures

They’ll make you rethink the things you throw away.

Birds vs. bees: Study helps explain how flowers evolved to get pollinators to specialize

Flowers that were thought to have evolved to lure hummingbirds, actually have combinations of traits that discourage wasteful visits by bumblebees

What’s Growing On: Restoring native oaks

Imagine for a moment what our Valley looked like only two centuries ago.

No Bees, No Food

Millions of bees are dying off, with alarming consequences for our environment and our food supply. We rely on bees to pollinate everything from almonds to strawberries to the alfalfa used to feed dairy cows. What happens if the bees disappear? It’s simple: No bees, no food. 

How wildlife bridges over highways make animals—and people—safer

Bridges for bears and tunnels for tortoises have significantly reduced the number of wildlife-car collisions worldwide.

Plant a garden that benefits wildlife

Because in the end, you are not separate from the ecosystem, you are part of it. 

California Moves a Step Closer to Ending Circus Suffering

Animal advocates are applauding lawmakers in California for moving the state a step closer to banning wild and exotic animals in circuses.

You can help Western Snowy Plovers on California beaches

There are several steps you can take to help this beautiful threatened bird. 

Rapid plant evolution driven by the interaction of pollination and herbivory

Many plants rely on animal pollinators to spread pollen and increase the genetic diversity of their offspring. However, there are trade-offs, because attracting pollinators may also attract herbivores and deterring predation may diminish floral displays

Ban of Fur Trapping Passes Key Hurdle in State Legislature

Assembly Bill 273, the Wildlife Protection Act of 2019, which would end the commercial fur trapping industry in California, cleared a key hurdle today when it passed the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee with a vote of 9 to 3.