Bobcat by Cleve Nash

Bobcat by Cleve Nash

Snowy Egrets by Alan Schmierer

Goats and Dogs at Point Buchon
by Jeanie Greensfelder

Peregrine Falcon Image on Banner by Cleve Nash

A Bird's Eye View by Mike Stiles

 Most of my birding friends are just like me . . . a little long in the tooth, gray at the temples, slow in the step . . . just plain getting old. It does my heart good to write this article about two of our up and coming local birders. It all started for Ross at age six, on a trip to Florida with his parents. They bought him a simple pocket bird guide, which he memorized, and he recalls the birds that set the hook for him . . . Purple Gallinule, Roseate Spoonbill, and Painted Bunting. Good birds on anyone's list.  Read More

California State Parks

Do we have a job for you! Become a docent for the California State Parks in San Luis Obispo County. Work with the public or behind the scenes to help people enjoy, understand, and protect the natural and cultural wonders of the Central Coast. The docent programs are a great way to invest your time in worthwhile activities, to meet people who share your interests, and to continue to learn. Read More

Coastland Contemplations by Michele Oksen

 Rain on these Slo Coast roads and trails means risky driving conditions. Loose or wet surfaces reduce traction and, without traction, your vehicle might as well be a bobsled. Though there is much more to be said about driving in wet weather here are a few quick tips that might help should you encounter muddy conditions. Read More

Elfin Forest by Jean Wheeler

George Trevelyan, owner of Grassy Bar Oyster Co., raises Pacific oysters in the intertidal zone of the Morro Bay estuary's southerly reaches. He calls it a lunar powered farm because it is the tidal rhythm that feeds the oyster reefs with fresh seawater.  We'll walk along the Elfin Forest boardwalk and stop occasionally to hear about the science and challenges of oyster farming. We'll also learn why preserving the Elfin Forest and controlling erosion makes a better environment for oyster farming. Don't miss this different and interesting view of forest and estuary. Read More

Marine Sanctuaries by Carol Georgi & Karl Kempton

For public safety, all California State Lands Commission (CSLC) geophysical survey permits (GSP) need to be immediately suspended. Human safety needs to be the priority. CSLC does not consider potential physical harm people could receive if decibles (dB) are over 145 dB when recreating in the nearshore ocean. We wonder, has anyone recreating in the ocean during the surveys received physical harm or died? Our research found geophysical surveys that produced 232 dB in Hueneme, and 216 dB offshore in San Luis Obispo County. The CSLC general geophysical permit requires dB to be listed, but does not print dB on the permit or consider the potential for human harm. The CSLC places the unknowing public at risk of bodily injuries and death from pressure waves forced through their bodies while recreating in the ocean. Read More

 

Female Elephant Seals in
Dispute Over Space by Kevin Cole

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