San Francisco Naturalist Society

The San Francisco Naturalist Society is dedicated to the enjoyment, study, and preservation of the natural world.

Upcoming Naturalist Society Events

GGNRA Endangered Species Big Year
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area contains more endangered species than any other unit of the National Park System in continental North America: more then Yosemite, Yellowstone, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks combined. This astounding array of imperiled biodiversity—in the midst of the Bay Area's vibrant civilization—is certainly a source of wonder and celebration, but also cause for reflection and concern, as the species' dire status may indicate that something is wrong with our relationship to the Park. In 2008, the San Francisco Naturalist Society and several partner organizations will embark on an exciting campaign to reconnect people with the superlative resources and values of the Park: the Endangered Species Big Year. The Big Year provides Park visitors with opportunities to see each of the 33 listed species found in the Park, both through individual exploration and guided expeditions. But it doesn't stop there: the Endangered Species Big Year also empowers individuals to take 33 conservation action items that aid species recovery, reconnecting people with the preservationist values of this urban national park experiment. Find out more and sign up at www.ggnrabigyear.org.

Today's Events

Sat., July 19 Sun, Wind & Water Day at the Randall Museum, 10 am-2 pm. Join Randall Museum staff and volunteers and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to explore what sun, wind, and water do for us and for the earth. More information can be found here. Free.

Sat., July 19 Urban Composting. Give your summer garden a boost that will guarantee vibrant colors and delicous veggies for the months to follow! Aside from encouraging beneficial soil, compost makes an excellent fertilizer that releases nutrients slowly at a rate which plants can use them. This fun, hands-on class teaches methods for backyard and worm composting for home and community gardens. Come learn what you can do to improve your garden and prevent organic waste from ending up in the landfill! Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave at Lawton Street, San Francisco. 10 am-noon. Please call 415.731.5627 or email info@gardenfortheenvironment.org to pre-register or for more information. Free.

Sat., July 19 Last year we hosted a get-together/fundraiser for our Mountain Watch supporters and allies at the Brisbane Community Center that was a hit enjoyed by all. This year, we promise you another fun evening of great food, wine and music with Jerry Kuhel and Friends. Let your friends know about our event - they are welcome to join us. We will have guest speakers and there will be a silent auction for wonderful prizes and getaway treats. On behalf of the Mountain Watch fund-raising organizers, we'll see you there! Brisbane Community Center, 250 Visitacion Avenue, Brisbane, California. 6-10 pm. Fee for Entry and Dinner: $20.

Sat., July 19 Don Mahoney will be presenting a program on plant pollinators in the San Pedro Valley County Park Visitor Center at 8 pm at the junction of Linda Mar Blvd. and Oddstad in Pacifica. Free.

Sat., July 19 Natural Areas Program Native Plant Nursery Day. Join the Natural Areas Program and the Friends of Glen Canyon in a work day at the Golden Gate Park Nursery. This will be first and foremost a work day, but we will have numerous opportunities to discuss and demonstrate native plant propagation techniques. As we sow native plant seeds and transplant native plants, we'll discuss seed collection and seed storage methods. We'll then get our hands dirty and carefully sow a variety of seeds. Since some species are more easily propagated by cuttings, we'll demonstrate various techniques to improve the rooting success of your cuttings. Afterwards, we'll transplant several different species and practice pruning plants to encourage root production and reduce pest problems. Meet at the front of the Golden Gate Park Nursery (100 Martin Luther King Drive) at the intersection of Martin Luther King and Bowling Green Drive. 9 am-noon. Space is limited. Please RSVP by contacting Licia de Meo at (415) 831-6332 or licia.demeo@sfgov.org. Free.

Sat., July 19 Become a Presidio/Lands End Trail Keeper! The Trail Keeper Program is an exciting new volunteer opportunity for park lovers and trail enthusiasts. This program provides a flexible schedule, regular exercise, and the opportunity to develop outdoor skills. While hiking, Trail Keepers take notes on trail use and maintenance issues, providing important information to park staff. Trail Keepers also interact with park visitors by offering informational materials and friendly assistance. If you are interested in becoming a Trail Keeper in the Presidio or Lands End, please attend the summer orientation and one of our hikes.
Hikes:
Saturday, July 19th : Coastal Trail at Lands End (11 am-noon)
Wednesday, July 23rd : Lobos Creek Valley to Mountain Lake (5:30-6:30 pm)
Orientation:
Summer: July 26th (9 am-noon, lunch provided)
Reservations required: (415) 561-3054 or trailsforever@parksconservancy.org. Free.

Sat., July 19 The public is invited to the SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) Institute on Saturday, July 19, from 1-3 pm, for a celebration of science and the imagination! "Celebrating Science 2008" is an interactive science fair for the entire family. Meet SETI Institute scientists and learn about the Institute's pioneering exploration for life, both in our solar system and beyond. Fun, interactive activities for youth aged 8-15 will be set up. Come sign up on a first-come, first-serve basis for such activities as "Night and Day," "Oil Spill," and "Time Shadows." There will also be a few activities for younger kids. Adults can enjoy virtual tours of the new Allen Telescope (that is searching for intelligent signals from civilizations among the stars) and the Cassini exploration of the amazing Saturn system. Meet the father of SETI and author of the Drake Equation, Dr. Frank Drake. Visit the gift shop for a Drake Equation t-shirt and ask Dr. Drake himself to sign it! Other scientists from the Institute will also be available to talk with visitors. Hear California Professor of the Year and SETI Board member Andrew Fraknoi speak at 1:30 pm about "What Really Happened with Pluto" (including the latest news on the new category of plutoids!) Fraknoi will be available between 1:45 and 2:30 pm to autograph his latest book, Disney's Wonderful World of Space, also available in the gift shop. Admission is free, but reservations are available on a first come first served basis only. For more information and to register now and reserve your spot, visit www.seti.org/celebratingscience2008. For directions to the Institute, see www.seti.org/about-us/directions-to-institute.php. Free.

Quote of the Day

"Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exits elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us."

-Calvin, Calvin and Hobbes

	Today's Events Sat., July 19 Sun, Wind & Water Day at the Randall Museum, 10 am-2 pm. Join Randall Museum staff and volunteers and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to explore what sun, wind, and water do for us and for the earth. More information can be found here. Free. Sat., July 19 Urban Composting. Give your summer garden a boost that will guarantee vibrant colors and delicous veggies for the months to follow! Aside from encouraging beneficial soil, compost makes an excellent fertilizer that releases nutrients slowly at a rate which plants can use them. This fun, hands-on class teaches methods for backyard and worm composting for home and community gardens. Come learn what you can do to improve your garden and prevent organic waste from ending up in the landfill! Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave at Lawton Street, San Francisco. 10 am-noon. Please call 415.731.5627 or email info@gardenfortheenvironment.org to pre-register or for more information. Free. Sat., July 19 Last year we hosted a get-together/fundraiser for our Mountain Watch supporters and allies at the Brisbane Community Center that was a hit enjoyed by all. This year, we promise you another fun evening of great food, wine and music with Jerry Kuhel and Friends. Let your friends know about our event - they are welcome to join us. We will have guest speakers and there will be a silent auction for wonderful prizes and getaway treats. On behalf of the Mountain Watch fund-raising organizers, we'll see you there! Brisbane Community Center, 250 Visitacion Avenue, Brisbane, California. 6-10 pm. Fee for Entry and Dinner: $20. Sat., July 19 Don Mahoney will be presenting a program on plant pollinators in the San Pedro Valley County Park Visitor Center at 8 pm at the junction of Linda Mar Blvd. and Oddstad in Pacifica. Free. Sat., July 19 Natural Areas Program Native Plant Nursery Day. Join the Natural Areas Program and the Friends of Glen Canyon in a work day at the Golden Gate Park Nursery. This will be first and foremost a work day, but we will have numerous opportunities to discuss and demonstrate native plant propagation techniques. As we sow native plant seeds and transplant native plants, we'll discuss seed collection and seed storage methods. We'll then get our hands dirty and carefully sow a variety of seeds. Since some species are more easily propagated by cuttings, we'll demonstrate various techniques to improve the rooting success of your cuttings. Afterwards, we'll transplant several different species and practice pruning plants to encourage root production and reduce pest problems. Meet at the front of the Golden Gate Park Nursery (100 Martin Luther King Drive) at the intersection of Martin Luther King and Bowling Green Drive. 9 am-noon. Space is limited. Please RSVP by contacting Licia de Meo at (415) 831-6332 or licia.demeo@sfgov.org. Free. Sat., July 19 Become a Presidio/Lands End Trail Keeper! The Trail Keeper Program is an exciting new volunteer opportunity for park lovers and trail enthusiasts. This program provides a flexible schedule, regular exercise, and the opportunity to develop outdoor skills. While hiking, Trail Keepers take notes on trail use and maintenance issues, providing important information to park staff. Trail Keepers also interact with park visitors by offering informational materials and friendly assistance. If you are interested in becoming a Trail Keeper in the Presidio or Lands End, please attend the summer orientation and one of our hikes. Hikes: Saturday, July 19th : Coastal Trail at Lands End (11 am-noon) Wednesday, July 23rd : Lobos Creek Valley to Mountain Lake (5:30-6:30 pm) Orientation: Summer: July 26th (9 am-noon, lunch provided) Reservations required: (415) 561-3054 or trailsforever@parksconservancy.org. Free. Sat., July 19 The public is invited to the SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) Institute on Saturday, July 19, from 1-3 pm, for a celebration of science and the imagination! "Celebrating Science 2008" is an interactive science fair for the entire family. Meet SETI Institute scientists and learn about the Institute's pioneering exploration for life, both in our solar system and beyond. Fun, interactive activities for youth aged 8-15 will be set up. Come sign up on a first-come, first-serve basis for such activities as "Night and Day," "Oil Spill," and "Time Shadows." There will also be a few activities for younger kids. Adults can enjoy virtual tours of the new Allen Telescope (that is searching for intelligent signals from civilizations among the stars) and the Cassini exploration of the amazing Saturn system. Meet the father of SETI and author of the Drake Equation, Dr. Frank Drake. Visit the gift shop for a Drake Equation t-shirt and ask Dr. Drake himself to sign it! Other scientists from the Institute will also be available to talk with visitors. Hear California Professor of the Year and SETI Board member Andrew Fraknoi speak at 1:30 pm about "What Really Happened with Pluto" (including the latest news on the new category of plutoids!) Fraknoi will be available between 1:45 and 2:30 pm to autograph his latest book, Disney's Wonderful World of Space, also available in the gift shop. Admission is free, but reservations are available on a first come first served basis only. For more information and to register now and reserve your spot, visit www.seti.org/celebratingscience2008. For directions to the Institute, see www.seti.org/about-us/directions-to-institute.php. Free.