Bay Area Botany Camp

05/04/2023

📣 Hi everyone! The next Botany Camp event is happening on May 13th. Just in time for Mother's day weekend!

🔗 RSVP here: https://share.hsforms.com/1aMb_wcgMTA632EtEZvJmPgec6vf

🌿 This time around we will meet on the beautiful Main Parade Lawn of the SF presidio at 11AM. Look for the green and yellow balloons.

👣 We will then walk over to the Tennessee Hollow trail nearby. The walk is 1.5 miles and should take just a little over one hour to complete.

😋 There is parking, restrooms, and several food truck options near the main parade lawn if you are hungry afterwards!

You can pay in-person via Cash, Venmo or Apple Cash.

02/21/2023

🌿 Licorice fern, or 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘱𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘨𝘭𝘺𝘤𝘺𝘳𝘳𝘩𝘪𝘻𝘢, is a species of fern that grows up to 1 ft long in humid conditions on slopes, rocks and logs.

✍️ The rhizomes of this fern have historically been used by the Native American people to flavor foods and to treat cold and sore throats. Its flavor is said to be somewhere between ginger and licorice!

🍵 Preparation methods: Rhizomes (roots) are chopped into tiny bits and made into an infusion (tea) or chewed.

*Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Please consult a medical professional before ingesting plant materials.

02/13/2023

Botanist Nick Jensen told Newsweek that this year, the superbloom could be "really spectacular" in some places.

02/10/2023

Phacelia congesta Wildflowers! Spirals in Nature!

~Devon

02/07/2023

In 2023, with heavy rains drenching California through December and January, the Firefall is set to make a glorious return to Yosemite.

02/06/2023

What is a superbloom? And why is everyone talking about one? A superbloom is one of California’s unique gifts—a time when consistent rains from fall through winter germinate the mighty seedbed of the state’s native wildflowers. The resulting explosion of color and life draws visitors from all over. They don’t happen every year, but this year many folks are predicting one.

Did you know that you don’t have to trek out to Antelope Valley or Point Reyes to see the beauty? You can create your very own superbloom! Not only will it dazzle, it will benefit pollinators and other wildlife. Sunset magazine talked to CNPS Horticulture Program Senior Coordinator Maya Argaman and other experts to get tips on how do it! Click the link below to find out more:

https://www.sunset.com/home-garden/garden-basics/diy-super-bloom-garden

Image: Great Valley Phacelia (Phacelia ciliata), hillside daisy (Monolopia lanceolata), and California poppy (Eschscholzia-californica), photographed by Nick Jensen

02/05/2023

California State Parks is reminding visitors about three new ways to explore the great outdoors for free within the state.

02/04/2023

02/03/2023

Where did this expression come from? is for the birds! 🤷🏽

We don’t know because we love birds and want to watch them and listen to them and help them thrive and maybe, just maybe, get to see some bird babies in their nest. 😍

If you feel the same way, don’t miss out on tonight’s FREE Naturehood California native plants webinar: Bringing Birds to Your Garden at 5:30. Register here right now so you don’t forget: https://bit.ly/cnpsgardenwebinar-f

Featuring the inimitable Benny Jacobs-Schwartz | Birding Guide & Photographer.



Photo: Hummingbird nectaring at hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea), credit Tony Tubbs