Greeneroo

SAVE THE REDWOODS LEAGUE LAUNCHES REDWOOD WATCH, A CITIZEN-BASED
SCIENCE PROJECT TO STUDY WHERE REDWOODS THRIVE AROUND THE WORLD

—Redwoods on Google Earth 3D Trees for the First Time

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (April 29, 2011) – Save the Redwoods League, the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting ancient redwood forests throughout their natural range, announced today that it has partnered with iNaturalist.org to launch Redwood Watch. Redwood Watch is an international citizen-based science project that encourages people around the world to help scientists study redwoods as climate changes. By simply sharing digital images, the location and/or time of the photograph, species identification and other aspects of redwood biology, the public will help the League track and monitor redwood trees around the world online in real-time. The user-generated data collected by the Redwood Watch project will allow the League to track the migration of redwood forests over time, shape future redwood conservation efforts, understand how climate change will impact the redwood forest and its surrounding landscapes, and predict where the redwood forests of tomorrow will thrive.

The redwood forest is an ancient ecosystem. Redwood relatives once grew in forests all across North America and beyond. But over the past 150 million years of changing landscapes and climate, the redwood forest range has shrunk to only 1.9 million acres along the coast of Northern California. Despite the relatively narrow geographical region to which they are confined, people from all over the world treasure redwoods, a natural wonder as the world’s tallest tree species.“While we have satellite imagery to assist our efforts, it is often difficult to identify the exact location of coast redwood and giant sequoia trees,” said Emily Limm, Ph.D, director of science and planning for Save the Redwoods League. “Because of recent advances in Internet mapping technology and mobile device applications, now we can better interact with and use data collected by outdoor enthusiasts. Each redwood tree or observation submitted by the public will provide valuable information that will help us track the health of redwood forests into the future.”

Find a redwood tree in a park, in your own backyard, or in a botanical garden anywhere in the world. Then use the free Redwood Watch iPhone application powered by iNaturalist or your own camera to take a photo of the tree and submit it online.

“Citizen-science efforts like iNaturalist are rapidly emerging as rich sources of biogeographic information for alerting scientists where plants and animals are disappearing and where they persist,” said Scott R. Loarie, co-director of iNaturalist.org and a postdoctoral fellow at the Carnegie Institution for Science. “These technologies are a real win-win for conservation because, in addition to generating urgently needed data, they get people outdoors and help them become more aware of the natural world.”

In collaboration with Google Earth Outreach, Redwood Watch also will include a tour and new 3D online model of the ancient forest to help people better understand, appreciate and connect with the wonder of the redwoods. A 2½-minute video, Finding the Redwood Forests of Tomorrow, tells the story of an ancient forest. The video was narrated by Peter Coyote, actor and author of Sleeping Where I Fall. Save the Redwoods League partnered with Google Earth Outreach to produce the new 3D Trees model of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park on Google Earth. Jedediah Smith Redwoods was selected for this project because it is one of the most pristine old-growth coast redwood forests in California. The 3D model allows Google Earth users to virtually walk and fly through an ancient redwood forest anytime anywhere.
“We are excited to support Save the Redwoods League on the launch of Redwood Watch,” said Raleigh Seamster, program manager for Google Earth Outreach. “With the League’s guidance, we were able to create an amazing 3D model of old-growth coast redwoods to add to the ever-expanding 3D Trees layer in Google Earth. We hope this effort not only helps increase awareness about endangered trees but also encourages people to help protect and preserve our forests around the world.”

Editors, please note: To schedule an interview, please contact Jennifer Benito at (415) 820-5814 or jbenito@SaveTheRedwoods.org. For images, or to imbed the video, please visit our newsroom.

About Save the Redwoods League
Walk through a redwood forest—home of the tallest, largest and some of the oldest living beings on Earth—and you can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of awe and peace among these magnificent giants. Since 1918, Save the Redwoods League has led the effort to protect the coast redwoods and giant sequoias for all to experience and enjoy. To date, the League has completed the purchase of more than 189,000 acres of forestland. For more information, please visit SaveTheRedwoods.org, or to receive monthly e-mail updates, sign up at SaveTheRedwoods.org/signup.

About iNaturalist.org
iNaturalist.org is a global citizen-science social-network connecting naturalists and scientists from around the world. Use iNaturalist to record what you see in nature, meet other nature lovers, and learn about the natural world. iNaturalist will help you share photos with a friend, get help identifying observations, and find new places to experience nature. In turn, your sightings are helping scientists better understand where plants and animals persist amid changing landscapes and climates. If you like recording your findings from the outdoors, connecting with scientists, or just like learning about life, join iNaturalist today!

Redwood hikes, news, fun facts and more: Sign up for our free e-newsletter.

FILMMAKERS!!!! Thought you might be interested in knowing about this environmentally focused short film competition hosted by Jack Hanna
The 2011 Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition, a short film competition, is seeking narrative, documentary, animated, experimental and/or student-made short films, 1 to 10 minutes in length, that creatively explore methods and ideas to responsibly manage and use Earth’s most precious resource, water.

http://www.IUOWFILM.com

Filmmakers who submit their short films via the competition website will have their films reviewed by a judging panel made up of film and water experts. Finalists have a chance to win cash awards totaling $15,000 and a trip to Beverly Hills, Calif., where they will be guests at a formal screening event hosted by wildlife expert, Jack Hanna, 30-year veteran of documentary films and TV shows. Deadline for entries August 1, 2011

I encourage you to check out the call for entries video starring Jack Hanna and a few of his jungle friends at www.IUOWFILM.com for more information.

April 27, 2011
Wetlands are among the most biologically productive of all habitats, and they are among the best lands at removing CO2 from the air. Developers, however, love them because they’re flat. Wetlands protection has therefore been a key environmental issue throughout California.
That’s why the Sierra Club’s California/Nevada Conservation Committee is revitalizing its Wetlands Committee. To cover the range of wetlands issues around the state, the committee will have three chairs, each an experienced wetlands leader.
• Marcia Hanscom led the Club campaign that got the state to preserve 600 acres at the Ballona Wetlands in Los Angeles. She serves as co-director of the Ballona Institute and director of the Wetlands Defense Fund. She also served as southern California coordinator for the Campaign to Save California Wetlands in the early ’90s.
• Arthur Feinstein chairs the Bay Chapter and was formerly executive director of the Golden Gate Audubon Society. A long-time member of the Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge (the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge), Arthur was also on the steering committee for the Campaign to Save California Wetlands.
• Cynthia Denny is wetlands chair for the Club’s Loma Prieta Chapter, and for the last four years has led the Stop Cargill Campaign in Redwood City.
The mission of the Wetlands Committee is to bring together the Club’s California chapters with national Sierra Club committees and government bodies to advocate for the protection and restoration of the state’s wetlands. In addition to major San Francisco Bay and Delta wetlands, our major concerns include the Lake Earl Wildlife Refuge in Del Norte County, Chula Vista bayfront restoration, the Ballona Wetlands restoration, and South San Diego Bay at the Port of San Diego. These valuable wetlands areas are also included in the California Coast segment of the Club’s new Resilient Habitats Campaign (see article on page 16).
The committee’s mandate also includes inland wetlands, such as vernal pools in the Central Valley, desert wetlands, and mountain wetlands. Right now we don’t have committee members working on these concerns, and we would welcome them.
To join our efforts to protect wetlands, locally and statewide, contact the committee tri-chairs at:
cindyadenny@yahoo. com
arthurfeinstein@earthlink.net
wetlandact@earthlink.net
Cynthia A. Denny

Reprinted with permission.

Announcement:
Skyline Veterans Event Today, Friday, April 22
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Electric car kick off program

9am-10am: Cars arrive, vendors, groups setting up information booths, ect..

10am-11am: Tesla commences interviews, Green show in the quad commences, Hooters food and beverage certificates handed-out, music and other planned events.

Tesla interviews will be held in bldg 4..

Veterans remember to bring the following:

- a resume or written job description

- DD 214

- Copies or originals of certificates both civilian and military

- remember Tesla is filling all positions so go to this website.. http://tbe.taleo.net/NA7/ats/careers/jobSearch.jsp?org=TESLA&cws=1
find a job that fits your qualifications and let the recruiter know..

11am-12noon: Introductions and speeches; especially from our keynote speaker The Honorable Congresswoman Speier

12noon-1pm: Tesla recruiting continues, time to mingle, rest, ect..

1pm-2:00pm: Veteran meeting in the School Theater

My favorites so far are listed below, lots of things to do outside, with children and all kinds of activities:

Filoli Center in Woodside, the tulips are blooming, the roses are ready to burst and the cafe is serving pear tart, it is beautiful. Schedule a Nature Education Docent to give you a hike up to the pond!

HAPPY HOLLOW ZOO in San Jose, hosted by City of San Jose Environmental Services. Visit www.hhpz.org.

Earth Day Festival arrives in San Francisco. On SATURDAY April 23, the Bay Area will come together to celebrate Earth Day SF in Civic Center Plaza

VEGAN Earth Day in Berkeley on Friday on the campus 7pm

Downtown Berkeley Earth Day Celebration is on Saturday

Junior Center of the Arts and Sciences, in Oakland on Saturday

Earth Stroll in SF on Crissy Field on Saturday 10-3pm

KQED Lists Earth Day Events

And of course, a great place for kids, on any day, is the Oakland Zoo which is home to over 660 native and exotic animals. Nestled in the Oakland Hills, in 525 acre Knowland Park, the Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Road, off Highway 580. The East Bay, their earth day celebration was a bit earlier, on April 17th.

Save the BAY SF, has a newsletter and will send you dates of events.

SAN JOSE MERCURY List of Events

Being seriously green for a life-time, is good. Every once in awhile, though, I have to go back to my roots, which include total silliness and lots of play time. I like four square, kick ball, trampoline (esp. trampoline dodge-ball) and peeps jousting. Yes, PEEPS the marshmallow candy sold in stores, you can get them in all pastel colors and many shapes now.

I can’t help it, Americans play with food.

So this Easter — you might want to try it! Basically, it is quite simple:

1. Get Peeps at store, along with toothpicks
2. Arm each Peep, put a toothpick Lance in their “hand”
3. place on plate, put in microwave, TURN ON. Instant fun.
4. They will “joust” as they melt. You can keep score.

We used to do this while waiting for technology meetings to start, it puts you in a jovial frame of mind, which is so important when brainstorming, process modeling, or status checking!!

Peeps in the Smithsonian Article — yes this has gone mainstream!

Wikipedia, chimes in with information on peeps and other ridiculous things you need to know.

I find this hard to believe, but there is a PEEPS Jousting League on Facebook!

eHow also explains more about Peeps and Jousting…. yes,  the fun continues!

Spring has Sprung!!! There are several dates available but April and May are sold out … so hop on it! LOL.
The Afternoon Tea at Filoli is on the fourth Wednesday of every month- February through September. Sometimes there is a special event where champagne is added, so the price varies a bit but it is generally $35 members / $45 non-members.
Next dates: June 22, July 27, August 24, September 28 and October 19, (note: 3rd Wed, with champagne $45/$55).
Filoli is located at 86 Canada Road, Woodside, CA
650-364-8300
www.filoli.org

KCSM public television, has just completed filming a segment on Filoli for the show, THE BAY TODAY, it will air on channel 60, Saturday 4pm June 4. Stay tuned. It highlights the volunteers, the garden and the nature education docent program.

April 22, we will be celebrating EARTH DAY, by using our OWN ENERGY to get happy, stay healthy and meet great people!
Here is the FLYER!!! Pass the Word!
Begins FRIDAY April 22, and continues for the second and forth Fridays after that.
Club Illusions
260 S. California
Palo Alto, CA
It is next to the Cal Train Station, you don’t need to drive! $10 includes a lesson from Vera Quijano, who is well-known in the bay area and such a dynamic teacher you’ll love it. Come ready to dance, everyone is welcome. Beginners love this class because you don’t need to bring a partner, and you’ll meet so many great people.

Explore your surroundings, and take a look at this amazing museum located in Courthouse Square Redwood City. This is a wonderful stop, centrally located and close to CAL Train, with plentiful parking.

View the great  short film by Alex King.  This museum takes a look at the opportunities, culture, natural resources of our area. EACH room holds more inventions, gadgets, model ships, architects and there is multi-media fun! You can learn about our agricultural heritage, our buildings and estates, bootlegging and even try out surfing at Maverick’s in Half Moon Bay!

There are plaques around the second floor, with the names of the great local athletes and the high school they attended. Wahoo– Go Scots! Carlmont High School is my alma mater. You’ll be pleased and surprised at all these people and places that make us what we are today.

All of Mrs. Roth’s carriages are on view here, she was quite the equestrian at the Filoli estates, and owned Why Worry Farms. The Bourne & Roth families  of Filoli are two  of the great families that shaped the bay area with their influence and innovation.

Courtroom A opened in 1910 and was an “working courtroom” until the 1998! There are re-enactments of various trials here, such as the FLOOD case, which is one of the local politician paternity suits (way before testing could be done). It is all very interesting and there is something in this museum for everyone.

LOCATION and Details:

• 2200 Broadway
• Redwood City, CA 94063
• 650-299-0104
• www.historysmc.org
• Hours Tuesday – Sunday 10-4pm
• Archives are available, call for hours
• Funders Used Bookstore is on the lower level

Just in time for Earth Day, Lutron’s Mobile Experience Center is coming to three San Francisco-area Lowe’s stores to educate shoppers about the latest developments in energy-efficient lighting.

Lutron’s Mobile Experience Center is a mobile home outfitted with several residential vignettes and equipped with the latest in lighting controls and automated shade systems. Visitors to the Experience Center can see for themselves how lighting controls can save energy and learn which models will work best in their homes.

In conjunction with Lutron’s Mobile Experience Center, Lowe’s will be hosting its Build and Grow clinic program on Saturday, April 23rd. Children ages 2 to 5 are invited to learn basic home improvement skills and to create a free, wooden birdhouse. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. Participants must register ahead of time by visiting www.Lowes.com/BuildandGrow.

Event Times and Locations:

Lowe’s–Thursday, April 21, 10am-2pm

• 1935 Arnold Industrial Way
• Concord, CA 94520

Lowe’s –Friday, April 22, 10am-2pm

• 720 Dubuque Avenue
• South San Francisco, CA 94080

Lowe’s–Saturday, April 23, 10am-2pm Earth Day Build & Grow Clinic

• 1340 El Camino Real
• San Bruno, CA 94066