SCB Bulletin Board Forum: Welcome to the Southern California Botanists Bulletin Board

tshirt on "Social bookmarking"

tshirt — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:20:10 +0000

Geimhost.com is a Social Bookmarking web site, where registered members can submit their favorite stories, links and others users can simply vote for that stories. submit a new story to Social Bookmarking site geimhost.com.

tshirt on "Business Directory"

tshirt — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:18:46 +0000

Get listed in texoffer.com, top b2b marketplace for products and service from worldwide. If you are seeking Manufacturer, Distributor, Wholesaler's or service providers just do a search and find your supplier.

tshirt on "Technology and lifestyle Updates"

tshirt — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:18:15 +0000

Get informed about recent technology updates from rupkotha.com online technology Lifestyle blog. Read how to articles and get benefits of smartly use of online and offline application and share your acquired knowledge with your social media friends.

tshirt on "t-shirts business guideline"

tshirt — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:16:25 +0000

t-shirtsmanufacturers.com providing information and resources about t-shirt business for t-shirt manufacturers, a multi-billion dollar industry and which more profitable business then others business.

cannasrule on "hesperocallis"

cannasrule — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:23:11 +0000

Ton,

Hesperocallis undulata have not been cultivated successfully, which is why bulbs are not available for purchase.

Sorry for the bad news.

Linda Prince

DonnieHaigh on "El Dorado Nature Center CA Native Plant Sale"

DonnieHaigh — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:50:37 +0000

El Dorado Nature Center's California Native Plant Sale
Saturday, October 22

El Dorado Nature Center will be brimming with natives, just in time for outdoor fall planting. From fragrant sages to show ceanothus, we will have just the right plants for your conservation-minded garden. Come early for best selection!
- Trees, shrubs, grasses and more
- Wildflower seeds
- Gardening tips and information
- Books and unique gifts

Friends of El Dorado Nature Center Member Preview Sale
9-9:30am
Memberships available at the door

Public Sale
9:30-2

Vehicle entry fee of $7 will be credited towards your purchase of $75 or more.

TonWijnen on "hesperocallis"

TonWijnen — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:11:03 +0000

Perhaps you can help me or give me some advice.

I am searching a few bulbs of Hesperocallis undulata. Do you know where I can get/buy this bulb?

It is very difficult to find a bulb, and yes, I know, it is also very difficult to grow this Desert Lily, but I want to try here

in the Netherlands in a warm greenhouse.

It is for my private collection, this one I want so much.

I hope you can help me or perhaps you know other people who can help me..

Thank you very much

warmest regards

Ton Wijnen

The Netherlands

ASwanson on "Rare Plant Treasure Hunt and Field Trip"

ASwanson — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:13:28 +0000

The California Native Plant Society has recently begun a program called the Rare Plant Treasure Hunt (www.cnps.org/cnps/rareplants/treasurehunt). The purpose is to inform conservation efforts by updating occurence records in the CNDDB of rare plants throughout California and to get as many volunteers as possible involved. If you are interested in being involved or leading a trip please contact treasurehunt@cnps.org

Also a Rare Plant Treasure Hunt field trip into the Mojave desert is planned for May 5-8th with Steve Hartman. For more information and to RSVP go to http://www.meetup.com/Rare-Plant-Treasure-Hunt/.

misamilliron on "Desert/Solar RFP for public universities and agencies"

misamilliron — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:25:45 +0000

INFORMAL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
ON
THE BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS IN THE CALIFORNIA DESERT

Background and Purpose
The California Energy Commission is seeking proposals from the University of California, other public universities and local, regional, state and federal public agencies for research to help reduce the environmental impacts of solar energy projects in California, particularly with respect to biological impacts in the California desert.

Environmental review of recent solar applications has raised several unresolved issues related to the analysis and mitigation of biological impacts. Resource agencies typically recommend that unavoidable impacts to sensitive species be compensated through land acquisition at a ratio that offsets the impact (i.e., compensation land acreage equal to a multiplier of the impacted acreage). In the case of land-intensive solar development, acquiring sufficient acreage of available and appropriate habitat compensation lands is considered a daunting task fraught with logistical difficulties such as multiple landowner negotiations, unwilling sellers and increasingly limited availability of suitable acquisition lands. Alternative and innovative mitigation measures other than land acquisition are needed to offset negative impacts by California solar energy projects on special-status plants and animals and sensitive plant communities.

In addition to land acquisition, resource agencies typically require relocating sensitive wildlife species such as desert tortoise or burrowing owl to avoid direct construction impacts, and also frequently recommend mitigation measures in addition to land acquisition (for example, fencing, habitat restoration, changes in grazing practices, avoidance buffers for wildlife). The efficacy of these mitigation measures in avoiding or offsetting the biological impacts has yet to be firmly established through scientific study. The long-term consequences of translocation on species abundance and viability also need additional research. Another challenge in analyzing the biological resource impacts of solar development is the lack of detailed distribution information for sensitive plants and animals, which is needed to inform compensation land locations and to assess a solar project’s impacts in a rangewide perspective. Currently, for most sensitive desert species, biologists do not have science-based numerical thresholds for population viability upon which to assess impacts or recommend appropriate levels of mitigation. Research on what percentage of a sensitive species population can be impacted without affecting species or population viability is lacking. Moreover, establishing a methodology and widely accepted and biologically meaningful scope for cumulative impact analyses of solar development’s impacts on biological resources is also a challenge often encountered in the environmental review process.

Targeted Research Topics
Research on the following topics will help resolve some of the scientific uncertainties about the biological impact and mitigation of utility-scale solar energy development in California’s deserts, and will inform the process of project siting and development. This is a competitive grant solicitation sponsored by the California Energy Commission’s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Energy-Related Environmental Program to investigate one or more of the following:
A. Innovative mitigation strategies other than land acquisition that would effectively offset the negative impacts of California solar energy development on special-status species and sensitive plant communities; and/or rigorous validation of and/or improvements to frequently recommended mitigation measures (for example, habitat restoration, fencing, buffers for special-status species).

B. New or enhanced habitat suitability models that help to: predict the distribution of special-status plants and animals and sensitive plant communities within the Mojave and Colorado Desert regions; evaluate the impact of solar energy technologies, plant designs, and/or solar project site selection on special-status plants and animals and sensitive plant communities; and provide planning tools to assist in the siting, design, permitting, and mitigation of solar energy projects.

C. An improved impact assessment on species abundance and viability of relocating desert tortoise and/or other special-status plants and animals away from solar energy sites using currently established protocols; and/or develop improved protocols for relocation.

D. Numerical thresholds for viability of listed species populations (i.e., minimum viable population size) in regions within the Mojave and Colorado Desert regions targeted for utility scale solar energy development.

E. Framework for conducting cumulative impacts analysis of solar energy development on sensitive biological resources (i.e., a framework or methodology, not a comparison of actual project impacts).

Proposal Information

Deadline: Proposals are due March 15th, 2010.

Funding amount: Up to $1.0 million of PIER Electricity funding is available under this solicitation for grant awards. A minimum of $150,000 is available to applicants per grant project with a maximum award of up to $1.0 million. If a high number of exceptional, desirable projects are proposed, the Energy Commission may release additional funds to fund additional projects under this solicitation.
Eligibility: Only research groups associated with the University of California, California State University system or local, regional, state and federal public agencies are allowed to participate in this informal competition.
Proposal submittal and guidelines: A proposal (up to 12 pages long) should be submitted via e-mail to Ms. Misa Milliron (mward@energy.state.ca.us) by March 15th, 2009.
The proposal should address the following:
Project Summary that:
• Clearly describes the proposed research project and the current state of knowledge in the scientific area of the project.
• Clearly describes the purpose, scope and goals of the proposed research, and outlines the issues the project will address.
• Summarizes the technical approach and principal tasks required to accomplish project goals and objectives.
• Describes the relevant technical, siting, and implementation issues that must be addressed to accomplish project’s goals and objectives.
• Explains why the project is unique, and not duplicative.
• Describes the duration and schedule of the project.
• Clearly lists research deliverable(s)/result(s).
Research Topic that:
• Unequivocally belongs to at least one of the categories (A-E) identified above under Targeted Research Topics.

Categorical Budget that:

• Identifies labor, overhead, indirect, equipment ($5,000 or more), travel, miscellaneous expenses, subcontractors, and the total budget.

Research Team Qualifications:
• Identify principal members of the research team.
• Identify the applicable experience of the principal members of the research team.
Proof of Technical Feasibility, Reliability and Safety:
• The abstract demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed project, describes a robust methodology, and convincingly argues that the results of the proposed project will be highly relevant to renewable energy development in the desert, and resolving its environmental impacts. If prior data exists from previous work leading up to the proposed project it tells how to and where to access the validated, detailed data from this previous work.
Appropriate Site for Proposed Project
• The project has a committed research and/or demonstration site or workplace and provides a name and contact information to verify the availability of the location. The research and/or demonstration site where the project is to be carried out is consistent and appropriate to the proposed work.
• If the proposed project involves field work, the size, location, and environment of the research and/or demonstration site is suitable to meet the objectives of the proposed work.
Permitting Activities
• Lists any prior or planned activities related to the permitting of desert-based energy projects by the applicant, its employees, or any subcontractors used for this proposal. The applicant shall also list any agreements or working relationships with anyone who has a permit application for a desert-based energy development that will be pending at the time of the grant award; and/or that is contesting a permit for a desert-based energy development that will be pending at the time of the grant award.
Evaluation and Selection Process
The goal of this informal solicitation is to identify and fund research that will best address the identification and mitigation of biological impacts associated with utility scale solar energy development in the California deserts. Based upon an evaluation of the submitted proposals, the Energy Commission will request further information and/or select a winning proposal(s) and prepare the needed interagency agreement. This agreement will be based on the proposal; however, the Commission reserves the right to suggest some modifications. If an agreement cannot be reached between the parties, PIER reserves the right to work with the group that submitted the proposal with the next highest score until reaching a successful outcome.
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Proposal addresses specific research area listed in Targeted Research Topics (A-E above).
2. Proposed research uses robust methodology and identifies clear, meaningful, and measurable objectives.
3. The project description, products and due dates are reasonable and appropriate.
4. The project budget is reasonable and appropriate.
5. The principal investigator and the project team are well qualified to conduct the project.
6. Overall technical merit and degree to which the project is likely to succeed, including a consideration of the degree to which the proposal goes beyond the basic proposal requirements.
Energy Commission staff anticipate that researchers will be contacted with a decision or request for more information no later than March 26th.
For further information on this informal solicitation, please contact Misa Milliron (mward@energy.state.ca.us).

misamilliron on "Grant Solicitation: Desert/Solar Research"

misamilliron — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:01:31 +0000

The California Energy Commission is seeking proposals from private entities, including non-profit organizations and private universities, to help reduce the environmental impacts of solar energy projects in California, particularly with respect to biological impacts in the California desert. Although public entities, such as national laboratories and public universities, cannot apply to this grant solicitation, they can participate as subcontractors to private-entity applicants. This competitive grant solicitation is sponsored by the California Energy Commission's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Energy-Related Environmental Program to investigate one or more of the following:
A. Innovative mitigation strategies other than land acquisition that would effectively offset the negative impacts of California solar energy development on special-status species and sensitive plant communities; and/or rigorous validation of and/or improvements to frequently recommended mitigation measures (for example, habitat restoration, fencing).

E. New or improved framework for conducting cumulative impacts analysis of solar energy development on sensitive biological resources.

For more information on this grant solicitation and how to apply, visit http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/pier.html#PON-09-007 .

Stage 1 proposals are due March 3, 2010, and a pre-proposal workshop will be held on January 28, 2010.

rthecellist on "Effects of Magnets on Kidney Bean Plants"

rthecellist — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:39:08 +0000

Hi, I'm a 9th grader in Georgia. I am doing a science fair project on how magnets can affect the growth of kidney bean plants. I not only am required to experiment, but I also must research for it. If anyone has answers on how magnets have an effect on kidney bean plants, if at all, please tell me. Thank you!

AllisonSanger on "USFS-Assistant Forest Botanist, LAssen National Forest"

AllisonSanger — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:53:34 +0000

The Lassen National Forest will soon be advertising a GS-430-7/9, Assistant Forest Botanist position. The position is permanent full time which may be filled at either the GS-7 or GS-9 level and having career ladder potential to the GS-9 level. The duty station is located in Susanville, California at the Forest Headquarters.

ABOUT THE POSITION:
This position functions as the assistant to the Forest Botanist for the Lassen National Forest. The botany program on the Lassen NF is a Forest-wide program run out of the Supervisor’s Office. Duties include hiring and supervising temporary employees (botanists, plant bio-techs, weed warriors), conducting and supervising floristic field surveys, keying plants, maintaining records on plant locations and habitat information, writing biological evaluations and assessments and specialist reports, interpretive activities (such as public talks and presentations, developing displays and handouts) and assisting with the forest noxious weed and other botanical programs. The Lassen NF, with its varied programs, affords a great opportunity to develop and expand its botanical program in new and exciting directions.

ABOUT THE LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST:
The Lassen National Forest lies at the heart of one of the most diverse vegetative and fascinating areas in California. The Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Cascade Range, the Modoc Plateau, and the Great Basin meet and blend geographically and floristically in the Forest's 1.2 million acres. The Forest programs are varied. The Forest greets visitors with a wide array of recreational opportunities, including three major and popular recreation areas and numerous other opportunities (a few include the only low elevation wilderness in the Region, a world-class hang gliding site, excellent hunting and fishing, and an extensive snowmobile trail network). The flora is diverse with over 1320 known species of plants. Some 360 wildlife species call the Lassen home, including bald eagle, osprey, pronghorn, deer, myriad waterfowl, and at least 85 kinds of butterflies. The vegetation and fuels management program is strong and well respected in the Region. Range management is a sizeable program, with 65 range allotments spread across the Forest.

The west side of the Forest borders the foothills of California's central valley, moving into higher elevation mixed conifer as one travels into the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountains. An area of lush forests and cascading streams, it attracts many from major valley communities such as Redding and Chico. Deer, Mill, and Antelope Creeks feature the last natural spring run of Chinook salmon in the State. The Lassen National Forest surrounds Lassen Volcanic National Park, featuring Mt. Lassen and an array of scenic trails and sites to explore. Moving east over the mountains' crest, the land gentles and dries. Sagebrush/grass flats are common, with spectacular flora displays in wet years, and a system of vernal wetlands. These stunning, Basin vistas are flanked by volcanic cinder cones and mountains, graced with forests of fir and pine. The east side features Eagle Lake, a large, natural remnant of another time. It is a major recreation site, and home of the nationally known Eagle Lake trout. Communities in the immediate forest area are small and the feeling is distinctly rural.

ABOUT SUSANVILLE:
Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada's east side, Susanville is a full service community of about 12,000 with a larger population in the surrounding Lassen County. The largest community in north-eastern California, it offers a hospital, a number of independent school districts, churches representing most denominations, a local community college, and a strong sense of community. The city of Reno, Nevada is a short 85 miles to the SE, and both Chico and Redding, sizeable Central Valley communities, are within a two hour drive from Susanville. Real estate values vary greatly, with prices for a single family house ranging from $80,000 to $200,000+.

Susanville is the gateway to a host of recreational opportunities on the Lassen National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands. Just minutes away are fishing, hunting, off-roading, mountain-biking, camping, water related sports, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, wilderness adventures, and more. The Lassen Volcanic National Park is about an hour away and features the 10,000 foot Lassen Peak and other volcanic features. San Francisco, Sacramento, the California coast, and Lake Tahoe are all within a half day drive.

TO RESPOND:
If you are interested in this position and want to receive a copy of the Vacancy Announcement, please complete the attached form and send via email to tfrolli@fs.fed.us by March 18, 2009. If you are not a current Forest Service employee, or do not have access to email please complete and fax the form to: 530-252-6428, or mail to:

LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST
ATTN: Tom Frolli
2550 Riverside Dr.
Susanville, CA 96130

donald on "Botanical Illustration Desert Field Workshop"

donald — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:17:59 +0000

BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION OF NATIVE DESERT FLORA
with Donald Davidson www.nps.gov/plants/cw/watercolor/index.htm
Study along with other biologists, writers, and artists while helping increase the native flora visual database. College credit optional.
Friday, April 3, 7pm, through Sunday, April 5, 3pm, Desert Studies Center, Mojave National Preserve, Zzyzx, CA. Accommodations and meals included.
CONTACT:
Linda Coco
Program Representative
Science, Law & Health Programs
UC Riverside Extension
1200 University Ave., #336
Riverside, CA 92507
951-827-1618 - Direct
951-827-7374 - Fax
www.extension.ucr.edu

DonnieHaigh on "El Dorado Nature Center's California Native Plant Sale"

DonnieHaigh — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:23:27 +0000

On Saturday October 25, 2008 from 9:30 – 2:00 pm, El Dorado Nature Center will be hosting its annual California Native Plant Sale sponsored by Partners of Parks. Most of the plants available are well suited to Southern California’s dry climate and require minimal watering once established. Many have fragrant foliage and bear brightly colored flowers that are attractive to butterflies and birds. All proceeds go to support habitat restoration at the Nature Center. Be sure and come early for best selection. Members of Friends of El Dorado Nature Center may make pre-sale purchases beginning at 9:00 am. Your $7 vehicle entry fee will be credited toward all purchases of $75 or more. For more information, please call (562) 570-4880. Memberships to the Friends of El Dorado Nature Center may be purchased at the event.
Location:
El Dorado Nature Center
7550 E. Spring St.
Long Beach, Ca 90815

CNIKids on "Edible Plant Instructor Needed! 7-12-2008"

CNIKids — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:20:32 +0000

The Children's Nature Institute, located in Franklin Canyon, Beverly Hills, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency that provides environmental education to 8,000 underprivileged children each year. Each program provides children with much needed interactive science educational programs.

As part of this series, we would like to offer a "Tasty Plants Trail" seminar that will show mommies what plants are okay (and not okay) that kiddies will occasionally put in their mouths. Its on July 12th from 9-11 at Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills.

We need a botanist to lead the hike, or teach the staff if they are unable to walk it themselves.

Interested Persons can contact:

Allison Fuller
Director of Community Outreach
The Children's Nature Institute
2600 Franklin Canyon Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90210
310-860-9484 X105
310-860-9019 FAX
Allison@CNI-Kids.org
www.cni-kids.org