Mark your calendar! On December 21st, Jupiter and Saturn will appear as a double planet in the night sky. The last time this happened was the Middle Ages. This event is called a “conjunction” when two items in the night sky line up. And, you can view it with your naked eye–no telescope or binoculars needed! View the article in the Washington Post.
Earlier today Hills For Everyone participated in a public hearing by commenting on a proposed land exchanged in San Diego that would have allowed a previously protected preserve to be developed with high end houses in exchange for other less valuable habitat nearby. This would have set a terrible precedent for the Wildlife Conservation Board by undoing the conservation transaction. Thankfully, the Board members understood the implications and the final vote opposed the land exchange (5-1), with one recusal.
One of our partners, Chino Hills State Park Interpretive Association, was featured in the Chino Champion newspaper. Learn about their great education and interpretive work in the State Park. Right now we are collaborating with the Interpretive Association and State Parks on emergency grants to help fund projects needed post-Blue Ridge Fire. Stay tuned on the outcome! Read the Chino Champion article.
We hired local biologist Robb Hamilton to review the Hsi Lai Temple Monastery project and its impacts to the Wildlife Corridor. Check out his early review. Comments on the Notice of Preparation of the Environmental Impact Report are due by Tuesday, December 8th.
The most recent threat to oaks is posed by the tiny Gold Spotted Oak Borer (GSOB) which is killing mature oaks. They have been found in a County Park in Orange and there currently is no treatment. Infected trees must be properly cut down and destroyed. Only buy wood where you burn it lest you transport this pest and infect new areas. The GSOB is about half the diameter of a penny.