Category Archives: urban ecology

horses and the founding of golden gate park

Posted on May 11, 2011 by fromthethicket

A horse actually played a key role in the founding of Golden Gate Park.  The story goes like this: In the early 1870s, faced with the daunting task of establishing a vegetative cover on the sand dunes that had been … Continue reading →

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urban ecology: how native ants are faring in golden gate park

Posted on April 19, 2011 by fromthethicket

Have you been worrying about the health and safety of native ants in Golden Gate Park?  I recently realized that maybe I should be paying more attention to these small creatures.  This epiphany occurred after I read a scientific paper published … Continue reading →

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the vigor of weeds: got to admire them!

Posted on April 14, 2011 by fromthethicket

Working at the San Francisco Botanical Garden nursery, repotting native plants for the past few weeks in preparation for the annual plant sale, I’ve noticed a miniature battle going on in the pots.  It’s actually the same battle that goes on … Continue reading →

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great horned owl chicks wow birdwatchers

Posted on April 12, 2011 by fromthethicket

The following is excerpted from an article by Katie Worth in the San Francisco Examiner (4-9-11): “In the mottled light behind the trunk of a pine tree, four poofs with eyes huddle together. And they’re watching.  Those poofs are in … Continue reading →

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feeding feral cats in golden gate park

Posted on March 30, 2011 by fromthethicket

The definition of “wildlife” in urban parks is far from precise! Here’s an excerpt from a story by Matt Smith from SF Weekly that illustrates evolving urban ecology and some of the dilemmas that attend this evolution. “It’s 7 o’clock … Continue reading →

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academy roof garden hosts diverse species

Posted on March 11, 2011 by fromthethicket

At a symposium last weekend at the Academy of Sciences, Alana Hysert, Academy Naturalist, reported some interesting preliminary data on the living roof.   Recognizing the research and education potential of the new green roof, Hysert has been overseeing a citizen science … Continue reading →

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