More sage advice

It is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.

Ellen and I highly recommend the new book, The Magic of Reality: How we know what's really true by Richard Dawkins and illustrated by Dave McKean. (Kids of all ages will recognize the illustrations from some of their favorite Harry Potter movies.)

The ant lion makes an appearance; as do dogs, dolphins, and the Doppler shift. It's all in the explanation; rainbows, plate tectonics, seasons, atomic theory, DNA. Wow. If all this can (finally and/or again) be made clear to me, it can be made clear to the average 8-year-old. 
And a bonus video that Carl Sagan (who said the above) would have loved. 

Some sage advice

Photo by Ned Harris, 11/9/11

Triangleleaf Bursage (Ambrosia deltoidea) is sometimes mistaken for Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) (and vice versa); especially when neither is blooming and/or they get limited water. Their leaves are the same basic shape and can be the same size. But you need never make the Bursage/Brittlebush error; just take a closer look at the leaves. If the edges are serrated (as above, click for larger), you are looking at Triangleleaf Bursage. If not, then at least you know what you aren't looking at. That's something.

Arundo Slayers!!

Arundo Slayers on the hunt

Tools of the trade and Forest Service transportation

Velvet Mesquite making a comeback!

Arizona Black Walnut making a comeback!

Sabino Creek today

Text by Mark Hengesbaugh: 

Several hundred Sabino-loving volunteers worked more than 6,000 hours to rescue the creek’s habitat from the Giant Reed (Arundo donax) infestation. Local naturalists have cataloged more than 45 plant species returning to areas once dominated by Arundo. Up and down Sabino Creek, walnut, mesquite, sycamore, willow, ash and cottonwood saplings are returning along with Datura and other native plants. But the fight is not over. Many Arundo rhizomes (roots) are still viable and shoots continue to pop up and grow quickly. The U.S. Forest Service must continue to treat the Arundo multiple times each year for at least the next 5 years.

How Arundo kills Sabino’s creekside habitat

Before (all photos from riparian area above the dam)

Stranglehold

After 

Photos and Text by Mark Hengesbaugh: 

It was a classic invasion. The Giant Reed (Arundo donax) infestation began with a root or cane sprouting in Sabino Creek at least 20 years ago. Nothing in this environment eats or parasitizes Arundo, so it loses no energy contributing to the ecosystem as it grows tall very quickly. As Arundo grows, it robs adjacent native trees and shrubs of water and nutrients. Soon the Arundo is tall enough to shade out all but the tallest native trees. Over time, Arundo grows so thickly and in such a dense mat of horizontal roots that no other plant species can possibly gain a foothold.  Tomorrow: Who came to Sabino’s rescue?

Bear Bridge: Before, During, & After

Before

During

After, i.e., Now

Photos and Text by Mark Hengesbaugh:

The Bear Bridge in Sabino Creek has undergone a dramatic change in appearance in the past few years with removal of the Giant Reed (Arundo donax). But it’s important to remember that the motivation of the naturalists and the Arizona Master Watershed Stewards for removing the Arundo was not primarily to improve the canyon’s appearance. Fact is, Arundo was threatening to turn large sections of Sabino Creek into a monoculture of invasive reeds that: 1) aren't used by the native wildlife and 2) kill the native plants the wildlife does need to live.
Tomorrow: How Arundo kills Sabino’s creekside habitat

BioBlitz Booth

Thought these photos deserved a wider audience! All from BioBlitz 'Base Camp', Friday, 10/21/11.

Booth Babes: Anne, Carol, Angie, Marge
Photo by Tom Skinner

A rare time slow time! Maribeth, Carol, Student at BioBlitz U, Don, Anne
Photo by Marge Kesler

Angie with a Mountain Kingsnake (from the booth next door)
Photo by Marge 

Anne tries to out fox the kids
Photo by Angie Perryman

Marge manages the mob
Photo by Angie

Busted for being the best BioBlitz booth
Photo by Marge

Tomorrow's post begins a three-day series by one of your favorite guest bloggers. Stay tuned. 

Every good fern...

Photos by Ned Harris, 11/9/11

Wavy Cloak Fern

Again with the ferns! You can find these on the Bluff Trail, the Esperero Trail, and in many other moist spots.