Helen Gilbert Gaus

The month is well underway, but it's a long month, so there are still a lot of events to share! Here are some free or low cost events that are family friendly, and would be a great way to get outside / learn about nature. Slide Ranch includes the chance to milk goats with their family programs! Sunday 10/11 10AM Francisco Park SF FREE Dads with Strollers Join us for Dads with Strollers Meetup on Sunday, October 11 at 10am-12pm! Coffee and Bob’s donuts will be provided. Everyone welcome. More...

Across the Region Coyote Brush It hasn’t rained since May. The ground is dry, dry, dry. Ponds and creeks are low, even empty. The earth waits for the winter rains to come. And yet, while most grasses have gone to seed and dried up, and the waxy leaves that are still green are holding water carefully, one bush is exploding in flowers. Coyote Brush is a native shrub, that serves an important role. This early fall season is when it blooms, providing critical food as nectar and pollen to native...

Make Seed Bombs Planting native plants is one of the best things you can do for local ecosystems. If you support the insects (such as the bees, moths, and butterflies) that need native plants, then you are supporting the whole food web that depends on these insects. You can really connect the cycle for children by collecting seeds from wildflowers you find outside together, such as the California Poppy, commonly found along sidewalks. Or you can purchase native wildflower seed packets for...