Support the Save Our State Parks (SOS) Campaign!

On June 15th, the Budget Conference Committee weighed in on the Governor's proposal to close state parks.  On a divided vote, the committee voted to agree to eliminate General Fund support for state parks, but also to implement the State Park Access Pass.  The State Park Access Pass would institute a $15 surcharge on vehicle license fees of non-commercial vehicles, in order to provide Californians with free day-use access to state parks and generate much-needed revenues for the system.  Read more.

 

 

Beach Cleanup for Snowy Plovers!

Golden Gate Audubon and the GGNRA/National Park Service will hold a beach cleanup before the Western Snowy Plovers return to Ocean Beach and Crissy Field.

Join us on Sunday, July 5 9 a.m. to noon at Ocean Beach and Crissy Field.

Meeting locations:

• Ocean Beach: along the Great Highway, meet at the steps at the end of Santiago Street. See map.

• Crissy Field: at the Wildlife Protection Area. See map.

Materials for cleanup will be provided.

 

Bank Swallows at Fort Funston

The swallows have recently returned from South America and are digging new burrows. This federally threatened species is under high levels of disturbance at Fort Funston . On weekends and hot days, hundreds of beachgoers and their roaming dogs, kites, fireworks, etc. can be found on the beach and the cliffs above the colony. This really is a special, sensitive, and threatened bird and one of the greatest treasures of the Bay Area.

 

The GGNRA is looking for volunteers that would be willing to spend an hour or two below the colony on weekends (even a single visit would be helpful) for the next three months. This is an incredible opportunity for a birder (or non-birder) to observe the interesting and entertaining social dynamics of this colony. Volunteers would also be extra eyes and ears (advocates) for the swallows and could report disturbances to nearby park rangers and the natural resources office. They could also share their knowledge with the public.

 

**If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact:

J. Patrick Furtado

Wildlife Biology Intern

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, National Park Service

john_furtado@nps.gov

Office: (415)331-0729 (no answering machine)

Cell: (203)889-7784 (cell phone is best as messages can also be left there)

www.nps.gov/goga/

 

 

Special Nest Box building workshop!

Golden Gate Audubon and Wildcare of Marin County are sponsoring a
Nest Box Building Workshop on Saturday, June 27th. Find out how to build homes for bluebirds, chickadees, and more. Sign up todayby calling the GGA office at 510.843.2222.

 

DONATE WOOD FOR NEST BOX BUILDING WORKSHOP

Golden Gate Audubon is seeking donations of unpainted and unstained, rough or finished wood for our Nest Box Workshop.

 

We need an approximate total of:

80 ft. -- 5 inches wide

72 ft. – 6.5 inches wide

24 ft. – 9 inches wide

 

Wood is needed by Friday, June 5, 2009. If you can help, please contact Marjorie Blackwell: 510.654.4456, or email: marjb@sbcglobal.net .

 

 

The Summer Gull is on-line!