A teaching moment … Although we have not had any documented fledglings at More Mesa, as yet, we have an amazing kite photo to share with you this month. The image was taken by wildlife photographer Barry Rowan, late in May at Lake Los Carneros. We thought it would be fun and informative to list…
Russian Knapweed: Three Times a Charm? Invasive weeds are extremely difficult problems in open spaces. Getting rid of these interlopers, as soon as possible, is essential to preventing their spread. Since 2009, we have been reporting on efforts of County Parks (with some help from MMPC) to eradicate an area of Russian Knapweed on More Mesa….
Vernal Pools With all the emphasis on water in last month’s news, it seemed most appropriate that our web site should include a section devoted entirely to a very special water feature of More Mesa; its vernal pool. As described in the More Mesa Handbook, as well as in the Draft Updated Biological Resources Study,…
Water, water everywhere The word for this month is WATER! Here in Santa Barbara, we are currently at 167% of our average rainfall for the “Water Year” 2011. Indeed 9.62 inches of the 27 inches of rain has fallen in February and March. What this means for More Mesa is that the vernal pool on…
Although March is “coming in like a lion”, there are already many signs of spring out on More Mesa. Grasses are green (and high), wildflowers are starting to make appearances and our special raptors are courting and nest building. The east kite pair is especially busy. Kite watchers may be interested in a story from…