Southern California Archives | Page 2 of 2

Global Hot Spots of Biodiversity Map

by Melanie Schlotterbeck on January 13, 2019 with No Comments

Scientists have designated 20 worldwide “Hot Spots.” These are places rich in species diversity, yet are threatened by imminent development. The Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor is situated in one of these Hot Spots. This Hot Spot is an area second only to tropical rain forests in both diversity of species and threat. Download the Global Hot Spots of Biodiversity Map as a PDF.

Climate Change Increase Fire Risk

by Melanie Schlotterbeck on January 12, 2019 with No Comments

Fire scientists have been tracking wildfires in Southern California and have documented that when our coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats burn too frequently–those habitats change. It’s called type conversion. For us, the habitats convert from our scrub/chaparral landscapes to weedy, non-native invasive grasslands. Non-native grasslands are considered flashy fuels that out compete the native plants, and are easier to ignite and spread fire faster across our habitat lands. Read the Los Angeles Times article.

No Surprise, People Start Fires in Fire Prone Areas

by Melanie Schlotterbeck on March 12, 2018 with No Comments

Guess what? Those very high fire hazard severity zones (you know, the places most likely to burn) are where the fastest residential development is occurring in Southern California. And, interestingly–according to this new study–people in those zones are most likely to start the fires there. Let’s hope the lessons of the Freeway Complex Fire, Canyon 2 Fire, and other statewide disasters bring home the realities of how dangerous it is to build in these areas. Read the KPPC article.

It’s a Planning Issue, Still.

by Melanie Schlotterbeck on December 14, 2017 with No Comments

Homes built to better standards can withstand fires better. However, even when they are built to better standards, the question remains: should we be putting people in harm’s way? It is a planning issue at the heart of the matter. No matter the fire-fighting resources you pour into stopping a fire’s progression, if it is wind-driven, it is a losing battle until the winds change (literally). Check out the Orange County Register article.

Nature at Her Grandest

by Melanie Schlotterbeck on August 18, 2017 with No Comments

The solar eclipse on Monday August 21 may be one of nature’s grandest shows. In the most vivid way, we see where we fit in the universe. In our area, about 62% of the sun will be covered. The eclipse will begin at 9:06 AM and last about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Never look directly at the sun during the eclipse without appropriate eye protection. Sunglasses don’t count. Real solar viewers are thousands of times darker than sunglasses. There are glasses … Read More