News
The “Blue Cloud” is Coming
Every spring, when the island’s floral display comes alive, one of the first flowers to emerge is Sisyrinchium bellum or Blue-Eyed Grass. It is commonly found in native grasslands and meadows. In 2009, with the island’s first planting, we began with a dozen or so...
Traffic Island Biodiversity Habitats: Small Spaces, Big Impact
Can traffic islands on our roads really significantly impact biodiversity in nature? Join us to find out! Come to the Marin Green Drinks mixer on April 8, 2025. Marcia Basalla of Pacheco Valle Biodiversity will be talking about Biodiversity Habitats and introduce us...
Western Fence Lizard
A bonus while working on the island is observing the myriad wildlife around me. One of these critters is the ubiquitous Western Fence Lizard or “Blue Belly.” Scaloporous occidentalis, so called “Swifts” for their remarkable speed, and can be seen sunning themselves...
Lets Talk Quail
In 1931 the California quail was designated as our state bird Callipepla californica. Callipepla means "lovely woven robe." their heavy bodies and strong legs equip them for life on the ground rather than flight. They rarely fly further than nearby trees or shrubs to...
What’s Blooming
It is early Spring 2024, and the island habitat is beginning to hum. Ribes sanguineum (California Currant) has been blooming for the past 2 weeks now attracting returning migrating Hummingbirds and native bees. Ribes sanguineum - California Currant Various irises are...
Native Grasses Are Not Weeds
There is a misconception that native grasses are weeds when they actually provide immense habitat value for a diverse array of species. Nasella pulchra This will be an ongoing feature as there are numerous native California grasses. So, one might say "there is a lot...
An Archipelago of Biodiversity
Creating biodiversity connectivity by planting California native plants in traffic medians Just as human activity has caused a decrease/elimination of wildlife species, it also has the potential to contribute to the restoration of species in a variety of ways. Who...
Our Traffic Island Habitat
Hi!This is an educational blog by Marcia Basalla, about a Biodiversity Traffic Island project. The median is located on Alameda del Prado in Pacheco Valle, Novato, CA. "Before" traffic island was restored in 2009 This traffic island has a 560-foot perimeter and has...