CNDDB News Blog

Does the CNDDB ever seem like a black box? Confused about when to use which of our products? Locked down by the pandemic and hungry for something new?

Since we have also been working from home and unable to meet with our users in-person, this seemed like the right time to revise some training material. We have just released a modernized version of our CNDDB overview video. It covers why we do what we do, how we process information, and what products we make available to others. This video will help you get the most from your CNDDB access, with an awareness of some pitfalls and misconceptions about our products. Even our most seasoned subscribers will likely learn a thing or two.

While we recommend that all users of our database are familiar with all of the content in this video, if you only have a few minutes to spare or just want to know about a particular topic, you can click on a link to jump ahead to the relevant section in the video.

Check it out on our training webpage!

Please join our next Conservation Lecture Series talk that focuses on natural history training. As natural history training has declined in formal education, it has increased among lay audiences. While it continues to address traditional practices and topics such as field observations of organisms and their behavior, it’s increasingly tackling a wider range of issues and topics including conservation and restoration, climate change, traditional ecological knowledge, and even the environmental justice. In addition, the rise in participatory science has dramatically increased the number of ways in which the public can meaningfully engage in science, yet significant challenges remain including large gaps in participation from black and indigenous people and a perennial lack of funding. This lecture describes the unique collaborative approach the California Naturalist program uses to deliver natural history training in this complex milieu and answers the questions: Why are people interested in natural history training? and How does it relate to the work of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife?

Presenter:
Gregory “Greg” Ira is the Director of the UC California Naturalist program based at the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources office in Davis, California. After completing his Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies from Prescott College in Arizona, and Master’s in Asian Studies from the University of Hawaii (through the East-West Center’s Environment and Policy Institute), he worked for six years in the Philippines integrating conservation into the context of rural development. From 2000-2015 he served as the Director of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Environmental Education, where he established a statewide environmental education program (Learning in Florida’s Environment) for middle school students in Florida’s State Parks.

Date: Tuesday, September 29, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Register to view online.

Questions? Contact: Whitney.Albright@wildlife.ca.gov

Douglas contributed a great photo for the upcoming second edition of the Atlas of the Biodiversity of California. We wanted to find out more about his connection to nature photography.

Your CalPhotos bio mentions that you are a volunteer and photographer with the Solano Land Trust. Can you tell us a little bit more about the work you do for them?

Since joining the Solano Land Trust as a volunteer I’ve hiked and photographed roughly 12,000 acres of nature preserves. I’m also certified as a docent and lead tours at Jepson Prairie Preserve.

Your wildlife and plant photos are incredible! How did you learn this skill, and come into this line of work?

I purchased my first digital camera after retirement as we planned a trip to Arizona for spring training. While in Scottsdale I began photographing the Sonoran Desert flora. When we returned home I researched and began photographing the Jepson Prairie Preserve, 1566 acres of remnant vernal pool habitat. From the first visit I found the diminutive yet colorful flora a fascinating subject.

After a spring hiking season, shooting only in the public area and remaining on the trail, I approached the land trust with an interest in accessing the complete preserve. Once they met me and saw prints of my photos, they granted access with two provisos. The first was to attend docent training instruction and the second was a request to photograph all their preserves, to which I immediately agreed.

Do you have any favorite plants or animals you’ve encountered in your explorations?

The most common species of vernal pool flora, and my favorite, are the Downingia. There are 19 rare flora and invertebrates at Jepson Prairie. The most significant of these is the Delta green ground beetle (Elaphrus viridis) which was first observed in 1878. After ‘disappearing’ it was presumed extinct but was rediscovered in 1974 by a UC Davis student.

What is your most indispensable tool or piece of gear when taking photos out in the field?

My camera backpack weighs about 16 pounds with just about anything I need. If I had to choose, it would actually be two items: a decent-quality, digital SLR camera body; and a good-quality lens. There are a lot of specialty lenses, some quite expensive, but you can take some remarkable pictures with practically any lens. One of the best bird photos I’ll likely ever record was taken with a 60 mm macro lens when the subject was close at hand, but a more appropriate lens was 100 feet away.

Can you give any words of advice or encouragement to aspiring nature photographers?

Becoming a photographer requires a camera and the operator. Most every photographer begins with an inexpensive camera and a desire to take great pictures. Don’t expect to be an expert when you begin. My best advice would be to start shooting a lot of photos. If you see something you find interesting take more than a single photo. The beauty of digital photography is that you can see your shot instantly, adjust, and retake until you get your settings right.

Want to practice your photo skills? Submit your sightings of rare plants and animals on our Online Field Survey Form. Your photos could be featured as our next Photo of the Month!