News & Insights

Tuleyome was excited to be back in the field at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve. Volunteers installed a Chronolog station that will help monitor restoration efforts on the Blue Ridge Trail. This station - a post next to the trail that encourages hikers to take a photo - will help UC Reserve System document the changes at the site without large amounts of resources and time dedicated to monitoring. You can be a part of restoration efforts by taking a photo at the station. Thanks to our volunteers who joined us! Photos from the day are available on Flickr . Check out our website for more chances to help Tuleyome maintain trails! More information about Chronolog can be found on their website . There are currently two cameras at Stebbins - one monitoring big leaf maples and this one on the Blue Ridge Trail . Head to Stebbins and be a part of the restoration efforts!

Interns Diego, Ellen, and Rithika on the Rotary Pavilion at the Preserve Tuleyome is excited to welcome three new Horticultural Interns for Fall 2025! This is our second year offering this internship, where we pair college students with mentors at Woodland Regional Park Preserve to assist with projects including invasive plant removal, native plantings, and native species monitoring. This year’s cohort includes three UC Davis Environmental Science and Management majors – senior Diego Barraza and sophomores Ellen Jenkins and Rithika Warrier. They will be mentored by longtime Preserve volunteers Jennifer Hogan and Teri Barry. Over the course of the Fall Quarter, the interns will join volunteer crews for work days at the Preserve, providing opportunities for both skill development and networking. The Preserve, which opened to the public in May 2025, is a restored former landfill site that was developed into nature preserve to provide outdoor education opportunities and to protect the rare and endangered plants found on the site. The Preserve is a collaborative effort by the City of Woodland, Tuleyome, Yolo Habitat Conservancy, Rotary clubs, and other local organizations and volunteers. If you have any questions about the internship program or Tuleyome’s work at the Preserve, please contact Geoff Benn at gbenn@tuleyome.org.

Thank you to everyone who submitted comments on the proposed rescission of the Roadless Rule and the USDA reorganization. We've cycled through several comment periods over the recent months, including the current open comment period for the rescission of the Public Lands Rule . Your voices joined half a million people who participated in the Roadless Rule comment period with 99% of comments supporting protection of our forest by keeping them roadless. This level of engagement shows the administration that we the people are paying attention. But our work isn’t done. Even though we defeated Senator Lee’s amendment to sell off public lands in the Big Beautiful Bill, the administration is still pursuing that same goal through a more coordinated attack. The mass firing of federal employees, efforts to rescind the Roadless Rule , the Public Lands Rule , and the proposed reorganization of USDA create the conditions necessary for unprecedented extraction from and eventual sale of our public lands. What we're witnessing isn't a series of isolated policy changes, it's a coordinated strategy with the "Big Beautiful Bill" connecting each attack on our public lands. The Strategy The sale of public lands started with DOGE’s mass firing of thousands of experienced Forest Service rangers, BLM land managers, and National Park employees, dedicated public servants who had built expertise from boots-on-the-ground field work to policy development roles. The loss of these public servants also means the elimination of institutional knowledge of what sustainable land management looks like in practice. The administration then moved to make these cuts permanent by closing and selling federal office buildings. The Ukiah BLM office , which manages the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument was initially threatened with closure but was eventually removed from the list. Removing the land managers was only one part of the plan. The Big Beautiful Bill passed through Congress with devastating budgetary cuts and protocol mandates for public lands and national forests. The bill, now signed into law, mandates destructive logging quotas : 250 million board feet annually from National Forests and 20 million board feet from BLM lands, with annual quota increases through 2034. The bill also requires agencies to award 20-year logging contracts to private companies, locking in extraction commitments through 2046. Logging levels this high haven't been seen since the 1900s. While the Big Beautiful Bill is now law, agencies cannot implement these logging and extraction mandates unless existing protective regulations, the Roadless Rule and the Public Lands Rule, are rescinded. These rules prevent the Big Beautiful Bill’s quotas from being implemented, which strongly suggests why the administration is moving to eliminate them. The Roadless Rule has coexisted with national forest logging for 25 years. The Rule protects 58.5 million acres of sensitive forest by preventing new road construction in designated roadless areas, while allowing logging to continue in areas with existing roads. However, the mandatory extraction quotas in the Big Beautiful Bill require access to previously untouched, sensitive areas. Meeting these dramatically increased quotas means building roads through currently protected roadless areas. Rescinding the Roadless Rule is a prerequisite for implementing the Big Beautiful Bill’s mandates. The Public Lands Rule recognizes conservation as a legitimate form of multiple use alongside grazing, mining, logging and recreation. The Public Lands Rule hasn’t stopped these uses, it requires that these activities be managed sustainably to protect long-term land health. However, the mandatory extraction minimum in the Big Beautiful Bill prioritizes meeting quotas over sustainable management. Rescinding the Public Lands Rule removes the requirement to balance extraction with conservation, making it possible to prioritize extraction regardless of long-term impacts on public lands. The USDA reorganization completes the strategy by eliminating local expertise, moving California’s forest management out of state. With no local forester position to resist unsustainable quotas or provide expertise about our unique ecosystems, implementation of new extraction protocols becomes inevitable. The sequence reveals the coordination: eliminate the people who understand sustainable management, pass legislation mandating unprecedented extraction, then remove the regulatory barriers that would prevent implementation. Why This Matters Now The Big Beautiful Bill's extraction mandates are already law, but they cannot be implemented while protective rules remain in place. These rules alone make it nearly impossible for the administration to enforce the newly set and unprecedented logging quotas. The protective rules that would prevent devastating extraction practices are under attack. Without these regulatory protections, the already-passed mandates will transform our public lands in ways that may be irreversible. Help speak for our public lands and take action to protect conservation by signing on to Tuleyome’s petition opposing the rescission of the Public Lands Rule, and/or submit comments directly on the Federal Register , you have until November 10th. For more information on how to participate in the public comment process or other advocacy opportunities, contact Bryan Pride Breaking News: Federal Government Shutdown The federal government shut down at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. National Parks and public lands will remain open to the public, though each location will vary in the number of staff present. USFS and BLM will have reduced staff at both field offices and regional offices. Some staff will be furloughed, while others may be working without pay. Offices such as the Bureau of Reclamation have the ability to run and operate Lake Berryessa activities for at least two weeks due to their access to discretionary funds, this is not a reality for all agencies. It is fire season. The Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture both released contingency plans for the lapse in federal funding. Both plans state that personnel directly related to wildfire response will largely be exempt from furloughs. The DOI's plan said National Park Service employees involved in fire suppression or fire monitoring activities will not be furloughed. USDA's plan said that employees who respond to and prepare for wildland fires will not be furloughed. Furloughs will still affect employees who are red-carded, or have wildland fire incident qualifications, but whose wildfire duties are secondary to their primary duties . During the government shutdown, some services may not be available or will be delayed. With reduced ranger presence on public lands, take extra precautions: don't hike alone, let someone know your plans, and be sure to pack out what you pack in.

Do you ever come across a suspect species while you’re out enjoying your hike in the stunningly beautiful Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and think, “hmm, if only there was a handy app that I could use to identify and report this suspicious looking species”? Well, it just so happens that you are in luck! The United States Forest Service in partnership with universities, several non-profits and other other agencies have recently developed the Wild Spotter app! This app lets you identify, report, map and share invasive species (a non-native animal, plant or other living organism that may outcompete and cause harm to native species, causing environmental or economic damage) observed on public land. Incredibly handy, eh?! The app uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to sort through photos and identify species as invasive/non-native. It also uses GPS to map the species location and population size so it can be located again in the future. Wild Spotter’s webpage states that focus is to “engage and empower the public to help find, map and prevent invasive species in America’s wilderness areas, wild rivers and other natural areas.” Wild Spotter uses Citizen Science to build a database of invasive species and their location in order to help protect our shared wild spaces. To begin, register either on their website https://www.wildspotter.org/index.cfm or download the free app and then get yourself outside! While you are hiking keep an eye out for those non-native invaders and start reporting. Strategic places to look for invasive species include : Trailheads and trails that get a lot of foot traffic from humans and animals. Creeks, rivers, and lakes where people boat, fish or swim. Watercraft, even inflatable floaties or fishing equipment may inadvertently transport invasive species in ballast water or in mud carried from one excursion to another. Campsites and rest areas where people congregate and may bring bikes, dogs or horses that invasive species can catch a ride on. Things like picnic blankets, strollers, and camping equipment can also carry seeds from one location to another. Historic sites or nature viewing areas where people may stop and wander about. Vegetation or seeds can be transported in pet fur, tread or mud on tires or hiking boots or even in camp chairs and coolers. Some of these places may already have invasive species established that were brought in in the past, keeping an eye on things and keeping them clean helps to curb the spread of invasive species. And just in case you need a reminder, fall is a great time to hike!

I would be willing to bet that most of us have heard about and probably even know some of the details of the Pacific Flyway. Just in case you need a refresher - the Pacific Flyway is one of four major bird migration routes through North America. It stretches 10,000 miles north-south from Alaska to Patagonia and provides essential stopover points for over one billion migrating waterfowl to rest and refuel. Every spring and fall birds follow some or all of this path pursuing food sources and heading to wintering or breeding grounds. There are several locations in our region where the birds either stop for a time or stay all winter including the Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area in the Yolo Bypass, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex in the Northern Central Valley and Suisun Marsh hear the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta. You may have also recently seen social media posts about hundreds of millions of birds migrating through the United States, primarily the Central Plains as migration reached its peak in that region just this past Thursday. It was estimated that 25 million birds were migrating through the Chicago area alone during a single night. During this event, biologists were urging people to turn off their non-essential outdoor lighting to help the birds navigate through the city during the overnight hours. Turning off lights and using special bird friendly film on windows helps to reduce fatal collisions with buildings and windows that are responsible for killing thousands of birds. Spring and fall migration seems to be pretty well known for those of us here in the Sacramento Valley as our rice fields and wildlife refuges become alive with millions of migrating and wintering waterfowl. Often big grinds of geese can be heard, even during nighttime hours, as they fly overhead and spend their days feeding in flooded rice fields and other wetlands. It’s hard to miss thousands of noisy geese but, did you know that even the tiniest of birds migrate? Yep, even our little hummingbirds join in the migration activities! Like most migratory bird species, hummingbird migration occurs in the spring when the birds head north to breed and in the fall when the itty bitty birds head back down south to winter in warmer climates. Although those of us lucky enough to live here in the Sacramento Valley have resident species like the Anna’s hummingbird that we get to enjoy watching all year, other species such as the Rufous hummingbird, Calliope hummingbird, Black-chinned hummingbird, Broad-tailed hummingbird and others migrate through California on their way to or from Canada, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, southern California, Mexico and Central America. It is believed that hummingbirds rely on instinct to know when to begin their northern or southern migration. Changes in daylight, temperature and food availability are also likely part of the trigger to begin the long journey. Beginning in late January/early February, some species begin to migrate north to breed in the southern and western United States from their wintering grounds in Central America or Mexico. Later in the spring as temperatures warm they may head further north. Some species such as the Rufous hummingbird migrate north through California in late winter and spring to breed in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska but returns south to its wintering grounds along the Rocky Mountains. The Calliope hummingbird is the smallest long-distance migratory species and travels through California in the spring and fall. The Black-chinned hummingbird is a medium to long distance traveler and navigates through California’s Central Valley to winter in southern California and Mexico. The Broad-tailed hummingbird breeds in the high sierra from late May to early August and then treks south to Mexico for the winter. Allen’s hummingbirds breed in coastal areas from California to Oregon and winter in southern California and Mexico. Interestingly, there are two subspecies, one of them is migratory and the other does not. Other species that are occasionally but not often observed moving through California include Ruby-throated hummingbird, Violet-crowned hummingbird, Broad-billed hummingbird and the Magnificent hummingbird. These teensy, migrating birds often fly hundreds to thousands of miles, sometimes over open water or other areas with no available food sources. In order to survive their voyage, hummingbirds must build up significant fat reserves prior to their departure as migrating is a huge energy expense for them. During flight their little hearts beat more than 1,200 times a minute and they complete 50 to 80 wingbeats a second! They can travel up to 23 miles a day, most of it just above treetops or over the water. They feed during the day when nectar sources are more accessible. Ways to help these little guys on their long expedition includes planting native species such as hummingbird sage, monkey flower and manzanita to provide natural sources of nectar as they pass through the area. You can also provide them with an alternate food source such as a hanging hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water. An easy and inexpensive recipe is ½ cup of white sugar dissolved in two cups of water. No boiling is necessary, simply stir and let it set at room temperature until the sugar is fully dissolved in the water - then it’s ready to use. If your feeder has red on it somewhere the little guys will find it, no need to add artificial color to their food. Fun facts :) Did you know that hummingbirds play an important role in pollination? Some species of plants, especially those with long, tubular flowers can only be pollinated by hummingbirds. Hummingbirds migrate alone rather than in large flocks like ducks and geese. Young hummingbirds must find their way on their own (a not so fun fact). Usually the male birds leave and arrive first Not so fun fact :( Hummingbirds, like other pollinators, are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and the spread of invasive plants outcompeting native nectar plants. To learn more about hummingbird migration and how you can help them check out our friends at the United States Forest Service’s publication https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/documents/HummingbirdBrochures/HummingbirdGuideCA.pdf

Admittedly European Starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris ) are pretty cool birds. They are relatively intelligent for possessing a bird brain and can vocally mimic over twenty different bird species including American Robin, Killdeer, Red-tailed hawk, Northern Flicker and Western Meadowlark just to name a few local birds. They can fly at nearly 50 miles giving us those fascinating aerial displays called murmurations and have been wildly successful at crowding out native bird species. You may have heard that they were released into New York’s Central Park in the 1890’s but they were also released in several other states including Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and even Quebec, Canada. It appears to have been the few dozen birds released in Central Park that eventually became successful and today there are an estimated 200 million breeding adult European Starlings in North America - all believed to be descendents of the original few. European Starlings (starlings) are responsible for causing billions of dollars annually to fruit crops such as apples, cherries, figs, grapes, peaches and strawberries as well as transmitting bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens and parasites to livestock as well as decimating their feed. Gathering and roosting in huge flocks, their droppings soil buildings, windows, sidewalks and anything else that happens to be in the way. It can corrode metal if not cleaned off promptly and also can transmit Salmonella and E.coli causing a public health hazard. Introducing plants and wildlife into a region where they have no natural predators makes their establishment uncomplicated, unchallenged and almost effortless. Just a few other non-native species that became introduced over a short period of time include vegetation such as Japanese knotweed, a dense, rapidly growing plant that crowds out native species and damages drainage systems and buildings by growing through cracks. The list also includes bacteria, fungi and viruses such as West Nile virus and Bird flu (both of these are an ongoing battle), Small Pox (we all know what that did) and Dutch Elm disease, a fungus that killed a majority of the Elm trees in North America in just two short decades. Aggressive insects that have been introduced include the Formosan termite that causes over one billion dollars in damages annually to US homeowners and Murder Hornets, the two inch long jerk that can decimate a honey bee colony in less than two hours (thankfully it is believed that they have been eradicated). The invasive sea lamprey has very nearly wiped out the entire lake trout fishing industry in the Great Lakes. Giant Asian Carp and the Burmese Python have both caused a huge ruckus and extensive environmental damage while ship rats have provided us with both the plague and typhus. Currently here in our region we are fighting a battle with Zebra Mussels, desperately trying to keep them out of waterways where they have not been observed by cleaning and quarantining water craft and equipment. Globally, invasive species cause over $400 billion in damages annually, most of them occurring in the agricultural industry with an estimated $150 billion in losses here in the United States. Add to that the billions of dollars spent aimed at keeping additional invasive species out of the United States by agencies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and The Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Laws have been passed aimed at making it illegal to knowingly import injurious species into the US but some argue that we could be doing more. Island nations such as Australia and New Zealand ban plants and animals unless they appear on an “approved” list while the United States allows them in unless they are on the “banned” list. It’s not all dismal though. There have been some benefits to introducing non-native species. In 1898 the USDA created an agency called the Office of Plant Introduction that was responsible for collecting, introducing and distributing economically valuable plants and seeds from around the world. The agency ultimately imported over 200,000 useful species of plants to the US and was instrumental in industrializing our agriculture industry. Some of these plants have become major agricultural staples in California and the rest of the United States including fruits and vegetables such as artichokes, avocados, carob, chayote, citrus fruits, dates, lychee, mangos and papaya. Hard red wheat and durum wheat was also brought into the US from Russia and the Ukraine and have become significant grain crops in the US. And, all know the importance of California’s rice industry! For the record, I have to confess that I don’t hate starlings (but as a biologist maybe I should?). I think their murmurations are enchanting. I think it’s intriguing that they go from having white speckles to being a solid, glossy iridescent dark brown without shedding their feathers (the speckles are white tipped feathers that get worn as the season goes on leaving them a solid dark color). And I think that their charismatic vocal abilities are incredibly charming.

Parent chaperones lead students through the “Bird Beaks and Feet” activity We kicked off the Fall field trip season with a trip to Woodland Regional Park Preserve on September 19 th for two classes of 3 rd graders from Zamora Elementary School in Woodland. The students completed the Adaptations Trail, which included a nature walk with binoculars, hunting for insects interacting with plants, and learning about how the beaks and feet of birds are adapted to their food sources. Students were particularly excited to observe a Cooper’s Hawk sitting in a tree overlooking the trail.

Our September Nature and You lecture was delivered by Woodland Community College Professor Brian Gillespie, who gave an excellent introduction to our local native bees and then discussed research he has been conducting with his students on native bees. The project is a collaborative effort of community colleges across California and Arizona to survey local bee populations – Professor Gillespie and his students surveyed bees on the Woodland Community College Campus and at Woodland Regional Park Preserve as part of the project. If you missed the talk, you can view the recording here .