Exploring Urban Ecosystems and Patch Ecology

Category: Climate Change

  • The Benefits of California Native Plants for Fire-Resilient Landscaping

    The Benefits of California Native Plants for Fire-Resilient Landscaping

    California faces significant wildfire threats exacerbated by climate conditions. Utilizing native plants in landscaping enhances fire resistance, reduces fuel loads, protects structures, and promotes ecological health, ensuring safer communities.

  • How Bad are Artificial Turf Lawns?

    How Bad are Artificial Turf Lawns?

    Artificial grass offers convenience but poses environmental challenges like plastic waste, microplastic pollution, heat island effect, loss of biodiversity, water runoff, and chemical use. Choosing natural grass or eco-friendly options is crucial for sustainability.

  • The Impact of Climate Change on Planting Zones: A Look Ahead to 2050

    The Impact of Climate Change on Planting Zones: A Look Ahead to 2050

    The impact of climate change on planting zones is shifting agricultural landscapes, creating a need for adaptation, research, sustainable practices, and education by 2050.

  • Late-Season Rain

    Late-Season Rain

    Late-season rain in Southern California can both nourish and harm native plants, impacting root health, erosion, nutrient balance, flooding adaptation, fire risk, and conservation efforts.

  • Harvesting the Rain

    Harvesting the Rain

    10 Ways to Save Rainwater in Southern California Southern California is known for its sunny skies and arid climate, making water conservation a top priority for residents and businesses alike. With rainfall often scarce, every drop counts. Fortunately, rainwater harvesting provides an eco-friendly solution to mitigate water scarcity and reduce reliance on traditional water sources.…

  • January Wild Flowers

    January Wild Flowers

    California’s diverse climate and geography result in a variety of native plants that bloom in January.

  • Desalination in Southern California: Balancing Water Supply, Ecosystem, and Economy

    Desalination in Southern California: Balancing Water Supply, Ecosystem, and Economy

    Southern California, with its arid climate and ever-growing population, faces constant challenges in ensuring a stable and sustainable water supply.

  • Embracing the Fifth Season

    Embracing the Fifth Season

    In California, mid-way between summer and winter there exists a unique phenomenon known as the Fifth Season.

  • Drought Tolerant vs. Native Plants

    Drought Tolerant vs. Native Plants

    Drought-tolerant and native are two categories of plants with many overlapping similarities. Drought-tolerant plants can go for long periods with low water availability without suffering damage or dying. This means they can usually tolerate long periods of drought and higher heat. Most of these plants have evolved to live in arid and semi-arid environments. Their…

  • Solar is the Only Option

    Solar is the Only Option

    I am firmly concluding that solar energy is the only way to go.  With fuel costs rising, drought becoming an annual occurrence in the west, and annual heat emergencies getting worse and worse. We need to find alternatives to old systems of energy production that, as the temperatures go up, continue to fail, and expose…