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It’s wildflower season again! Before hitting the trail with your smartphone and selfie stick, here’s what you should know to be a responsible visitor.
We’re lucky to live in a global biodiversity hotspot. California is home to more species of plants and animals than any other state in the U.S., and the Bay Area’s incredibly diverse topography, geology, and microclimates make it a hotspot within a hotspot. Many of the wildflowers in bloom right now thrive on serpentine grassland, a rare habitat notable for being harsh and nutrient-poor. Though you might think very little would grow on soil that’s so lacking in the nutrients plants need to survive, in fact, a whole suite of plants has evolved to thrive in these harsh conditions. Free from competition from less hardy species, this unique ecosystem includes plants that grow nowhere else and insects (like the Bay checkerspot butterfly) that rely on those plants. […]
Redwood City approves new design standards for residential and mixed-use developmentNovember 1, 2026 9:37 am
