EARTHTALK® BURROWING OWL CONSERVATION NETWORK
E – The Environmental Magazine Written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss Dear EarthTalk: What is the Burrowing Owl Conservation Network and why is it so important to put so much effort into saving one species? — Ginny Bateman, Portland, OR November 9, 2012 (California) — Western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) are tiny, long-legged members of the owl family, native to the Americas and preferring open landscapes where they can dig new holes or use existing ones (such as abandoned prairie dog, skunk or armadillo homes) to nest and rear their young. Unlike most other owl species, these small but charismatic birds are more often seen out and about during daylight hours, but they are most active and do their primary feeding at night, preferring a diet of small rodents and large insects. Once a common species in California and across North America, the Western burrowing owl has become a rarer and rarer sight over the last three decades given habitat loss and other environmental perils the bird faces. Biologists consider the bird an indicator of wider ecosystem health, so if its population numbers are healthy then local ecosystems are likely thriving. But these days the bird is endangered in Canada and threatened in Mexico, is a state endangered species in Colorado, and is considered a “species of special concern” in Florida and most of the western U.S. It is also listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN’s) international “Red List” of endangered and threatened species (albeit as a species of “Least Concern” in comparison with others in more dire straits). A group of dedicated birders, conservationists, biologists and concerned citizens in San Francisco’s East Bay came together to protect dwindling burrowing owl populations locally but ended up creating a movement that spans the entire North American continent. Their group, the Burrowing Owl Conservation Network (BOCN) believes that burrowing owls are vital to maintaining healthy, functioning ecosystems, and as such is working on several fronts to help protect habitat and reverse the animal’s population slide. First and foremost, BOCN works to conserve habitat for burrowing owls in California and beyond, including constructing artificial burrows to help re-establish burrowing owl colonies while larger ecosystem restoration efforts are underway. Teaching children and communities about ways they can help protect and improve burrowing owl habitat is another important part of BOCN’s work. Other ways the group helps the owls is by advocating for legislation and policy changes that encourage conservation of habitat, networking with like-minded individuals and institutions, and conducting field and laboratory research to increase understanding about how to help burrowing owls and create habitat conditions ideal for their survival. The fact that burrowing owl populations in other parts of the world are rebounding gives hope to BOCN and other wildlife advocates and environmentalists. The birds are common and widespread in Central and South America, where they inhabit fields and even sometimes parks in urban areas. Whether the birds can replicate their success in Latin America up north remains to be seen. As for what readers can do to help, learning about the behavior, biology and habitat needs of wild animals like the burrowing owl is a sure way to develop respect for nature’s inhabitants and a lifelong willingness to protect them. And nothing beats witnessing burrowing owls go about their rounds. Seeing them in the wild is enough to convince anyone that they are worth fighting to protect. CONTACTS: BOCN, www.burrowingowlconservation.org; IUCN Red List, www.iucnredlist.org.EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E – The Environmental Magazine ( www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.
SUNSCREEN RECALLED AFTER BURSTING INTO FLAMES WHEN APPLIED TO SKIN
November 9, 2012 (Washington D.C.) — A nationwide recall of Banana Boat spray-on sunscreens has been issued by Energizer Holdings, Inc., the U.S. Food & Drug Association (FDA) announced. The voluntary recall follows five cases of consumers suffering burns after the product ignited on the skin. Read more for a list of products and additional details: Affected Product UPC Banana Boat Ultra Mist Sport 15 Spray 6oz, US 7965600979-8 Banana Boat Ultra Mist Sport SPF 30 Spray 6oz. 2/3 7965600878-4 Banana Boat Sport 30 Bonus Continuous Spray 8oz – US 7965600955-2 Banana Boat Ultra Mist Ultra Defense SPF 30, 6oz 7965604626-7 Banana Boat BONUS 8oz Ultra Defense SPF 30 Ultra Mist 7965600956-9 Banana Boat FAMILY SIZE SPORT 30 Ultra Mist 9.5OZ 7965605167-4 Banana Boat Ultra Mist Sport SPF 50 6oz, 2/3s 7965600933-0 Banana Boat Ultra Defense Ultra Mist SPF 50 6oz. 2/3s 7965604492-8 Ultra Defense 50 Bonus Continuous Spray, 8oz, US 7965604549-9 Banana Boat Ultra Mist Kids SPF 50 Clear 6oz. 2/3 7965604495-9 Banana Boat Sport 50 Bonus Continuous Spray 8oz, US 7965604551-2 Banana Boat Ultra Mist Sport Performance SPF 50+ Spray 9.5oz. 7965605110-0 Banana Boat Ultra Mist Ultra Defense 85 Spray 6oz 7965604654-0 Banana Boat Ultra Mist Sport 85 Spray 6oz, US 7965604665-6 Banana Boat Kids SPF 85 Spray 6oz, US 7965604916-9 Banana Boat BONUS 8oz Ultra Defense SPF 85 Ultra Mist 7965604677-9 Banana Boat BONUS 8oz Sport SPF 85 Ultra Mist 7965604679-3 Banana Boat 6oz Sport SFP30 Spray Twin Pack 79656-05374-6 Banana Boat 6oz Sport SPF50 Spray Twin Pack 79656-05028-8 Banana Boat 6oz Spt30 Ultra Mist 2pk w/Sport Lotion&Lip 79656-05389-0 8oz Banana Boat Sport SPF30 UltraMist w/Sport LipBalm 79656-07951-7 Banana Boat 6OZ SPT 30 UltraMist W/$1 Instant Redeemable Coupon 79656-07975-3 Banana Boat 6oz SPORT SPF50 Ultra Mist 3PK 79656-05464-4 Energizer is voluntarily removing these products from retail outlets because of this potential safety concern. Energizer believes that this issue is associated with the product delivery system, specifically the size of the spray valve opening on the affected products. The spray valve opening on the affected products dispenses more than is typical in the industry for continuous sun care sprays. As a result, the product is taking longer to dry on the skin than is typical with other continuous sprays. If a consumer comes into contact with a flame or spark prior to complete drying of the product on the skin, there is a potential for the product to ignite. Energizer is notifying its retail partners to stop selling the product. Energizer has received four reports of adverse events involving burns associated with the use of the Banana Boat SPORT Ultramist SPF 30 and 50 products in the US, and one event in Canada. Consumer safety is the primary objective of Energizer and therefore it has voluntarily initiated this market withdrawal. As already described, Energizer believes it has identified the cause of this safety concern and expects to offer new Banana Boat continuous spray products shortly. Consistent with existing warnings on all continuous spray suncare products, consumers should take care to avoid sources of ignition when using these products, should not smoke while using these products, and should not use these products in the presence of a flame or spark. Consumers who have purchased any of the above listed products are advised not to use them. Consumers with questions or complaints regarding this market withdrawal can contact Energizer by calling Consumer Affairs at 1-800-SAFESUN (1-800-723-3786) Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 7:00PM Eastern, or by sending an email to: SUNCARE@customerfollowup.info. These over-the-counter products were distributed nationwide to wholesalers and retailers from January of 2010 through September 30, 2012. This market withdrawal is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Adverse events that may be related to the use of these products may be reported to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program either online, by regular mail or by fax: Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm Regular Mail: use postage-paid FDA form 3500 available at: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm. Mail to MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787 Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
SANTEE SCHEDULES HOLIDAY LIGHTING CELEBRATION
November 9, 2012 (Santee) Despite a surplus of winter sunshine rather than snow, the city of Santee has found the formula to making the season feel like an old-fashioned movie, at least for one evening. Families are invited to experience this magic by attending the City of Santee and Waste Management Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Santee Trolley Square from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16. The free event, which offers activities for people of all ages, is a festival that celebrates the start of the holiday season. Santee Trolley Square is transformed into a cheerful village where carolers dressed in period costumes sing traditional holiday songs and kids can skate on synthetic ice or pose for photos with Santa Claus. There will be booths to browse and treats to nibble, including tasty samples from Daphne’s California Greek, Eccentric International Chefs Bakery & Deli. Pure Flo Water Co. will provide hot coco and coffee. There will be plenty of activities for kids. Craft stations will be set up where children can decorate cookies, make their own ornaments and personalized elf hats. The Bayou Brothers, who play a mix of zydeco with a holiday twist, will perform at the amphitheater. The Holiday Lighting Celebration is focused around the lighting of a 20-foot artificial tree, which is done at the end of a brief ceremony hosted by community leaders. At the same instant the tree is lighted, entry monuments at four major intersections will come aglow with decorative lights. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available for $1 per person, except for children 3 years or younger, who may ride for free on a lap of an adult. For a $3 fee, children 5 years and older, as well as adults, can glide on ice skates across a 2,400 square-foot synthetic rink. Children will be able to confide their wish lists to Santa. Professional photos with the jolly guy will be available for $10. The title sponsor for the event is Waste Management. Other sponsors include California Coast Credit Union, Santee Trolley Square, Daphne’s California Greek, Fireworks America, and Metropolitan Transit System. Information is available online at http://www.ci.santee.ca.us or by calling the Santee Special Events Hotline at (619) 258-4100 x201.
DEAD SCIENTISTS & EXPLORERS WAX MUSEUM AT BOULDER OAKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
November 9, 2012 (Alpine) — Last Friday, November 2, Marie Curie, John Muir, Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Henry Ford, Orville Wright and Amelia Earhart were spotted at Boulder Oaks Elementary School in Alpine! Fourth and fifth grade students from Mrs. Newcomb, Mrs. Morales and Mrs. Golden’s classes brought famous figures back to life at the school’s annual Dead Scientists and Explorers Wax Museum. This well-loved school tradition allows the students to show what they’ve learned about the famous people they’ve researched by representing them in the wax museum. This lesson goes beyond simply writing a report. The students become the person they’ve learned about, creating period costumes, props and other visuals to depict that person’s life story and greatest achievements. Some students even captured their scientist/explorer’s mannerisms and accents! The school’s auditorium was transformed into a wax museum with mood lighting, lattice panels creating various vignettes, and background classical music. Over eighty participating students in their still poses looked like wax figures, until their “Press Here” buttons were activated and they came to life, reciting information about the person they were portraying. Family and friends were among the visitors as well as other students. All Boulder Oaks classrooms were lead through the museum by their teachers, giving the younger students the opportunity to learn about these famous people as well. Moana Miller, principal of Boulder Oaks Elementary stated, “It was one of the best wax museums we have ever had. I was so proud of our students and the amount of work they put into preparing and presenting their chosen scientist or explorer.” The Dead Scientist & Explorer Wax Museum is part of the Boulder Oaks Elementary STEAM program emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math. Within the Alpine Union School District, Boulder Oaks Elementary, located at 2320 Tavern Road in Alpine, serves students in the first through fifth grades.
ALL ABOARD THE SANTA TRAIN AT PACIFIC SOUTHWEST RAILWAY MUSEUM NOV – DEC
November 9, 2012 (Campo) – All aboard the Santa Train North Pole Limited at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. The trains will be running Nov. 23-24, 30 and Dec. 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22 and depart at either 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. from the Museum at Highway 94 at Forrest Gate Road, Campo. Santa’s Elves will serve cookies and hot cocoa while leading a sing-along of traditional Christmas carols and reading a famous Christmas story while the Limited rockets toward the North Pole. The train will stop at Santa’s Workshop to allow Santa to board the train and visit with all the children on the return trip. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Visit www.PSRM.org to purchase tickets. Adult tickets are $30 – $50, children (2-12) are $20 – $40, depending on day and ticket type. Toddlers under 2 are free.
START THE HOLIDAYS WITH A ROAR AT LIONS, TIGERS, & BEARS 2012 CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 8
November 9, 2012 (Alpine) – Lions, Tigers & Bears is holding its 2012 Christmas Party on December 8 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. This celebration is a great way to show your support for the Big Cats by spending some time with them and finding unique holiday gifts from among the many vendors participating. Delicious food and beverages will be available. Tickets for members are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. For non-members the cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children. All ticket sales go to support Lions, Tigers & Bears. Call 619-659-8078 to RSVP or purchase tickets at www.lionstigersandbears.org.
THE ALPINE WOMAN’S CLUB 8TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR IS DECEMBER 9TH
November 9, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Woman’s Club 8th Annual Holiday Home Tour is December 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will have an opportunity to stroll through five stunning homes which will be decorated for the holidays and visit a local church which will also be decorated for the season. Ticket holders can stop by the Town Hall to have refreshments and enter to win the $500 cash prize after 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $20. You do not have to be present to win. Tickets for the home tour are $30. Please send check to AWC P.O. Box 231 Alpine CA 91903. Tickets can be picked up day of the event from 9:30am on at the Alpine Woman’s Club 2156 Alpine Blvd. For further information go to www.alpinewomansclub.org or call 619-445-2055.
IT’S A TURKEY TOSS AT LOUIS STELZER PARK NOVEMBER 10
November 9, 2012 (Lakeside) – County Parks and Rec is holding a Turkey Toss November 10 at Louis Stelzer Park, 11470 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Lakeside. This children’s event will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The children will toss aluminum cans at different targets for points. The competition will be broken up based on age with the first prize in each bracket winning a turkey. All other participants will receive fun treats. Each child should bring 10 empty soda cans. The completion is open to children ages 4 – 13.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY PARKS & REC HAVE A CORNUCOPIA OF EVENTS IN NOVEMBER
November 9, 2012 (San Diego) — Much is happening in San Diego County parks and recreation centers this November. There is something for everyone, from crafts to wild life and nature hikes. Visit www.sdparks.org for more information regarding the events listed below. Agua Caliente Regional Park 39555 Great Souther Stage Rte of 1849, Anza Borrego Desert Craft Time – November 10 – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Join park staff for craft projects. The program will teach children about nature while creating a fun craft. Open to children of all ages. Participants should meet at the clubhouse. Free for campers or a $3 fee for day use visitors. Nocturnal Desert Adaptations – November 10 – 6 p.m. Observe the behavior and necessary adaptions of local desert wildlife, including short hikes to visit bat and frog habitats. Bring flashlights and comfortable shows. Time and weather permitting. Free for campers or a $3 fee for day use visitors. Snakes and Wildlife Presentation – November 24 – 3 p.m. Learn about snakes and other local wildlife found in San Diego County. Get an up-close look at non-venomous snakes, including the Rosy Boa, Gopher Snake and the California King Snake. Free for campers or a $3 fee for day use visitors. El Monte Regional Park 15805 El Monte Rd., Lakeside Turkey Pine Cone Centerpiece Nature Craft – November 17 – 11 a.m. Join the Park Ranger in area #2 (east end of the park) to create your own turkey pine cone centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table. The morning will begin with participants combing the park for pine cones and acorns to make this fun and easy craft. Craft projects are for children 6 years and older. Lake Morena 2550 Lake Morena Dr., Campo Nature Hike – November 17 – 2:30 p.m. Take a relaxing and easy hike. During the hike you will learn about native plants in the area, and how the Kumeyaay Indians utilized the natural vegetation in their daily lives. You will also learn the history of Lake Morena. The hike last about aan hour. Call 619-579-4101 in advance to verify the hike start time. Lakeside Linkage Preserve NE Corner of Los Coches and Ha-Hana Road, Lakeside Introduction to Coastal Sage Habitat – November 18 – 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Join the Ranger for a moderate hike to explore the world’s second most endangered habitat, the Coastal Sage Scrub. Learn how the Native Americans used the plants, ad look for wildlife that calls this habitat home. Bring water, wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress according to the weather. Binoculars are recommended. Lindo Lake County Park 12660 Lindo Ln., Lakeside Touch Table – November 18 – 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Join the Ranger at the Touch Table to check out the animal skins, live snakes and other items that you will be able to touch. This is a great learning opportunity for children and families. The event is open to all ages and is free. Santa Ysabel Preserves Eastside: 500 Farmer Rd., Julian What’s Happening to the Oak Tree? – November 17 – 2:00 p.m. Join a Park Ranger as he explains the who, what and why the oaks in Southern California are fading. This interpretive program is open to all ages and is free to the public. Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Preserve 16281 Sycamore Canyon Rd. Poway Star Party – November 16 – Sunset Join the San Diego Astronomers Association (SDAA) volunteer astronomers and park staff at the Hwy 67 staging area for a night under the stars. Come experience the chance to view our galaxy using the same technology used by the professionals. Viewers will get a chance to see many amazing sights, which they wouldn’t normally see without the trained eye. Bring sturdy shoes and a jacket. Clouds or rain the event will be cancelled. Free to the public. Explore Nature – November 24 – 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Join Park Rangers for a fun day of crafts and exploration. Kids will learn about native plants and wildlife, and then put their newfound knowledge to work by making a new craft to show off their nature knack. Every child will leave with a craft, new wisdom, and great memories from the experience. Space is limited to 50 so please call for reservations. Guests will park at the Goodan Ranch Staging area and must walk approximately 1 mile down to the visitor center. Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the event.
MOTORCYCLE FATALITY ACCIDENT ON DEHESA ROAD
November 9, 2012 (El Cajon) – At approximately 6:50 AM this morning San Miguel Firefighters responded to Dehesa Road and Willow Glen, where a 45 year old male from El Cajon was traveling eastbound on Dehesa Rd. west of Willow Glen Dr. He was riding a 1996 Suzuki motorcycle. For reasons unknown he failed to maintain control of the bike and slid across the solid double yellow line west of the intersection with Willow Glen Dr. A 76 year old male from El Cajon was traveling westbound in a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe. The motorcycle and rider slide directly into the path of the Tahoe. The driver applied his brakes and swerved to the right in an attempt to avoid a collision. However, he was unsuccessful and collided with the bike and the rider. The collision inflicted fatal injuries to the rider and he was pronounced at the scene. Due to the nature of the collision, Dehesa Rd. was temporarily closed for clean up and investigation. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.