Archivos de diario de enero 2022

02 de enero de 2022

January 2022 EcoQuest: Hello Jojoba

Join the January EcoQuest: Hello Jojoba
For this EcoQuest, find and map as many jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) plants as possible.

WHAT TO OBSERVE:
Common Names: Jojoba, deer-nut, coffee bush, quinine plant
Scientific Name: (Simmondsia chinensis)
Name in O’odham: Jojoba
Nombre en español: Jojoba
Family: Simmondsiaceae

Join the EcoQuest
See on SEINet
See on iNaturalist

Native to the Sonoran Desert, jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-buh) plants are a common sight in desert shrub and lower chaparral habitats. It can be found in southwest Arizona into lower southeast California, Baja California and Sonora, Mexico. It is a drought and fire-resistant evergreen shrub that can stay low to the ground or reach heights of 10 feet, depending on where it grows. Jojoba has thick, leathery leaves and is dioecious, meaning it has male and female flowers on separate plants. Female plants produce a fruit with one seed that looks somewhat like an acorn, known as a nut. Jojoba’s life span is over 100 years, and some live over 200 years!

Common names for jojoba include deer-nut, coffee bush and quinine plant. Mule deer, jackrabbits, domestic sheep, goats, and cattle all eat jojoba, and it is one of the four most important forage species for bighorn sheep. The nut is also eaten by birds, rodents, deer and javelinas. It is also edible in small quantities for humans. The plant was named jojoba by the O’odham, who use the nut to make a paste to treat burns. The Cahuilla roast and grind the nut to make a beverage similar to coffee.


Female flowers and green unripe fruit on the left, male flowers on the right.

Does jojoba oil sound familiar? Jojoba nuts contain more than 40% oil, which is chemically similar to sperm whale oil. When sperm whales were listed as endangered in 1970, sperm whale oil importation was banned, and the race was on to find a substitute. The “Save the Whales” campaign put pressure on the U.S military and industries to find a substitute for sperm whale oil. In 1971, Native American communities in Arizona and California collaborated with researchers from federal agencies and soon realized that jojoba oil was a near-perfect substitute. What followed was a jojoba farm boom, with nearly 40,000 acres in cultivation at one point. What the farmers did not realize is that jojoba plants are not easy to grow or care for, and their yield can be very unpredictable. The acres of jojoba farms declined, and eventually a synthetic oil was created. Now, jojoba oil is largely used in the cosmetics industry, about 90% of what is produced. Yes, the jojoba nut you might see while hiking is the same one used to make jojoba oil in cosmetic products! It was also once thought the oil could be a cooking oil replacement, but it was discovered that it can only be consumed in small amounts, as it has a laxative or purgative effect if too much is ingested.

Jojoba can be seen in natural and landscaped areas around the Valley. See if you can spot it on your next hike, or while you’re out and about around town. Hint: you can see some interesting jojoba planted at the Phoenix Art Museum!


Observations from this EcoQuest can contribute population and occurrence data for jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis). We can learn about where this plant is used in the landscape and how this could benefit wildlife in urban areas. We can compare this data and information to non-native landscape plants like oleander (Nerium oleander), to understand more about distribution.



Early jojoba voucher from 1940, collected by Mrs. Rose E. Collom. Be sure to check out the notes on the top left!



SOURCES AND MORE INFORMATION:

USFS

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Mountain Rose Herbs

University of Washington Magazine

Food Plants of the Sonoran Desert by Wendy C. Hodgson





EcoQuests are month-long challenges that are part of the larger Metro Phoenix EcoFlora project. Learn more by visiting our website.

Look for project happenings, EcoQuest announcements and more in the newsletter, project journal and on social media.

Sign up for the newsletter, The Metro Phoenix Field Guide.

Let's be social on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.


Please do not observe indoor houseplants or pets.
For your own safety and the protection of plants and wildlife, do not trespass when making observations. Please follow all posted rules and guidelines in parks/preserves and do not enter private property.
Do not remove or move natural materials (plants, animals, rocks).
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals and keep a safe distance).

Observe COVID-19 Guidelines/Recommendations.
This is a great opportunity to observe and appreciate nature in our neighborhoods as we all navigate the complications of COVID-19. It is imperative that you follow COVID-19 guidelines/recommendations (wear a mask, practice physical distancing and wash your hands).

Do what’s best for you and your community.

For more COVID-19 information and guidelines, visit:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2020/journal/31768-cnc-covid-19
https://www.inaturalist.org/blog/31664-exploring-nature-when-you-re-stuck-at-home

Arizona Office of Tourism: Responsible Recreation in AZ
https://tourism.az.gov/responsible-recreation-across-arizona



Publicado el enero 2, 2022 07:01 TARDE por jenydavis jenydavis | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

20 de enero de 2022

Guide for Joining and Adding Observations to a Traditional Project

iNaturalist does not have an easy way to filter more obscure observations. This is where Traditional Projects are really useful! Unlike the standard Collection Projects, Traditional Projects allow observers to join and add specific observations, such as bee houses, nocturnal pollinators, etc. Adding observations to a Traditional Project takes an extra step, but it's an easy one!

Below is a guide for joining and adding observations to a Traditional Project.

Step One: Search for and visit the project page through the iNaturalist app or website.
Step Two: Join the project.
Step Three: Make observations.
Step Four (the extra step): Add your observations to the project. (Each observation will be need to be added to the project. They are not automatically included, like they would be in a Collection Project.)

That's it! Below are screenshots for more help. If you have questions, please direct message me or email ecofloraphx@dbg.org.


To Join in the App:






To Add Observations in the App:




To Join and Add Observations on the Website:




You can also add observations to the project from the observation page after you have joined the project:

Publicado el enero 20, 2022 07:37 TARDE por jenydavis jenydavis | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

31 de enero de 2022

February 2022 EcoQuest: Alley Adventures

Join the February EcoQuest: Alley Adventures
For this EcoQuest, find and map the plants and wildlife you can find in alleys near you.

Join the EcoQuest
For this EcoQuest, you will need to join the project and add every observation.
Please see this guide for help. You can also message @jenydavis directly on iNaturalist, or email ecofloraphx@dbg.org.

This month’s EcoQuest is in collaboration with the Urban Nature Society.
Urban Nature Society is a Phoenix-based non-profit organization dedicated to research and education around reconciliation ecology. Urban Nature Society connects with the city at large through community science opportunities, creation of urban habitats, stewardship of urban habitats, volunteer opportunities and resources for community groups wishing to create their own urban habitats. They also offer habitat and native plant consultation for public and private spaces through LINE LAB
Learn more and/or support the Urban Nature Society.
Visit LINE LAB


Alleys have been around for a long time. They are said to have been an urban staple since 432 BC, revealed in the ancient alleyways of Greece. With varied purposes over time, alleys are now being considered as possible habitat and green spaces. Observations from this month’s EcoQuest can help us learn about the biodiversity that alleys hold and contribute to the Urban Nature Society’s efforts.


Alley in metro Phoenix

Despite their long history and close connection to urban residents, alleys are often overlooked and understudied areas of cities. Throughout time they have been used as public gathering places, communities, markets, areas for children to play and pedestrian footpaths, as well as coal delivery, waste services, utility maintenance and emergency access. In the early 1800s, alleys in America started earning a bad reputation as unhealthy and dangerous places. This stemmed from race and class stigmas, surrounding who used and lived in or near alleys. With the advent of automobiles, many Americans repurposed alleys for easy garage access. This changed how alleys were used, from public spaces and gathering places, to what we’re more familiar with today.

Alleys take up a considerable amount of space. Los Angeles has an estimated 1,998 acres of alley space, Chicago has 3,500 acres, and Baltimore has more than 600 linear miles. To put that in perspective, the L.A. alley space is about half the size of the city’s largest municipal park, Griffith Park! The areas with the most alleys are often the same places where parks are less accessible, and they tend to be low-income communities populated by people of color. This makes it even more important to think about how the space that alleys occupy can be used for conservation and equitable access to green spaces or parks. Could these existing spaces be revitalized or used in new ways? Some cities are already working on these transformations. Montreal, Canada, has more than 100 green alleys that look like secret gardens, with compost bins and rainwater barrels. Chicago started the Green Alley Program, focused on green infrastructure such as permeable pavements. San Francisco is working on “living alleys,” which act as pocket parks and public gathering spaces, lined with benches, planted with trees and close to nearby businesses.


Image of Montreal green alley (Source: Bertrand Marotte)
Image of Linden Alley in San Francisco (Source: SF Parks Alliance)

Could we have green alleys in metro Phoenix while still having them accessible for municipal use? According to Phoenix City Code, property owners are technically responsible for some of the space in an alley (see City of Phoenix Code in Sources section). They are also responsible for making sure they do not violate blight codes and are maintained. It seems that if alleys are maintained for use and follow city code, property owners could utilize some of the space for planting plants. Planting along the edge of alleys could reduce pollution, clean the soil and filter runoff before it reaches stormwater drains. The plant life in alleys could also be less exposed to pressures like improper pruning and pesticide or herbicide spraying than other plants in landscaped areas. Alleys that are no longer in use could also become green spaces, especially in areas with inequitable access to parks. There are often concerns about crime when it comes to alleys, but having more activity in a place often reduces crime. One Phoenix couple has turned an alley into an art gallery, bringing more people through and making it safer. Alleys that are in use and those that are not could effectively be biodiversity highways, providing resources for pollinators and wildlife while connecting habitat.


Image of art gallery and border plants in alley (Source: 3TV/CBS5)

What plant species are growing in alleys and what pollinators are visiting them? What kind of wildlife uses them for finding food or as pathways to larger patches of habitat like parks? We encourage you to take some time to explore your local alleys and find out. Some alleys may already be habitat and pollinator corridors, and your observations can help us understand more about their current biodiversity.


Aerial view of alleys in metro Phoenix. Source: Google Earth



Observations from this EcoQuest can contribute biodiversity data for alleys in metro Phoenix. We can learn about what plants and wildlife may be currently using them and how they could be utilized as habitat corridors and potential green spaces. This month’s observations also contribute to the Urban Nature Society’s
Alley Survey project .

While adventuring in local alleys, be alert. Be mindful of private property and do not trespass. Do not obstruct right of ways or create noise in quiet areas. We recommend observing with a buddy, but let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return if observing alone.


SOURCES AND MORE INFORMATION:

Urban Nature Society

LINE LAB

The Forgotten and the Future: Reclaiming Back Alleys for a Sustainable City

Green Alley Programs: Planning for a sustainable urban infrastructure?

City of Phoenix

City of Phoenix Blight Violations

Biophilic Cities Network: Nature in Our Alleys

AZ Family: Phoenix Couple Turns Alley into Art Gallery



EcoQuests are month-long challenges that are part of the larger Metro Phoenix EcoFlora project. Learn more by visiting our website.

Look for project happenings, EcoQuest announcements and more in the newsletter, project journal and on social media.

Sign up for the newsletter, The Metro Phoenix Field Guide.

Let's be social on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.


Please do not observe indoor houseplants or pets.
For your own safety and the protection of plants and wildlife, do not trespass when making observations. Please follow all posted rules and guidelines in parks/preserves and do not enter private property.
Do not remove or move natural materials (plants, animals, rocks).
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals and keep a safe distance).

Observe COVID-19 Guidelines/Recommendations.
This is a great opportunity to observe and appreciate nature in our neighborhoods as we all navigate the complications of COVID-19. It is imperative that you follow COVID-19 guidelines/recommendations (wear a mask, practice physical distancing and wash your hands).

Do what’s best for you and your community.

For more COVID-19 information and guidelines, visit:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2020/journal/31768-cnc-covid-19
https://www.inaturalist.org/blog/31664-exploring-nature-when-you-re-stuck-at-home

Arizona Office of Tourism: Responsible Recreation in AZ
https://tourism.az.gov/responsible-recreation-across-arizona


Publicado el enero 31, 2022 11:17 TARDE por jenydavis jenydavis | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

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