Executive Director’s Blog

News and updates on the Conservancy

The Latest at the conservancy

Two photos of a brown and white speckled Burrowing owl staring at the camera lens combined in a photo collage.

The Hoot of Success

The Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is one of the HCPs’ “Covered Species.” And, we on the Conservancy staff freely admit, it’s a favorite. The reason is simple: these birds are so gregarious and fun to watch, they are irresistible. Some 20 years or so ago, the Conservancy, working in cooperation…

A combine harvester harvesting rice in a field.

That sweet smell.

It’s a great time of the year when rice harvest begins. One of our favorite parts of harvest is the aroma of a freshly-harvested rice field. Maybe it has something to do with the bran or bran oil…

A photo of a Black-shouldered kite perched on a branch with prey in its clutches.

Prey production

The Conservancy has redoubled efforts to use mitigation lands for prey production purposes. A big component of that is an effort to enhance small rodent populations at strategic locations. These small rodents are favored prey of raptors, and…

A collage of four photos of button willow plants with insects perched on top of them.

Button, Button, Who Has the Button?

Okay, so some call it button bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). We call it button-willow. It’s a favorite among the staff here at the Conservancy. It’s easy to see why. One of the reasons is that large insects are attracted…

“In essence, the Conservancy provides refuge and sanctuary for wildlife displaced by urban activity in the Natomas Basin.”

– John Roberts, Executive Director