Mendocino Coast Audubon watches Blue Whale

At a NorCAL Council Meeting, Mendocino Coast reported on a Blue Whale that got beached on their coastline recently. Seems that the krill and other nutrients are very abundant and close to shore bringing the largest mammal on the planet within sight of the shore. MCA reported that the dead whale is a research opportunity for local students at Humboldt University.

Three California chapters win TOYOTA Innovation grants!

Golden Gate Audubon, Mendocino Coast Audubon and Napa/Solano Audubon will receive over $93,000 for projects on wetlands, shorebirds, and vineyards in Toyota Innovation grants announced October 21, 2008. The grants are part of a four or five year partnership between Audubon and Toyota called Together Green that will distribute $20 million to Audubon chapters, centers, and sanctuaries to engage non-Audubon partners and diverse audiences in volunteer and conservation efforts.
Golden Gate Audubon's project WETLANDS AND WILDLANDS will focus on the Bay Area, Mendocino Coast's program SAVE OUR SHOREBIRDS will focus on Snowy Plover and other shorebirds on the Northern California coast, and Napa/Solano will partner with local vineyards to restore and create new habitat for birds on their agricultural lands.
The next round of Toyota grants including Fellows grants, Volunteer Days grants, and Innovation grants will be announced in January by Audubon. For a description of recent volunteer and grant projects throughout the U.S. go here