Tag Archives: Emily Nelson

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We've been very excited to have the beautiful Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands be the first land-based part of the California Coastal National Monument. Last Tuesday President Obama made it official by presidential decree. Mendonomans Merita Whatley, with her white hair, and Leslie Dalhoff traveled to Washington D.C. along with Larry Stornetta and Eloisa Oropeza (not pictured). Congressman Jared Huffman, second from the right, and Mike Thompson next to him, took up this cause in Congress.

On Wednesday a dedication ceremony was held. Look at the beautiful weather we were having. Here is the new sign with the Point Arena Lighthouse in the distance, photographed by Ron LeValley.

Here is an enthusiastic Leslie Dalhoff, former mayor of Point Arena, is addressing the crowd of over three hundred, photographed by Emily Nelson. Both Leslie and Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell, were very animated and obviously excited to be a part of this day.

Charlie Ivor photographed Patty Stornetta Woodruff (middle) addressing the crowd. She talked about what it was like to grow up on this land. She and other family members worked together to have these lands transferred to the Bureau of Land Management, thus protecting them from development and giving all of us a priceless gift.

Thanks to Ron, Emily and Charlie for allowing me to share their photos.

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Emily Nelson had two different butterflies recently feeding on her flowering rosemary bush. The first is a Painted Lady. It has been discovered recently that Painted Ladies migrate at 3000 feet elevation - amazing!

And the second butterfly is a California Sister.

Rosemary grows abundantly here on the Coast. It's nice to know that besides flavoring our meals, it feeds butterflies.

Thanks to Emily for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

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Emily Nelson and a friend recently took a kayak trip on the Gualala River. She brought her camera along so we can share in her experience.

Reflections in the river from Emily's kayak.

 Below is a common Merganser family, with Mom bringing up the rear. Emily counted 13 babies.

 And below is a Seep-spring Monkey Flower. It was seen growing along the bank of the Gualala River.

Don't have your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard? Adventure Rents of Gualala does all the work so you just have fun. They even can accommodate pets. Here's their website where you can also find many wonderful photos of the river: http://www.adventurerents.com/

Thanks to Emily for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

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Purdy's Iris, Iris purdyi, is found in Northern California coastal ranges. Emily Nelson found a beautiful blossom growing amidst poison oak on Mountain View Road.

 These California natives are found from Sonoma county north to Trinity county. What a treat to see these beauties. Thanks to Emily for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

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Emily Nelson photographed a Mantid, or Praying Mantis as we call them. It's such a unique insect and always a treat to see.

It's no fun for the male who mates with a female. Yes, with most Mantis species, she eats him after the deed is done! This is to provide her and her developing young nutrients. Other than mating males, this insect eats other insects and very small mammals. It is able to camouflage itself by changing its color to the surroundings.

Here's a link to two other photos of this unusual critter: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/10/07/two-photos-of-a-praying-mantis-from-coastal-photographer-siegfried-matull/

The weather over the weekend was calm and Gray Whale sightings poured in. Saturday and Sunday there were numerous sightings of mother Gray Whales and their Calves headed north. One person saw ten whales in a short period from Point Arena. On Sunday I saw a mom with a calf, always a heartwarming site - big spout, little spout. Today fog obscures much of the ocean and the portion that can be seen has white caps. Gray Whale sightings will have to wait another day!