Naomi Fraga
@naomibot.bsky.social
Director of Conservation at California Botanic Garden and Associate Professor at Claremont Graduate University. I study the biodiversity extinction crisis, flora of Western North America, alkali wetlands, rare plants, #monkeyflowers.
Reposted by Naomi Fraga
New Weather West update is out now! Some relief, at last, from recent record warmth and astonishing lack of Mountain West snow in the coming days as cooler/wetter pattern returns. But just how much relief should we expect? Read more:
After a long, dry, and very warm January, a cooler & wetter pattern will return to the U.S. West, with partial relief amid record-low mountain snowpack - Weather West
Record warm winter-to-date continues across most of the American West; already abysmal mountain snowpack dips to record low levels in many areas (except...higher elevations in southern Sierra!) Well, it sure has been a winter to remember thus far across the Western U.S. Astonishing, record-breaking warmth has pervaded nearly entire region (with few exceptions, though one
weatherwest.com
February 8, 2026 at 11:49 PM
New Weather West update is out now! Some relief, at last, from recent record warmth and astonishing lack of Mountain West snow in the coming days as cooler/wetter pattern returns. But just how much relief should we expect? Read more:
Reposted by Naomi Fraga
The California State University system spent $16.9 million last year giving ChatGPT to all students, faculty, and staff. We are asking the CSU chancellor not to renew the contract with OpenAI when it expires.
Anyone can sign the petition — link below!
Anyone can sign the petition — link below!
The CSU/OpenAI contract is set to expire June 30, 2026.
Sign this petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/cancel-chatgpt-edu-invest-in-humans/ for the CSU NOT to renew the contract and to use the savings to protect jobs at CSU campuses facing layoffs.
Sign this petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/cancel-chatgpt-edu-invest-in-humans/ for the CSU NOT to renew the contract and to use the savings to protect jobs at CSU campuses facing layoffs.
January 31, 2026 at 7:13 PM
The California State University system spent $16.9 million last year giving ChatGPT to all students, faculty, and staff. We are asking the CSU chancellor not to renew the contract with OpenAI when it expires.
Anyone can sign the petition — link below!
Anyone can sign the petition — link below!
The Eureka Dunes are home to several rare plants some of which occur no where else in the world. Park biologists documented damage to five rare plants including the federally listed Eurkea Valley Dune Grass (Swallenia alexandrae) listed due to impacts from OHV.
To add to the sand discourse, I’d like to say a hearty Fuck You to this asshole who illegally drove FIVE MILES ACROSS the EUREKA DUNES in Death Valley wilderness. I hope they’re identified and brought to justice soon.
www.sfgate.com/national-par...
www.sfgate.com/national-par...
'Please help': Photos show Death Valley destruction from white Toyota
A California vehicle illegally went off road in Death Valley National Park.
www.sfgate.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:28 PM
The Eureka Dunes are home to several rare plants some of which occur no where else in the world. Park biologists documented damage to five rare plants including the federally listed Eurkea Valley Dune Grass (Swallenia alexandrae) listed due to impacts from OHV.
Wildflower watch 2026 continues and all eyes on Death Valley, world renowned wildflower hotspot 👀. It was a pleasure to speak w/ @alanhalaly.bsky.social as I conducted reconnaissance w/ the supreme defender of wildflowers 💚 @bitterwaterblue.bsky.social. www.reviewjournal.com/news/environ...
Death Valley could be weeks away from a wildflower bloom. Here’s what to know
At the 10-year anniversary of the 2016 “superbloom” that carpeted the desert floor in flowers, observers may have success in locating wildflowers once again.
www.reviewjournal.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Wildflower watch 2026 continues and all eyes on Death Valley, world renowned wildflower hotspot 👀. It was a pleasure to speak w/ @alanhalaly.bsky.social as I conducted reconnaissance w/ the supreme defender of wildflowers 💚 @bitterwaterblue.bsky.social. www.reviewjournal.com/news/environ...
We just had the warmest November and December on record and simultaneously experienced a series of drought quenching storms, but everyone still wants to know, will California have another super bloom? www.latimes.com/lifestyle/st...
January 16, 2026 at 4:29 AM
We just had the warmest November and December on record and simultaneously experienced a series of drought quenching storms, but everyone still wants to know, will California have another super bloom? www.latimes.com/lifestyle/st...
This Agave ‘blue flame’ bloomed in my yard last year, but I have been remiss to remove the decaying plant. The stalk is still technically green so it’s not actually dead right? I think the bird agrees.
December 16, 2025 at 1:17 AM
This Agave ‘blue flame’ bloomed in my yard last year, but I have been remiss to remove the decaying plant. The stalk is still technically green so it’s not actually dead right? I think the bird agrees.
We are hiring at California Botanic Garden! The Restoration Intern will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects involving out-planting, seed collection, plant propagation and monitoring. This is a full time temp position (6 months) that can be extended. Please share! lnkd.in/gaNuNGxA
December 9, 2025 at 5:05 PM
We are hiring at California Botanic Garden! The Restoration Intern will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects involving out-planting, seed collection, plant propagation and monitoring. This is a full time temp position (6 months) that can be extended. Please share! lnkd.in/gaNuNGxA
Join me Fri Dec 12 @ 2pm PT for a for a presentation with Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West. I'll be discussing how "Mining for the Renewable Energy Transition Threatens Endemic Plant Diversity". Zoom info in the link dornsife.usc.edu/icw/upcoming/
December 8, 2025 at 2:27 AM
Join me Fri Dec 12 @ 2pm PT for a for a presentation with Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West. I'll be discussing how "Mining for the Renewable Energy Transition Threatens Endemic Plant Diversity". Zoom info in the link dornsife.usc.edu/icw/upcoming/
A beautiful documentary on the work of @criordor.bsky.social on a mission to document the microbes in salt flats of the Atacama Desert, Chile. Life invisible, but essential to a hauntingly beautiful ecosystem under threat from the worlds demand for lithium. www.grainmedia.co.uk/work/life-in...
Life Invisible — Grain Media
Professor Cristina Dorador is on an urgent mission. She’s leading an expedition deep into the stunning landscape of the world’s highest and driest desert, the Atacama in Chile. Her goal is to find new...
www.grainmedia.co.uk
December 6, 2025 at 1:26 PM
A beautiful documentary on the work of @criordor.bsky.social on a mission to document the microbes in salt flats of the Atacama Desert, Chile. Life invisible, but essential to a hauntingly beautiful ecosystem under threat from the worlds demand for lithium. www.grainmedia.co.uk/work/life-in...
Reposted by Naomi Fraga
Con mucha alegría comparto el micro documental "Life invisible" (Vida invisible) que habla de la importancia de preservar los salares para salvar la vida de las personas a través de la búsqueda de nuevos antibióticos. Que lo disfruten 😊🎥🦩🦠🩷
www.theguardian.com/film/ng-inte...
www.theguardian.com/film/ng-inte...
Life Invisible: the fight against superbugs starts in the driest place on Earth – documentary
Cristina Dorador is on an urgent mission in the world’s highest desert, the Atacama in Chile. As the rise of drug-resistant superbugs kills millions per year, Cristina has made it her mission to uncov...
www.theguardian.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Con mucha alegría comparto el micro documental "Life invisible" (Vida invisible) que habla de la importancia de preservar los salares para salvar la vida de las personas a través de la búsqueda de nuevos antibióticos. Que lo disfruten 😊🎥🦩🦠🩷
www.theguardian.com/film/ng-inte...
www.theguardian.com/film/ng-inte...
Reposted by Naomi Fraga
📣 The latest issue of the journal published by The International Compositae Alliance (TICA) is out! Check it out at: www.compositae.org/capitulum_04...
November 18, 2025 at 12:58 PM
📣 The latest issue of the journal published by The International Compositae Alliance (TICA) is out! Check it out at: www.compositae.org/capitulum_04...
It’s hard to believe, it's already been three weeks since I married my love and #Teambuckwheat co-conspirator @bitterwaterblue.bsky.social in a beautiful ceremony in the Amargosa River Basin. 💕
November 17, 2025 at 2:36 AM
It’s hard to believe, it's already been three weeks since I married my love and #Teambuckwheat co-conspirator @bitterwaterblue.bsky.social in a beautiful ceremony in the Amargosa River Basin. 💕
Reposted by Naomi Fraga
A fossil-fueled surge in U.S. data center growth to serve the #ArtificialIntelligence boom threatens to sabotage the country’s already faltering climate goals, according to our recent report: Data Crunch.
Get the full report ➡️ bit.ly/4hvYguI
Get the full report ➡️ bit.ly/4hvYguI
October 29, 2025 at 10:11 PM
A fossil-fueled surge in U.S. data center growth to serve the #ArtificialIntelligence boom threatens to sabotage the country’s already faltering climate goals, according to our recent report: Data Crunch.
Get the full report ➡️ bit.ly/4hvYguI
Get the full report ➡️ bit.ly/4hvYguI
The more I hike this road the more and more I want to proselytize for chaparral love ❤️
I am pretty sure this California towhee sitting on a San Gabriel scrub oak is feeling it with me.
I am pretty sure this California towhee sitting on a San Gabriel scrub oak is feeling it with me.
September 23, 2025 at 11:46 PM
The more I hike this road the more and more I want to proselytize for chaparral love ❤️
I am pretty sure this California towhee sitting on a San Gabriel scrub oak is feeling it with me.
I am pretty sure this California towhee sitting on a San Gabriel scrub oak is feeling it with me.
I overheard someone say the thing they didn’t like about living in CA was the lack of “seasons”. I didn’t want to be rude, but I wanted to say that maybe haven’t been paying close enough attention. Go outside, touch some grass & maybe a buckwheat. I’ll forgive you if you don’t touch the poison oak.🍂
September 23, 2025 at 2:12 AM
I overheard someone say the thing they didn’t like about living in CA was the lack of “seasons”. I didn’t want to be rude, but I wanted to say that maybe haven’t been paying close enough attention. Go outside, touch some grass & maybe a buckwheat. I’ll forgive you if you don’t touch the poison oak.🍂
Reposted by Naomi Fraga
Finally! 🤩 Our position piece: Against the Uncritical Adoption of 'AI' Technologies in Academia:
doi.org/10.5281/zeno...
We unpick the tech industry’s marketing, hype, & harm; and we argue for safeguarding higher education, critical
thinking, expertise, academic freedom, & scientific integrity.
1/n
doi.org/10.5281/zeno...
We unpick the tech industry’s marketing, hype, & harm; and we argue for safeguarding higher education, critical
thinking, expertise, academic freedom, & scientific integrity.
1/n
September 6, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Finally! 🤩 Our position piece: Against the Uncritical Adoption of 'AI' Technologies in Academia:
doi.org/10.5281/zeno...
We unpick the tech industry’s marketing, hype, & harm; and we argue for safeguarding higher education, critical
thinking, expertise, academic freedom, & scientific integrity.
1/n
doi.org/10.5281/zeno...
We unpick the tech industry’s marketing, hype, & harm; and we argue for safeguarding higher education, critical
thinking, expertise, academic freedom, & scientific integrity.
1/n
Reposted by Naomi Fraga
I fired up the old newsletter machine for the first time in a while. In it, I take a lay of the land of the Western public lands extraction boom. TLDR: it's chaos.
Read more: sageandsand.substack.com/p/sage-and-s...
Read more: sageandsand.substack.com/p/sage-and-s...
August 29, 2025 at 3:38 PM
I fired up the old newsletter machine for the first time in a while. In it, I take a lay of the land of the Western public lands extraction boom. TLDR: it's chaos.
Read more: sageandsand.substack.com/p/sage-and-s...
Read more: sageandsand.substack.com/p/sage-and-s...
Reposted by Naomi Fraga
The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University is Hiring!
We are searching for a Director of the Oregon State University Herbarium and applications are welcomed at the ranks of assistant, associate, or full professor.
We are searching for a Director of the Oregon State University Herbarium and applications are welcomed at the ranks of assistant, associate, or full professor.
August 6, 2025 at 4:58 PM
The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University is Hiring!
We are searching for a Director of the Oregon State University Herbarium and applications are welcomed at the ranks of assistant, associate, or full professor.
We are searching for a Director of the Oregon State University Herbarium and applications are welcomed at the ranks of assistant, associate, or full professor.
Reposted by Naomi Fraga
More bad news for butterflies. Our new paper led by Wendy Leuenberger shows common species are declining even more rapidly than rare ones. @ZipkinLab
Three decades of declines restructure butterfly communities in the Midwestern United States | PNAS www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2501340122
Three decades of declines restructure butterfly communities in the Midwestern United States | PNAS www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2501340122
Three decades of declines restructure butterfly communities in the Midwestern United States | PNAS
Insects are declining worldwide. These declines have been documented across taxonomic
groups and are worrisome given ecosystem services provided by...
www.pnas.org
August 4, 2025 at 10:10 PM
More bad news for butterflies. Our new paper led by Wendy Leuenberger shows common species are declining even more rapidly than rare ones. @ZipkinLab
Three decades of declines restructure butterfly communities in the Midwestern United States | PNAS www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2501340122
Three decades of declines restructure butterfly communities in the Midwestern United States | PNAS www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2501340122
In a time where a new crisis seems to drop every min due to the current political regime, two crises remain at center of all life on earth: biodiversity & climate. Our inability to plan, prioritize & rein in consumption leads us to a false choice between the existence of a whole species and a mine.
Commentary: A climate-saving lithium mine could doom an endangered desert flower
The dilemma at Nevada's Rhyolite Ridge offers a preview of the hard choices ahead.
www.latimes.com
August 3, 2025 at 7:44 PM
In a time where a new crisis seems to drop every min due to the current political regime, two crises remain at center of all life on earth: biodiversity & climate. Our inability to plan, prioritize & rein in consumption leads us to a false choice between the existence of a whole species and a mine.
This story is not new but a presentation at #Botany2025 raised awareness on the impact of avocado production on biodiversity. U.S. demand is driving deforestation in rich Mexican cloud forests which also support monarch butterflies. www.nytimes.com/2023/11/28/u...
Americans Love Avocados. It’s Killing Mexico’s Forests. (Published 2023)
www.nytimes.com
August 2, 2025 at 10:48 PM
This story is not new but a presentation at #Botany2025 raised awareness on the impact of avocado production on biodiversity. U.S. demand is driving deforestation in rich Mexican cloud forests which also support monarch butterflies. www.nytimes.com/2023/11/28/u...
The story of our fight to save Tiehm’s buckwheat continues. “There’s a real tension there, where we need to avert the worst of the climate crisis. But in doing so, we can cause real harm to ecosystems,”story by @sammyroth.bsky.social @latimes.com
www.latimes.com/environment/...
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Commentary: A climate-saving lithium mine could doom an endangered desert flower
The dilemma at Nevada's Rhyolite Ridge offers a preview of the hard choices ahead.
www.latimes.com
August 1, 2025 at 12:44 PM
The story of our fight to save Tiehm’s buckwheat continues. “There’s a real tension there, where we need to avert the worst of the climate crisis. But in doing so, we can cause real harm to ecosystems,”story by @sammyroth.bsky.social @latimes.com
www.latimes.com/environment/...
www.latimes.com/environment/...
My talk is today Aug 30 at 3pm in Conservation Biology III in Smoketree C.
I'm almost ready to upload my #Botany2025 talk. Mining for the Renewable Energy Transition Threatens Plant Diversity. Its a not so cheery topic, but an urgent one. How can scientists prevent extinction in the face of accelerated mining and does a just energy transition include biodiversity?
July 30, 2025 at 6:43 PM
My talk is today Aug 30 at 3pm in Conservation Biology III in Smoketree C.
Reposted by Naomi Fraga
The West’s data centers suck (water and power). Lots of great information and visualizations here from @landdesk.bsky.social @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/issues/57-8/...
The West's data centers suck (water and power) - High Country News
From simple searches to chatGPT, the big digital buildup threatens the grid and water supplies.
www.hcn.org
July 28, 2025 at 7:48 PM
The West’s data centers suck (water and power). Lots of great information and visualizations here from @landdesk.bsky.social @highcountrynews.org www.hcn.org/issues/57-8/...
Above Palm Springs is the NE face of the San Jacinto Mountains, the steepest escarpment in the continental US rising from 800 to 10,834 feet in 7 horizontal mi. A nice way to get your heart rate up in the morning! I am awake and ready for #Botany2025.
July 28, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Above Palm Springs is the NE face of the San Jacinto Mountains, the steepest escarpment in the continental US rising from 800 to 10,834 feet in 7 horizontal mi. A nice way to get your heart rate up in the morning! I am awake and ready for #Botany2025.