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Kate Golden

@meownderthal.bsky.social

110 followers 310 following 29 posts

Digital editor at @baynature.org Signal: cormorant.50 reporting, nature, science, art, sailing, cycling, food: that's me

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Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · 10d

And I love knowing exactly who to call with said assignment

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · 22d

This story by the great
@strangerworks.bsky.social filed under: spiders, spider goats, silkworms, a physicist out of his lane, the HMS Beagle, the US military, Krakatoa, "exquisitely sensitive" leg hairs, and our electric earth.
@baynature.org baynature.org/2025/09/18/h...

How Spiders Fly - Bay Nature

Darwin saw them ballooning. Without any wind. Eventually some scientists figured out their electric secret.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Aug 21

What's it like working at a public agency that is an absolute drama magnet?
@sbennettbrandt.bsky.social profiles an @thecacoast.bsky.social‬ ecologist who nudges developers to protect (my fave phrase) "the sacred jelly of frog eggs." Lovely.
baynature.org/2025/08/21/j...
@baynature.org

Job: Coastal Lookout - Bay Nature

Between ambitions and amphibians, an ecologist mediates.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Aug 14

Also, here is a terror-inducing image for all my fellow boaters. You hate to see it.

The Verna A II is overtaken by waves on a Sonoma County beach. It was cleaned up this year after hanging out for nine years on that beach. Via NOAA/Beach Watch/Greater Farallones Assoc.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Aug 14

This @baynature.org story on your tax dollars at work brought to you by the incredible persistence of reporter Jesse Greenspan! I'm so glad he called it what it is: an epic saga.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Aug 14

2016: drunken captain crashes boat into Sonoma beach
2025: rusty hulk finally dug out and hauled off
What on earth took so long?
Here's what.
baynature.org/article/ship...

The Epic Saga of the Verna A II, a Shoreline Menace No More - Bay Nature

A derelict fishing vessel has finally been removed from a Sonoma County beach, after nine years. Waiting to do the cleanup more than doubled the cost.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Jul 31

@tanvidg.bsky.social takes stock for @baynature.org of whether BIL and IRA's impacts on Bay Area nature have lived up to the mega-hopes.

TLDR: They can't claw it all back. 💰
baynature.org/article/befo...

Before the Clawbacks, This ‘Freaking Game-Changer’ for Nature Made It Rain - Bay Nature

Trump has pulled back big parts of Biden’s signature climate laws. But BIL and IRA have already awarded at least $1.4 billion to Bay Area nature.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Jul 24

I think we need Dark Google Alerts that alert us when federal government pages on a particular topic wink out. Or at least, I need that.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Jul 18

All the enviro data that is deeply unsexy, that's collected for years, and then something happens and it is VERY NECESSARY ... and without it you are flying blind? That is the data Trump is threatening. (And, scientists who collect that data, we see you.)
@tanvi.bsky.social @baynature.org

These Programs Have Monitored Our Waters For Decades. Trump Could Destroy Them. - Bay Nature

“Long-term monitoring isn’t sexy,” says one source. But this data is how we know what is happening to the planet.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Jun 24

There's PFAS in the fish. PFAS is legit scary. Why don't people pay attention to fish consumption advisories?

Well, I get it. Reading this took me back to times when I chose to fish in suspect locales so I could eat something besides lentils. baynature.org/2025/06/24/t... @baynature.org

The People Will Keep Fishing, Despite Forever Chemicals in the Fish - Bay Nature

Bay Area sport fish sampled in a study were tainted with PFAS. But it’s not so easy to persuade anglers to eat less fish.

Reposted by Kate Golden

soleil ho @soleilho.com · Jun 16

🧵 THREAD: Introducing COYOTE Media Collective
11 Bay Area journalists are launching a worker-owned newsroom because we're tired of corporate control sapping all the joy out of journalism.
Independent Bay Area journalism—with a BITE 🐺 1/4
givebutter.com/coyotemedia

Launch Coyote Media Collective

A new alt-weekly-style publication is hitting the Bay Area

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Jun 17

Great yarn from @tanvidg.bsky.social about how 20 MILES of creek will be opened up to fish after DECADES! (And meet the fellow whose baby this has been for so many years.)

Thinking of all those who take on enviro projects that seem almost impossible at the start.
baynature.org/article/afte...

After 28 Years, Alameda Creek Opens Up To Fish - Bay Nature

The last fish barrier is falling—a watershed moment, if you will.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Jun 12

One of the coolest details about @tanvidg.bsky.social's outing with a field recordist is that a mic placed on a redwood produced this persistent low rumble—she thought maybe the sounds of fluid running through the tree. The sound of its lifeblood!? Does anyone know? baynature.org/2025/06/12/t...

The Man Who Records the Nature Sounds We Meditate To - Bay Nature

A soundscape recordist is an escape artist.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Jun 6

Also deep thanks to all the A's fans with not strictly legal ice plant clippings who were brave enough to step forward and tell their stories

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Jun 6

At last, we did it. We managed to publish a sports story at @baynature.org.

Pitch-perfect writing by the great Ted Trautman and photos to match from Florence Middleton. Deepest thanks to these two for making my editing summer more fun.

baynature.org/2025/06/05/w...

We’ve Lost the A’s, But At Least We Still Have This Invasive Succulent - Bay Nature

The ice plant become an unlikely symbol of Oakland pride—at least for A’s fans. But its symbolism is deeply counterintuitive.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · May 15

The park and its partners aren't saying much beyond what's in the published docs—so @lisamkrieger.bsky.social dug through docs and talked to experts to find out what's next for Point Reyes. There's a grand vision ... and it's far from guaranteed.
New on @baynature.org
baynature.org/2025/05/15/p...

Point Reyes, After the Cattle - Bay Nature

When ranchers leave the land, what version of nature takes over? The park and The Nature Conservancy have ambitious restoration plans.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · May 1

Good luck, little butterflies! No presh.

Some hopeful news amid the turmoil, from @strangerworks.bsky.social for @baynature.org 🌎https://baynature.org/2025/05/01/survival-of-the-flittest-relocated-butterflies-are-spotted-in-san-francisco/

Survival of the Flittest: Relocated Butterflies Are Spotted in San Francisco - Bay Nature

At a recent release, volunteers help a new batch of silvery blues adjust to city life.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Apr 25

From @tanvidg.bsky.social on @baynature.org: answers on #CAProp4 timelines, what work it funds, what could change in the state budget process, which agencies to ask for money (there are more than 30!), etc.

Let us know of other questions!
#servicejournalism
baynature.org/article/how-...

How (and When) Can You Get Your Hands On California’s Climate Bond? - Bay Nature

After L.A. wildfires and Trump cuts, Prop 4’s $10 billion for climate adaptation will be even more important—and competitive. Here’s what you need to know.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Mar 19

A small community in the #SFBayArea refinery corridor had barely gotten a big IRA-funded project off the ground before the money was frozen. Then unfrozen. And frozen again.
Nice work from @rileyramirez.bsky.social.

Now on @baynature.org, via @richmondside.bsky.social
baynature.org/article/trum...

Trump’s EPA Suspends $19M North Richmond Environmental Justice Grant—Again - Bay Nature

EPA says it’s proud of axing grants to save money.

Reposted by Kate Golden

Bay Nature Institute @baynature.org · Mar 7

Apparently, when life gives you voles, that's what you eat.
📷 by @sonjawild.bsky.social/UC Davis
🖋️ Vishal Subramanyan
baynature.org/2025/03/06/e...

Even Ground Squirrels Got In On the Vole Feast Last Summer - Bay Nature

For the first time, scientists documented concerted carnivory by California ground squirrels. But why were there so many voles?

Reposted by Kate Golden

Clara Jeffery @clarajeffery.bsky.social · Feb 27

Was thinking last night that laid-off journalists should really consider running for office. You know the issues. You can communicate. You know the importance of a free press and the dangers of social media oligarchs. You understand how to localize national issues. You know how to place stories.

Run for Something @runforsomething.net · Feb 27

One thing you can do today to make a difference: Take the first step in considering a run for office. Look up what offices are available & up at your address. runforwhat.net

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Mar 1

SUPER. Thanks!!

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Feb 28

This included a classic @baynature.org moment: fact-checking whether the “we are oak trees bending in wind” metaphor is apt in terms of actual oak adaptations. Learned southern live oaks have spiral branch patterns that make them wind resistant. Not sure about our locals, but it seems plausible?

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Feb 28

How much do words (specifically:
diversity, equity, inclusion, justice) matter?
TLDR: not as much as actions, environmental groups say.
Great work from @tanvidg.bsky.social for @baynature.org baynature.org/article/with...

With Trump’s War on DEI, Local Environmental Organizations Rethink Diversity Commitments - Bay Nature

Some organizations are doubling down on DEI. Others are taking down words that could get them in trouble.

Kate Golden @meownderthal.bsky.social · Feb 28

@jennifermolidor.bsky.social Love that you are compiling Bay Area writer & nature writer starter packs. Thanks for doing that work. Consider adding me, please? I edit and write at @baynature.org