October 2007

Up, up, and away
The first wild-hatched California condor chick in Monterey County has taken to the air. "Centennia," as the bird has been dubbed, hatched from an egg biologists placed in her parents' nest. In 1987 when the condor population had been reduced to seven birds, the wild condors were captured for a captive breeding program. The population has increased to nearly 300 now including 28 at Big Sur and 13 at the Pinnacles.

Wild legacy
Sequoia National Monument is one of 52 most-important and most-threatened public lands. A new report, America's Wild Legacy, lays out the Club's plan to protect one wild place in each state, plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, over the next 10 years. To see the report, full of beautiful photos, visit www.sierraclub.org/52places.

Global awakening
More Americans than ever think that there is scientific consensus on climate change. In 2006 64% felt that there was "a lot" of scientific disagreement regarding global warming. A recent Newsweek poll for 2007 shows those in denial have dropped to 39%. Still a lot of folks in denial, but a major shift in just one year.

People blossom in nature
A growing body of research indicates that green buildings can reduce absenteeism and increase worker productivity, according to the American Institute of Architects. Natural ventilation and lighting and access to the outdoors are some of the features associated with increased test scores for students and more effective employees. More research is in progress.

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