The Conservation Fund acquires 3,654-acre Richmond Ranch in California for $16 million to preserve wildlife habitats and provide public recreational space.

San Francisco's Golden Gate Park's Stow Lake has been renamed Blue Heron Lake to shed its antisemitic ties to William W. Stow. The name change includes the roadway and boathouse, and follows community outreach and polling.

Two potential new lamprey species have been discovered in California by UC Davis researchers, prompting reconsideration of conservation efforts due to their significant genetic diversity.

Coyote Point Recreation Area faces closures including Magic Mountain Playground for maintenance, Eucalyptus Playground for repairs, parts of the Bluff Trail due to a landslide, and Knoll parking for storm debris storage.

Tunitas Creek Beach in San Mateo County is undergoing construction to add visitor facilities and stabilize the beach access trail. The iconic pink house was demolished to create new amenities.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has reduced the number of traps in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery to protect whales, effective January 18, with a 64-hour pre-soak starting January 15.

Several trails at Junipero Serra Park are temporarily closed for tree removal and storm damage assessment, and visitors are advised to heed signs and exercise caution on affected paths.

Sonoma County invests $14 million from a sales tax increase into park improvements, including playgrounds, sports facilities, and maintenance, with future projects planned.

The California Assembly is considering a bill to make the Dungeness crab the official state crustacean to promote appreciation and education about its environmental and economic roles.

A Palo Alto animal control officer aided an injured Peregrine Falcon at Stanford University, later cared for by the Peninsula Humane Society, with the incident sparking reflections on adapting to future challenges.

The endangered California Freshwater Shrimp has been spotted further up Olema Creek by the Point Reyes Fisheries Team, indicating a positive trend in their conservation.

Several pets were reported lost and brought to a Napa County shelter between Dec 21-26, including cats, dogs, and rabbits, with the shelter seeking to reunite them with their owners.

Officials warn against toxic mushrooms, such as the Death Cap and Western Destroying Angel, that pose lethal risks in the East Bay parks, urging public and pet safety.