January 2019 – July 2022
Doug Doerfler has decades of experience in high-performance computing, including roles as the chief architect of various machines at Sandia and Los Alamos and author of numerous publications. To honor his contributions and retirement from the Lab, a turkey has been named “Doug” through Bucketlist. http://bucketlist.lbl.gov/
In this seminar replay, Lab Fire Marshal Todd LaBerge reviews the California drought cycle, its impact on the Lab’s wildland setting, and what everyone should do to be prepared both at home and at the Lab. https://drive.google.com/file/d/17ORk5O00clRBba_0A1KwfArlk2g_m-ME/view
Mix high winds, unseasonably high temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation, and you have the strong possibility of a wildfire. The Lab’s hill site is 202 acres of hills, canyons, and vegetation, and it is essential that everyone coming on site be prepared to take action in case of a fire. https://site-security.lbl.gov/service/emergency-management/
Learn how a dedicated, cross-disciplinary team of volunteers built a comprehensive plan to manage vegetation across Berkeley Lab, taking into account sustainability needs, wildland fire management, soil erosion, environmental concerns, and aesthetics. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/2021/03/31/volunteers-create-lab-vegetation-management-guide/
One of the Lab’s wildlife neighbors, a young bobcat, was observed Thursday on the hillside above Building 84. Although bobcats typically will not approach humans and are not a danger, it is good practice to leave the wildlife alone to enjoy the Lab. Watch the video captured from a safe distance. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Bobcat#:~:text=Bobcats%20can%20be%20found%20throughout,pinyon-juniper%20woodlands%20and%20forests.
A large metal fence blocking the Blackberry Gate entrance didn’t deter a momma turkey and her 12 poults (yes, that’s what they’re called) from traipsing up Cyclotron Road this past Monday. Their “break-in” was caught on tape by security cameras posted near the gate entrance. Watch how they did it. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hG_lu-DW_UwY96_ogCo5tzQTFZSHohM1/view
It’s all downhill from here…for the Lab’s goats, that is. Despite some confused animals and a dropped video camera, our wildfire-reducing grazers successfully relocated to the horseshoe curve along Cyclotron Road. Their chomping helped limit the severity of a recent brush fire in that area. https://youtu.be/rfUjSo5kw2E
While moths are typically drawn to flames and bright lights, this one was more interested in the shuttle stop near Building 65, and found this nifty resting spot to wait for the next bus.
How many people (and canines) does it take to move a herd of goats? It’s no joke…several Facilities workers, a herder, and three dogs — followed by a very important clean-up crew of one! While most staff are working from home, the Lab’s beloved goats are back to help reduce the risk of wildfire. https://youtu.be/rMey3U0j61A
Taking advantage of the relative quiet at the Lab during the first week of Return to Work Pilot 1, these two felines lounge in some tall grass near the Advanced Light Source.