Update 1-10-2008
Help Restore the Bay Shore Saturday
After about an hour, we'll walk north through restored and unrestored parts of the Berkeley Meadow to pull broom near the mouth of Schoolhouse Creek. Look for us west of the big dirt pile west of the frontage road between University and Gilman. If you can't find us, call 510 599 4709. This is a relaxed work party - come and leave when you want, bring a picnic or grab a bite at the deli. Hope to see you then!
And for MLK Weekend:
At 10 am Sat., Jan. 19, join Greens at Work pulling broom along the Bay Trail on Pt. Isabel, between Central Avenue and the Pt. Isabel dog park. Like the Jan. 12 work party, this is a step toward re-introducing native buckeyes and toyon to these weed-filled parks. From Central Avenue west of the I-580 Freeway, turn right on Rydin Road. Look for a green-waste container and the folks with the big orange levers. Those weed wrenches are really fun! Information at (510) 704-8628 or kyotousa@sbcglobal.net.
Make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day itself, Jan. 21, a day on, rather than a day off: From 9 to 12:30, join a wide coalition transforming the old Santa Fe Right of Way in Richmond, now the Richmond Greenway. Teams will build planters, plant berry bushes, mulch, plant natives, whack weeds, paint over graffiti, and pick up trash. Meet at Bereyland, Sixth Street and the Greenway, between Ohio and Chanslor, next to Lincoln Elementary School, Richmond. Information and RSVP: park@urbantilth.org or (510) 691-5051. (Also please contact them if you can donate food from West Contra Costa gardens/hives/coops for snacks.)
Farther afield, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Big Year project, aimed at engaging people in seeing and saving the GGNRA's 33 endangered species, has fascinating opportunities; see http://www.ggnrabigyear.org/calendar.html
Celebrate a break in the rains (we hope) from 10 am to 2 pm Saturday along the Bay, removing invasives, planting natives, and enjoying the winter bird life. We'll meet at Sea Breeze Delicatessen, south side of University Avenue just west of I-880/580, Berkeley (AC Transit 9 stops across the street, and it's a great bike ride on the Bay Trail). We'll work first at the cove at the mouth of Strawberry Creek, just west of Sea Breeze - go to the southwest edge of the parking lot and you'll see us.
Plenty of chances to get outdoors on the upcoming three-day weekend, Jan. 19-21: