Author: fivecreeks

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Help Restore Berkeley Waterfront Sat., July 10

Join Friends of Five Creeks volunteers at a “walking work party” 10 AM – 12:30 PM Sat., July 10. Learn about history and restoration plans while you help make Berkeley’s waterfront into the park it should be!

Meet at the beach at the mouth of Strawberry Creek, behind Sea Breeze Deli 598 University. This is just west of I-880/580. AC Transit 51B stops across the street, or walk or bike on the Bay Trail or via the pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the freeway.

All welcome! Water, tools, gloves, and snacks provided. Dress for sun, wind, or fog. More information at www.fivecreeks.org or f5creeks@aol.com.

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‘Hidden Gems’ bike tour explores the ‘Breas.

The 8th annual Hidden Gems of Berkeley bike ride explores the curious, quirky, and crafted features and grassroots greening initiatives that make Berkeley unique — this year in Berkeley’s charming Northbrae and Westbrae neighborhoods. Meet at the North Berkeley Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda and Hopkins, 10 AM Sat., May 15. The leisurely ride on level and gently sloping terrain ends at 1 PM. Bring lunch, water, and the family — great for children over 10. The event is free; updated Hidden Gems of Berkeley maps available for $5 donation. Sponsored by Berkeley Partners for Parks, Livable Berkeley, East Bay Green Tours, and Bicycle Friendly Berkeley Coalition; led by John Coveney, Marlene Fouche, and originator John Steere (for information contact John at 510 849 1969).

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Evening walk explores Cerrito Ck. and Albany Hill Thurs., Apr. 22

Friends of Five Creeks and Transition Albany invite you to enjoy Cerrito Creek and Albany Hill on a spring evening, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Meet at 6 PM at Peet’s Coffee, San Pablo and Carlson, El Cerrito; wear long pants and sleeves (poison oak) and sturdy hiking shoes with good traction; bring sticks if you use them. This two-hour exploration of rare urban wilderness with fascinating history will cross the creek on stepping stones and gain 300′ elevation on moderately steep, narrow dirty trails — with refreshments at the top! Information at www.fivecreeks.org, f5creeks@aol.com, 510 848 9358.

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Tour East Bay “Green Corridor” May 6

Tour green buildings and pioneering “green economy” businesses, meet leaders in sustainability, learn about healthy resources, and enjoy a day-long seminar on wheels with Bay Area Green Tours and the Oakland Museum’s Natural Science Build, 9 AM – 4 PM Thursday, May 6; cost $90. Bring bag lunch or enjoy no-host lunch at a restaurant that supports local farmers. Information and sign-up at www.ebgt.org.

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UC grants for better Berkeley available!

May 14 is the deadline for applying for 2010’s UC Berkeley Chancellor’s Community Partnership Fund grants — awards of $5,000 to $50,000 for projects to enhance community safety and livability (a priority this year), environmental stewardship, education, and arts and culture.

Grants are for community groups partnered with UC faculty, staff, or students. Proposals must come from a legal nonprofit organization, but if you have a good idea and a few supporters, you can find a fiscal agent. BPFP, for example, serves as fiscal agent to large and small groups dealing with parks, outdoors, recreation, beautification, environment, and the like. We have received numerous grants from the Chancellor’s Fund and can help with practical advice, including how to find a UC partner. Please get in touch with us! (See the “contact us” page.)

Projects should be completed in one or at most two years. They must be in Berkeley. Keep in mind what permits and approvals you may need — funds won’t be handed out until they are obtained. Reasonable stipends can be paid, e.g. if the project needs experts.

For UC’s press release, with links to information and application forms, click here.