Saving native plants and habitats takes keeping a sharp eye on myriad plans while navigating tricky political shoals and currents. Lech Naumovich, Conservation Analyst for the East Bay chapter of the California Native Plant Society, speaks on adventures in saving California’s native flora, 7 pm Mon., Nov. 2, at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin (at Masonic). Free, all welcome. Information at www.fivecreeks.org, f5creeks@aol.com, or 510 848 9358.
Nov. 5 Panel on “Carbon Farming” — good for global warming, rising seas, Delta….
Can ordinary marsh plants help untie the Delta’s knotty problems and defend us against global warming and rising sea levels? Stuart Siegel from Wetlands and Water Resources and Roger Fujii and Brian Bergamaschi from the US Geological Survey discuss “carbon-capture farming” in the threatened Delta, 6:30 to 8:30 PM, Thurs., Nov. 5, MIG Meeting Place, 800 Hearst, Berkeley. Free, all welcome. Sponsored by Watershed Project, KyotoUSA and Friends of Five Creeks. Information at linda@thewatershedproject.org or 510 665 3495.
Sat., May 30: Remove invasives at Schoolhouse Creek mouth
Join Friends of Five Creeks volunteers in Eastshore State Park from 10 am – 12:30 pm Saturday, May 30, as improve both habitat and human enjoyment by whacking a welter of invasives weeds. Light and heavy tasks for all — from big clumps of fire-prone Pampas grass to little feathery tumbleweeds. We supply gloves, tools, and snacks. Dress for sun or wind.
Follow signs from the small parking area off West Frontage Road between University and Gilman (Internet maps W. Frontage Rd. and Virginia, Berkeley, though there is no Virginia there). By car, best to park at Sea Breeze Deli, 598 University, and walk 5 minutes north on the Bay Trail. AC Transit 9 also stops at Sea Breeze. The site is a lovely stroll or bike ride via the Bay Bridge and/or Pedestrian/Bicycle trail from Aquatic Park.
Information at www.fivecreeks.org, f5creeks@aol.com, 510 848 9358.
Mar. 23 & 30 workshops on UC grants for community groups
If you have an idea for a project that will benefit Berkeley neighborhoods or the community as a whole, RSVP now to 510 643 5296 for a workshop on the 2009 round of UC Berkeley’s Chancellor’s Community Partnership grants. Grant applications will be due May 15, with awards announced in August. For information and forms, go to //communityrelations.berkeley.edu/ccpf/grants.htm.
Workshops will be 4:30 – 6 pm Mon., Mar. 23, Rm. 150 University Hall (Addison and Oxford Sts.) and 7-9 pm Mon., Mar. 30, Rm. B North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst (at MLK Jr. Way).
If you are considering applying for a grant for a project dealing with parks, open space, gardens, or recreation, and need a nonprofit fiscal sponsor, get in touch with us!
Mon., Apr. 6, Talk on “Blue-Green Building”
How can we build our cities and homes to lessen pollution, erosion, and flooding; keep healthy water tables and lessen the need for irrigation; and welcome wildlife and pollinators? Promising East Bay projects show us how! See slides and talk about possibilities with Friends of Five Creeks, 7 pm Mon., Apr. 6, at Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin. Free, all welcome! Information at www.fivecreeks.org, f5creeks@aol.com, 510 848 9358.