Enjoy live jazz at the Rose Garden on Moms’ weekend — plus future concerts and how to help

On Mother’s Day weekend, join Friends of the Rose Garden at the launch of the City of Berkeley’s new Roses in Bloom Acoustical Music Series.

On Sat., May 12, 11-1 PM, enjoy live jazz, flowers and chocolates for moms, and kids’ activities at the historic, WPA-built garden with sweeping views, 1200 Euclid (south of Eunice, across from Codornices Park). Following concerts will be 3 PM Sun., May 20, and Sat., May 26 and June 2. Put them on your calendar!

Want to help tend this gem? Berkeley’s new Rosarian, Miguel Cortes, is looking for help at the historic Rose Garden, built by the WPA in 1937 high on Euclid Ave., with sweeping views. Drop in Tuesday or Friday 10 AM to noon, or contact mcortes@cityofberkeley.info with questions or to set up other times. Tools and gloves provided. You don’t have to be expert — this is a great chance to learn! Help is needed sweeping, weeding, preparing soil, deadheading, pruning, and more.

Berkeley Path Wanderers honored for 20 years helping paths

Indian Rock Path
Congratulations to partner group Berkeley Path Wanderers Assn., as Mayor Jesse Arreguin and the City Council honor them at 6 PM Tues., May 1, with a special proclamation recognizing the group’s 20th anniversary as stewards of Berkeley’s public pathways.

Among other achievements, the group has installed steps and, increasingly, handrails on dozens of historic paths that were never completed (mainly due to the coming of the automobile); led hundreds of path walks; publicized the beauty of the paths through thousands of copies of its “Berkeley and its Pathways” map, now available in a new eighth edition; and history of

New Mosaic Entry to Schoolhouse Creek Common

BPFP partner group Schoolhouse Creek Common has a new mosaic entryway! All welcome to its dedication 10 AM – noon Sat., Apr. 21, or visit the neighbor-built park on a corner of the Berkeley Adult School campus, 1160 Virginia at Curtis, any time during daylight hours!

Neighbor Lynne Jones did the mosaic work, with materials paid for by donations to the group. null

Spring celebrations ahead!

Great springtime chances to enjoy and celebrate the outdoors and nature!

The Berkeley Bay Festival, Sat., Apr. 14, 11 AM- 4 PM at Shorebird Park, 180 University Ave., offers music, food vendors, free sailboat and dragon-boat rides, kids building in Adventure Playground, and tables with environmental fun and education. Info here.
The Oakland Zoo’s Earth Day, Sat., Apr. 14, 10 AM – 3 PM, includes music, animal encounters, circus performances, and tables with environmental fun and education. 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland. Info here.
Earth Day celebration at the Brower Center, 10 AM – 6 PM Sun., Apr. 22, 2150 Allston, Berkeley, brings the Wild and Scenic Film Festival’s short, action-oriented documentaries plus talks, food, and music. Info and tickets here.
The Hillside Festival in El Cerrito’s beautiful, 100-acre Hillside Natural Area offers varied free events May 4-6: varied hikes, play, learning about nature, and fun for all ages. Susan Schwartz and Ralph Boniello of BPFP partner group Friends of Five Creeks lead a wildflower and tree hikr Sun., May 6, 2:30 PM. Info and schedule here.

Cesar Chavez Park Peace Symbol Gets New Life

The Peace Symbol on the northwest hilltop at Cesar Chavez Park has been saved from choking weeds and enlivened with black and red mulch, just in time for the April 15 peace march in Oakland, thanks to Martin Nicolaus, head of BPFP affiliate We Love Chavez Park. The origins of this informal work of public art are mysterious — if you know, please get in touch with Marty via the contact form on the web site. The park can always use more help. You can help volunteers tend the Memorial Solar Calendar, remove foxtails in the dog park, adopt the peace symbol, or much more.

Also, don’t miss Martin’s beautiful video on the birds of the North Basin, the inlet at the mouth of Schoolhouse Creek, between Cesar Chavez and McLaughlin Eastshore State Park.