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24″ steelhead spotted in Codornices Creek — Video

Visit Friends of Five Creeks web site for a 34 sec. movie of steelhead up to 24″ long attempting to spawn in CodornicesCreek. The photos are bittersweet: They were possible because retaining walls on this small city creek forced these magnificent seagoing trout to try to nest in unsuitable places. Watching their struggle is inspiring, heartbreaking — and a powerful argument for creek restoration. Codornices Creek is closed to fishing. Please do not disturb the fish!

The Berkeley Daily Planet also covered the story with a nice article providing background information on steelhead salmon, and Northern California creeks and rivers.

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Creek Art to Action

A dozen Berkeley High School AP Environmental Science students got “down and dirty” Saturday, Mar. 18, 2006, making ephemeral art with “found” materials in the first session of Friends of Five Creeks’ “Art to Action on Berkeley Creeks” project. Working with local environmental artist Zach Pine (www.naturesculpture.com), students turned leaves, logs, litter, even muddy footprints into art . The site was the swale next to Lower Glendale Path, one of Codornices Creek’s many headwaters. Less visible results: seeing more clearly, and a deepened appreciation of nature and creeks. Huge thanks to students, Zach, and especially BHS teacher Mardi Mertens.

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Codornices Creek volunteering

Groups from Brownies to UC Berkeley public-policy graduate students are pitching in to help with weeding at the most recent restoration on Codornices Creek. A little over a year ago, the creek was “liberated” from a narrow concrete channel west of Fifth Street (alongside University Village and between sports fields). The need now is to keep weeds under control along the newly meandering channel, giving natives time to grow in. The most recent group of helpers — 15 residents of Canterbury House, a residence for UC students focused on public service. Thanks to all — and if your group wants to help, contact us at f5creeks@aol.com.

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BPFP Membership meeting 7:00- 9:00 pm

Everyone is invited to the Berkeley Partners for Parks membership meeting on March 20, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm.

We’ll start with a brief introduction to BPFP, followed by short presentations from several Adopt A Park groups, detailing their work. Our special guest speaker, Tom Guarino, will give a presentation of the activities of Friends of Oakland Parks & Recreation.

At the end, we’ll have time to socialize and meet the Board members of BPFP.

The meeting will be held in the City of Berkeley “Green Room” at the Corporation Yard, Allston Way at Strawberry Creek Park (2 blocks west of Sacramento on Allston).

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Spring Equinox Gathering at Cesar Chavez Park

A great event to stop by before the BPFP membership meeting.

Spring Equinox Gathering 2006

Monday, March 20th
5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
Sunset @ 6:15

Interim Solar Calendar
Cesar Chavez Park

Includes a brief workshop on the earth in relation to the seasons. What does the Equinox mean to you, to a traditional culture? Bring your questions about the workings of sun, earth and moon.

The site has been recently upgraded. Berms were rebuilt, and a new center gnomon and platform were added that will facilitate mid-day (11am to 1 pm) self-directed activities.

The Spring Equinox begins the Cesar Chavez Commemorative period in Berkeley (March 20th – April 23rd). He was born on March 31, 1927 and passed away on April 23, 1993. The park was named for Chavez in 1996. Community-wide commemorative activities and resources along with an update on the Chavez Memorial at the park can be accessed at //www.ecologycenter.org/chavez. This years theme is on environmental justice and community service.

Gathering led by David Glaser, Science Teacher

For directions: //www.solarcalendar.org

NOTE:
Our dog friends have been and will continue to be welcome to the gatherings. However, since the Interim Solar Calendar site is located in the “On-Leash” area of the park, we ask that you respect at all times the city’s effort to keep the park a multi-use one that includes a 17-acre Off-Leash area.

It took several years to achieve the designated “Off-Leash” area of the park, and we do not want to lose the privilege. The City monitors compliance and it is our understanding that there is about 25% non-compliance in general in the park, and about 75% non compliance in the area around the Interim Solar Calendar. Please help by reminding others of the On-Leach and Off-leash areas. It is estimated that about 50% are not fully familiar with the boundaries.