Bay Area Naturalist Events Calendar
Your one-stop guide to bird walks, fungus forays, work parties, wildflower hikes, beach cleanups, exhibit openings, garden tours, wildlife festivals, star parties, ecology classes, science symposia, employment opportunities, and natural history lectures. Compiled by Patrick Schlemmer. If you have an event to list on the calendar, please submit it to jkodiak@earthlink.net. This calendar is updated every day, so check back often!
weather tide earthquake
surf report
Mon., July 19 Register now for Fall '10 Green Environmental Classes that start August-November at Merritt College. Visit www.ecomerritt.org for class schedules, map and directions, contact info, and more. Classes are just $26/unit. Register online at www.peralta.edu. Merritt College Environmental Center (Self Reliant House) 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, 94619.
Wed., July 28 The Nature Sound Society is headquartered at the Oakland Museum of California. (www.naturesounds.org). The Society is dedicated to preserving the natural soundscape. On the web page you can link to the California Library of Natural Sounds and link to their website: "Listening to Nature: A Sound Walk Across California" (http://museumca.org/naturalsounds/). The site features recordings of many natural sounds from around the state, and is a lovely place to visit on the web.
Fri., July 30 The tropics owe their stunning biodiversity to consistent year-round temperatures, not higher temperatures or more sunlight, according to a novel survey of insect diversity at different latitudes and at different points in the planet's history. Read more at www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100720162314.htm.
Fri., July 30 Trevlyn Williams will be having a show of new watercolor work entitled "Open Spaces". This work features paintings of the coast and Peninsula. Some favorite old places such as Edgewood Natural Preserve as well and some new locations such as Mid Peninsula Open Spaces and coast state parks, Ano Nuevo and Moss Landing. 10% of sales proceeds will be donated to either Friends of Edgewood or a fund supporting the open space featured in the painting. Exhibition July 27-August 21; Reception Friday, July 30, 6-8 pm, with food and live music. Gallery House, 320 California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306. For more information, go to www.trevlynwilliams.com. Free.
Sat., July 31 On Saturday July 31, FUF will be planting new street trees in the USF/NOPA neighborhood. The San Francisco Day School is providing a lot of help, and Little Star Pizza on Divisadero Street is providing the space (and some pizzas and drinks) for the post-planting potluck lunch! To volunteer for this planting, please email Heidi or call her at (415) 268-0782. Free.
Sat., July 31 Observation Deck and Beyond. Get an overview of the area and insight into the diverse habitats of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park on this beautiful 4 mile, 2.5 hour hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Felton, 10 am-12:30 pm. Free.
Sat., July 31 Please join us for the annual “Presidio Outdoors” Open House on Saturday, July 31, from 10 am to Noon. The event will be held at the Presidio Nursery, 1244 Appleton, Fort Scott District in the Presidio. Over the next year, many park landscapes will be transformed as new trails and overlooks are built, trees are planted, Army landfills are removed, and habitats are restored. Park staff will explain projects taking place through summer 2011 and will answer your questions. Short walks will be offered at the end of the program. Call (415) 561-5418 to RSVP. Directions and details on the website. Free.
Sat., July 31 Join habitat restoration volunteers to keep the hill at Corona Heights Park healthy for birds, insects, and other native wildlife. Enjoy a spectacular view of the City while you help remove invasive weeds, maintain trails, and learn about our San Francisco ecosystem. Advance sign-up is required. Please call Jim at (415) 552-3542. Meet at the Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way (off Roosevelt, above Castro & 14th Streets), San Francisco, CA. 10 am-noon. Free.
Sun., Aug. 1 2010 Tour de Peninsula Recreational Bicycle Ride. Enjoy a day of cycling and outdoor fun with family and friends in scenic Coyote Point Park, fronting the San Francisco Bay. Choose from a variety of routes to suit a wide range, from young/first time riders to serious cyclists. San Mateo, 7 am-5 pm. Free. Find more events on the full BayNature.org Events Calendar. Or check out our latest articles, videos, featured parks, and interactive map.
Sun., Aug. 1 What the Nose Knows: Awaken Your Senses. UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley, 1 pm.
Sun., Aug. 1 Sustainable Business Alliance Annual Picnic. Members, family and friends of the Sustainable Business Alliance (SBA) will gather for an annual picnic at Tilden Park’s Fern picnic site in Berkeley from 1 to 5 pm. SBA is an organization made up of about 100 East Bay sustainable businesses who have made a commitment to utilizing environmentally and socially responsible business practices. We are a diverse community that benefits from networking, education, and partnership opportunities. Please bring a potluck item to feed about 10 people, as well as drinks for you and yours. For more details, please go to: www.sustainablebusinessalliance.org and click on the picnic mentioned in the News and Events box. If you'd like to volunteer, perform in the talent show/cabaret, or have a question about the event, please contact Ann McGinnis at ann@wildheart-enterprises.com.
Aug. 1-7 From August 1-7, twenty activists and their guides will march across Yosemite National Park in an effort to draw attention to and raise funds for the campaign to restore the Hetch Hetchy Valley. 11 of them need your support. In order to participate in Muir's March, each participant must raise a minimum of $1913 (commemorating the year Congress voted to flood the valley and destroy this extraordinary ecosystem) prior to this Sunday. Eleven of these intrepid supporters are still shy of the $1913 goal. Will you help one or more of the Marchers reach their goal? This phenomenal group of folks ranges in age from 15 to 61. They hail from as far away as Philadelphia and as close as downtown San Francisco. Like John Muir, each recognizes that provoking environmental change not only requires talking the talk but also, quite literally, walking the walk. You can be a part of this extraordinary commitment by sponsoring their effort. Working together, we can accomplish John Muir's dream of restoring the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park to its original natural splendor. Please take a moment to support Muir's March. Join us on August 7th on O'Shaughnessy Dam in Yosemite National Park at noon as we welcome the Muir's Marchers at the 2nd annual Restoration Rally.
Mon., Aug. 2 Life's Future in the Cosmos. Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland, 7 pm.
Mon., Aug. 2 Think Evolution II: a summer institute for science educators. UC Berkeley, 9 am.
Mon., Aug. 2 Walk the Wiggle tour, 6-8 pm. Meet at Duboce Bike Mural, Church & Duboce. Before bikes were invented, the Wiggle (lower Haight) was a foot trail for 5,000 years. Now it's a popular bike route where riders zig zag from Market to the Panhandle and points west while avoiding the hills. Change the way you see the landscape as we talk about everything from art and bike politics to floods, lakes and native societies. RSVP w/ your contact info to (415) 505-8255 or through http://thinkwalks.org/tours/. Please feel to contact Cynthia Cadua at (415) 341-1005, or cynthia@cadua.comme if you have any questions. Free; donations encouraged.
Mon., Aug. 2 Dr. Jennifer Heldmann, NASA Ames Research Center. Lunar Impact! NASA's LCROSS Mission. Our nearest celestial neighbor is our Moon which harbors many secrets in planetary science. The LCROSS (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) mission’s objectives were to study a permanently shadowed region near a pole of the Moon. Science goals included investigating the presence or absence of water on the Moon as well as furthering our understanding of other species trapped in these regions. This talk will focus on first science results from the mission, including characterization of the impact plume and detection of water, among other things. 7:30 pm. Reserve a Seat Today or call 800-794-7576. Adults $12, Seniors $10, Academy members $6. Seating is limited.
Aug. 2-6 Teen Machine Adventures! Wanna go on an adventure out of the city? Climb aboard the Wild Science Wagon with Mr. Science at the controls & let's go! You'll be transported to various locations throughout the Bay Area from the top of Mount Diablo and Redwood Regional Park to Tomales Bay and the Del Valle Reservoir. There is something for everyone on this adventure, so pack up your bags and get ready to GET OUT and GET DIRTY! Pick-up and drop-off will take place at Tree Frog Treks Frog Hall (2114 Hayes St.) unless otherwise specified.
Here are the places we go:
Monday - Santa Cruz
Tuesday - Redwood Regional Park
Wednesday - Sunol Regional Park
Thursday - Del Valle Reservoir (overnight)
Friday - Del Valle to Mines Road and Del Puerto Canyon
Summer Sessions: August 2-6 & August 9-13
9 am-5 pm (with one overnight)
Each session is $495 plus $100 activity fee. Space is limited, so sign up early! Register online Now!
Thurs., Aug. 5 Wildlife Experts Report on Gulf Oil Spill. Environmentalists working to protect endangered sea turtles, marine mammals and seabirds from the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico will share insights, photos and videos and what people can do.
Panelists:
Dr. Chris Pincetich, Sea Turtle Restoration Project
Andrea Treece, Center for Biological Diversity
Deb Self, Executive Director, San Francisco Baykeeper
Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Boulevard, Corte Madera, 6-9 pm. For more information, call (415) 663-8590, ext. 101 or email info@seaturtles.org. Free.
Fri., Aug. 6 Bear Valley Trail to the Beach. 9 am-3 pm. This is one of the most popular walks in Marin, the round trip is almost nine miles, but there are no serious hills, and the changes in habitat make the whole route interesting. We’ll take our time on the walk out (lots of flowers and birds to see), enjoy a nice siesta at the beach, and just let everybody set their own pace on the walk back to the trailhead. Meet at the large parking lot across from the Bear Valley Visitors Center, Point Reyes National Seashore. No registration is required. Binoculars, a pocket sized magnifying lens, and your favorite field guide(s) are recommended. Come to learn, or come to share what you know about the plants, animals, and wild places of this unique and beautiful county. Pack a lunch if you plan to stay all day (you don’t have to stay for the entire walk) and remember to bring plenty of water. If you have questions or desire additional information, contact Naturalist David Herlocker at (415) 499-3647 or dherlocker@co.marin.ca.us. Free.
Sat., Aug. 7 Dawn Photography Hike. Hidden among the salt ponds is one of the East Bay’s most intriguing historical sites. The refuge and the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project are sponsoring this photography hike to the old Oliver Salt Works within the Eden Landing Ecological Reserve. We’ll be walking into an area of the reserve not yet open to the public so please be prepared to walk several miles on unimproved levees with your equipment. Eden Landing Ecological Reserve, Hayward, 5 am. For more information, call (510) 792-0222 ext. 393. Free.
Sat., Aug. 7 Birding for Everyone, 10 am-noon. Meet us near the bookstore inside the main gate of the SF Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park (MLK Drive near 9th Ave. at Lincoln). Adults $10; no one turned away due to lack of funds.
Sat., Aug. 7 Bioregional Ecology Workshop. Join Peter Berg, Director of Planet Drum Foundation, for an inspiring full day field immersion workshop at Heron's Head Park EcoCenter and restoration site in the Bayview/Hunter's Point neighborhood of San Francisco. Anthony Khalil, Heron's Head Park Educator/Steward, will provide background on this outstanding model of urban natural habitat. The workshop will provide a holistic ecological approach to identifying and understanding Northern California's unique climate, weather, soil, landforms, watersheds, native plants and wildlife. Emphasis is on observation of natural characteristics, discussing interrelationships of natural systems, and on-site learning in an amazing environment. This is a must for learning about and seeing what makes our bioregion distinct from any other on the planet and for understanding what we must do to restore and maintain healthy natural systems within San Francisco. We begin 10 am at the EcoCenter in Heron's Head Park, located at Jennings and Cargo Streets. Call about transportation alternatives: (415) 285-6556. In the workshop, you will:
• Participate in an easy-to-follow bioregional map-making of your own life-place
• Explore native habitats that coexist with urban surroundings
• Acquire new environmental teaching skills to share with students, colleagues, family, and friends
• Observe and discuss urban natural restoration activities
• Obtain take-home materials
Call now to reserve your place in one of the following workshops:
Saturday, August 7 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, August 21 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, August 28 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Workshops will fill up quickly! Call Planet Drum Foundation at (415) 285-6556 or email mail@planetdrum.org to register and/or learn more details. Sliding scale $35-$50 (full scholarships for SF-USD teachers, limited work exchanges available). Fee includes workshop participation and project materials. Bring a bag lunch and wear good walking or hiking shoes.
Sat., Aug. 7 Choking on Oil. This event will be an opportunity for people to react to the BP catastrophe and the stranglehold oil has on our nation and the world at large. Prepare to share your frustration, be entertained and educated around related issues, network with artists, donate to a good cause, and purchase art and other items through a silent auction. Organizers are hoping this will be a catalyst for more events like this and for people to come together and find new ways of expressing dissatisfaction with the status quo and learning what can be and is being done about it in our community. The organizers are soliciting donations for a silent auction: artwork, books, and other desirable items and services will be most appreciated. Viracocha, 998 Valencia St.@ 21 st St. San Francisco. 7-10 pm. For more information, contact outofoursf@gmail.com. Free.
Sun., Aug. 8 Family Horseback Ride. Ranger Karen Kilian and Volunteer Mounted Patrol member Robert Eichstaedt will lead a tour of Horse Hill Preserve in Mill Valley. 9:30 am-noon. Enjoy beautiful views from your saddle while discussing the natural environment and the importance of land preservation. From Hwy 101 in Mill Valley, take the Tiburon Blvd/E Blithedale Avenue exit and head west on E Blithedale Ave. Turn right at Tower Drive, turn right at Plaza Drive, and turn right at Lomita Drive. Meet at the corral at the end of Lomita Drive.
Sun., Aug. 8 Indian Valley Open Space, 10 am-2 pm. This preserve lies along the north slope of Big Rock Ridge, and is almost completely covered with acres of broadleaf forest, so if it’s a hot day, we can choose a route that is shaded the whole way. Meet at the parking area at the west end of Indian Valley College (take Ignacio Blvd. and follow all the way to the last parking lot, by the police station). No registration is required. Binoculars, a pocket sized magnifying lens, and your favorite field guide(s) are recommended. Come to learn, or come to share what you know about the plants, animals, and wild places of this unique and beautiful county. Pack a lunch if you plan to stay all day (you don’t have to stay for the entire walk) and remember to bring plenty of water. If you have questions or desire additional information, contact Naturalist David Herlocker at (415) 499-3647 or dherlocker@co.marin.ca.us. Free.
Sun., Aug. 8 The Salt Marshes: Then and Now. Approximately 85% of San Francisco Bay’s wetlands have disappeared over the last 200 years due to industry and development, impacting the wildlife that lived in and around them. Some of the plants and animals have made a comeback and a few have adapted to the changes. Learn a little about the history of the salt marshes and the wildlife affected by the changes. The presentation includes a slide show followed by a 45-minute walk to view a salt marsh and the remains of a salt evaporation pond. Bring binoculars, or borrow one of ours. Call (510) 792-0222 ext. 393 for reservations. Led by Gregg Aronson. Learning Center, Fremont (Near Visitor Center), 2-3:30 pm. Free.
Aug. 9-13 Teen Machine Adventures! Wanna go on an adventure out of the city? Climb aboard the Wild Science Wagon with Mr. Science at the controls & let's go! You'll be transported to various locations throughout the Bay Area from the top of Mount Diablo and Redwood Regional Park to Tomales Bay and the Del Valle Reservoir. There is something for everyone on this adventure, so pack up your bags and get ready to GET OUT and GET DIRTY! Pick-up and drop-off will take place at Tree Frog Treks Frog Hall ( 2114 Hayes St.) unless otherwise specified.
Here are the places we go:
Monday - Santa Cruz
Tuesday - Redwood Regional Park
Wednesday - Sunol Regional Park
Thursday - Del Valle Reservoir (overnight)
Friday - Del Valle to Mines Road and Del Puerto Canyon
Summer Sessions: August 2-6 & August 9-13
9 am-5 pm (with one overnight)
Each session is $495 plus $100 activity fee. Space is limited, so sign up early!
Register online NOW!
Wed., Aug. 11 Kehoe Beach Family Walk. 10 am-2 pm. We’ll start with a slow walk along a creek that creates a freshwater marsh right at the edge of the beach. We can look for animals that live at the edge of the ocean, and also explore the bluffs above the beach where the grass stays green and lush all year. Meet at the Kehoe Beach trailhead on Pierce Point Rd, (follow Sir Francis Drake, turn right at Pierce Point Rd. & follow for 5.5 miles). Walks are intended for families that want to explore nature together. Bring your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, neighbors, or any other inquisitive youngsters in your life who would appreciate a deeper connection to nature. This is not a “drop off” program, we want you to stay and enjoy the experience too. Free.
through Aug. 13 Come exploring with Tree Frog Treks - grab your goggles, strap your shoes on tight, & get ready to Get Out and Get Dirty! Everyday, campers will hike outdoors, do hands-on science experiments, create art projects, & learn new ways to save, preserve & maintain our home! At Tree Frog Treks Summer Camp, we make science fun while exploring our local parks & adventuring in nature. With different weekly themes, you & your child can opt for several weeks of science exploration! Even repeating a session theme, your child will have new experiences each day. Early bird special rates until May 1st: Half-day camp is available for children entering pre-school and kindergarten for $299 and full-day camp is available for children entering 1st-5th grade for $399. Visit our Summer Camps page for more information.
Sat., Aug. 14 Galls and Gallmakers at Mount Burdell. There are many ingenious creatures that have devised ways to trick plants into growing structures, called galls, that shelter and feed them. We’ll examine an amazing array of bizarre and beautiful galls as we learn the incredible life cycles of the gall makers. From Hwy 101 in Novato, take the Atherton Ave./San Marin Drove exit and head west on San Marin Drive for 2.3 miles. Turn right at San Andreas. Meet at the San Andreas trailhead, near the end on the right. No registration is required. 10 am-2 pm. A pocket sized magnifying lens is recommended. If you have questions or desire additional information, contact Naturalist David Herlocker at (415) 499-3647 or dherlocker@co.marin.ca.us. Free.
Sat., Aug. 14 Nature’s Pharmacy: Medicine Making Workshop Series. Instructor: Tellur Fenner. Come join us as we learn to create a variety of botanical medicines using many native California plants. During this intensive class series we will learn the fundamental methods for making a number of preparations, including: teas, tinctures, herbal oils, salves, liniments, and syrups. Starting with an overview of some basic principles of plant chemistry, we will examine different extraction methods while learning when they can be best applied. The remainder of the class will be devoted to preparing a number of different herbal products, giving us a chance to put theory into practice. This is an interactive class so please come ready to get your hands dirty while having a lot of fun! All materials will be provided and each student will leave with a product s/he helped prepare.
Session I: August 14. Introduction to Herbal Medicine Making/Herbal Teas/Honeys and Syrups
Session II: August 21. Herbal Oils and Salves/Poultices
Session III: August 28. Tinctures and Liniments
Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic, 823 32 nd Street Apt. B, Oakland, CA. 10 am-4 pm. Make sure to bring lunch, water, camera, and a notebook. To register, call (510) 428-1810, email bluewindbmc@gmail.com, or visit www.bluewindbmc.com. Fee: $180/series or $65/class.
Sat., Aug. 14 In Search of the Endangered California Clapper Rail. Come learn about the endangered and rarely-seen California clapper rail. What do they look like? What do they eat? How many are left? When is the best time to see them? We will share information about this secretive bird to optimize your chances of capturing a glimpse of them. The tour is comprised of a 45-minute slideshow followed by a 45-minute walk led by Art Garibaldi. Learning Center, Fremont (Near Visitor Center), 2-3:30 pm. For more information, call (510) 792-0222 ext. 363. Free.
Sun., Aug. 15 Barnacles, Mussels, and Snails, Oh My! Learning Center, Fremont (near Visitor Center). Join Roy Sasai to learn about the bay shore life, it’s wildlife, and local history. Meet at the Learning Center for a short presentation before taking a ride in the van to the bay shore to see the wildlife. Space is extremely limited. Reservations are required. Call (510) 792-0222 Ext 363. 1:30-3:30 pm. Free.
Thurs., Aug. 19 The History and Prospects for the Western Pond Turtle – Our only Native Freshwater Turtle Wildlife biologist and natural historian Matthew Bettelheim takes us on a trip through time as seen from our struggling terrapin and the future of turtle conservation. San Francisco Natural History Series monthly illustrated lectures by expert naturalists. Randall Museum Theater, 7:30 pm. For more information, call (415) 641-7457 or email Philip Gerrie at glassgerrie@earthlink.net. Visit the blog for past speakers and lectures notes. Admission is free; donations are always appreciated.
Fri., Aug. 20 Night Sky Party! Meet the stars of Summer! Join amateur astronomer. Bob Havner as we learn about constellations. Make a star chart and then venture outside to view the night sky through a telescope. Afterwards, warm up with some hot chocolate. Bring your own binoculars or spotting scopes if you have them. Fun for the whole family! Dress warmly. Program will go on sprinkling rain or shine. Program will be canceled only if it is pouring rain. Reservations required. Call Debra at (408) 262-5513 ext 102. Environmental Education Center, Alviso, 8-9:30 pm. Free.
Sat., Aug. 21 A street tree planting is scheduled for SOMA/Yerba Buena on August 21, and the volunteer sTREEt Team will visit that area ahead of time to spread the word and sign people up to receive trees in front of their property. Come help us get the word out! Contact Greg at greg@fuf.net or (415) 268-0773 for information or to sign up. Free.
Sat., Aug. 21 Butterflies, Etc. Do you know the difference between butterflies, moths, and skippers? Learn the difference and their life cycles. Then take a leisurely walk around our butterfly garden and see some of these beautiful insects. Suitable for ages 7 and up. Environmental Education Center, Alviso, 1:30-3 pm. Led by Ed Kantack. Call Debra at (408) 262-5513 ext. 102 to sign up!
Sat., Aug. 21 Rockets by the Bay. Launch rockets that will fly 30 feet in the air when we investigate the physics underlying rocket flight. We'll explore atmosphere, gravity, and pressure—and launch rockets! Tools and materials are provided (rockets are safely propelled by water). $15.
Sat., Aug. 21 Honey Bees in Crisis, SF Botanical Garden class. How did this important insect found itself in its current predicament? And, how as individuals and gardeners we can we help? In order to understand why honey bees (Apis mellifera) are in peril around the globe, it is important to first understand the population of the colony and how it interacts with surrounding plant life and the cycles of the season. From here, you will begin to understand why changes in the last century have stacked the deck against these insects – and potentially the security of our food supply, as we know it. We will discuss practical steps that can be taken both in the home and garden to support bee populations. After tasting a selection of local varietal honeys (with some available for purchase), we will finish the class with a tour of some of the feral colonies that make the trees of the Arboretum their home. Don’t forget Honeybee Awareness day! 9:30 am-12:30 pm. For more information, go to www.sfbotanicalgardensociety.org/sfbgs_course_template.cfm?s=5037.
Sat., Aug. 21 Evening at Roy’s Redwoods. 5-8 pm. At the end of a hot summer day, the world comes to life with crepuscular and nocturnal animals that have spent the day in hiding. After a short walk, we’ll enjoy a picnic dinner as we watch and listen to the first stirrings of creatures of the night. Bring a picnic dinner, flashlight, and a warm jacket. From Hwy 101 in Larkspur, take the Sir Francis Drake Blvd. exit and head west through Fairfax. Turn right at Nicasio Valley Rd. MCOSD gate is less than ¼ mile up on your right. Free.
Aug. 21-22 Art & Soul needs YOU for our Zero Waste Zone Green Team. As a Sustainable City, Oakland is hosting another Zero Waste event: the 2010 Art & Soul Festival. Food and beverage vendors are using compostable plates, cups, and cutlery. Waste Reduction Zone sorting stations will be set up throughout the Festival’s public areas. We need your help in educating people attending the Festival to sort for Zero Waste at: each Waste Reduction Zone station will be staffed by a friendly, helpful volunteer to guide the public on what items go in each collection container. That’s where you come in. After a brief but thorough training, volunteers will be stationed at Zero Waste Zone recycling stations, letting patrons know their plates, cups, forks, spoons and food scraps are compostable, their cans, bottles and papers are recyclable and very little needs to be garbage. Volunteer shifts are 3.5 hours each: 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.; and 2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. for Sat. Aug 21, and Sun Aug 22.
The Reward:
· FREE admission to the Festival for the entire day of volunteer service
· Free parking
· Green Team “Got (Zero) Waste” T-shirt + Meal Voucher
· Free Eco Metro Coupon Book
· The fun and satisfaction of helping Oakland become a Sustainable City and educating other humans on how they can help create a healthy planet to live on
How to sign up: Contact Karine Brighten at (510) 269-7252 or email: volunteer@oaklandvm.com. Karine can also answer additional questions you may have about this volunteer opportunity. For general info on the Festival, visit: www.artandsouloakland.com.
Tues., Aug. 24 The Islands of San Francisco Bay, with James Martin. The Kippings invite you to a potluck slideshow at the County Fair Building in GG Park. 7 pm. Please bring a dish & beverage to serve 8 people. For more information, call (415) 753-7090.
Wed., Aug. 25 Tule Elk at Pierce Point. Pierce Point Ranch on Tomales Bay is home to a large colony of Tule Elk, a species saved from the brink of extinction in recent years. We’ll spend the day learning about the biology and management of these huge mammals as we watch them engage in their annual mating rituals known as “the rut”. Meet at the Pierce Point Ranch parking area at the north end of Pierce Point Rd., Point Reyes National Seashore. No registration is required. 10 am-2 pm. Binoculars are recommended. Pack a lunch and plenty of water. If you have questions or desire additional information, contact Naturalist David Herlocker at (415) 499-3647 or dherlocker@co.marin.ca.us. Free.
Wed., July 28 Exploratorium - Voyages of Discovery. Look over the shoulders of ocean explorers as they map and send their ROV into the little-known and unknown regions of the deep sea. 'Voyages of Discovery' connects the Exploratorium with NOAA's newest ship, the Okeanos Explorer, currently in the Pacific Ocean near Indonesia, as it carries out its first exploration voyage. In this program, we learn about underwater volcanoes and hydrothermal vents and see how scientists explore underwater geology with mapping and ROV technology. Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA 94123, 3 pm. Free with admission.
Sat., Aug. 28 Birds at Abbotts Lagoon. Even though it’s mid-summer, the “fall” migration is in full swing for many shorebirds and waterfowl. The ponds and lagoon here are an important stopover point for many species, providing us with a great chance to challenge our identification skills. Meet at the Abbotts Lagoon parking area, on Pierce Point Rd., Point Reyes National Seashore. 10 am-2 pm. No registration is required. Binoculars and your favorite field guide(s) are recommended. Come to learn, or come to share what you know about the plants, animals, and wild places of this unique and beautiful county. Pack a lunch if you plan to stay all day (you don’t have to stay for the entire walk) and remember to bring plenty of water. If you have questions or desire additional information, contact Naturalist David Herlocker at (415) 499-3647 or dherlocker@co.marin.ca.us. Free.
Sat., Aug. 28 Join geologist Tom Williams, and retired ranger Bill Walton, for a guided walk along the remarkable coastline at Salt Point State Park. 10 am-2 pm. Details at http://baynature.org/events/salt-point-geology-hike. Attendance is limited, so sign up today by emailing hikes@baynature.org or by calling (510) 528-8550 x205. Free.
Sat., Aug. 28 All About Owls. Learn all that you’ve ever wanted to learn about owls here at the refuge! Where and what do owls eat? How do we not hear them when they flap their wings? Through an interactive presentation and owl pellet dissection, we’ll find the answers to all these questions. Paul Bridges will lead the way. Call Debra at (408) 262-5513 ext. 102 for reservations. Environmental Education Center, Alviso, 2:30-4:30 pm. Free.
Sun., Aug. 29 Medicinal Plants of California: Propagation, Cultivation, and Preparation Methonds. With the popularity of herbal medicine increasing at an exponential rate in the U.S, real concerns arise with regard to the sustainability of the practice. Back east, sustained high demand for industry favorites such as Goldenseal, Black Cohosh, American Ginseng, and Echinacea have left once thriving plant communities on the brink of extinction. Unethical harvesting practices in conjunction with ever increasing urban and agricultural expansion are the main culprits in this tragedy. Here in the west, we are starting to see some of these same impacts on our own unique medicinal plant communities. Obviously, in a liberal minded urban center such as the Bay Area we would be in serious trouble if all those interested in plant medicine traveled to the outlying areas to harvest. To remedy this dilemma it is imperative that we begin to expand our cultivation of such useful plants in yards, gardens, and other areas around the cities where we live. This class will take place on a “converted” urban plot which has undergone such a transformation. Many of the more popular (and lesser known) medicinal plants of California will be covered in the class including both natives and "weeds". Each student will take home a medicinal plant cutting from the garden in addition to an herbal product s/he helped prepare. Wildheart Gardens. Berkeley, CA. 10 am-4 pm. For more information, email bluewindbmc@gmail.com or visit http://www.bluewindbmc.com. $55.
Fri., Sept. 10 Terwilliger Environmental Award Ceremony. We are delighted to announce that Norman Gershenz, has been named the 2010 Terwilliger Environmental Award winner! Each fall, WildCare (www.wildcarebayarea.org) presents the Terwilliger Environmental Award to an individual who has made outstanding efforts to impact Bay Area children and adults through environmental education. Recipients are awarded for their determination and enthusiasm to unite the public with nature in innovative, compelling and exciting ways, while instilling a sense of commitment and responsibility for a more sustainable future. We invite all local fans and sponsors to attend the award ceremony and show support for SaveNature.Org, as well as share in honoring its esteemed director, Norm, with this meaningful award. WildCare Terwilliger Center, Dorothy and Martell Kaliski Courtyard, 76 Alberta Park Lane, San Rafael, CA. 4-6 pm. Includes Wildlife Ambassador presentations, Beverages and Hors d'oeuvres! Please RSVP by September 1st .
Sat., Sept. 11 Black Sand Treasure Hunt. Search for elusive “black sand” (aka the magnetic mineral magnetite) at Ocean Beach. Tools and materials are provided, and we send you home with black sand, magnets, and an activity sheet so you can make your own miniature Black Sand exhibit—just like the one at the Exploratorium. $15.
Thurs., Sept. 16 Helping our Most famous Butterfly: the Mission Blue on Twin Peaks In 2009, the Natural Areas Program of SF Recreation & Park Department collaborated with US Fish and Wildlife to fulfill part of the 1976 recovery plan for the endangered Mission Blue butterfly. Leading SF lepidopterist, Liam O'Brien, was invited to be part of the team to relocate and monitor 22 females from San Bruno Mountain. Since butterfly relocation is a recent science this evening promises glorious photography and stimulating conversation. San Francisco Natural History Series monthly illustrated lectures by expert naturalists. Randall Museum Theater, 7:30 pm. For more information, call (415) 641-7457 or email Philip Gerrie at glassgerrie@earthlink.net. Visit the blog for past speakers and lectures notes. Admission is free; donations are always appreciated.
Fri., Sept. 17 2010 Living with Wildlife Photography Contest. Give Us Your Best Shot! Get outside with your camera and enter your best wildlife photographs in WildCare's fourth annual Living with Wildlife. The Prize for the Best in Show photograph is $500. Prizes will also be given for the best photograph in each category and for a People's Choice Award to be determined by an online vote. Entry fees are $15 per photograph. Deadline for entries is September 17, 2010. Questions? Please contact Alison Hermance, Photography Contest Coordinator, at alisonhermance@wildcarebayarea.org or (415) 453-1000 x24.
Sat., Sept. 18 The Hazards: Poisonous Plants of the Bay Area. Whether you endeavor to harvest, prepare, and use plant foods/medicines or simply wish to embark on leisurely strolls through the woods, it is critical that you learn about those plants which can harm or even kill you. Knowledge is power, and the goal of this class is to raise students’ awareness about the more commonly encountered poisonous plants found growing in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. Toxic ornamentals, invasives, and native plant representatives will all be covered. Special emphasis will be placed on differentiating poisonous plants from their beneficial edible/medicinal counterparts. Participants will not only be protecting themselves, but will be ensuring the safety of their families, friends, and pets as well. Class will consist of a lecture/slideshow along with a large selection of live plant samples. Instructor: Tellur Fenner. Blue Wind Botanical Medicine Clinic, 823 32 nd Street, Oakland, CA. 10 am-5 pm. To register, call (510) 428-1810 or visit www.bluewindbmc.com. $55.
Sun., Sept. 19 We’ll walk about 3 miles at Arrowhead Marsh in Oakland and learn how it was born of a burst dam, and how now it's important habitat for endangered California clapper rails and other birds. 10 am-noon. More details at: http://baynature.org/events/ birding-by-the-bay-at- arrowhead-marsh. Attendance is limited, so sign up today by emailing hikes@baynature.org or by calling (510) 528-8550 x205. Free.
Wed., Sept. 22 "Nerdy Tours for San Franciscans" have magically made their way onto the Thinkwalks calendar at http://thinkwalks.org/tours. Some are walks and some are bike rides. One event is a panel Q&A (Sept 22--All about SF Sewer History!). As usual, you set your price for taking a Thinkwalks tour!
Sat., Sept. 25 Beach Family Day. Enjoy a day at beach and look for shells, beach hoppers, egrets and more. We’ll also explore the area around Rodeo Lagoon and look for Killdeer, Brown Pelicans and the elusive river otters. Directions: Meet at the Rodeo Beach parking lot at the end of Bunker Road. Program starts at 10 am at the trail head. If you prefer to caravan to park locations, we’ll meet at 9:30 am at the Canal Alliance at 91 Larkspur Street in San Rafael. For more information, call (415) 453-1000 x17 or email juancarlos@wildcarebayarea.org. Programs are led in both English and Spanish, and are free to the general public.
Tues., Sept. 28 Wildflowers of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, with Ted Kipping. The Kippings invite you to a potluck slideshow at the County Fair Building in GG Park. 7 pm. Please bring a dish & beverage to serve 8 people. For more information, call (415) 753-7090.
Thurs., Oct. 14 Corvidae of California, with Craig Nikitas. Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, San Francisco Ca 94114. 7:30-8:30 pm. For more information, go to www.sfns.org or contact Patrick at JKodiak@earthlink.net or (415) 225-3830. Free.
Thurs., Oct. 21 The Country in the City: The Greening of the San Francisco Bay Area Professor Richard Walker of UC Berkeley, narrates the many stories of land preservation, saving the bay, and fighting toxics that have made this a global bastion of environmentalism. San Francisco Natural History Series monthly illustrated lectures by expert naturalists. Randall Museum Theater, 7:30 pm. For more information, call (415) 641-7457 or email Philip Gerrie at glassgerrie@earthlink.net. Visit the blog for past speakers and lectures notes. Admission is free; donations are always appreciated.
Sat., Oct. 23 Halloween Treats: Owls' Pellets and the Stories They Tell. Identify the skulls and bones found in owl pellets. We’ll provide all the tools including pellets magnifying lenses, and identification keys. Meet at Miwok Meadows Campground in China Camp State Park. Directions; From US 101 in Marin County, exit North San Pedro Road. Continue east on North San Pedro Road for about 3 miles. Miwok Meadows sign is on the right. Program starts at 10 am at the trail head. If you prefer to caravan to park locations, we’ll meet at 9:30 am at the Canal Alliance at 91 Larkspur Street in San Rafael. For more information/questions, call (415) 453-1000 x17 or email juancarlos@wildcarebayarea.org. All programs are led in both English and Spanish, and are free to the general public.
Tues., Oct. 26 A Taste of the Old Soutwest: Arizona and New Mexico, with Bob Case. The Kippings invite you to a potluck slideshow at the County Fair Building in GG Park. 7 pm. Please bring a dish & beverage to serve 8 people. For more information, call (415) 753-7090.
Thurs., Nov. 18 What Are We Managing For? Restoration Strategies – Hear case studies in wildlife and habitat restoration by Consulting Ecologist, Josiah Clark, restoring ecosystem function and preserving native biodiversity. The last of the least and the best of the rest. San Francisco Natural History Series monthly illustrated lectures by expert naturalists. Randall Museum Theater, 7:30 pm. For more information, call (415) 641-7457 or email Philip Gerrie at glassgerrie@earthlink.net. Visit the blog for past speakers and lectures notes. Admission is free; donations are always appreciated.
Sat., Nov. 20 Walk to the Waterfall. Walk through an ancient redwood tree and look for mushrooms, trapdoor Spiders, and signs of salmon in the creek as we make our way to Stairstep Waterfalls. Take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Devil’s Gulch parking area is on the left one mile past the picnic/camping entrance. Program starts at 10 am at the trail head. If you prefer to caravan to park locations, we’ll meet at 9:30 am at the Canal Alliance at 91 Larkspur Street in San Rafael. For more information/questions, call (415) 453-1000 x17 or email juancarlos@wildcarebayarea.org. Program is iin both English and Spanish, and is free to the general public.
Tues., Nov. 23 The Equadorian Amazon, with Ronn Patterson. The Kippings invite you to a potluck slideshow at the County Fair Building in GG Park. 7 pm. Please bring a dish & beverage to serve 8 people. For more information, call (415) 753-7090.
Sat., Dec. 18 Winter Wildlife. Look for clues that will reveal the identity of some of the animals that call Tennessee Valley home during the winter. Possibilities are deer, coyote, bobcat, wild turkey, and great-horned owl. Meet at the Tennessee Valley parking lot. Directions: From US 101 in Marin County, take the CA 1/Shoreline Highway exit. After about 0.5 miles, turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road. Go about 1.5 miles to the parking lot at the end of the road. Program starts at 10 am at the trail head. If you prefer to caravan to park locations, we’ll meet at 9:30 am at the Canal Alliance at 91 Larkspur Street in San Rafael. For more information/questions, call (415) 453-1000 x17 or email juancarlos@wildcarebayarea.org. All programs are led in both English and Spanish, and are free to the general public.