Calendar of Events

May 10 (Saturday)

Hidden Gems of Berkeley walk, sponsored by Berkeley Partners for Parks; and led by Susan Schwartz, F5C President, starts at 10 am Codornices Creek at Ohlone Greenway (north of Gilman and Santa Fe, or opposite 1200 Masonic; AC Transit 9) and explores volunteer initiatives on and near the old Santa Fe Right of Way, including community gardens, a community-built park, youth art, creek restoration, and more. Ends with bring-your-own picnic (or buy nearby) at Strawberry Creek Park. Hidden Gems bike ride explores even more, ends same place. Information at www.bpfp.org.

May 17 (Saturday)

F5C Work Party 10 am - 12:30 pm, Cerrito Creek at the foot of Albany Hill. Light and heavy tasks for all; all welcome; snacks provided. Good site for families; youngsters enjoy the play structure and the creek itself. Dress in layers; wear shoes with good traction. Meet at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara Avenue, El Cerrito. From Central Avenue between I-880 and San Pablo, turn south toward Albany Hill on Santa Clara Street, which ends at the park. (Mapping programs: search for 3499 Santa Clara Ave.) AC Transit: take 72 on San Pablo to Carlson, opposite entrance to El Cerrito Plaza. Walk west on Carlson past Peets, Old West Gun Room, and Tulip Floors. Where Carlson curves north, walk south on short stub to creekside walkway. Follow creekside walkway two short blocks west to Creekside Park.

May 31 (Saturday)

Celebrate Schoolhouse Creek with 10-11:30 am bug hunt, 11:30 am-1 pm walk, bike ride, and picnic, 1-2:30 pm making environmental art. See how volunteers are transforming this part of Eastshore State Park; learn about plans for the future, including daylighting the creek mouth. Register for any or all at f5creeks@aol.com or 510 848 9358.

June 2 (Monday)

Evening walk explores the upper Codornices watershed! In lieu of an F5C meeting, we'll enjoy great views, see old and new paths and recent plantings of natives, learn about surprisingly complex history and geology, find out about plans for signage, and end with snacks at sunset. Meet at 6:30 pm at Grizzly Peak Park, 50 Whitaker Ave. between Miller and Sterling Aves., short way west of Grizzly Peak Blvd. Dress in layers; wear sturdy walking shoes; bring water and sticks if you use them for this hilly walk with staircases, some rustic and without handrails. Walk is led by Susan Schwartz, F5C president, and co-sponsored with Berkeley Path Wanderers. Information at f5creeks@aol.com, 510 848 9358.

June 28 (Saturday)

F5C Work Party 9 am to noon. Remove invasive thornless blackberries to keep them from choking Cerrito Creek at the foot of Albany Hill. Other light and heavy tasks for all; all welcome; snacks provided. Good site for families; youngsters can enjoy the play structure and the creek itself. Dress in layers; wear shoes with good traction. Meet at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara Street., El Cerrito From Central Avenue between I-880 and San Pablo, turn south toward Albany Hill on Santa Clara, which ends at the park. (Mapping programs: search for 3499 Santa Clara Ave.) AC Transit: take 72 on San Pablo to Carlson, opposite entrance to El Cerrito Plaza. Walk west on Carlson past Peets, Old West Gun Room, and Tulip Floors. Where Carlson curves north, walk south on short stub to creekside walkway. Follow creekside walkway two short blocks west to Creekside Park.

July 3 (Thursday)

Walk for ages 50+ explores lower Cerrito Creek and Albany Hill, 9-11 am. Fire roads steep in spots; wear shoes with good traction; bring water and walking sticks if you use them. Information: f5creeks@aol.com, 510 848 9358. Free, but numbers are limited. Register with Albany Senior Center, 846 Masonic, 510 524 9122, or Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin, 510 524 9283.

July 4 (Friday)

No Friends of Five Creeks meeting in July. Join us at the El Cerrito and Albany Independence Day Fairs!