Update 2-22-2008
Our hands-on volunteering accomplishes amazing things, and I can hardly wait to tackle those invasive thornless blackberries on Cerrito Creek at Albany Hill again at our next general work party, March 29.
This welcome rainy lull offers a chance to think about all other ways you can help – all kinds of activism are needed. This email lists just some of the many ways you can learn and speak out to protect and restore our earth. Please scroll through and see what catches your interest.
Local action against global warming: The City of Berkeley hosts two workshops to comment on its proposed Climate Action Plan, 7-9 pm Mon., Feb. 25, hosted by the Zero Waste Commission, and 7-9 pm Wed., Feb. 17, hosted by the Planning Commission, both at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK). The plan, an opportunity to comment on-line, and ideas on how you can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and global warming, are at www.BerkeleyClimateAction.org. Public comment closes March 7!
Grazing and native ecosystems are the topic of a slide talk by David Amme, one of the state's greatest experts on and advocates for native grasses, now the East Bay Regional Park District's Wildland Vegetation Program Manager, 7:30 pm Monday, Mar. 3, at Montclair Presbyterian Church, 5702 Thornhill Rd., Oakland. The talk, part of the Close to Home series of walks and talks, centers on how cows, sheep, and goats can provide some of the "ecosystem services" once provided by herds of tule elk and regular burning by native peoples. Information at 510 655 6658 or www.close-to-home.org.
Polluted water and trash from our gardens, roofs, and streets is now the major source of new pollution in our creeks and San Francisco Bay. The Municipal Regional Permits, on NPDES permits, that spell out how our local governments should try to limit this toxic soup are up for review, with a major hearing at the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board 9 am Tuesday, March 11, in the First Floor Auditorium, Elihu Harris State Office Building, 1515 Clay St., Oakland. If you are interested in advocating on these complex issues, please contact me at f5creeks@aol.com.
Salmon and steelhead are in a bad way due to our pollution, dams, overuse of water, destruction of spawning habitat, and global warming. The 26th annual Salmonid Restoration Federation, March 5-8 in Lodi, features workshops, tours of fish-friendly vineyards, the Cosumnes River Preserve, and all-day field tours of Tuolomne and Stanislaus River restoration and monitoring projects. Information and registration at www.calsalmon.org.
Lobby and learn in Sacramento: Environmental organizations can't afford costly lobbyists. Instead, many have annual days in which citizens visit lawmakers to plead their cause, and also learn details on issues and how to take political action. Two of these days are upcoming:
Weeds Day at the Capitol, urging funds to combat invasive species through regional Weed Management Areas, will be Wednesday, March 12. Volunteers can do a lot against invasives, as we know – but it takes more! Register at www.cal-ipc.org/policy/state/ciwad.php.
Watershed Day at the Capitol will be Thursday, April 10, with a morning of educational meetings about the many agencies trying to coordinate their watershed programs, and visits to legislators in the afternoon. There's a mentor program and tips on doing this. Agenda and registration at
http://www.watershednetwork.org/nodes/programs/watershedday/2008.html.
Oceans and fisheries: The California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) staff and the Department of Fish and Game host a forum to discuss how the OPC should focus on fisheries issues, 1-4:30 pm Wed., Mar. 19, the California State Office Building, 1515 Clay Street, Room 2, Oakland, CA. Information at http://resources.ca.gov/copc/.
Smart growth for Concord Naval Weapons Station: The coming release of much of Concord Naval Weapons Station from military use is a rare opportunity to create a compact, vibrant, eco-friendly community around the Concord BART station while preserving open space on much of the former station, with its wildlife-filled rolling hills. Greenbelt Alliance and the Community Coalition for a Sustainable Corcord host "Envision the Future of the Concord Naval Weapons Station," a meeting with experts on parks, wildlife, plants, and smart growth, along with a visioning tour and tips on how to get involved, 1-3 pm Sat., Mar. 29, Willow Pass Center, 2748 East Olivera Road, Concord. RSVP to Christina Wong, 925-932-7776 or cwong@greenbelt.org.
For teachers:
For professionals or close to it:
The rare California tiger salamander, California red-legged frog, and western pond turtle are the focus of a workshop designed to provide practical training on aquatic survey techniques, Mar. 28-30 at Sonoma State University, including the biology and ecology of these pond users, state and federal regulations, and five field trips. Information and registration at www.lagunafoundation.org, under "News and Events."
Vernal pools are amazing prairie habitats where tiny rare shrimp lead brief wet-season lives while rings of specialized wildflowers bloom in glorious succession. An intensive course in ecology, plant communities, and sampling design for vernal pools will be held April 17-18 at UC Davis and nearby vernal pools. Information at http://www.cnps.org/cnps/education/workshops/workshop_20080325.php.
Thanks for reading! Hope to see you soon,
The California Coastal Commission offers workshops on science activities integrating coastal and marine issues into the California curricumum, with professional growth credit available. The workshops are centered around Waves, Wetlands, and Watersheds, the Commissions guide covering issues ranging from endangered species through, marine debris, coastal geology, and water use. Register by April 10 for the workshop at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, 4-6 pm Tues., Apr. 15. Contact at afrankel@coastal.ca.gov, (415) 597-5888, or (800) Coast4U.
Water Quality Monitoring should be scientifically defensible in order to be effective. Rivital Katznelson, PhD, longtime local consultant, offers a short course in WQ Monitoring Design at UC Berkeley Extension Mar. 5-6, with a hands-on supplement March 7. This course is an elective in Extension’s Certificate Program in California Water Management and Ecosystem Restoration. Information at http://www.unex.berkeley.edu/cat/course1274.html. Enrollment at www.unex.berkeley.edu/enroll
Susan Schwartz