There will be a CREEC seed collecting hike this Sunday 11/8 from 10 AM-12:30 PM.
We will be hiking up Dutra Road to the Muir Land Trust Sky Ranch Preserve. Dutra Road runs south off of Franklin Canyon Road between McHarry Ranch Road and Alhambra Avenue. Meet 1/2 block off of FC Rd along Dutra road. Carpool if you can, as parking is severely limited.
I hope to see you there.
Dean
We invite you to come and paint your flower creation on the side of the shed at the greenhouse. All ages are welcome. Visit our greenhouse at the foot of Port Street across the lot from the Nantucket Fish Co. Saturdays from 10-4, or by appointment. Call Jen at 510 787-3282.
We are putting a new brick patio in at our greenhouse. You can support this effort and be acknowledged too. Anyone that donates $100 or more to CREEC (a tax deductible contribution of course) can have their name engraved on one of the bricks in the patio. For more information, please call Jen at 510 787-3282 or visit our greenhouse Saturdays 10am - 2pm.
We will be having our first spring hikes on the dates listed below:
About our hikes:
Join Bay Area botanist Dean Kelch and the CREEC crew for exploration of our East Bay natural habitats.
These leisurely hikes will consist of collecting California native plant seeds and cuttings for propagation at the Carquinez Horticultural Center, a Non-Profit Nursery in Crockett.
Hikes are recommended for adults and older children alike. Some of these areas have rather steep sections, but all have good paths.
The wildflower, tree, and grass seed collected on these excursions will be used in restoration efforts in our local watersheds. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and an enjoyment of nature.
Sunday May 24, 2009 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Ozol (Carquinez Regional Shoreline)
This is a nice hike with two species of milkweed to see and beautiful views of the Strait. Drive west from Martinez along Carquinez Vista Dr and park 100 meters before the gate that blocks the road.
Saturday May 30, 2009 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Pinole Valley Park
This is a rather steep hill climb along a good path with some spectacular views. We always find a lot of good cuttings in this site. Meet at the small parking lot off of Pinole Valley Road next to the dog park area.
Sunday May 31, 2009 10 AM 12:30 PM
Crockett, 5th St Prairie
Meet at the top of 5th St in Crockett to visit this pocket bunchgrass prairie and the surrounding area.
Sunday June 7, 2009 10 AM 12:30 PM
Bull Valley Prairie
Meet at the lower Parking lot at Bull Valley Staging Area between Crockett and Port Costa for this hike along the Strait.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Dean
We will be having our first spring hikes on the dates listed below:
Sunday March 15, 2009 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Pinole Valley Park
This is a rather steep hill climb along a good path with some spectacular views of the Bay. We always find a lot of good cuttings in this site. Meet at the small parking lot off of Pinole Valley Road next to the dog park area.
Friday March 20, 2009 1 PM - 3 PM
Ozol (Carquinez Regional Shoreline)
This is a nice hike with ceanothus and toothwort. Drive west from
Martinez along Carquinez Vista Dr and park right before the gate that blocks the road.
About our hikes
Join Bay Area botanist Dean Kelch and the CREEC crew for exploration of our
East Bay natural habitats.
These leisurely hikes will consist of collecting California native plant seedsand cuttings for propagation at the Carquinez
Horticultural Center, a Non Profit Nursery in Crockett.
Hikes are recommended for adults and older children alike. Dr. Kelch gives a
great tour of creeks and explains in detail the uses of various plants and why they are important to our watersheds. Some of these areas are rather steep, but all have good paths.
The wildflower, tree, and grass seed collected on these excursions will be used in restoration efforts in our local watersheds. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and an enjoyment of
nature.
On January 4th Congressman George Miller attended John Swett High School’s Water and the Environment class. Science teacher, Meilin Duncan, has been working with CREEC staff and her students to do some restoration work on Edwards Creek behind the high school football field. Congressman Miller joined the group to help plant some Coast Live Oaks on the site. Although it was raining, a dozen trees were planted. In 1997 during the first year of the CREEC Youth Group, the participants did restoration work on the same site funded by California EPA and Coastal Conservancy grants. Since that time, the ivy has reinvaded and Meilin’s students are working to remove it to make room for native plants, which have been propagated at CREEC’s greenhouse. The good new is that many of the trees and plants from 1997 are thriving. The students also plan to plant a butterfly garden in the sunny area near the fence.