Check it out!...and tell us what you think!

New Green City Calendar

We've been working to make the Green City Calendar easier to use. We are still working out the kinks, so tell us what you like and what is hard to use. We appreciate feedback. The re-designed calendar will soon be directly accessible from our home page, but for now use the link above.

The new calendar format enables you to:

search easily, using your own criteria, and

enter your Bay Area events into the Calendar yourself.

You will also find links to information about the beautiful native plants & animals that comprise the background images in our new calendar layout.

Join nature in the city!

The Green City Calendar at Planet Drum Foundation is a weekly-updated resource to help people find environmental volunteer options, jobs, and greening projects in the Bay Area. Through the variety of hands-on ecosystem restorative work, bike rides, hikes, farmer's markets, classes, workshops, and celebrations listed in this calendar, we can build a symbiotic balance between humanity and the planet, and promote sustainable urban living.

	Events are listed by date and divided into four sections of the Bay Area: San Francisco, Marin/North Bay, East Bay and Peninsula/South Bay.
	There are separate sections for ongoing projects as well as job listings at the end of the calendar. (Job listings are not yet available)

After exploring the comprehensive opportunities in the Green City Calendar, Planet Drum invites you to send us information about ecological events in the Bay Area so that we may print them for others to enjoy.

Green City Calendar at Planet Drum Foundation
P.O. Box 31251
San Francisco, CA 94131,
Shasta Bioregion,
or email: planetdrum@igc.org
fax: 415-285-6563

March 2003

San Francisco

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, March - June
Vegetation Monitoring. Monitor and document the plant species that occur in mission blue butterfly habitat. Learn and review native plant species as you hike the hills of the Marin Headlands. learn plant identification, horticulture and botany. more info: 415-258-2699 x87, e-mail RestorationVolunteers@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/RestorationVolunteers

Saturday, March 1 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. The birds of Crissy Field, Part 1. Participants will learn to identify the different birds of Crissy Field and wing speed of various birds will be compared. Then, participants will go to the Urban Ecology Lab to investigate threats to bird habitats and how building birdbaths can help. Fee $5.00 per person (participants will save $5.00 when registering for Birds 1 and 2). Ages: Families with children 5 and up. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org

Saturday, March 1 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Learn digital editing at Crissy Field Soundscape, part 2, by using Cool Edit 2000, participants will learn to digitize audio, create a session, organize audio files and edit and mix using sound effects. Participants from the Crissy Field Soundscape class can edit their sound recording or work with a library of prerecorded nature sounds, and burn a customized CD of the Crissy Field soundscape to take home. Participants must be familiar with basic computer operations such as browsing and file saving. Teen to adult. Fee $35.00 per person. Participants save $5.00 when registering for parts ! and 2. Preregistration required. Cosponsored by The Nature Sound Sound Society. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org

Saturday, March 1 & Sunday, March 2
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 14th Annual ORCHIDS ON PARADE Spring Show held by the Sonoma County Orchid Society. more info: 707.823.0570, e-mail wildheart@prodigy.net or www.orchidsanfrancisco.com. FEE ..for tickets 707.876.3496

Saturday, March 2 1:00 p.m -3:00 p.m. Lobos Creek from Headwaters to the Pacific. Excursion from Lobos Creek Valley to Baker Beach. This 1/2 mile walk will cover 5,000 years of natural and cultural history. The walk will conclude with a behind the scenes tour of the Presidio's water treatment plant, where it will be shown how water is transformed from creek to tap. Free pre-registration required. Ages: Families with children 10 and up. Cosponsored by the Presidio trust. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org

Saturday, March 8 1:00 p.m -3:30 p.m. The birds of Crissy Field, Part 2-Build a birdbath. Clean, fresh water is sometimes the hardest necessity for birds to find and birdbaths are a way to attract and observe local birds. Participants will create a one-of-a-kind mosaic birdbath to take home. Fee: $15.00 per person (save $5.00 when participants register for Birds 1 and 2). Ages: Families with children ages 5 and up. Pre-registration required. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org

Saturday, March 8 10:00 a.m -12:00 noon. Discover innovative ways to catch winter rainfall for use during dry summer months with Water Systems: Catchment Storage and Use. Ways to diversify water sources and use unclaimed water in gardening and landscaping will be discussed. Fee $15.00. Pre-registration required. Cosponsored by The Nature Sound Sound Society. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org

Sunday, March 9 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.. Watch Gray Whales make their annual pilgrimage from icy northern waters past the California coast to the lagoons of Baja California on this Whale Watching Tour. This tour provides a unique opportunity to travel up the Marin coast by boat to witness the migration. Dress in warm waterproof layers and bring a bag lunch. Plan accordingly for motion sickness. Whale sightings are not guaranteed and event may be cancelled due to rough sea conditions. Cosponsored by the Oceanic Society. $55.00 per person. Preregistration required. Cosponsored by The Nature Sound Sound Society. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org

Sunday, March 11 6:00 p.m. A forum to explore issues of the permanence of public land. Issues associated with the permanence of our heritage lands, the institutions in place to protect them and how we can arrure that land aready set aside is prtected forever will be discussed. San Francisco Public Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco. Free with limited seating. Presented by Defense of Place, a project of Resource Renewal Institute. For more information please call 415.928-3774 or visit defenseofplace.org

Thursday, March 13 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
CALPIRG's 30th Anniversary Celebration. Join in the celebrating 30 years of progress and accomplishments. Help honor and celebrate CALPIRG's staff and alumni and thank their friends and allies. more info: 415.206.9338 or SF30th@calpirg.org

Saturday, March 15 9:00 a.m. Look for rare native plants in McLaren Park. Some of the species that will be sought are native owl's clover, native sorrel and squirrel-tail grass. The group will also find the larval food plants for the federally-listed mission blue butterfly. Also, wet winters encourage man seeds to come out of dormancy. Sponsored by the Yerba Buena Chapter of the Native Plants Society and cosponsored by San Francisco Tomorrow. Meet in the overlook parking lot at the corner of Mansell and Vistacion. The trip will proceed rain or shne, but heavy rain will postpone until March 22, same time. Info; Jake 415.731.3028 or jakesigg@earthlink.net

Saturday, March 15 10 a.m.
San Francisco Ridge Trail Walk 15th Anniversary Outing. Come along for an urban trek on the Ridge Trail loop from the Presidio to Buena Vista Park viewing the city's many treasures. Bring lunch or plan to buy a snack in the Haight. more info: Ridge Trail office 415.561.2595 or www.trailridge.org

Saturday, March 15 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Family Field Trip for Redwoods restoration and renewal. The Redwood Creek Native Plant nursery will lead a guided walk along the Redwood Creek watershed which includes Muir Woods. Meet at the Center; transportation to and from the site provided. Bring a lunch and water and wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty. Rain will cancel the event. Free. Preregistration required. Ages: families with children 10 and up. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org

Saturday, March 15 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Bike from Crissy Field to Hunter's Point while learning about wetland ecology. There will be several stops in which to learn more about the shoreline ecosystem, creeks that used to flow free and the effects of human use over time. Meet at the Center and finish at Pier 98 in Hunter's Point where there will be a tour of the wetland restoration project at Herons Head Park. Cosponsored by Literacy for Environmental Justice and the San Francisco Bike Coalition Ages 16 to adult. Free. Preregistration required. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org

Thursday, March 20 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Environmental Justice and Water Issues program. Members of the the Environmental Justice Coalition for Water will discus how San Francisco and other Bay Area cities receive drinking water and other issues related to water quality. Age: 16-adult. Free. Preregistration required. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org

Saturday, March 22 12:00 p.m.-1:30 Lake Merced Field Biology trek to search for frogs, snakes, lizards and salamanders. The tour will be led by Chris Giomi of Tree Frog Treks and the California Academy of Sciences. For more info; Jessie at 415.621.3260 or jstemmler@sfneighborhoodparks.org

Saturday, March 22 1:00 p.m. Look for wildflowers on Twin Peaks. Wear hiking boots and a windbreaker and see some of San Francisco's best examples of coastland shrub and grassland habitat while enjoying panoramic views. You will also learn about the Recreation and Park's Department's Habitat Restoration Team. Sponsored by the Yerba Buena Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and cosponsored by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department Natural Areas Program. Meet at the south end of the main overlook parking lot near the port-o-potty. For more info; Randy 415.759.7448 or rzebell@sbcglobal.net

Saturday, March 22 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Enjoy an easy 1-mile walk at Crissy Field, your park by the bay, with ranger Susan Robinson learning about the significance and ecological challenges of invasive plants at the Presidio. more info: 415.561.7752 or www.crissyfield.org

Saturday, March 22 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Trip to Bay Model: Dammed if You Do or Don't? Families w/ kids ages 8 and up, visit the Army Corps of Engineers' Bay Model in Sausalito and learn about a past plan to dam up the bay. After touring the 1.5-acre operating hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay, return to the Crissy Field Center to do a little damming of our own watershed model. Then, once you've investigated some of the social and environmental consequences of damming, head into the Media Lab, where you'll hold the future of the bay in your hands. Use animation tools to create your vision for the future on CD ..yours to keep! Pre-registration required. more info: 415.561.7752 or www.crissyfield.org FEE.

Saturday, March 22 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Damselflies and Sticklebacks. Lobos Creek is known for its beauty and for its value as a source of fresh water for the San Franciscans, but not many people know of the critters living in the creek and the variety of plants along its banks. Join two Park Rangers on a guided walk that explores the wonders of Lobos Creek watershed! Families w/ children ages 10 and up. Registration required. more info: 415.561.7752 or www.crissyfield.org

Saturday, March 22 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Soap making and soap history class. The pros and cons of commercial soap vs. vegetable oil based soaps will be discussed and basic soap making process using vegetable oils with essential oils, herbs and natural coloring. Participants will be able to take home a batch. Fee: $20.00 per person. Pre-registration required. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org

Saturday, March 22 hours to be announced. The Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market celebrates the grand opening of the Market at the Ferry Building. The new Farmers' Market promises an expanded and diverse variety of food vendors, farmers and nurseries. 415. 353-5650. www.cuesa.org

Sunday, March 23 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m Sketching Migratory Waterfowl Workshop- Part 1. The first part of the workshop is devoted to sketching migratory waterfowl in their natural settings. Participants will also learn how to identify waterfowl and basic sketching principles will be taught. Fee: $20.00 per person. Pre-registration required. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org Preregistration required.

Sunday, March 23 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Learn to recycle clothing and material in creative ways. Experiment with making them waterproof with acrylic paints. Materials provided. Feel free to bring items from home. Fee: $12.00 per person. Ages: Teen to adult. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org

Thursday, March 27 7:30 p.m. A lecture on the Peregrines of San Francisco County by Dr. Douglas Bell. The Randall Museuam Theater. Sponsored by the Yerba Buena chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Free. 199 Museum Way off Roosevelt Way. Info; Maragaret Goodale 415.554.9604 or Ruth Gravanis 415.585.5304.

Sunday, March 30 12:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Painting Migratory Waterfowl Workshop-Part 2. The second part of the workshop focuses on building on basic waterfowl techniques as well as basic watercolor techniques. Materials provided. Participants encouraged to attend Part 1. Fee $20.00 per person. Crissy Field Center, San Francisco Presidio, Building 603 at the corner of Mason and Halleck Streets. 415.561.7752. www.crissyfield.org

Monday, March 31 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. San Francisco Food Alliance Conference -a conference to build a citywide coalition around a sustainable food system. Presented by San Francisco Food Systems Council and the San Francisco Department of Public Health-Environmental Health Section. San Francisco Civic Center Complex- The State Building (Basement Conference Rooms); 455 Golden Gate Ave. For more information contact Karlene (Nita) Hines at karlene.hines@sfdph.org or call 415.252-3952

East Bay

Tuesdays until March 18
Introduction to Watershed Assessment at Merritt College. Workshop/seminar dealing w/ the functions and processes in watersheds or the drainage basin of a creek or river. Includes Saturday and Sunday field trips to three watersheds. more info: 510.832.3101 e-mail Laurelm@ix.netcom.com or www.peralta.cc.ca.us

Saturday, March 1
Kids in Gardens (K-12) at Bay Point and Highlands Elementary. Learn to design and manage a successful school or classroom garden and how to attract beneficial insects and birds and make worm bins. more info: 510.231.9430 e-mail mary@aoinstitute.org or www.aoinstitute.org

Saturday, March 1 5:30 p.m - 9:30 p.m.
Kings, Queens & Wild Things at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek. An evening of food, fun and gaming surrounded by native California animals! Attend the 3rd Annual Casino Night where people are connected with wildlife. Tickets are $75 donations per person or $125 per couple. more info: 925.935.1978 or www.wildlife-museum.org FEE.

Saturday, March 1
Gardening for Wildlife in various locations in Contra Costa County. Learn to diversify gardens by landscaping w/ California native plants and how it attracts local native wildlife. more info: 510.231.5783 e-mail lisa@aoinstitute.org or www.aoinstitute.org

Sunday, March 2 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The Ohlone Center for Herbal Studies Spring Plant Walk at Huckleberry Preserve. Learn about the medicinal properties of the herbs that grow right in your own back yard! A new batch of gentle and effective healers will be ready to help you w/ sunburn, bee stings and other 'outside problems'. Learn how to recognize and use these plants where you need them most and experience them as living companions in a way simply not possible in a classroom or book. Pre-register. more info: 510.540.8010 or www.ohlonecenter.com FEE.

Saturday, March 8 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Abono B�sico (en Espa�ol)
Basic Composting Class (in Spanish) in Berkeley.
La creaci�n de abonos es c�mo recicla la naturaleza. Es una manera satisfactoria de convertir sus frutas, verduras y la poda de su jard�n en un acondicionador para la tierra oscuro, desmenuzado y de buen olor. more info: 510.548.2220 x233 or http://www.ecologycenter.org/

Saturday, March 8 (through June 1)
The Art of Nature at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek. More than 700 volunteers contribute to 120,000 hours annually working w/ wildlife, conducting tours for visitors and providing educational programs for school children. In addition to their talents as dedicated volunteers, many are outstanding artists. The 4th Annual Volunteer Art Show showcases the work of dozens of artists. Admission is included w/ general museum admission. more info: 925.935.1978 or www.wildlife-museum.org FEE.

Sunday, March 9 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Rockville Hills Wildflower Hike in Solano County.
Quite a worthwhile hike through this hilly wilderness park with its wonderful wildflowers. Leader will bring flower guidebooks. more info: Doris Klein 707.643.4468 dklein@scrserv.com

Sunday, March 9 (through May 1) Bring your children to Predators at Lindsay Wildlife Museum! Eagle Eye, private investigator, needs help. Visitors help solve missing wildlife cases posed in eight vignettes and dioramas through clues, evidence and interactive puzzles. Wanted posters, case files, evidence tags and collectible cards make this exhibit a fun-filled learning experience for the whole family. Predators explores the complex relationships and interdependence of predators and prey. Admission included w/ general museum admission. more info: 925.935.1978 or www.wildlife-museum.org FEE.

Friday, March 14
Refuge System Centennial at Ohlone College in Fremont. Celebrate 100 years of the National Wildlife Refuge System and watch a re-enactment of a 1903 meeting between President Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir. (Hands on) more info: 510.792.0222

Saturday, March 15 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Celebrate 15 years of the Bay Area Ridge Tail hiking through hills with views of the Strait, Mount Diablo, and the rolling grasslands of Solano County. Mid-day snack at Lake Herman. Bring lunch and water, and dress for mud. more info: Doris Klein 707.643.4468 dklein@scrserv.com

Saturday, March 15
Gardening for Wildlife in various locations in Contra Costa County. Learn to diversify gardens by landscaping w/ California native plants and how it attracts local native wildlife. more info: 510.231.5783 e-mail lisa@aoinstitute.org or www.aoinstitute.org

Sunday, March 16 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Biological Illustrations for families. Learn basic drawing techniques at this drop-in workshop by using birds, eggs, nests and feathers from the natural sciences collection. See the exhibitions The Art of Seeing: Nature Revealed Through Illustration and Wild Wings: The Waterfowl Art of Harry Curieux Adamson. Included in museum admission. Oakland Museum of California 10th & Oak Streets, Oakland. 510.238.3402. www.museumca.org

Sunday, March 16 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Canoe trip! Explore the wetlands of Arrowhead Marsh, an oasis of wildlife right in the middle of Oakland. Home to California brown pelicans, burrowing owls, and an outstanding 20 nesting pairs of the rarely seen endangered California clapper rail! As you paddle through this unique habitat, you'll see red-tail hawks, surf scoters, willets, and almost every species of saltwater marsh flora imaginable! Wear closed toe shoes and layered clothing you don't mind dirtying, bring lunch, water, hat and sunscreen. Families w/ kids ages 11 and up. Pre-registration required. more info: 415.561.7752 or www.crissyfield.org FEE.

Sunday, March 23 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The Ohlone Center for Herbal Studies Spring Plant Walk at Grizzly Peak. Learn about the medicinal properties of the herbs that grow right in your own back yard! A new batch of gentle and effective healers will be ready to help you w/ sunburn, bee stings and other 'outside problems'. Learn how to recognize and use these plants where you need them most and experience them as living companions in a way simply not possible in a classroom or book. Pre-register. more info: 510.540.8010 or www.ohlonecenter.com FEE.

Monday, March 24 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Community Gardens Becoming Neighborhood Commons at Berkeley Ecology Center. See Karl Linn's slide presentation showing the self-help creation of community art gardens and the Ohlone Greenway Commons in north Berkeley. Consider the challenges for community gardens to meet the demand for human contact, to be vital neighborhood meeting places, extensions of home territory where people can gather for inspiration and healing as well as interacting casually, as part of their daily routine. more info: Beck 510.548.2220 x233 or http://www.ecologycenter.org/

Saturday, March 29
Gardening for Wildlife in various locations in Contra Costa County. Learn to diversify gardens by landscaping w/ California native plants and how it attracts local native wildlife. more info: 510.231.5783 e-mail lisa@aoinstitute.org or www.aoinstitute.org

Marin/North Bay

Every Tuesday and Wednesday
Monitoring Butterflies. Monitor the success of the endangered mission blue butterfly by walking transects in the hills of the Marin Headlands and recording observations. Learn about wildlife biology and entomology. moreinfo: 415-258-2699 x87, e-mail RestorationVolunteers@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/RestorationVolunteers

Saturday, March 1 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Occidental Arts and Ecology Center is sponsoring The Second Sonoma County School Garden and Farm-to-School Symposium. The Symposium offers workshops on curriculum development, food systems, nutrition, project-based learning, hand-on gardening techniques, and local resources. more info: 707.874.1557 x201 or www.oaec.org

Saturday, March 1 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Whale Watching and Elephant Seal Spotting. Spend a day with renowned naturalist Michael Ellis at the Point Reyes National Seashore Lighthouse for a look at the incredible marine mammals that present themselves this time of year. more info: 415.464.5100 or www.ptreyes.org. FEE.

Saturday, March 8 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Family fun! From Plants to Potions. For centuries, people have relied on nature and the garden for food, health and beauty products, clothing and even art supplies. Bring your child to Point Reyes National Seashore for a day of learning how plants can be used to heal, soothe and energize. For families w/ children 7-12. more info: 415.464.5100 or www.ptreyes.org. FEE.

Saturday, March 8 9:00 a.m. to Sunday, March 9
4:00 p.m. Earth to Art Point Reyes Field Seminar. Earth pigments have been used worldwide since the dawn of culture. The surviving beautiful cave and bark paintings of aboriginal peoples attest to their permanence and durability. Ana Carla Rovetta will show how to make art materials grinding, mixing, and sifting colorful soils. You'll take home chalks, paints, inks and crayons for further experimentation. Accommodations included at the Environmental Education Center. more info: 415.663.1200 or www.ptreyes.org FEE.

Saturday, March 13 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ring Mountain Preserve Nature Hike. Join Ranger Don Grafe on a spring history hike! While hiking this amazing preserve, discuss Marin's Native Inhabitants, the Mexican Land Grantee's, and finally the European settlers to present. More info: 415.507.2816 or www.marinopenspace.org

Thursday, March 27 7:00 p.m. reception, 7:30 talk. A look at the globalized food system. A discussion on the merits of buying locally produced food. Debi Barker, Executive Director of the International Forum on Globalization, will explore the health and enviromental benefits of purchasing locally produced food as well as the benefits to family farms. She will be joined by fourth-generation West Marin rancher Dave Evans who raises grass-fed beef and also Bolinas organic grower Peter Martinelli. There will also be a reception featuring local food. Co-sponsored by the College of Marin Biology Department and Marin Organic. Free. College of Marin, Oakley Hall, corner of Magnolia and Sir Francis Drake.

Sunday, March 30 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The public is invited to tour the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center in Sonoma County. See their organic gardens, which preserve thousands of varieties of rare and endangered food, medicinal, and ornamental plants. Suggested donation of $10. more info: 707.874.1557 x201 or www.oaec.org

Peninsula/South Bay

All month (through to May) 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sustainable Building Tour Come see the newest buildings at Hidden Villa - featuring solar electricity and hot water, a geothermal heat pump, passive solar design, strawbale and rammed earth construction and more. Tour lasts 1 � hours and is not recommended for children under 12. $5/car. more info: Sarah 650-949-8655 e-mail volunteers@hiddenvilla.org or www.hiddenvilla.org FEE.

Sundays, March (to May) 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Watershed Diorama Demonstrations. Drop by the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge any Sunday this Spring for a hands on demonstration of their amazingly detailed and functioning South Bay watershed diorama. It is sure to dazzle and educate visitors of all ages. Learn what a watershed is and see how important our actions are towards maintaining healthy south bay habitats! more info: 408.262.5513 or http://desfbay.fws.gov

Saturday, March 1 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
San Francisquito Creek is the Peninsula's last naturally flowing waterway to the Bay and is home to a native run of the federally threatened Steelhead trout. Help the Watershed Council do some weeding at El Palo Alto Park ..they'll provide snacks and drinks! more info: Katie Pilat 650-962.9876 x305

Saturday, March 1 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Habitat Restoration Program in Santa Cruz. Our program provides an opportunity for people to learn about the natural systems that surround them while helping to restore special, and wild places. No prior work experience is necessary, just show up at the park. We welcome individual volunteers from 8 to 80 years, as well asspecial group projects. Wear comfortable layered clothing, bring something to drink, and lots of enthusiasm! We work rain or shine, but if things get particularly unpleasant, we call it a day. Tools provided; bring gloves. more info: 831.46.-4041 e-mail redwdrn@pacbell.net or http://www.cruzcnps.org/

Saturday, March 1 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Gardening for the Birds at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center. Spring is just about here! That means many of our fine feathered friends who flew south for the winter are back! What do those birds like to eat? Take a look at some good plants for Bay Area gardens that not only attract birds, but do not require watering and will add beauty to your garden. Geared for adults. more info: 408.262.5513 or http://desfbay.fws.gov

Saturday, March 1 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Guided tidepool walk. Explore seashore life exposed at low tide with your Sanctuary intertidal guide. This is an interesting opportunity to examine what lives beneath the coastal waves and how it can act a an indicator of the health of the marine sanctuary. Children welcome. Space is limited. Free. The trip will be co-led by high school students from the Branson School's Intertidal Monitoring Project. Pillar Point, Half Moon Bay. call Amity Wood at 415.561.6625 ext. 312 to RSVP.

Sunday, March 2 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Watershed Watcher Clean-up at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Find out what you can do at home to take care of our planet. Keep pollution out of our waterways, stencil a storm drain, and find out how we connect to the coasts. After working hard to protect the watershed, return to the Environmental Education Center to make your very own Watershed Watcher T-shirt! call for reservations 408.262.5513 x102 more info: 408.262.5513 or http://desfbay.fws.gov

Sunday, March 2 3:30 p.m. - to 5:00 p.m.
Sustainable Building Tour in Los Altos Hills. See the newest buildings at Hidden Villa - featuring solar electricity and hot water, a geothermal heat pump, passive solar design, strawbale construction and more. Tour lasts 1 1/2 hours and is not recommended for children under 12. Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Rd. $5/car. For more info Sarah Slover 650-949-8655 or volunteers@hiddenvilla.org

Monday, March 3 7:30 p.m.
Simply Delicious at Kresge Auditorium, Stanford University, Palo Alto. In 1971, Alice Waters opened Chez Panisse in Berkeley and Frances Moore Lapp� published Diet for a Small Planet, which connects democracy and food. Join them as they converse about the ongoing "Delicious Revolution" they helped launch. more info: http://www.auroraforum.org/

Tuesday, March 4 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Increased amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that have polluted our atmosphere and contribute to a global climate crisis. How will we meet the world's ever growing energy needs in an environmentally sustainable way? Dr. Lynn Orr, Director of the Global Climate and Energy Project Palo Alto, will discuss the current initiatives and reserach endeavors being pursued bythe Global Climate and Energy Project. Registration/Continental Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Hewlett Packard CorporateHeadquarters, Building 20-A, 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto. more info: 1-800-847-7730 or http://www.commonwealthclub.org/sv/ FEE

Thursday, March 6 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Recycled Water Lecture in San Jose. Join Jerry Brown from South Bay Water Recycling for a tour of the recycled water demonstration garden, the Courtyard Garden, and an informative, interactive lecture about the water cycle in the South Bay. Space is limited. Reservations and more info: Education Coordinator 408.298.7657 or email Education@grpg.org

Saturday, March 8 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Spring Compost Giveaway. Atherton, Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Fair Oaks, Menlo Park, San Carlos, & San Mateo "Close the Recycling Loop" by participating in the Spring 2003 Compost Giveaway. In appreciation of resident participation in the curbside yard trimmings program, residents of the cities listed below will be allowed up to 1 cubic yard of compost (equivalent to six full garbage cans), free of charge. Bring shovels, gloves, containers, and proof of residency. more info: http://www.Acterra.org/calendar/

Saturday, March 8 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fungus Fighters in Palo Alto. Join the crew of Fungus Fighters as we work to protect oak trees at Gunn High School. Learn about the special care needed to maintain oak trees from a local certified arborist. Gunn High School. To attend or volunteer, contact Jana Dilley at 650-964-6110. more info: http://www.Acterra.org/calendar/

Saturday, March 8 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Workshop: Making a Difference with Earth-Friendly Choices. San Mateo Polls indicate that most Americans want a healthy environment and wish to better understand the issues, but they don't know what to do that really helps. Gather with kindred spirits to consider concrete suggestions for effective choices. This workshop draws from a variety of respected sources on sustainable living, and also explores some root causes of the current crisis. Invest a day as a gift to yourself, future generations, and Mother Earth. Bring a bag lunch. more info: 650.574.6149 or http://www.smccd.net/cce/ FEE

Saturday, March 8 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Restore Wetland Habitat with Save The Bay Palo Alto Save The Bay and the City of Palo Alto have 10,000 native wetland plants that need to be planted at the mouth of San Francisquito Creek and we'd love your help! This is part of an ongoing native plant project at sites located around the San Francisco Bay. Gloves and tools are provided, dress in layers and bring a water bottle. Please RSVP to Marilyn Latta 510-452-9261 e-mail mlatta@savesfbay.org or http://www.savesfbay.org/

Saturday, March 15 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
San Francisquito Creek is the Peninsula's last naturally flowing waterway to the Bay and is home to a native run of the federally threatened Steelhead trout. Join it's Watershed Council at Georgia Lane for some planting down by the water ..they'll provide snacks and drinks! more info: Katie Pilat 650-962-9876 x305 or KatieP@Acterra.org

Sunday, March 16 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Gardening for the Birds at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center. Spring is just about here! That means many of our fine feathered friends who flew south for the winter are back! What do those birds like to eat? Take a look at some good plants for Bay Area gardens that not only attract birds, but do not require watering and will add beauty to your garden. Geared for adults. more info: 408.262.5513 or http://desfbay.fws.gov

Saturday, March 22 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Watershed Watcher Clean-up at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Find out what you can do at home to take care of our planet. Keep pollution out of our waterways, stencil a storm drain, and find out how we connect to the coasts. After working hard to protect the watershed, return to the Environmental Education Center to make your very own Watershed Watcher T-shirt! call for reservations 408.262.5513 x102 more info: 408.262.5513 or http://desfbay.fws.gov

Sunday, March 30 10:00 a.m. Tour the San Bruno Mountain Ridgeline Trail with Jake Sigg and Doug Allshouse. The trail which is approximately four miles with a steep descend at the end has spectacular views. On the walk, many beautiful exotic and native plants will be observed. The full walk will take six hours, participants are advised to bring a full lunch and plenty of water. Sponsored by the Yerba Buena Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Meet at the parking lot by the San Bruno Mountain Botanical Garden. Inside the entrance to San Bruno Mountain State and County Park, turn right immediately after passing the kiosk and go under Guadalupe Canyon Parkway to the second parking lot. For info; Jake 415.731.3028 or jakesigg@earthlink.net; Doug 415.584.5114 or dougsr@earthlink.net

April 2003

San Francisco

Saturday, April 5 10:00 a.m. Tour the Fort Winfield Scott area of the Presidio. Little of the natural history of this area was thought to have survived until remnant patches of coastal prairie, hidden behind buildings, were recently observed. Park staff will lead a cultural and natural tour of the area. Sponsored by the Yerba Buena chapter of the California Native Plant society, cosponsored by the National Park Service, Presidio Trust and the Golden Gate National Parks Association. Meet at the log cabin on Storey Avenue, off Lincoln Boulevardat the north end of Fort WInfield Scott. Enter the Presidio at 25th Avenue and El Camino Del Mar,follow Lincoln Boulevard toward the Golden Gate Bridge, look for sign "Park Police/Log Cabin/Nursery" at Storey Avenue. For info; Peter 415.759-1369 or petercarolyn@igc.org

Thursday, April 10 7:30 p.m. A lecture on Common Insects and their relatives by Bob Stewart at the Randall Museum Theater. Sponsored by the Yerba Buena chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Free. 199 Museum Way off Roosevelt Way. for info; Margaret Goodale 415.554.9604 or Ruth Gravanis 415.585.5304.

Saturday, April 12 10:00 a.m. Glen Canyon Wildflower Walk. Meet at the Recreation Center. Info; Jean 415.584.8576.

Saturday, April 13 10:00 a.m. Glen Canyon Bird Walk. Meet at the Recreation Center. For info; Jean 415.584.8576.

Thursday, April 25 7:30 pm. A lecture on the 10th Anniversary of Great Blue Herons Nesting in Golden Gate Park by Nancy DeStafanis in the Randall Museum Theater. Free. Sponsored by the Yerba Buena Chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Free. 199 Museum Way off Roosevelt Way. For info; Margaret Goodale 415.554.9604 or Ruth Gravanis 415.585.5304.

Saturday, April 26 10:00 a.m.-12:30 pm. Take a walk around Bayview hill and observe a vast array of wild flowers. Margo Bors (artist, Chapter webmaster and Photo Documentation cochair) and Jon Campo (SF City gardener for Bayview Hill Park) as they discuss the over 140 native plant species in the area. There are several species that are only found in that area. The walk is scheduled in conjunction with the Bayview-Hunters Point wilflower photography show at the Bayview-Waden Branch LibraryPArt of the walk is steep and challenging and wear layers as temperatures can fluctuate. Rain will cancel the walk. Sponsored by the Yerba Buena chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Meet at the gate where Key Avenue enters the park. From Third Street turn east on Key (four blocks south of Paul Avenue) and go two blocks to the gate. For info; Margo 415.824.0471 or mbors@attbi.com

Saturday, April 26 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Corona Heights Wildflower and Insect Walk with local expert Thomas Wang. Meet at the front of the Randall Museum. For info;

Sunday, April 27 - Saturday, May 3
The 14th Annual Go Greenbelt Bay Area Bike Tour winds through some of the most scenic back roads during the peak of wildflower season. The ride is challenging but rewarding. It begins in San Francisco and heads south along Skyline Ridge to Los Gatos. Over the next six days, the riders pedal over the rolling hills of the South Bay, up Mount Hamilton to Livermore, across the Delta to Fairfield, then through wine country in Napa, and finally down the beautiful Sonoma and Marin coast back to San Francisco. the ride raises funds to protect the Bay Area's farmlands and wildlands by stopping sprawl development and promoting smart growth within city boundaries. Limited to 70 riders. more info (registration and sponsoring): http://greenbelt.org/getinvolved/events/

East Bay

All through the month of April (to June 1)
The Art of Nature at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek. More than 700 volunteers contribute to 120,000 hours annually working w/ wildlife, conducting tours for visitors and providing educational programs for school children. In addition to their talents as dedicated volunteers, many are outstanding artists. The 4th Annual Volunteer Art Show showcases the work of dozens of artists. Admission is included w/ general museum admission. more info: 925.935.1978 or www.wildlife-museum.org FEE.

All through the month of April (to May 1) Bring your children to Predators at Lindsay Wildlife Museum! Eagle Eye, private investigator, needs help. Visitors help solve missing wildlife cases posed in eight vignettes and dioramas through clues, evidence and interactive puzzles. Wanted posters, case files, evidence tags and collectible cards make this exhibit a fun-filled learning experience for the whole family. Predators explores the complex relationships and interdependence of predators and prey. Admission included w/ general museum admission. more info: 925.935.1978 or www.wildlife-museum.org FEE.

Saturday, April 12 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Come celebrate Earth Day at The Oakland Zoo! Enjoy live entertainment, Earth stations, interactive exhibits and special activities for children and adults. Learn about animal habitats and what we can do to help preserve them. more info: 510.632.9525 or www.oaklandzoo.org FEE (zoo admission).

Sunday, April 13 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Plant Identification class at the Ohlone Center for Herbal Studies in Berkeley. Led by Autumn Summers, this class is for the novice plant lover. It will cover the basic system of botanical field identification. Students will learn how to identify plants by using a common plant characteristics to group within families. A perfect class to get started in identifying Spring wildflowers around us. more info: 510.540.8010 or www.ohlonecenter.com FEE.

Saturday, April 19 10:00 p.m - 3:00 p.m. Annual Spring Sale of California Native Plants at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden. Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley. Please bring cardboard boxes to carry your purchases. Wildcat Road and South Park Drive. For info; 510.841.8732 or www.nativeplants.org

Saturday, April 19 12:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m. Berkeley Earth Day at the Civic Center Park. There will be a climbing wall, kid’s eco-art making area with East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, vegetarian food and beer, craft and community booths, Berkeley Farmer’s Market Family Farm Day with bike hayrides, and music by Wild Mango and others!! Volunteers needed call 510-530-2105 more info: Karen Hester 510-654-6346 Karen@Hesternet.net

Saturday, April 26 & Sunday, April 27 10:00 a.m.
-5:00 p.m. Spring Festival: Garden Celebrations at Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek. Celebrate the glory of spring! Visitors can learn how to grow healthy, wildlife-friendly gardens. Special topics will include gardens that attract beneficial insects, butterflies and birds, integrated pest management, growing native plants and learning how to garden w/ deer, raccoons and other backyard visitors. Admission is included in general museum admission. more info: 925.935.1978 or www.wildlife-museum.org FEE.

Sunday, April 27 - Saturday, May 3
The 14th Annual Go Greenbelt Bay Area Bike Tour winds through some of the Bay Area's most scenic back roads during the peak of wildflower season. The ride is challenging but rewarding. It begins in San Francisco and heads south along Skyline Ridge to Los Gatos. Over the next six days, the riders pedal over the rolling hills of the South Bay, up Mount Hamilton to Livermore, across the Delta to Fairfield, then through wine country in Napa, and finally down the beautiful Sonoma and Marin coast back to San Francisco. the ride raises funds to protect the Bay Area's farmlands and wildlands by stopping sprawl development and promoting smart growth within city boundaries. Limited to 70 riders. more info (registration and sponsoring): http://greenbelt.org/getinvolved/events/

Marin/North Bay

Saturday, April 5 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stormwater Management at the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC) in Sonoma County. This field workshop will examine low impact surface water management techniques for roads, parking lots, and homes as they are applied on the OAEC site focusing on water harvesting and stormwater management. more info: 707.874.1557 x201 or www.oaec.org FEE.

Saturday, April 12 10:30 a.m - 2:30 p.m. Tour of the historic Nunes Family dairy near the tip of the Point Reyes Peninsula. Identify wildflowers and get a demonstration of the care and feeding of the cow while touring the dairy and watching the milking process. Pre-registration required. $20.00 members/$25.00 non-members. Marin Agriculture Land Trust hikes and tours. Bring water, picnic and wear warm clothes and walking shoes. Meet at the Historic A Ranch, the last dairy on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. before the point Reyes Lighthouse. 415.663-1158.

Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13 9:00 a.m -
5:00 p.m. Spring Plant Sale and Garden Tours at the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC) in Sonoma County. They'll be selling hundreds of open-pollinated, heirloom, and rare varieties -all CA Certified Organic- that have been trialed, tasted and savored for years in their demonstration gardens and kitchen! They'll feature early Spring crops, sages and other interesting perennials, as well as traditional annual and perennial food crops of the Andes. Tours will be at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. $6 donation requested. more info: 707.874.1557 x201 or www.oaec.org

Sunday, April 13 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Little Mountain & Verissimo Hills Nature Hike. Stroll through the hills of the grassy northwestern Novato preserves, overlooking Stafford Lake, w/ Rangers Rich Gibson and Martin Acosta. On this casual sunset hike, talk about history and Open Space management. More info: 415.507.2816 or www.marinopenspace.org

Friday, April 18 - Sunday, April 20
Intentional Communities Course at the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC) in Sonoma County. This comprehensive intro includes practical information on legal, organizational, and financial issues, as well as discussions of community living. Course fee of $300 supports the non-profit center's educational and research activities. more info: 707.874.1557 x201 or www.oaec.org FEE.

Saturday, April 26 7:30 p.m. Slideshow and lecture about Corte Madera's Meadowsweet dairy where the cow shed serves as a studio and exhibition space for an arts collaborative. Historian Dewey Livingston will describe the rise and fall of agriculture in the area. A reception featuring local food follows. Marin Agricultural Land Trust Hikes and Tours. Pre-registration required. Fee: $12.00 members/$15.00 nonmembers. Meet at the Meadowsweet Dairy, 811 Meadowsweet Drive, Corte Madera. 415.663-1158

Sunday, April 27 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Identify songbirds and tour the Gale Ranch and eat grass-fed burgers. Sally Gale will lead a bird walk along Chileno Creek where neo-tropical songbirds will be observed. Mike Gail will later explain his natural beef operation. Lunch will be grass-fed beef burgers. Bring water and snacks and wear walking shoes. Pre-registration required. Meet at the Gale Ranch, 5105 Chileno Valley Road. Fee: $25.00 members/$30.00 nonmembers ($10.00 for children). 415.663.1158.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, March - July
Butterfly Monitoring. Monitor the success of the endangered mission blue butterfly by walking transects in the hills of the Marin Headlands and recording observations. Learn about wildlife biology and entomology. more info: 415-258-2699 x87, e-mail RestorationVolunteers@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/RestorationVolunteers

Pennisula/South Bay

Sunday, April 6 & Sunday, May 4 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sustainable Building Tour Come see the newest buildings at Hidden Villa - featuring solar electricity and hot water, a geothermal heat pump, passive solar design, straw bale and rammed earth construction and more. Tour lasts 1 � hours and is not recommended for children under 12. $5/car. more info: Sarah 650-949-8655 e-mail volunteers@hiddenvilla.org or www.hiddenvilla.org FEE.

Saturday, April 5 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
San Francisquito Creek is the Peninsula's last naturally flowing waterway to the Bay and is home to a native run of the federally threatened Steelhead trout. Join it's Watershed Council at Cow Hill Rill on Los Trancos Creek removing French Broom in a quiet corner of the University few people get to visit. ..snacks and drinks provided. more info: Katie Pilat 650-962-9876 x305 or KatieP@Acterra.org

Saturday, April 19 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
San Francisquito Creek is the Peninsula's last naturally flowing waterway to the Bay and is home to a native run of the federally threatened Steelhead trout. Join it's Watershed Council at El Palo Alto Park for Earth Day Clean Up! ..snacks and drinks provided! more info: Katie Pilat 650-962-9876 x305 or KatieP@Acterra.org

May 2003

San Francisco

Thursday, May 1 5:30 p.m-7:30 p.m. Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Gardens tour of the Arthur Menzies Garden of California Native Plants. Meet at the parking lot behind the County Fair Building before 5:30 p.m. and see the Garden at the height of the Spring bloom. Bring a bag supper and enjoy a communal dinner in the Garden around the stone circle.

Saturday, May 3 10:00 a.m-2:00 p.m. Strybing Arboretum Society Native Plant Sale. The sale includes a large selection of California native plants and new and used books will also be for sale. Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. San Francisco County Fair Building 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way, Golden Gate Park. For info: 415.661.1316 or www.strybing.org

Thursday, May 22 7:30 p.m. A lecture on incredible bats by Patricia Winters at the Randall Museum Theater. Free. Sponsored by the Yerba Buena Chapter of the California Native Plants Society. 199 Museum Way off Roosevelt Way. For info; Margaret Goodale 415.554-9604 or Ruth Gravanis 585.5304.

Saturday, May 24 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tour the Hunter's Point Boulevard Serpantine Outcrop. Last June, the serpantine outcrop west of Hunter's Point Boulevard, across from India Basin Shoreline Park was found to be home to a large number of native plants. A large variety of native wildflowes will be found among the large areas of purple needlegrass. The walk is scheduled in conjuntion with the Bayview-Hunter's Point wilflower photography show at the Bayview-Waden Branchh Library. Sponsored by the Yerba Buena chapter of the California Native Plant Society. Meet at the India Basin Shoreline Park parking lot. Follow Evans Street east off Third Street. When Evans curves to the right and becomes Hunter's Point Boulevard, the India Basin Park parking lot will be on the left. Heavy rain cancels walk. For info; Margo 415.824.0471 or mbors@attbi.com

Saturday, May 24 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. McLaren Park Nature Photography. Spend the morning with award-winning nature and wildlife photographer Jenny Jonak as she provides tips on taking nature photos. For info; Jessie at 415.621.3260 or jstemmler@sfneighborhoodparks.org

East Bay

May 24 (-July 13) Artists for Open Space
Bay Area artists, wishing to honor the beauty of open spaces, sought to find a way to give back artistically and financially to the land they've grown to love. Sales will benefit Lindsay Wildlife Museum's environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation programs. more info:925.935.1978 or www.wildlife-museum.org

Marin/North Bay

Saturday, May 3 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tomales Bay Tule Elk Kayak. Search for Tule Elk while exploring inaccessible areas along the Point Reyes shoreline that lies within the Sanctuary. All levels of Kayakers are invited. Many forms of wildlife such as harbor seals and pelicans will be obseerved. The trip is sponsored by the Farrallones Marine Sanctuary Association. Fee: $85.00 (FSMA members receive a 10% discountFor reservations call Blue Water Kayaking at 415.669.2600 and ask for FSMA sponsored trip.

Tuesday, May 6 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tour the Hog Island Oyster Co. and the Straus Family Dairy. Sample oysters while touring the Hog Island Oyster Co. with owner Michael Watchorn. Then tour the Straus Family's organic dairy at milking time. The dairy will have bio-security protocols in place to protect the animals. Pre-registration required. Marin Agriculture Land Trust Hikes and Tours. Meet at Hog Island Oysters, Hwy One, Marshall (10 miles north of Point Reyes Station). Bring water, picnic and shoes that can get dirty. Fee: $20.00 members/$25.00 non-members.

Tuesday, May 6 (time TBA)
The History, Flora and Fauna of King Moutain Preserve. Joing Ranger Don Grafe and King Mountain Open Space Steward Carl Theolecke for a beautiful two mile hike in Larkspur. On the wonderful loop trail they'll identify the flora and fauna while enjoying the spectacular views of San Pablo Bay, Mt Tam, and Baltimore Canyon. Bring your dogs too (leashed). More info: 415.507.2816 or www.marinopenspace.org

Saturday, May 10 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tour Marin Sun Farms Grass-Fed Beef. Hike with rancher Dave Evans whose cattle eat only fresh grass which leaves the meat hormone free. There will be a talk on cattle grazing and pasture management. Burgers will later be prepared from the pasture-fed beef. Pre-registration reguired. Marin Agricultural Land Trust Kikes and Tours. Meet at Nicasio Reservoir turnout across from Willow Road on the Point-ReyesPetaluma Road (1.5 miles south of Nicasio Valley Road). Bring water and snacks and wear hiking shoes. Fee: $25.00 members/$30.00 non-members. 415.663.1158

Sunday, May 18 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Horse and Bicycle Trivisa Ride and Potluck at Rush Creek Preserve (Novato) w/ Rangers Don Grafe and Karen Kilian and Trails Committe member Al Bauman. While on the ride learn about the preserve, as well as rules , etiquette and opportunities for horse riding and biking on open space. And, before heading back, gather for an informal barbeque/potluck. Could be the start of a great annual event! More info: 415.507.2816 or www.marinopenspace.org

Sunday, May 18 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Ohlone Center for Herbal Studies Spring Plant Walk at Point Reyes. Learn about the medicinal properties of the herbs that grow right in your own back yard! A new batch of gentle and effective healers will be ready to help you w/ sunburn, bee stings and other 'outside problems'. Learn how to recognize and use these plants where you need them most and experience them as living companions in a way simply not possible in a classroom or book. Pre-register. more info: 510.540.8010 or www.ohlonecenter.com FEE.

Thursday, May 29 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tour the Straus Dairy and Creamery. The Straus Family Creamery was the first certified organic dairy west of the Mississippi. The tour will explore the dairy to the farm on Tomales Bay and through the bottling plant on the nearby S/2 Ranch. Participants will be able to sample Straus milk products. The dairy will have bio-security protocols in place to protect the animals. Pre-registration required. Marin Agricultural Land Trust Hikes and Tours. Fee: $20.00 members/$25.00 non-members. Meet at the Millerton Point Parking Lot, 5 miles north of Point Reyes Station. Carpool to farm and creamery. Bring picnic and wear shoes that can get dirty. 415.663.1158

Peninsula/South Bay

Sunday, May 4 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sustainable Building Tour Come see the newest buildings at Hidden Villa - featuring solar electricity and hot water, a geothermal heat pump, passive solar design, strawbale and rammed earth construction and more. Tour lasts 1 � hours and is not recommended for children under 12. $5/car. more info: Sarah 650-949-8655 e-mail volunteers@hiddenvilla.org or www.hiddenvilla.org FEE.

Saturday, May 10 9:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sale of Californai native plants sponsored by theSanta Clara Valley chapter of the California Native Plant Society. CNPS Nursery, Hidden Valley Ranch 26870 Moody Road, Los ALtos Hills (two miles west of Foothill College) For info; 650.941.24866 or gstigall@aol.com

San Francisco - Ongoing

Every Monday 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Boedekker Park needs volunteers to beautify and restore plants. Located at Jones and Ellis in the Tenderloin. Contact Kimberly Duckett at 415.753.7275 or kimberly_duckett@ci.sf.ca.us

Every Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA) sponsors the Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market at Justin Herman Plaza on Embarcadero and Market Street. (Farmers' Market)

Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to help Presidio Park Stewards protect and restore rare native plant habitat in San Francisco's Presidio. Learn about dune and serpentine systems, and resource management challenges and successes within and urban context. more info 415.561.3034 x3034 or 3445 or www.ggnpa.org

Wednesdays 12 noon - 3:00 p.m. California Native Plant Society Native Plant Restoration Team gathers to restore, re-introduce and promote native plants throughout the "wild" City. Contact Jake Sigg 415.731.3028 or jakesigg@earthlink.net (hands-on)

Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Crissy Field Center presents the Parks to People series in which a trained park ranger comes to your site and guides activities such as plant identification. Fee included for the entire program. For more information contact 415.561.4318 (hands on)

Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Presidio Native Plant Nursery. Join the Presidio crew at one of the busiest native plant nurseries in the GGNRA. Help propagate and transplant native plants for habitat restoration projects on the Presidio. more info: 415.561.4830 or www.ggnpa.org

Every Wednesday and Saturday Golden Gate National Recreation Area's Presidio Park Stewards conduct habitat restoration in the Presidio. Call 415.561.3034 ext. 3444 (hands-on)

Every Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of each month 9:00 a.m. - noon Join Friends of Glen Canyon Park in their efforts to restore the native habitat in Glen Canyon Park, followed by a walk in the canyon to view and learn about plants and natural features. Contact Jean Conner 415.584.8576 or Richard Craib 415.648.0862 (hands-on)

Every Wednesday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association invites you to explore the Visitor Center by viewing the life-like mural, touching tide pool creatures and getting involved in protecting the local ocean environment. Contact 415.561.6625 ext.312 or iharrald@Farallones.org. (hands - on)

Thursdays and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The Site Stewardship Program is a group of volunteers who work on plant restoration in 3 priority sites around the city. To join call 415.561.3034 x.3445

Thursdays and Saturdays 10:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m. Visitors at the Crissy Field Center can build working simulations of Eco-systems in the center or take field trips to local natural areas in the People to Parks program. Fee required. Call 415.561.4318 for more information. (hands-on)

2nd Thursday of each month 7:00 p.m. The Randall Museum features non-consecutive natural history lectures and presentations. For more information contact Patrick Schlemmer 415.681.7290 (lecture)

4th Thursday of each month 7:30 p.m. Randall Museum hosts the San Francisco Natural History Series, talks and presentations on San Francisco's natural history. Call Margaret Goodale at 415.554.9604 ext.*861 for more information. (lecture)

Last Thursday of each month 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
(tentative - look for flyers for specific dates/times) Community Morning Breadkfasts. more info: Laura McKaughan at laura@newcollege.edu

Every Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area's Fort Funston Green Team gather at the lovely nursery near the beach to restore the area. more info: George Durgerian 415.239.2366 or www.ggnpa.org

Every Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. CUESA provides a Farmers' Market in the Ferry Building on SF Bay. Each week at 11:00 there is a different presenter on an aspect of organic gardening. For more information call 415.353.5650, contact info@cuesa.org or visit www.ferryplazafarmersmarket.org (Farmers' Market)

Every Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Come to the Bayview Community Farmer's Market on Galvez and 3rd Street. Choose from a variety of organic fruits and vegetables and enjoy local artists, vendors and entertainment. Free to the public. For more information call 415.285.7584 (Farmers' Market)

Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to help Presidio Park Stewards protect and restore rare native plant habitat in San Francisco's Presidio. Learn about dune and serpentine systems, and resource management challenges and successes within and urban context. more info 415.561.3034 x3034 or 3445 or www.ggnpa.org

Every Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon Friends of the Urban Forest sponsor tree planting and native plant restoration throughout the city. They restore a different neighborhood each week. For more information call 415.561.6890

Every Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Presidio Native Plant Nursery. Join the Presidio crew at one of the busiest native plant nurseries in the GGNRA. Help propagate and transplant native plants for habitat restoration projects on the Presidio. more info: 415.561.4830 or www.ggnpa.org

Every other Saturday the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council invites you to hike San Francisco's Crystal Springs Watershed, moderately paced, between 8 and 13 miles. These hikes are extremely popular so RSVP soon at 415.561.2595 (hike)

1st Saturday of each month 9:00 a.m. - noon Buena Vista Park hosts habitat restoration. Contact Brian Hill or Maggie Robbins 415.821.7601 (hands-on)

1st Saturday of each month 1:00 p.m. Friends of Lake Merced gather to clean up and restore habitats. For more information contact Craig and Martha Spriggs at 415.661.1668 (hands-on)

2nd Saturday of each month 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The Friends of Sweeney Ridge provide on-site restoration of beautiful Sweeney Ridge and surrounding Areas. To join call George Durgerian at 415.239.2366

Every other 2nd Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon California Native Plant Society restores the habitat on Bayview Hill. Contact Joe Campo 415.753.7267 (hands-on)

3rd Saturday of each month 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Friends and neighbors of Starr King Park/Potrero Hill gather to restore the native habitat of the hillside. Contact Margo Bors 415.824.0471 or mbors@attbi.com (hands-on)

3rd Saturday of each month 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Join friends and neighbors as they clean-up and restore Orizaba/Shields Hilltop. For more information call Gary Schwantes 415.239.0248 (hands-on)

3rd Saturday of each month 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Habitat Restoration at Brooks Park. Meet at Ransell and Shields St. Contact Peter Vaernet 415.586.1451 (hands-on)

Last Saturday of each month friends and neighbors meet at Corona Heights to plant and restore native plants to the area. Contact Margaret Goodale 415.554.9604 (hands-on)

Every Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Habitat Restoration Team meets at different sites in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to help restore native habitat. Beautiful scenery and rewarding work! more info: 415.561.4848, 415.561.3034 x3426 www.ggnra.org (Carpool rides available from SF Civic Center, call for RSVP)

1st Sunday of each month10:00 a.m. - 12 noon Oak Woodlands Restoration Project sponsors ongoing restoration work. Remove non-native plants and weeds, gather acorns and seeds and plant native plants. Contact Susan Arnesen 415.566.1876 (hands-on)

3rd Sunday of each month 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Bernal Hilltop Native Grassland Restoration Project conducts habitat restoration on top of Bernal Hill. Contact Barbara or Roland Pitschel 415.282.5066 or bpandrp@peoplepc.com To contact the Natural Areas Program for a hike schedule, call 415.753.7266 (hands-on)

4th Sunday of each month 10:00 a.m. Pacifica's Environmental Family meets to clean up and restore Pacifica. To join contact Shirley Suhrer at 650.359.0892

San Francisco: General Ongoing

San Francisco Recreation and Park Department Natural Areas Program meets regularly to restore, clean-up and plant natural areas throughout the City. For more information call Susan at 415.753.7268 (hands-on)

Join Friends of McLaren Park in their efforts to restore the natural areas of the park. Call 415.753.7268 for more information. (hands-on)

Friends of Lake Merced host clean-ups, native plant restoration and lake monitoring. Contact Craig or Martha Spriggs 415.661.1668 (hands-on)

Kite Hill needs restoration! Contact Mary Mitchell for volunteer information at 650.712.9519

The Crissy Field Center leads many informative walking tours, hands-on workshops and lectures. This program also sponsors events for the whole family. Call 415.561.7752 to find out more. Dates and fees vary. If you are a school group and would like a specialized tour or activity, contact Nancy Caplan at 415.561.7763 Environmentally relevant events have been listed.

The Presidio is a marvelous place to explore, and is rich in natural resources. The Crissy Field Center leads free1.5 hour walking tours for seniors around the marsh and fields. Please call 415.561.4317 to make a reservation. (informative walks)

Castro-Duncan Open Space conducts native plant restoration. Contact Dave Thompson or Gloria Koch-Gonzalez 415.821.7601 (hands-on)

Interested in restoring parks in your district? Join the Community Clean Team! This motivated group meets once a month to beautify different areas of the city. To join call Kristin at 415.753.7268

Starting at the beginning of the summer, the Center for Urban Education and Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA) is giving tours and exhibits in which they will impart valuable techniques and strategies in sustainable agriculture. For dates, prices and more information call 415.353.5650 or e-mail info@cuesa.org (classes and workshops)

The Golden Gate National Parks Association is enlisting volunteers to restore habitats, help publish education materials and establish visitor centers. To become a member call 415.561.3000 or visit www.ggnra.org (hands on)

Golden Gate Park Discovery Walks Program Discover the outdoor classroom! The mission of Friends of Recreation & Parks is to promote Golden Gate Park as an outdoor classroom for TEACHERS of all ages in San Francisco. ..making the most of the Park for teaching all subjects. Regularly scheduled Teacher Workshops. On guided walks, guides can help teachers to customize the activities to match what students are learning in the classroom. more info: 415.750.5226

The National Park Service needs volunteers to help restore Crissy Park, the Presidio, Muir Woods, the Marin Headlands and Fort Point. Contact 415.561.4700 or visit www.nps.org (hands on)

The SF Recreation and Park Department is brainstorming new projects and ideas to improve SF's parks and recreation services. Meetings are free and open to the public. To RSVP or find out where your districts meeting is, contact Leslie Bandy at 415.621.3260, Svetlana at 415.831.2769 or lbandy@sfneighborhoodparks.org. (meeting)

The National Park Service would like to plan a new Bay Area park to honor Rosie the Riveter and the WWII Home Front. To find a meeting in your area call Martha Crusios at 510.817.1447, Rick Smith at 510.817.1517 or e-mail RORI_GMP@nps.gov (meeting)

The Rotary Club of SF has just donated $100,000 towards the native restoration of Mount Sutro! Now all they need is a work force. Join enthusiastic volunteers from UCSF in protecting the fragile Mount Sutro ecosystem. For more information call 415.476.3206 (hands-on)

Help restore the Pigeon Point Lighthouse! For more information contact Jeff Parry at 650.879.9238

The Friends of Pine Lake meet often to help conserve its beauty. To join contact Dylan Hayes at 415.759.0101

The Scrounger's Center for Reusable Art Parts seeks volunteers to assist with workshops and sort art materials. For more information call 415.647.1746 or contact scrapsf@mindspring.com

Marin/North Bay - Ongoing

Every Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Tennessee Valley Native Plant Nursery needs volunteers to help grow plants used in restoration projects throughout the Marin Headlands. Mornings in the field, afternoons in the nursery. See why Tennessee Valley is one of the most popular spots at GGNRA! more info: call 415.561.3034

Every Tuesday and Wednesday
Harbor Seal Monitoring. Then go out at your convenience. Monitor the harbor seal population from the cliffs near the Point Bonita Lighthouse. Learn about animal behavior, wildlife and marine biology. moreinfo: 415-258-2699 x87, e-mail RestorationVolunteers@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/RestorationVolunteers

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, March - June
Vegetation Monitoring. Monitor and document the plant species that occur in mission blue butterfly habitat. Learn and review native plant species as you hike the hills of the Marin Headlands. learn plant identification, horticulture and botany. moreinfo: 415-258-2699 x87, e-mail RestorationVolunteers@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/RestorationVolunteers

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, March - July
Monitoring Butterflies. Monitor the success of the endangered mission blue butterfly by walking transects in the hills of the Marin Headlands and recording observations. Learn about wildlife biology and entomology. moreinfo: 415-258-2699 x87, e-mail RestorationVolunteers@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/RestorationVolunteers

Every Tuesday and Wednesday
Invasive Plant Patrol. Search for invasive, non-native plants and document your findings as you hike trails in the Marin Headlands. Learn plant identification (native and non-native), botany, and ecology. moreinfo: 415-258-2699 x87, e-mail RestorationVolunteers@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/RestorationVolunteers

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays by arrangement. Ecological Monitoring & Restoration. Help restore and monitor habitat on the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. Individuals and groups are encouraged to join us in protecting the native plants and animals of Marin County. Activities include invasive plant removal, vegetation monitoring, photomonitoring and GPS mapping. Please call or email to arrange volunteer days. more info: 415-258-2699 x87, e-mail RestorationVolunteers@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/RestorationVolunteers

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (Spring) by arrangement. Rare Plant Monitoring. Due to its unique setting, the Mount Tamalpais Watershed is home to many plants that are found nowhere else in the world. Help find and monitor populations of Marin’s rare, threatened and endangered plant species. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about native plants and witness the wonderful colors of spring wildflowers. Individuals and groups are welcome. Please call or email to arrange volunteer days. more info: 415-258-2699 x87, e-mail RestorationVolunteers@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/RestorationVolunteers

Every Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon
The Rodeo Valley Stewards meet to restore the beautiful and varied habitats of the Marin Headlands. Volunteers help control invasive plants, collect seeds, and learn about the plants and animals that live there. more info: 415.383.4390 or www.ggnpa.org

Every Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Help restore and protect the magnificent redwood forest in the beautiful setting of Muir Woods at its Native Plant Nursery. Learn how to grow and care for the native plants and the techniques used in redwood and riparian restoration. more info: 415.383.4390 or www.ggnpa.org

Every Wednesday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m - 12 noon Golden Gate National Recreation Area's Marin Headland Native Plant Nursery needs volunteers to help with various projects. Call Erin Heimbinder at 415.332.5193 or eheimbinder@ggnra.org (hands-on)

Every Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. is Garden Day at Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. Come garden in one of the oldest certified organic gardens in California! 707.874.1557 ext. 201. www.oaec.org

Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Redwood Creek Stewards. Help restore and protect redwood, riparian, and grassland ecosystems in the Redwood Creek Watershed, home of the endangered Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout. Get your hands dirty while you transplant seedlings, re-vegetate with native plants and/or remove exotic species! more info: 415.383.4390 or www.ggnpa.org

Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Marin Headlands Native Plant Nursery needs volunteer to help propagate native plants while enjoying a view of Rodeo Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. Learn how to sow, transplant, and prune plants for ecological restoration. more info: 415.332.5193 or www.ggnpa.org

3rd Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Mt Tamalpais Watershed Stewards. Protect the many rare, threatened and endangered species of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. Help us restore habitat for native plants and animals by removing invasive plants and restoring creek habitat. Volunteers of all ages, individuals and groups are welcome. more info: 415-258-2699 x87, e-mail RestorationVolunteers@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/RestorationVolunteers

Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 23 - Jan. 31 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Salmon Protection and Watershed Network lead walks to view the Coho salmon spawning. 415.488.0370 ext. 101.

Saturdays, bi-monthly Help protect aquatic life at Point Reyes National Seashore. Join the Stream Team, a fishery-related habitat restoration group responsible for the helath of particular riparian areas within the park. Likely activities include willow plantings, fence repair/construction, non-native plant removal, and general habitat monitoring. Make a positive impact on the coho salmon and steelhead trout populations while volunteering in a beautiful place! more info: 415-258-2699 x87, e-mail RestorationVolunteers@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/RestorationVolunteers

2nd and last Sunday of each month 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Point Reyes offers volunteer opportunities that include: habitat restoration, clean-up and native plant care. Visit http://www.nps.gov/pore/involved/volunteer.htm (hands-on)

Schools on the Watershed. Call or email to schedule. Opportunities for school groups to learn about and help protect Marin County’s natural resources. Teachers are invited to bring their classes to the Mount Tamalpais Watershed for Habitat Restoration Field Trips. Students and teachers will help remove the invasive plants that are displacing native plants and wildlife. While helping restore habitat, school groups will learn about ecology, watersheds, and conservation. more info: 415-258-2699 x87, e-mail RestorationVolunteers@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/RestorationVolunteers

Second Weekend of Every Month
9:30 a.m. - after 12:00 p.m.
Volunteer at Marin County's Open Space District. Plant trees, build trails, repair erosion damage, remove invading exotic plants, clean up new properties, and much more. ...all while having fun and meeting new/interesting people. Improve you life experience and the natural environment. Tools and training provided. Some snacks and drinks and at the day's end a raffle. more info: Leonard Page 415.499.3778 e-mail openspacevolunteers@marin.org or www.marinopenspace.org

Volunteer as Trail/Ranger Assistant
Work side by side w/ a ranger from 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., the same as a regular staff person --construct new trails, maintain water bars, repair tread, control erosion and build trail structures. Other jobs include road pruning, slash pile burning, structure construction and equipment repair work. It's great exercise and an excellent learning opportunity. more info: Leonard Page 415.499.3778 e-mail openspacevolunteers@marin.org or www.marinopenspace.org

Volunteer Habitat Restoration Maintenance
Time is flexible. Set your own schedule.
Maintain wildlife habitat areas --light weeding around seedlings, work w/ drip irrigation systems, water plants in the dry season, and make light repairs to protection structures ..all while enjoying you Open Space Preserves. more info: Leonard Page 415.499.3778 e-mail openspacevolunteers@marin.org or www.marinopenspace.org

Environmental Stewardship Program
Groups or individuals can ADOPT a part of Open Space. If you or your group have a favorite place or trail on District lands, and would like to take an active part in its preservation, you can become a Preserve Steward. As a steward you can set your own schedule, with the support of the Ranger staff for training, materials and advise. more info: Leonard Page 415.499.3778 e-mail openspacevolunteers@marin.org or www.marinopenspace.org

Special Assignment Volunteers w/ Marin County Open Space District Work in the office on the computer, help produce the newsletter or just general office help w/ the volunteer program. Maintain our native plant nursery, improve the facility and assist w/ propagation for future restoration projects. Satisfying work in a quiet and peaceful environment. more info: Leonard Page 415.499.3778 e-mail openspacevolunteers@marin.org or www.marinopenspace.org

Volunteer Mounted Patrol If you own a horse and ride on Open Space, Marin County Open Space District's mounted patrol may be for you. Work w/ ranger staff, help promote proper use of the preserves while on patrol, work on special projects and assist users. This popular group is limited in size, but openings for new members come up from time to time. more info: Leonard Page 415.499.3778 e-mail openspacevolunteers@marin.org or www.marinopenspace.org

Trail Watch Volunteers hike trails, cross country or monitor trailheads observing patterns of trail users, and compile and report information. Some of these volunteers may also be part of our new program that will be monitoring conservation easements. more info: Leonard Page 415.499.3778 e-mail openspacevolunteers@marin.org or www.marinopenspace.org

Marin/North Bay - General Ongoing

The Solar Living Institute in Hopland hosts a variety of workshops on renewable energy, alternative construction, biodiesal, hydrogen fuel and more! Fee required. For more information call 707.744.2017 or visit www.solarliving.org (workshop)

The Marin County Bicycle Coalition leads public bike rides almost every day! For a schedule or to register for a ride, visit www.marincyclists.org or call 415.456.3469 (bike ride)

Gallery Route One is hosting an exhibition and series of events exploring the environmental impact of farms, food and sustainability, from September 15 to October 20. Come enjoy art that nourishes the spirit! Includes over 40 artists displaying their talent in an innovative attempt to join food and ecology. Located at 11101 hwy 1 Point Reyes Station. For more information contact Vickisa at 415.663.1347

East Bay - Ongoing

March 8 - June 1
The Art of Nature at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek. More than 700 volunteers contribute to 120,000 hours annually working w/ wildlife, conducting tours for visitors and providing educational programs for school children. In addition to their talents as dedicated volunteers, many are outstanding artists. The 4th Annual Volunteer Art Show showcases the work of dozens of artists. Admission is included w/ general museum admission. more info: 925.935.1978 or www.wildlife-museum.org FEE.

March 9 - May 1 Bring your children to Predators at Lindsay Wildlife Museum! Eagle Eye, private investigator, needs help. Visitors help solve missing wildlife cases posed in eight vignettes and dioramas through clues, evidence and interactive puzzles. Wanted posters, case files, evidence tags and collectible cards make this exhibit a fun-filled learning experience for the whole family. Predators explores the complex relationships and interdependence of predators and prey. Admission included w/ general museum admission. more info: 925.935.1978 or www.wildlife-museum.org FEE.

May 24 - July 13 Artists for Open Space
Bay Area artists, wishing to honor the beauty of open spaces, sought to find a way to give back artistically and financially to the land they've grown to love. Sales will benefit Lindsay Wildlife Museum's environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation programs. more info:925.935.1978 or www.wildlife-museum.org

Tuesdays (2-7 p.m.) and Saturday (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) The highest percentage of organic produce of Bay Area Farmers' Markets! The Ecology Center sponsors the Berkeley Farmers' Market at Derby St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. on Tuesday and Center St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. on Saturday. 510.548.3333 (Farmers' Market)

Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council sponsors a 15-mile bike ride through Tilden and Wildcat Canyon Regional Parks. An excellent way to get in shape and appreciate the beautiful parks! Meet in front of the North Berkeley BART station. to RSVP contact Roland Vilett at roland@vilett.com or 510.849.9650 (bike ride)

Thursdays 6:15 a.m. Join a group of beginning/intermediate bikers for a 14 mile ride through Lake Chabot Regional Park. Free to the public. Meet at the entrance to the park on Lake Chabot Rd. RSVP David Leath at David@davz2k or 510.468.3582 (bike ride)

Fridays noon - 3:00 p.m. Sustainable Agriculture & Nutrition Education (SANE) hosts organic farming research. Learn the basics of organic farming, deep mulching, permaculture, natural farming, seed saving and processing plus lots more! Call 510.594.4000 ext. 138 for more information. (class)

Every Friday 9:00 a.m. - noon and every Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The California Native Plant Society's Native Here Nursery grows and sells plants native to Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Located in Tilden Park. Volunteers and plant buyers are always welcome. 510.549.0211 (hands-on & store)

Every Saturday 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The East Bay Regional Park District sponsors a free campfire for all ages at Crab Cove. Each has a different environmental theme, such as fish, reptiles and ocean life. Held at the Anthony Chabot campground. Call 510.521.6887 for more information (campfire)

1st Saturday of the month 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon UC plant pathology and entomology experts will diagnose what ails your plant. Located at the Botanical Gardens in Berkeley. Free!

Every 2nd Saturday 9:00 a.m The Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay teaches mountain bike classes followed by a ten-mile group ride through a nearby regional park. Call or e-mail Mike Kowalewski at 925.258.9118 or sothira@aol.com to register.(bike ride)

The 1st and 2nd Sunday of August 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. the East Bay Regional Trails District invites you to hike five of the 20 featured trails to earn a Trails Challenge pin. Hikes will be leisurely paced and lead by a naturalist. Call the Crab Cove Visitor Center at 510.521.6887 for more information. (hikes)

East Bay: General Ongoing

Crow Canyon Institute in San Ramon from time to time has community gardeners who are temporarily unable to take care of their of their plot. If you would be willing to help weed and water, please call Linda Wilgus at 510.820.7471.

The Rotary Nature Center offers various summer day camp programs including: Young Naturalist, Touch the Earth, Counselor in Training, Adventure Camp and Wilderness Skills Workshop. Environmental education programs for ages 6 - adult. 510.238.3739 (workshops)

The Ecology Center in Berkeley hosts a variety of events, classes, lectures, workshops and farmer's markets throughout the city. For volunteer information or event listings call 510.548.2220 or visit www.ecologycenter.org/calendar.html

Christopher Shein of the Ecology Center leads a 9-week permaculture and sustainable gardening class at Merritt College. Shein will also lead a hands-on permaculture class at Wildheart Gardens from September- December 2002. (For more information call Beck Cowles at 510.548.2220) Small fee included. Also, every Friday Shein and his group of volunteers restore habitats and help with organic gardens at various locations around the East Bay. For more information visit the Ecology Center's calendar at ecologycenter.org or call Christopher at 510.594.4000 ext.138 (hands-on)

The Regional Bicycle Advocacy Coalition (REBAC) hosts ongoing, fairly irregular meetings dedicated to bicycle advocacy in the Bay Area. Contact 510.452.1221 or e-mail rebacazu@earthlink.net for more information. (meeting))

East Bay Community Foundation Grants is accepting grant proposals for sustainable community plans throughout the East Bay. Themes cover youth development, human services, health and wellness, arts and culture, the environment and more. For more information call 510.836.3223 or visit www.eastbaycf.org

Do you have an idea for wetlands conservation but no funds to do it? Turner Foundation Grants is accepting protection and restoration project proposals for lakes, rivers, wetlands and aquifers. The Board of Trustees meets four times a year. For more information visit www.turnerfoundation.org

The Bicycle Library seeks volunteers to run a free bicycle workshop in North Oakland. The Bicycle Library provides education, tools, free parts and whole bikes to anyone willing to do their own repairs. To join call 510.496.3464 (hands-on)

The Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek requests volunteers to train to become docents, wildlife rehabilitators, or interpreters to the disabled. Many of these positions require weeks of training, while others required only one or two classes. For more information or a training schedule, call 925.935.1978

East Bay Food Not Bombs needs volunteers to serve a healthy, free vegetarian meal 6 times a week. To join, call 510.644.4187 and attend these free, peaceful gatherings. (hands-on)

Friends of Sausal Creek in Joaquin Miller Park are holding a free tree give-away! If you are interested in taking home Redwoods, Willows or Alders, or if you want to help out in the nursery, contact Karen Paulsell at 510.655.0818 or kpaulsell@pacbell.net

Peninsula/South Bay - Ongoing

February - May 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sustainable Building Tour. Come see the newest buildings at Hidden Villa - featuring solar electricity and hot water, a geothermal heat pump, passive solar design, strawbale and rammed earth construction and more. Tour lasts 1 � hours and is not recommended for children under 12. $5/car. more info: Sarah 650-949-8655 e-mail volunteers@hiddenvilla.org or www.hiddenvilla.org FEE.

Every Saturday except the 1st Saturday of the month the friends and neighbors of San Bruno Mountain invite you to help protect and restore endangered native plants and fragile scrub on the mountain. Contact Mary Petrilli 650.355.6635 or mary@heartofthemountain.com (hands-on)

3rd Saturday of each month Meet at San Pedro Valley County Park, in Pacifica, to get your hands dirty while restoring native habitats and meeting new people. Contact Carolyn Pankow 650.355.7466 (hands-on)

Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 a.m. Join California State Parks, Half Moon Bay State Beach & California Native Plant Society as they remove invasive, non-native plants and restore native plants to the beautiful Half Moon Bay area. Call 650.726.8801 (hands-on)

Every Sunday in December, January and February 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Drop in to the Environmental Education Center in Alviso any Sunday this winter for a hands-on demonstration of their amazingly detailed and functioning South Bay watershed diorama. Learn what a watershed is and see how important our actions are towards maintaining healthy south bay habitats. more info: 510.792.0222 or http://desfbay.fws.gov

Every Sunday 12 noon - 4:30 p.m. Come to the Don Edwards SF Bay/National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center in Alviso to see a fully-functional, dynamic South Bay watershed diorama. Great for kids! For more information call 408.262.5513

2nd Sunday of each month 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Join Friends of San Bruno Mountain at their Botanical Garden. Contact Kathy or Louis Manus 415.584.7320 (hands-on)

4th Sunday of each month 10:00 a.m. Pacifica's Environmental Family gathers to clean-up, restore and respect gorgeous areas of Pacifica. Contact Shirley Suhrer 650.359.0892 (hands-on)

Peninsula/ South Bay: General Ongoing

The Santa Clara Audubon Society needs volunteers to maintain and protect bird habitats and educate the public. Contact Jennifer 408.252.3740 or programs@scvas.org (hands-on)

Are you an amateur naturalist in the South Bay? The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council seeks knowledgeable individuals to lead nature hikes through Santa Clara County. If you are interested contact Garnetta Annable at 408.371.9210 or garnetta_annable@hotmail.com

San Francisquito Creek is the Peninsula's last naturally flowing waterway to the Bay and is home to a native run of the federally threatened Steelhead trout. Volunteers needed at San Francisquito Watershed Council's Native Plant Nursery. Please call Jan or Tex at 650-328-1008.

Join the friends and neighbors of Kite Hill as they conduct clean-ups and native plant restoration. Contact Mary Mitchell 650.712.9519 (hands-on)

Pigeon Point Lighthouse invites all to assist in the clean-up and restoration in and around the lighthouse. Call Jeff Parry 650.879.9238 for more information. (hands-on)

Common Ground in Palo Alto is sponsoring numerous classes throughout the summer. Topics include composting, plant variety, season harvests and other gardening techniques. For registration and fee information call 650.493.6072

Job Listings

San Francisco

Greenbelt Alliance, the San Francisco Bay Area’s regional land conservation and urban planning non-profit organization, is looking for a well-organized, energetic, self-motivated, and capable Office Manager. They offer a supportive work environment, paid health, dental, vacation and sick leave, and an opportunity to help protect the Bay Area's beautifulandscape and build more livable communities. Apply by March 19, 2003. more info: 415.543.6771 or www.greenbelt.org

Larkin Street Youth Services, a shelter for runaway youth ages 18-23 needs a Manager of Older Youth Services and a Program Coordinator. Both positions includes working with middle management and contributing to the overall function of the shelter, although the Program Coordinator will work more closely in counseling the youth, whereas the Manager will oversee the volunteers and interns and will write grants.
Qualifications: excellent writing and verbal skills, as well as 2-3 years experience.
Salary: $45-50K for the Manager, $40K for the Program Coordinator
Deadline: Open until filled
To apply call 415.749.3838, contact jobs@larkinstreetyouth.org or visit www.larkinstreetyouth.org

Marin/North Bay

Marin County Bicycle Coalition is hiring staff.
MCBC will soon be hiring staff members to work at their Fairfax office. Information about the job descriptions and the application process will be posted on the MCBC website. MCBC is an equal opportunity employer. More info: www.marinbike.org

SPAWN, Salmon Protection and Watershed Network, invites you to become a volunteer Naturalist. Learn about Coho Salmon's Life History and How to Share Your Knowledge with Others! Participants are trained in the natural history of Coho and steelhead, the Lagunitas Watershed, and the threats to the species and their habitat. Upon completion of the training, naturalists lead walks to view spawning and migrating salmon in the Lagunitas Watershed, West Marin County and/or occupy viewing stations during the spawning season (November through February) The training includes 2 seminars and 3 field trips. There is a fee for the training, but much of it is refunded if you dedicate 12 hours to educating the public. Scholarships are also available. Call Reuven Walder at SPAWN 415-488-0370 x 102 or email: spawn@igc.org for more information.

East Bay

Crow Canyon Institute in San Ramon will train you to be a tour guide for their children's guided nature tours. If you enjoy being with children and working outdoors this paid position with flexible hours may be right for you. Call them at 510.820.7471 for more information.

The Center for Third World Organizing in Oakland seeks a Communications Director, a motivated individual who will strategize to raise awareness of racial justice issues through marketing and media campaigns.
Qualifications: 4 years of communications experience, understanding of community organizing, written and oral skills
Salary: $40 - $45,000 annually + benefits
Filing Deadline: open until filled
To apply send resume and cover letter that includes communications and racial justice goals to Julie. fax: 510.533.0923 e-mail: jquiroz@ctwo.org phone: 510.533.7583 x.15

The California Labor Federation in Oakland needs a Communications Director to eventually create a communications strategy for labor issues over different kinds of media. Tasks include collaboration with the Media Director and other groups, writing e-mails and brochures, and developing high-tech media presentations to further the goals of the Federation.
Qualifications: strong management skills, computer literacy, familiarity with labor issues and California's political climate.
Salary: $62,641 annually
Filing deadline: open until filled
To apply contact Kirsten Snow Spalding at 510.663.4045 or hiring@calaborfed.org

Peninsula/South Bay

The University of California Santa Cruz is offering an apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture. This intensive training course lasts 6 months, from April to October 2003 and gives participants hands-on experience with greenhouses, gardens, orchards and fields. Tuition required but scholarships available to people of color and/or low -income. For more information call Erin Barnett at 831.459.2321 or contact apprenticeship@cats.ucsc.edu (apprenticeship)

March 2003

San Francisco

East Bay

Marin/North Bay

Peninsula/South Bay

Stay connected with the Planet Drum Circle. Join our email list or become a Planet Drum Member!

Check it out!...and tell us what you think!

The new calendar format enables you to:

You will also find links to information about the beautiful native plants & animals that comprise the background images in our new calendar layout.

Join nature in the city!

Green City Calendar at Planet Drum Foundation P.O. Box 31251 San Francisco, CA 94131, Shasta Bioregion, or email: planetdrum@igc.org fax: 415-285-6563

March 2003

San Francisco

East Bay

Marin/North Bay

Peninsula/South Bay

April 2003

May 2003

San Francisco

East Bay

Marin/North Bay

Peninsula/South Bay

San Francisco: General Ongoing

Marin/North Bay - General Ongoing

East Bay: General Ongoing

Peninsula/ South Bay: General Ongoing

Job Listings

March 2003

April 2003

Ongoing

Job Listings

Green City Calendar at Planet Drum Foundation
P.O. Box 31251
San Francisco, CA 94131,
Shasta Bioregion,
or email: planetdrum@igc.org
fax: 415-285-6563