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Greeting our backyard visitors
This flock of Lesser Goldfinches (Spinus psaltria) were spotted by Conservancy member Nancy Mueller on Gravatt Drive on Apr. 8th. "I've never seen that before. They were around the corner from me, up the street. I couldn't believe it. There were four in one tree at one time. There had been 5 but the fifth flew away." (Photo and story by Nancy Mueller)
You can visit All About Birds to learn more about these tiny goldfinches and listen to their calls.
Also visit Kay Loughman's wildlife website to see what other birds are spotted in the canyon.
Moving forward
An East Bay region-wide approach to wildfire prevention got off to a great start. On Monday, elected officials and fire chiefs from Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the cities of Berkeley, El Cerrito, Oakland, Richmond, and the Rodeo-Hercules Fire District gathered to launch a Wildfire Prevention Coordinating Group. Working under a MOU, the Group intends to jointly plan and execute programs to manage vegetation and make area homes and property safer. Hayward, Pinole, and the Kensington Fire District will join shortly. Berkeley Councilmember Susan Wengraf and Oakland Councilmember Janani Ramachandran will serve as chair and Vice Chair. (Panoramic photo of a hike in the Canyon. Photo by Marilyn Goldhaber)
Such a fun spring treat!
Conservancy member Dave Quady led our spring birdwalk on a gorgeous, sunny morning on April 28th in Claremont Canyon. Our enthusiastic birding group gathered at 7a.m. ready to identify resident and neotropical migrant birds. Using Merlin App's Sound ID feature, we identified 30 bird species and also saw many of them. There were two, first of the season, Western Tanagers in the tops of adjacent tall, bare trees at a distance. If they hadn't been vocalizing, we might not have noticed them. The guests were all very knowledgeable, I had the most to learn, and saw a lot of new birds for me. It was quite a thrill! (Dave Quady to the far left next to some of the amazing guests who attended the bird walk. Photo and story by Nancy Mueller)
Controlled burning
On Wednesday, April 10th, the East Bay Regional Park District conducted a controlled burn in the Upper Stonewall area of Claremont Canyon on their park district property, in an effort to mitigate wildfire risks in the Oakland Hills. As stated by the Park District, "[...]30 dedicated fire personnel are actively engaged in pile-burning operations within Claremont Canyon. The Park District's comprehensive fuels management and fire prevention strategy prioritizes removal of hazardous fuels and community safety." (Photo courtesy of the East Bay Regional Park District)You can read more details and watch a short video here.
A shout-out to all volunteers!
The Garber Park Stewards celebrated Earth Day with 20+ volunteers from UC's Cal Habitat Club and HF&H Consultants. The groups participated in trail restoration, invasive plant removal, cutting up and hauling larger tree branches, and finished the day with a relaxing plant walk led by CNPS member Janet Gawthrop. The stewards were able to fill a large green waste bin with debris which will help make Garber Park more fire-safe. If you're interested in volunteering tour our events page on our website for more opportunities. (Photo of three HF&F Consultants' volunteers by Ruby J. Soto Cardona)
All levels are welcome! Wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers and bring your favorite water bottle. Tools and gloves are provided.
Visit this 13-acre park and help restore its native wild habitat (we meet year-round). Meet at the Fireplacebelow the Evergreen Lane entrance (Map). For more informationor questionscontactWyllie.
Join us at Signpost 29for a day of restoration (1.5 miles up Claremont from the intersection of Ashby/Tunnel Rd.) aswe work to restore and maintain pathways, remove invasive broom and collect litter. More information Here. Questions? Contact us at info@claremontcanyon.org.
Help restore native plants and maintain a popular trail! Weed invasive plants, plant seeds, and-if it comes to it-water native seedlings. Located in the small side canyon just north of Claremont Canyon, which is above the Clark Kerr campus. No prior experience needed. Gloves and tools are provided.
Please contact Jim Rosenau or call at (510) 845-0106.
Join the Grizzly Peak cleanup volunteer days! Everyone is welcome. If you have rock climbing skills sign up as they are in need of people to help clean on the steeper parts of the hills.
We would love to hear from our members and others who are out hiking or otherwise observing nature in the canyon. Send us your pictures at info@claremontcanyon.org and we will feature one each month.
(Photo by Nancy Mueller: Brefeldia maxima also known as Tapioca slime mold found in Claremont Canyon near Signpost 29.)Visit Kay Loughman's website for more fungi photos and wildlife in the Canyon. Share this newsletter with your friends: Do you have a friend who would appreciate receiving our monthly email newsletter? You can easily add new recipients to our mailing list by going here.
(The photo above was taken by Halle Stecker while walking her neighbor's dog, Starlight, up the steep part of the Stonewall-Panoramic Ridge Trail.)
Trails are open
All trails are open and accessible throughout Claremont Canyon. For maps and complete information on trails click here. You can also take a guided tour here. Please stay safe and take all items and pet waste out with you.
