A volunteer-led community group stewarding the Hillside Natural Area in El Cerrito
Events
Join our Summer Parties to help restore and protect our local Hillside Natural Area.
Together we can improve habitat for native plants and wildlife and reduce fire risks while learning more about the amazing ecosystem around us.
Planning to come? We'd appreciate a quick heads-up, even last minute. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions at friendsofthehillside@gmail.com
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Meet up at the bottom of Motorcycle hill, near Snowdon entrance of the Hillside Natural Area.
GPS: 6921 Snowdon ave, El Cerrito
On selected Wednesday evenings from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and weekends (most Saturdays) from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Dates
June: 27
July: 1, 11, 15, 26, 29
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Main Focus: French Broom Removal
French broom is one of the most damaging invasive plants in our area. Help us remove it before it spreads further, crowds out native species and increase fire risks.
Additional Tasks
Experience grass cutting the old-fashioned way with manual weed cutters.
Help rejuvenate coyote brush by trimming away dead branches.
Remove invasive Himalayan blackberry plants by digging out their roots. by the roots to prevent regrowth.
and more!
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All are welcome — whether you're here to work, explore, or simply connect. Come see what the area looks like, learn about our fire reduction and land restoration efforts, or just enjoy the space. Birders and insect enthusiasts are especially encouraged to come assess the meadow while we work.
Kids are especially welcome, with several fun and educational activities available.
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Make as many insect observations as possible.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist and let the community help identify your discoveries.
Every observation contributes valuable information about local biodiversity.scription
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Tools will be provided.
If possible, bring your own gloves, though we will have extras available.
Please bring water and sun protection.
Wear long pants, long sleeves, socks, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. This is tick season, so light-colored clothing is recommended. Pants that can be tucked into socks are best, insect repellent can be helpful, and please be sure to check yourself for ticks afterward.
Poison oak is present in a few areas and will be clearly flagged.
If you have not already done so, please print and sign the City of El Cerrito's Release for the City Volunteer Program. Copies will also be available on site.
What we do
steward the land
Link to the presentation we made to the Forest commitee
The Hillside Natural Area is a biodiversity hotspot, home to hundreds of native plant species and a rich mosaic of plant communities shaped by terrain, orientation, and water. From oak woodlands to coastal grasslands and valleys filled with roses, monkeyflowers, and toyon, this landscape reflects the resilience of California’s native flora. Adapted to the local climate, these plants retain moisture, stabilize soils, support biodiversity, and efficiently sequester carbon.
They are also overwhelmed by invasive vegetation that disrupts the natural balance of the ecosystem.
With informed and active stewardship, this landscape can regenerate, teach, and endure.
reduce fire risk
As a Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI), the park is considered a high fire-risk area—especially due to invasive, highly flammable species like French broom. By prioritizing its removal, we reduce fire risk while creating space for a more fire-resilient native landscape.
This work is carried out in close partnership with the El Cerrito Fire Department.
The 2025 wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades are a stark reminder that similar events could happen in El Cerrito. With limited public resources, community stewardship plays a critical role in protecting our homes and community.
build community
Third spaces are increasingly important. Our weekly work parties are a restorative third space to unplug, destress, and work with our hands. Volunteers connect not only with the earth, but also other volunteers. We are poets, students, retired professors, and tech workers from varying backgrounds.
This is a zero-cost community where you can come and go as your schedule allows. Some of us volunteer weekly, while others join once a year on Earth Day. We accommodate all abilities and ages.
We believe that caring for our community is intrinsically human, and caring for our public spaces should only be outsourced to the government or corporations.
Sign up for our newsletter
We have two newsletters:
Weekly Work Party Updates (sent 1x weekly)
A short weekly email with information about where we’re meeting, when to show up, and what to bring for upcoming volunteer events.
Monthly Impact Newsletter (sent ~1x monthly)
A monthly recap with project progress, stories from the field, fun facts about native plants, and ways to stay involved.
We look forward to connecting with you!