Founder and Lead Volunteer

Herbalist, naturalist and future Master Gardner who spreads her passion for native plants. Identifies and prioritizes restoration work sites in the Hillside Natural Area.

Volunteer

Professor of Law Emeritus and dedicated volunteer who can uproot just about any french broom

Community Comms and Volunteer

Tech program manager by day, wildfire resilience advocate by night!

Kids volunteers

Our younger volunteers have their own way of contributing: tackling broom bigger than they are, dragging surprisingly heavy piles of material, spotting insects and bones, climbing trees, and turning the Hillside into a giant playground for imaginative adventures.

Once a month, the intrepid Weed Warriors from Friends of Five Creeks join us in the Hillside, bringing their expertise, energy, and impressive tolerance for pulling weeds.

Twice a year, in the fall and spring, we’re joined by around 50 UC Berkeley students through the Berkeley Project, bringing a big burst of energy to the Hillside and helping us tackle larger restoration projects.

Many high school students have become regular participants in our work parties, bringing energy, curiosity, and new ideas to the Hillside. We’re now working toward creating a Hillside Club at El Cerrito High School, giving students the opportunity to take on leadership roles and develop their own projects.

Kevin was one of our most dedicated volunteers, coming to nearly every work party, twice a week, and he was also a valued member of our advisory board. Even though he is gone, we still have the feeling that Kevin is somehow part of our work parties, looking over our shoulders, encouraging us, and continuing to be part of what we are building together.