Wednesday, Sept. 23rd, 5–7 PM
Meet-up: Easement on Kent Drive (8360 Kent Drive, El Cerrito)
We'll keep chipping away at the broom patch we've been tackling over the past few work parties. There will also be a chance to remove Pride of Madeira (yes, it's beautiful, and yes, it's still invasive!) and do some lighter weeding of periwinkle and English ivy.
About the site: south-facing oak woodland with low-growing poison oak.
Sunday, Sept. 27th, 10 AM–12 PM: two activities, two locations
1. Broom and Pride of Madeira removal with Christian (more of a workout)
Meet-up: South entrance of Regency Court (1531 Regency Court, El Cerrito)
About the site: south-facing oak woodland with low-growing poison oak.
2. Fennel hunt and insect observation with Audrey (kid-friendly)
Meet-up: King Entrance (1203 King Ct, El Cerrito)
Parking: Space is limited at the entrance. You can also park near the recycling center and walk up the hill (about a 15-minute hike).
We'll be cutting the heads of invasive fennel (and learn what to do with it), which has flourished this year, and checking each plant for insects before we cut. Fennel is both a "bad" and a "good" plant: anise swallowtail caterpillars love it, and it seems some native bees do too. The problem is that it can take over an entire area and crowd out native biodiversity. Happy to dig into this topic more with anyone who's curious!
About the site: along the trail above the quarry. No poison oak, and a stunning view of the Bay.2A group of 4-H kids will be joining us, and other kids are very welcome too!