The cities of El Cerrito the Albany were awarded a grant from the State Coastal Conservancy to implement wildfire resilience demonstration projects to reduce wildfire hazards, steward natural areas, and reuse wood.  The City of El Cerrito plans to use the $510,000 to remove hazardous eucalyptus and invasives trees in the Hillside Natural Area (Quarry Hill) followed by habitat restoration.  As part of the grant, the cities are collaborating to host two milling demonstrations and two community workdays. ‍ ‍

The public from both cities are invited to all 4 events and the first session “Talk, Walk, and Volunteering” will be held on Saturday, April 11th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 pm at the Albany Hill Taft Street turnaround.  Participants will learn about fire resilient habitats and have the opportunity to do some hands-on work.  All ages are welcome.  Question can be addressed to Stephen Prée in the City’s Operations + Environmental Services Division at spree@ci.el-cerrito.ca or (510) 559-7685.‍

Goals

• Learn about the native and invasive plants in the grasslands on the crest of Albany Hill and how they affect fire.

• Learn how Albany is mitigating fire hazards on Albany Hill and plans for managing Eucalyptus and for habitat restoration.

• Pull some invasive plants!

For Friends of the Hillside, this is a valuable opportunity to learn from Albany’s dedicated steward, Margot Cunningham, and to deepen our understanding of our neighboring landscape. More info