Upcoming Forum & Watershed-related Events in Contra Costa County
BioBlitz Hike 11 - All Things That Begin with B and Beyond
From California State Parks and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association:
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
11/20/24
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join us in Mount Diablo State Park’s stunning Mitchell Canyon on an exploration for All That Begin with B and Beyond – birds, butterflies, blooms and more! We'll hike for about 3 to 4 miles with little elevation gain and enjoy nature's beautiful display along the way.
Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them. We ask participants who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to please wear a mask.
Presented by California State Parks
Limited to 15 participants. Contact for information/reservations at onesuperhiker@aol.com
Fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change only. Payable at the entrance to the Park by the stop sign.
Leader(s): Daniel Fitzgerald, Naturalist
More info here: https://www.mdia.org/Events/bioblitz-hike-11--all-things-that-begin-with-b-and-beyond
Save Mount Diablo’s Annual Mary Bowerman Science and Research Colloquium
From Save Mount Diablo:
Please join us for this year’s colloquium on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 8:30 AM to noon!
Sign up for the colloquium at the David Brower Center in Berkeley (also includes a light lunch from 12 to 12:30 PM).
In addition to supporting research on and around the mountain by offering small grant awards, the goal of the Mary Bowerman Science and Research program is to share valuable findings and management implications for natural resources in the Diablo Range with the public.
To this end, every December Save Mount Diablo hosts a Mary Bowerman Science and Research colloquium, in which grant recipients and other researchers working on Mount Diablo and in the Diablo Range present their findings.
This event informs other scientists, researchers, and interested public attendees about ongoing projects and discoveries in the Diablo Range.
It’s our hope that the stories and findings emanating from the Mary Bowerman Science and Research grant program will reach new audiences, spark interest in the community, and inspire more visitors and researchers to Mount Diablo and the Diablo Range.
Giving Natives a Chance Planting Event
Join the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, and The Restoration Trust for a fun morning outdoors, planting native grasses with other community members!
Giving Natives a Chance is an event where we plant native plant species along the creek banks of the Clayton Valley Drain and remove invasive species to help balance the local ecosystem.
Event Details:
Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
No experience is required.
Tools are provided.
This event fulfills community service requirements.
Activities include planting, picking up trash, and removing invasive plants.
What to bring:
Clothes that can get dirty
Long pants
Closed toed shoes
Sun protection
Water bottle
Gardening gloves
Small garden trowel
Register for the event on Eventbrite!
BioBlitz Hike 12 - All Things That Begin with B and Beyond
From California State Parks and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association:
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
12/18/24
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join us in Mount Diablo State Park’s stunning Mitchell Canyon on an exploration for All That Begin with B and Beyond – birds, butterflies, blooms and more! We'll hike for about 3 to 4 miles with little elevation gain and enjoy nature's beautiful display along the way.
Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them. We ask participants who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to please wear a mask.
Presented by California State Parks
Limited to 15 participants. Contact for information/reservations at onesuperhiker@aol.com
Fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change only. Payable at the entrance to the Park by the stop sign.
Leader(s): Daniel Fitzgerald, Naturalist
More info here: https://www.mdia.org/Events/bioblitz-hike-12--all-things-that-begin-with-b-and-beyond
Contra Costa Watershed Forum Meeting
Forum meetings are open to the public and take place on Zoom. To receive meeting invites, please add your email address to the Forum email list by filling out the form at the bottom of this webpage.
BioBlitz Hike 10 - All Things That Begin with B and Beyond
From California State Parks and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association:
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
10/23/24
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join us in Mount Diablo State Park’s stunning Mitchell Canyon on an exploration for All That Begin with B and Beyond – birds, butterflies, blooms and more! We'll hike for about 3 to 4 miles with little elevation gain and enjoy nature's beautiful display along the way.
Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them. We ask participants who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to please wear a mask.
Presented by California State Parks
Limited to 15 participants. Contact for information/reservations at onesuperhiker@aol.com
Fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change only. Payable at the entrance to the Park by the stop sign.
Leader(s): Daniel Fitzgerald, Naturalist
More info here: https://www.mdia.org/Events/bioblitz-hike-10---all-things-that-begin-with-b-and-beyond
Grayson Creek Cleanup
Join The Watershed Project, the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, and volunteers from Friends of Pleasant Hill Creeks for a creek cleanup. Grayson Creek is home to more than 100 bird species and also provides habitat for river otters, western pond turtles, and even beavers! Help protect this important community resource by removing trash from the creek banks.
Dress appropriately for outdoor work. Wear long sleeves and long pants, sturdy shoes, and wear sun protection (hat and/or sunscreen). All cleanup supplies, water, and light refreshments will be provided. Please bring a reusable water bottle and your own gloves if you have them.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. All volunteers under 18 years old must have parental permission to participate or be accompanied by an adult.
Contact Paula White at paula@thewatershedproject.org for more information.
Register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grayson-creek-cleanup-tickets-1027182670017?aff=oddtdtcreator
Sibley Volcanic Regional Park: Invasive Plant Removal
From East Bay Regional Park District:
Sibley Volcanic Regional Park: Invasive Plant Removal Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
Native plants and animals need native habitats to thrive! Join us to remove some of the more problematic species to ensure the welfare of species native to the Bay Area.
Please register individuals here: https://apply.ebparks.org/custom/501/opp_details/2033
If you would like to bring a group, please call (510)544-2229 to ensure there is space.
Age Restrictions: Youth ages 13-18 must have a signed permission by parent or legal guardian. No youth under the age of 13 allowed for this opportunity.
Description: We need your help with invasive plant removal and grassland restoration work.
What to Bring: water bottle, gloves, and PPE.
What is Provided: Necessary tools.
Weather: Heavy rain or unsafe wildfire smoke conditions cancel the program. Please wear layers as Bay Area weather can be unpredictable.
Contra Costa Water District Treatment Plant Tour
From Contra Costa Water District:
“We have three upcoming tours of our Bollman Water Treatment Plant in Concord scheduled over the coming months, providing a unique opportunity for CCWD customers to learn more about their public water system. Join us to go behind the scenes at one of our state-of-the-art facilities and talk to some of our team members who are instrumental in ensuring safe, clean, and reliable water service and delivery around the clock for our community.
In addition to going in-depth on the water treatment process, participants in our 1.5-hour tour will learn about CCWD's water distribution system, water quality control process, and how CCWD employees work 24/7 to guarantee our water is there when you need it.”
Register for the October 5th tour here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ralph-d-bollman-water-treatment-plant-tour-tickets-943693932957
October 2024 Naturehood Webinar | Garden Guardians: Pest Management for California Native Plants
From the California Native Plant Society:
October 2024 Naturehood Webinar | Garden Guardians: Pest Management for California Native Plants
Date:
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Time:
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
How can you prevent plant pathogens from invading your landscape? What are the best ways to scout for pests? What should you look for when buying new plants to keep your garden healthy? What are the latest trends in California forest tree diseases?
Join experts from the Phytophthoras in Native Habitats Work Group and the CNPS Healthy Habitats and Nurseries Committee to learn how to protect California native plants from disease. Featured speakers include Janice Alexander (UC Cooperative Extension, Marin County), Shannon Lynch (UC Davis, Department of Plant Pathology), and Diana Benner (The Watershed Nursery).
BioBlitz Hike 9 - All Things That Begin with B and Beyond
From California State Parks and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association:
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
9/18/24
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Join us in Mount Diablo State Park’s stunning Mitchell Canyon on an exploration for All That Begin with B and Beyond – birds, butterflies, blooms and more! We'll hike for about 3 to 4 miles with little elevation gain and enjoy nature's beautiful display along the way.
Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them. We ask participants who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to please wear a mask.
Presented by California State Parks
Limited to 15 participants. Contact for information/reservations at onesuperhiker@aol.com
Fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change only. Payable at the entrance to the Park by the stop sign.
Leader(s): Daniel Fitzgerald, Naturalist
More info here: https://www.mdia.org/Events/bioblitz-hike-9--all-things-that-begin-with-b-and-beyond
Contra Costa Water District Treatment Plant Tour
From Contra Costa Water District:
“We have three upcoming tours of our Bollman Water Treatment Plant in Concord scheduled over the coming months, providing a unique opportunity for CCWD customers to learn more about their public water system. Join us to go behind the scenes at one of our state-of-the-art facilities and talk to some of our team members who are instrumental in ensuring safe, clean, and reliable water service and delivery around the clock for our community.
In addition to going in-depth on the water treatment process, participants in our 1.5-hour tour will learn about CCWD's water distribution system, water quality control process, and how CCWD employees work 24/7 to guarantee our water is there when you need it.”
Register for the September 17th tour here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ralph-d-bollman-water-treatment-plant-tour-tickets-943690221857
Sibley Volcanic Regional Park: Invasive Plant Removal
From East Bay Regional Park District:
Sibley Volcanic Regional Park: Invasive Plant Removal Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
Native plants and animals need native habitats to thrive! Join us to remove some of the more problematic species to ensure the welfare of species native to the Bay Area.
Please register individuals here: https://apply.ebparks.org/custom/501/opp_details/2033
If you would like to bring a group, please call (510)544-2229 to ensure there is space.
Age Restrictions: Youth ages 13-18 must have a signed permission by parent or legal guardian. No youth under the age of 13 allowed for this opportunity.
Description: We need your help with invasive plant removal and grassland restoration work.
What to Bring: water bottle, gloves, and PPE.
What is Provided: Necessary tools.
Weather: Heavy rain or unsafe wildfire smoke conditions cancel the program. Please wear layers as Bay Area weather can be unpredictable.
Contra Costa Watershed Forum Meeting
Forum meetings are open to the public and take place on Zoom. To receive meeting invites, please add your email address to the Forum email list by filling out the form at the bottom of this webpage.
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline: Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration
From East Bay Regional Park District:
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline: Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Monarch Habitat Restoration projects!
Address: Atlas Parking Area, Atlas Road, Richmond, CA 94806
Contact Info: Point Pinole Operations (510) 544-3063
Point Pinole Staff have been working to enhance monarch butterfly overwintering habitat and pollinator foraging grassland/shrubland habitat in a grove historically occupied by monarch butterflies. Join us to maintain this important habitat for overwintering Monarch Butterflies!
Please meet Park Staff at the Atlas Parking Lot.
What to Bring: water bottle, gloves, and PPE.
What is Provided: Necessary tools.
Weather: Heavy rain or unsafe wildfire smoke conditions cancel the program. Please wear layers as Bay Area weather can be unpredictable.
Sign up by selecting this event on the EBRPD’s event calendar.
BioBlitz Hike 8 - All Things That Begin with B and Beyond
From California State Parks and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association:
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
8/21/24
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Join us in Mount Diablo State Park’s stunning Mitchell Canyon on an exploration for All That Begin with B and Beyond – birds, butterflies, blooms and more! We'll hike for about 3 to 4 miles with little elevation gain and enjoy nature's beautiful display along the way.
Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them. We ask participants who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to please wear a mask.
Presented by California State Parks
Limited to 15 participants. Contact for information/reservations at onesuperhiker@aol.com
Fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change only. Payable at the entrance to the Park by the stop sign.
Leader(s): Daniel Fitzgerald, Naturalist
More info here: https://www.mdia.org/Events/bioblitz-hike-8---all-things-that-begin-with-b-and-beyond
Contra Costa Water District Treatment Plant Tour
From Contra Costa Water District:
“We have three upcoming tours of our Bollman Water Treatment Plant in Concord scheduled over the coming months, providing a unique opportunity for CCWD customers to learn more about their public water system. Join us to go behind the scenes at one of our state-of-the-art facilities and talk to some of our team members who are instrumental in ensuring safe, clean, and reliable water service and delivery around the clock for our community.
In addition to going in-depth on the water treatment process, participants in our 1.5-hour tour will learn about CCWD's water distribution system, water quality control process, and how CCWD employees work 24/7 to guarantee our water is there when you need it.”
Register for the August 15th tour here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ralph-d-bollman-water-treatment-plant-tour-tickets-942526491107
Sibley Volcanic Regional Park: Invasive Plant Removal
From East Bay Regional Park District:
Sibley Volcanic Regional Park: Invasive Plant Removal Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
Native plants and animals need native habitats to thrive! Join us to remove some of the more problematic species to ensure the welfare of species native to the Bay Area.
Please register individuals here: https://apply.ebparks.org/custom/501/opp_details/2033
If you would like to bring a group, please call (510)544-2229 to ensure there is space.
Age Restrictions: Youth ages 13-18 must have a signed permission by parent or legal guardian. No youth under the age of 13 allowed for this opportunity.
Description: We need your help with invasive plant removal and grassland restoration work.
What to Bring: water bottle, gloves, and PPE.
What is Provided: Necessary tools.
Weather: Heavy rain or unsafe wildfire smoke conditions cancel the program. Please wear layers as Bay Area weather can be unpredictable.
Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed (FoMCW) Oakley Creekside Park Restoration Tour
Join the FoMCW, Restoration Design Group (RDG), and American Rivers for an educational and fun morning at Oakley Creekside Park! We will learn about the restoration projects on Marsh Creek, Phase I of the Oakley Creekside Park Restoration Project, have a creek walk to look for our native animals and plants, take a tour of the new restoration project area, and have an open table with related activities.
Please RSVP for the event on Eventbrite at this link: https://FoMCW_restoration_tour.eventbrite.com
BioBlitz Hike 7 - All Things That Begin with B and Beyond
From California State Parks and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association:
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
7/24/24
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Join us in Mount Diablo State Park’s stunning Mitchell Canyon on an exploration for All That Begin with B and Beyond – birds, butterflies, blooms and more! We'll hike for about 3 to 4 miles with little elevation gain and enjoy nature's beautiful display along the way.
Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them. We ask participants who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to please wear a mask.
Presented by California State Parks
Limited to 15 participants. Contact for information/reservations at onesuperhiker@aol.com
Fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change only. Payable at the entrance to the Park by the stop sign.
Leader(s): Daniel Fitzgerald, Naturalist
More info here: https://www.mdia.org/Events/bioblitz-hike-7---all-things-that-begin-with-b-and-beyond
Forum Planning Committee Meeting
Forum Planning Committee meetings are open to the public and take place on Zoom. Share your ideas for future Forum meetings, speakers, programs, and events! Drop in for one meeting or join us for all of the meetings.
If you would like to attend Forum Planning Committee Meetings and do not already receive invites, please email Lisa Damerel and ask to be added to the Forum Planning Committee email list.
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline: Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration
From East Bay Regional Park District:
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline: Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Monarch Habitat Restoration projects!
Address: Atlas Parking Area, Atlas Road, Richmond, CA 94806
Contact Info: Point Pinole Operations (510) 544-3063
Point Pinole Staff have been working to enhance monarch butterfly overwintering habitat and pollinator foraging grassland/shrubland habitat in a grove historically occupied by monarch butterflies. Join us to maintain this important habitat for overwintering Monarch Butterflies!
Please meet Park Staff at the Atlas Parking Lot.
What to Bring: water bottle, gloves, and PPE.
What is Provided: Necessary tools.
Weather: Heavy rain or unsafe wildfire smoke conditions cancel the program. Please wear layers as Bay Area weather can be unpredictable.
Sign up by selecting this event on the EBRPD’s event calendar.
Sibley Volcanic Regional Park: Invasive Plant Removal
From East Bay Regional Park District:
Sibley Volcanic Regional Park: Invasive Plant Removal Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
Native plants and animals need native habitats to thrive! Join us to remove some of the more problematic species to ensure the welfare of species native to the Bay Area.
Please register individuals here: https://apply.ebparks.org/custom/501/opp_details/2033
If you would like to bring a group, please call (510)544-2229 to ensure there is space.
Age Restrictions: Youth ages 13-18 must have a signed permission by parent or legal guardian. No youth under the age of 13 allowed for this opportunity.
Description: We need your help with invasive plant removal and grassland restoration work.
What to Bring: water bottle, gloves, and PPE.
What is Provided: Necessary tools.
Weather: Heavy rain or unsafe wildfire smoke conditions cancel the program. Please wear layers as Bay Area weather can be unpredictable.
Contra Costa Watershed Forum Meeting
Forum meetings are open to the public and take place on Zoom. To receive meeting invites, please add your email address to the Forum email list by filling out the form at the bottom of this webpage.
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline: Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration
From East Bay Regional Park District:
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline: Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Monarch Habitat Restoration projects!
Address: Atlas Parking Area, Atlas Road, Richmond, CA 94806
Contact Info: Point Pinole Operations (510) 544-3063
Point Pinole Staff have been working to enhance monarch butterfly overwintering habitat and pollinator foraging grassland/shrubland habitat in a grove historically occupied by monarch butterflies. Join us to maintain this important habitat for overwintering Monarch Butterflies!
Please meet Park Staff at the Atlas Parking Lot.
What to Bring: water bottle, gloves, and PPE.
What is Provided: Necessary tools.
Weather: Heavy rain or unsafe wildfire smoke conditions cancel the program. Please wear layers as Bay Area weather can be unpredictable.
Sign up by selecting this event on the EBRPD’s event calendar.
BioBlitz Hike 6 - All Things That Begin with B and Beyond
From California State Parks and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association:
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
6/19/24
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Join us in Mount Diablo State Park’s stunning Mitchell Canyon on an exploration for All That Begin with B and Beyond – birds, butterflies, blooms and more! We'll hike for about 3 to 4 miles with little elevation gain and enjoy nature's beautiful display along the way.
Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them. We ask participants who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to please wear a mask.
Presented by California State Parks
Limited to 15 participants. Contact for information/reservations at onesuperhiker@aol.com
Fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change only. Payable at the entrance to the Park by the stop sign.
Leader(s): Daniel Fitzgerald, Naturalist
More info here: https://www.mdia.org/Events/bioblitz-hike-6--all-things-that-begin-with-b-and-beyond
Sibley Volcanic Regional Park: Invasive Plant Removal
From East Bay Regional Park District:
Sibley Volcanic Regional Park: Invasive Plant Removal Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
Native plants and animals need native habitats to thrive! Join us to remove some of the more problematic species to ensure the welfare of species native to the Bay Area.
Please register individuals here: https://apply.ebparks.org/custom/501/opp_details/2033
If you would like to bring a group, please call (510)544-2229 to ensure there is space.
Age Restrictions: Youth ages 13-18 must have a signed permission by parent or legal guardian. No youth under the age of 13 allowed for this opportunity.
Description: We need your help with invasive plant removal and grassland restoration work.
What to Bring: water bottle, gloves, and PPE.
What is Provided: Necessary tools.
Weather: Heavy rain or unsafe wildfire smoke conditions cancel the program. Please wear layers as Bay Area weather can be unpredictable.
Galindo Creek Cleanup at CSUEB-Concord's Galindo Creek Field Station
Join the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) and Cal State East Bay Concord Center for a fun outdoor event on June 1st, 10am-1pm!
Event Schedule
10am-10:30am: Brief tour of the campus's restoration areas; sharing feedback and ideas.
10:30am-12pm: Carpool down to Galindo Creek Field Station; creek cleanup along Galindo Creek.
12pm-1pm: BYO (bring your own) bagged lunch to enjoy in the Wolwonja Ecocultural Garden with the group after the creek cleanup. Share feedback about event experience and restoration spaces.
For more info and to sign up, visit the Eventbrite page.
Contra Costa Watershed Forum Field Trip
This Forum gathering will be a field trip to the EBRPD’s Sibley Alder and Leatherwood Creek Restoration Project (on the former McCosker property). Learn more and register here!
To receive Forum invites, please add your email address to the Forum email list by filling out the form at the bottom of this webpage.
BioBlitz Hike 5 - All Things That Begin with B and Beyond
From California State Parks and Mount Diablo Interpretive Association:
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
5/29/24
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Join us in Mount Diablo State Park’s stunning Mitchell Canyon on an exploration for All That Begin with B and Beyond – birds, butterflies, blooms and more! We'll hike for about 3 to 4 miles with little elevation gain and enjoy nature's beautiful display along the way.
Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them. We ask participants who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to please wear a mask.
Presented by California State Parks
Limited to 15 participants. Contact for information/reservations at onesuperhiker@aol.com
Fee: $6 per vehicle/$5 for seniors - exact change only. Payable at the entrance to the Park by the stop sign.
Leader(s): Daniel Fitzgerald, Naturalist
More info here: https://www.mdia.org/Events/bioblitz-hike-5---all-things-that-begin-with-b-and-beyond
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline: Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration
From East Bay Regional Park District:
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline: Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Monarch Habitat Restoration projects!
Address: Atlas Parking Area, Atlas Road, Richmond, CA 94806
Contact Info: Point Pinole Operations (510) 544-3063
Point Pinole Staff have been working to enhance monarch butterfly overwintering habitat and pollinator foraging grassland/shrubland habitat in a grove historically occupied by monarch butterflies. Join us to maintain this important habitat for overwintering Monarch Butterflies!
Please meet Park Staff at the Atlas Parking Lot.
What to Bring: water bottle, gloves, and PPE.
What is Provided: Necessary tools.
Weather: Heavy rain or unsafe wildfire smoke conditions cancel the program. Please wear layers as Bay Area weather can be unpredictable.
Sign up by selecting this event on the EBRPD’s event calendar.