Wednesday, April 5

6:30 p.m.

Contra Costa Water Federation is hosting an evening Creek and Watershed Mini-Symposium at Contra Costa College in San Pablo to involve the public in creek and watershed issues. Admission is free. More information is available here, or contact Kae Ono (925-335-1230).

Saturday, April 8

9 a.m. to noon

As part of a community-based restoration project at the mouth of Marsh Creek at the Dutch Slough restoration site in Oakley, there are hands-on opportunities to help clear non-native species, plant native wetland species and get involved in monitoring the progress of how these plants survive. To sign up, contact Sarah Puckett (415-693-3000 x113). Go here for information.

Saturday, April 22

9 a.m. to Noon

Volunteers are needed to participate in hands-on projects sponsored by Keep Oakland Beautiful. Events include creek restoration, storm drain stenciling, planting, clean-up, and neighborhood beautification. Go here for more information, or call 238-7611.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Plant riparian natives and remove invasive vegetation at the Peralta Creek Earth Day Work Party. Food, drinks, and gloves will be provided. Meet at Chavez Park in Oakland (east end of 37th Ave.) For more information contact Kristen.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The San Pedro Creek Watershed Coalition will be cleaning up trash and recyclable goods in the lower reaches of the creek. Cleanup will begin at the mouth of the creek and work upstream into the wetlands adjacent to the creek. Meet at the parking lot on the south side of the creek mouth at San Pedro Ave. Wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Refreshments, gloves, and bags will be provided.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

John Muir Birthday and Earth Day Celebration takes place at the famed naturalist's home in Martinez. The house and surrounding orchard and vineyards are open to the public. Activities include musical entertainment and environmental exhibits. Call 925-228-8860 for more information.

11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Berkeley Earth Day Celebration includes cultural performances and speakers on a wide range of environmental issues, and demonstrations on alternative energy including electric cars, strawbale structures, hemp products, and solar panels. Event takes place in Civic Center Park.

Saturday, April 29

Noon to 5 p.m.

The Third Annual Green Home EXPO and Energy Symposium (Civic Center Park in Berkeley) brings together more than 75 businesses, non-profit organizations, and city government agencies and programs under the theme of Sustainable Living. Exhibits include solar energy systems, biodiesel vehicles, a solar energy workshop for kids, and a wide variety of green building materials and furnishings. Go here for more information.

10 a.m.

There will be a work party to restore Cerrito Creek. Meet at the north end of Cornell St. in El Cerrito. Go here for more information.

Sunday, April 30

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Third Annual Bay-Friendly Garden Tour will showcase natural gardening techniques that reduce pollution and water use. Go here for more information.

Sunday, May 7

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The free Natives Garden Tour features native plant gardens throughout the East Bay. Registration required.

Friday, Saturday, May 19 and 20

The Romberg Tiburon Center is offering a course on Tidal Wetlands Hydrology. Go here for a description of the class and registration information, or contact Aimee Good (415-819-2073).

Now Through May 31

The Urban Creeks Council, as part of the Codornices Creek Watershed Restoration Action Plan-2, will be running an outmigrant fish trap in Codornices Creek to collect data on the number and size of fish that are migrating out of the riparian system to the Bay. Volunteers are needed to assist a fishery technician with the measuring and release of any trapped fish in the morning. Those interested in participating should contact Emma (540-6669).

June 1 through October 31

The Urban Creeks Council will be collecting data on the basic water quality parameters at five sites along Codornices Creek to determine existing conditions for the stream's inhabitants (trout, macroinvertebrates, etc.). Volunteers will be trained in the use of all equipment and all collected data will undergo quality assurance protocols and be submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board. Volunteers will be sent out weekly in the early morning (before sunrise in order to capture the lowest dissolved oxygen readings) to collect data. A rotating schedule will be set up among interested volunteers. Contact Emma for more information.