EarthLight Local Events

Close to Home, Sept 13

2010-09-08T21:12:03Z

Current Event Flyer www.close-to-home-org

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Water Works

2010-09-03T05:43:01Z

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You are invited to this garden full of improvisations on familiar water conservation themes--
where art meets sustainability and makes it intriguing and fun! Please see attachment!

WATER WORKS:
Rethinking our relationship with water
Art & design + fun meet appropriate technology
in an outdoor festival.

ALL FOUR SEPTEMBER WEEKENDS
Saturdays and Sundays 11am - 6pm

Residential garden setting (wheelchair accessible)
5809 Ayala Avenue just blocks from Rockridge BART
North Oakland, CA 94609

Exhibitions
Improvisations on rainwater, greywater and other creative uses/re-uses of water in
landscaping and gardening, food production, recreation, human waste management.

Some of the area's innovative practitioners will be exhibiting their latest projects--
John Russell (WaterSprout), Nik Bertulis ( DIG, Merritt College and SF Art Institute), and artists: Lauren Elder (CCA/Engage Program), Christina Bertea (Greywater Action),
Mary White (formerly SJSU), Martin Morehouse (mechanical wizard and potential on-site �tinkerer�)

Noted speakers.
September 11: Michael Stocker, "Fish Ears and Shrimp Songs, Ocean Bio Acoustics" 4pm

September 12: Patrick Garretson, "Flowforms and the Inner Nature of Water" 2pm

September 12: Laura Allen of Greywater Action, �Updates� 4pm

September 18: DL West Marrin of Water Sciences and Insights, "Hydromimicry and Changing Our Perceptions of Water" 3pm

September 18: Exhibitors' Party 2 - 6pm

September 19: Anka Draugelates, Water music 2pm

September 19: Betsy Damon of Keepers of the Waters, "Water Revealed" 3 pm

Organic Food by local urban farmers

A family-friendly event.
Childrens' Splash Park! Bring swim suits.

Check blog for updates:
http://waterworksoakland.blogspot.com/

For more information: 510-652-1358

The project is co-sponsored by The City of Oakland Cultural Arts Department
and California College of Art.

Produced by: Lauren Elder &
Curated by: Christina Bertea

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The Turkey Vulture Gets Some R.E.S.P.E.C.T

2010-07-04T06:55:17Z

Close to Home presents a talk and slide show on How It's All Connected

The Turkey Vulture Gets Some R.E.S.P.E.C.T

Monday, July 5, 2010 7:30 P.M.

Montclair Presbyterian Church in Oakland

Mike Moran, naturalist at the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (East Bay Regional Park District), has been with EBRPD for 16 years and is an annual speaker in the Close to Home talk series.

Have you ever been on a hike in the East Bay when someone said: "Look", pointing to a magnificent bird overhead? Is it an eagle? a redtail? "No," someone says. "It's only a TV." Why don't turkey vultures get any respect?

Turkey vultures possess characteristics we hold dear in many animals: they're remarkably well adapted and skilled at what they do. While other bird populations are declining, turkey vultures seem to be numerous and prospering. Nonetheless, their appearance, diet, and function are seen as less than noble. Like so many things, however, a closer peek unveils their immeasurable value and nobility. With entertaining stories, Mike Moran will show us how this cousin of the condor (who gets great PR) is a hugely important animal in any ecosystem.

Mike will also provide an opportunity to get up close to a former turkey vulture, whose form has been preserved.

Hosted by: Close to Home: Exploring Nature in the East Bay

Co-sponsors:

Ecostewards of Montclair Presbyterian Church
Oakland Museum of CA / Bay Nature magazine
Lindsay Wildlife Museum / EarthLight community

Donation: $7 (K-12 Free)

Montclair Presbyterian Church is located at 5701Thornhill Rd. in the Montclair area of Oakland. Take the Thornhill exit on Highway 13 and go east ½ mile. Parking available in lot ½ block west and on street. For more information: Cindy Spring (510) 655-6658 www.close-to-home.org

On August 9, 2010, Paul Krafel, author of Seeing Nature and founder of Chrysalis charter school in Cottonwood, CA with a nature-based curriculum, will present Upward Spirals,

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Close to Home, Beavers help restore Alhambra Creek

2010-06-03T07:31:21Z

Close to Home presents a talk and slide show...

Build It and They Will Come

Beavers help restore Alhambra Creek

Monday, June 7, 2010 7:30 P.M.

Montclair Presbyterian Church in Oakland

Heidi Perryman has been chronicling the beaver story right from the start when their appearance caused a huge divide of opinion. (The city's first response was the suggestion to euthanize the beavers.) Heidi says: "We've had the top watershed minds in the county working on this problem, and the top beaver experts in the world finding solutions. We have vast public interest, an active volunteer group, constant outpourings of good will." �The struggle to save the Martinez beavers became an international story.

Many of us have heard how beavers change their environment: their dams recharge the aquifer, improve water quality,�augment fish diversity, and bring a host of new birds and mammals to their ponds. The people of Martinez who championed the beaver family when they showed up at the restored Alhambra Creek in 2006 expected that. What they didn't expect was for an entire community to become part of the environment that was changed. Come learn how these uninvited guests are still teaching the home town of John Muir that beavers can be "Worth A Dam".

Hosted by: Close to Home: Exploring Nature in the East Bay

Co-sponsors:

Ecostewards of Montclair Presbyterian Church
Oakland Museum of CA / Bay Nature magazine
Lindsay Wildlife Museum / EarthLight community

Donation: $7 (K-12 Free)

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May 3, Close to Home Wildlife Corridors

2010-04-30T14:56:20Z

Close to Home presents a talk and slide show...

It's All Connected

Wildlife Corridors in the East Bay Hills with Jim Hale

Monday, May 3 2010, 2009 7:30 P.M.

Montclair Presbyterian Church in Oakland

Wildlife biologist Jim Hale will give a presentation on wildlife migration corridors in the East Bay from the time of paleoindian occupation to the present. Humans and vertebrate wildlife - fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals - have coevolved in this area. It�s possible to track their movements along well established trails. Jim Hale�s current study has been focused on newer and ever-changing corridors. He will also discuss the importance of habitat preservation, conservation and management for species survival.

You might be surprised to find out where the big cats go at night.

Jim Hale, has taught wildlife biology and wilderness training at San Jose State Univ and at UC Santa Cruz. He has spent more than 40 years hiking the East Bay hills, photographing wildlife and studying Native American sites.

Hosted by: Close to Home: Exploring Nature in the East Bay

Co-sponsors:

Ecostewards of Montclair Presbyterian Church
Oakland Museum of CA / Bay Nature magazine
Lindsay Wildlife Museum / EarthLight community

Donation: $7 (K-12 Free)

On June 7, Heidi Perryman will give a presentation on the history and current status of the beavers in Martinez and how their arrival has impacted the ecosystem of Alhambra Creek

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Jan 4 Close to Home

2009-12-28T10:58:13Z

Close to Home presents a talk and slide show...

The Delta: How Are the Local Animals Faring?

With Mike Moran (EBRPD)

Monday, Jan 4, 2010, 2009 7:30 P.M.

Montclair Presbyterian Church in Oakland

In a presentation earlier in this talk series, we learned from Ken Lajoie that the San Francisco Bay and most of the delta estuary comes and disappears with the revolving ice ages. In this month's presentation, we'll learn where we are in that cycle and how the delta/estuary ecosystem is doing, specifically the animals who live there. From all reports they were doing fine until a century or so ago when humans began changing the flow patterns of the water cycle with dams and irrigation systems. "Water policies" are now decided by legislative units, sometimes to the detriment, and sometime to the benefit of the local nonhumans.

In his entertaining presentation Mike Moran will focus on the impacts of those policies by highlighting stories that involve migratory birds, salmon, elk, beavers and other delta residents. This will not be an abstract discussion of "the water wars" but an on-the-ground view of how the locals (humans too) who make the delta their home are doing. As citizens we will be asked in 2010 to vote on some important legislation affecting the delta. Mike's even-handed presentation will help inform our decisions.

Mike Moran is a naturalist with the East Bay Regional Park District at Black Diamond Mines and is an expert on the delta. He has been with EBRPD for 15 years.

Hosted by: Close to Home: Exploring Nature in the East Bay

Co-sponsors:

Ecostewards of Montclair Presbyterian Church
Oakland Museum of CA / Bay Nature magazine
Lindsay Wildlife Museum / EarthLight community

Donation: $5 (K-12 Free)

On Feb 8, 2010, Close to Home will have a panel of presenters on the health of our local creeks, including Alameda Creek, Marsh Creek and the 5 creeks of North Berkeley/El Cerrito.

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Close to Home Nov 9

2009-10-30T00:17:56Z

Close to Home presents a talk and slide show...

Conserving California�s Birds

in a Changing Climate

Monday, Nov 9, 2009 7:30 P.M.

Montclair Presbyterian Church in Oakland

Most local birds are well aware that the Earth�s climate is getting warmer. They are moving northward. According to new research from Audubon California, up to 110 California native bird species will experience significant reductions in their geographic range in the next several decades. In addition, all of the state�s bird species will experience massive range shifts caused wholly or in part by the effects of climate change.

Our presenter, Bill Monahan, is co-author of a recent report that combines 40 years of data compiled by volunteers in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count with Breeding Bird Survey information and geographic climate data. Audubon California has built predictive models for 310 California bird species under different climate change mitigation scenarios. He�ll also discuss opportunities for conserving California�s birds in a changing climate. His talk and slide show will include examples from the San Francisco Bay Area.

William Monahan received a PhD in Integrative Biology from the University of California and is now a scientist at Audubon California. He uses geographic information systems (GIS) to study the effects of past and future climate change on birds and to prioritize lands for acquisition and conservation easements.

Hosted by: Close to Home: Exploring Nature in the East Bay

Co-sponsors:

Ecostewards of Montclair Presbyterian Church
Oakland Museum of CA / Bay Nature magazine
Lindsay Wildlife Museum / EarthLight community

Donation: $5 (K-12 Free)

On Jan 4, 2010, Mike Moran (EBRPD) will give a presentation on

The Water War in the Delta � Perspective at the Ground Level

(There is no talk in December)

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Close to Home Oct 5

2009-09-26T07:59:29Z

Close to Home presents a talk and slide show...

East Bay Reservoirs: A Curse or a Blessing?

Monday, Oct 5, 2009 7:30 P.M.

Montclair Presbyterian Church in Oakland

How many people know where their tap water comes from, and what impact the local reservoirs have had on the environment? Discover what role our local reservoirs play in maintaining human life and wildlife close to home. Learn why reservoirs are a curse and a blessing, how they have impacted wildlife, and what species of flying wildlife they support. You will see amazing historic photos of engineering disasters as well as beautiful shots of dragonflies, birds and butterflies that depend upon and thrive because of our local reservoirs.

Naturalist and EBMUD ranger Bob Flasher will give us a brief history of East Bay water, locate all the reservoirs, take us on a virtual flight over local reservoirs from Eagle 6, the EBRPD helicopter, and tell us some EBMUD trial and error stories along the way. They attempt to mitigate the damage done by reservoirs in a variety of ways, and that allows us to continue to live here (a blessing) while minimizing the environmental havoc (the curse).

Bob Flasher is a Ranger-Naturalist who works on EBMUD watershed lands close to home. He also teaches classes on ecology and parks at SFSU. He is making this controversial presentation as an individual, however, to stay out of trouble at work.

Hosted by: Close to Home: Exploring Nature in the East Bay

Co-sponsors:

Ecostewards of Montclair Presbyterian Church
Oakland Museum of CA / Bay Nature magazine
Lindsay Wildlife Museum / EarthLight community

Donation: $5 (K-12 Free)

On Nov 8, 2009, Bill Monahan from Golden Gate Audubonwill do a presentation on the impact of climate change on local bird populations.

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Sept 14 Are We Drinking Comet Water?

2009-09-05T08:53:20Z

Close to Home presents a talk and slide show...

Fire and Ice: Are We Drinking Comet Water?

Monday, Sept 14, 2009 7:30 P.M.

Montclair Presbyterian Church in Oakland

And now for something a little different. In keeping with our water-themed talk season, we've invited an astronomer to tell us about water itself. Water covers more than two thirds of our planet, makes up 60 percent of our bodies, and sustains our lives and lifestyles in countless ways. Although simple H2O may seem like the most ordinary substance in the world, it's actually one of the strangest. And, funny thing, some 10 percent of the water we drink comes from outer space!

In his talk and slide presentation, Dr. Ron Olowin will explore the wonders and weirdness of wet & wild water and some of its extraterrestrial and cosmic connections. He is a full professor of Physics and Astronomy at St. Mary's College in Lafayette. His focus is the large-scale structure of the universe and he's observed the heavens from all parts of the globe using some of the world's largest instruments. He's credited with discovering clusters of galaxies.

Hosted by: Close to Home: Exploring Nature in the East Bay

Co-sponsors:

Ecostewards of Montclair Presbyterian Church
Oakland Museum of CA / Bay Nature magazine
Lindsay Wildlife Museum / EarthLight community

Donation: $5 (K-12 Free)

On Sept 14, 2009, Dr. Ron Olowin(astronomer at St. Mary's College) will give a presentation on Are We Drinking Comet Water?

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Close to Home Wildcat Creek Community: Past and Present Aug 3rd

2009-07-24T18:58:51Z

Close to Home presents a talk and slide show...

Wildcat Creek Community: Past and Present

Native Peoples, Plants and Animals

with Jim Hale

Monday, August 3, 2009 7:30 P.M.

Montclair Presbyterian Church in Oakland

Wildcat Creek starts in Tilden Park, flowing through Lake Anza and Jewel Lake, down through Wildcat Canyon, through downtown Richmond, and into the bay near the Chevron refinery. People have lived along Wildcat Creek since 3,000 to 4,000 BP (Before Present). By that time, sea level rise had slowed, and the Bay's size had stabilized, allowing broad mudflats and tidal marshes to develop. Along lower Wildcat and San Pablo Creeks, villages began to grow as native peoples discovered the bountiful resources of plants, animals, and sea wildlife along the Bay's edge.

Wildlife biologist Jim Hale combines engaging storytelling with unique slides to educate us about what is known about early peoples and their lives along Wildcat Creek, before and after the arrival of Europeans, as well as the plant and animal communities. Find out how Wildcat Canyon and Grizzly Peak got their names. Jim has taught wildlife biology and wilderness training at San Jose State Univ and at UC Santa Cruz. He has spent almost 40 years hiking the East Bay hills, photographing wildlife and studying Native American sites. He is currently working on a study to document a community of mountain lions in the Santa Cruz Mountains .

Hosted by: Close to Home: Exploring Nature in the East Bay

Co-sponsors:

Ecostewards of Montclair Presbyterian Church
Oakland Museum of CA / Bay Nature magazine
Lindsay Wildlife Museum / EarthLight community

Donation: $5 (K-12 Free)

On Sept 14, 2009, Dr. Ron Olowin(astronomer at St. Mary�s College) will give a presentation on Are We Drinking Comet Water?

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Close to Home Creatures of SF Bay: Micro to Mega-Fauna

2009-06-28T09:49:15Z

Close to Home presents a talk and slide show...

Creatures of SF Bay: Micro to Mega-Fauna

with Sharol Nelson-Embry

Monday, July 6, 2009 7:30 P.M.

Montclair Presbyterian Church in Oakland

San Francisco Bay-estuary supports an incredible array of life above and below its usually placid surface. Come explore the habitats of mudflats, rocky shoreline, oyster beds, and salt marshes along with the open water to find out more about this watery world and the animals that inhabit it. Meet whales (and hear their tales), barnacles, crusty crustaceans, water birds, leopard sharks and more.

Where in the Bay Area might you find both the smallest and the largest living things on the planet? In the ocean waters off our shore, where the upwelling of cold nutrient-rich water feeds a most spectacular gathering of wildlife, from tiny one-celled phytoplankton to 100-foot-long kelp strands to 85-foot-long blue whales. Bay Nature magazine (Oct 2007)

Sharol Nelson-Embry is the Supervising Ranger (aka Head Crab) at Crab Cove Visitor Center (EBRPD) in Alameda . She's worked in environmental interpretation since 1982 and writes outdoor columns for many newspapers.

Hosted by: Close to Home: Exploring Nature in the East Bay

Co-sponsors:

Ecostewards of Montclair Presbyterian Church

Oakland Museum of CA   /   Bay Nature magazine

Lindsay Wildlife Museum /   EarthLight community

Donation: $5 (K-12 Free)

Montclair Presbyterian Church is located at 5701Thornhill Rd. in the Montclair area of Oakland. Take the Thornhill exit on Highway 13 and go east ½ mile. Parking available in lot ½ block west and on street. For more information: Cindy Spring (510) 655-6658 www.close-to-home.org

On August 3 Jim Hale(naturalist) will give a presentation on Wildcat Creek and Native Peoples.

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