Plant Trees SF Events 2005 Archive: 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Event

 
EcoCalendar
   From Acterra: Action for a Sustainable Earth
    » www.Acterra.org

    CONTENTS ~ 04 October 2005 

~  Next Calendar Submission Deadline
~  NEW:  Shorter event descriptions needed
~  Acterra Staff Open Positions
~  Acterra Featured Events
~  EcoCalendar:  Upcoming events.  Also available online at:   Acterra: Community Calendar

.....................................................................

Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul
- Edward Abbey
.....................................................................
   
~ Next Calendar Submission Deadline:  The deadline to submit calendar events for the next EcoCalendar is Monday, October 17, at 3:00 pm.  Please see Note 2 about shorter event descriptions, and submit calendar events online at   Acterra EcoCalendar: Submit Your Event.

~  NEW:  Shorter event descriptions needed:  Due to several requests from our readers, we have decided to limit the description field to 600 characters including spaces. We hope that this format will make reading the EcoCalendar more manageable. Please edit your event description down to 600 characters or less, and be sure to NOT include information in the "description" section that will appear in the other fields, such as "cost" or "contact information."  We thank you for your support in the evolution of this EcoCalendar. We hope this change will make the EcoCalendar all that much more functional and helpful.

~  Acterra Staff Open Positions: Acterra has a Staff opening for the following full-time position:
           Development Officer.  Job description:  [pdf]

~  Acterra Featured Events

Wednesday,  October 5, 2005   (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) 
Energy 101: How California's Energy System Works  • An Acterra Event 
City: Palo Alto 
Description:  Raise your Energy IQ! This is the first installment in the monthly Energy Environmental Forum series. Come learn about our energy system with Jane Trumbull, an energy consultant with the California State League of Women Voters. We will also discuss the pros and cons of Proposition 80, the Electricity Re-regulation Initiative. 

Cost: $5 for Acterra members/$10 for non-members .  Free to anyone joining or renewing a membership to Acterra at this event.
Location: Peninsula Conservation Center. 3921 E. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto  (map) 
Contact: Yuliya Shmidt, 650 962 9876 x.306, library@acterra.org 
Presented by: Acterra Environmental Library & Resource Center 
Websites:  http://acterra.org 
............................................. 

Thursday,  October 20, 2005   (7:00 pm - ) 
Environmental Book Club  • An Acterra Event 
City: Palo Alto 
Description:  This month we are reading Don't Think of an Elephant! Know Your Values and Frame the Debate by George Lakoff, a guide for progressives that has been making big news in the community. Come enjoy organic treats at Bay Leaf Cafe and participate in a lively discussion about the progressive movement. 

Cost: Free 
Location: Bay Leaf Cafe, 520 Ramona Street, (near University Ave.)  (map) 
Contact: Yuliya Shmidt, 650 962 9876 x.306, library@acterra.org 
Presented by: Acterra Environmental Library/Resource Center 
Websites:  http://www.acterra.org/library 
............................................. 

~  EcoCalendar:  Upcoming events.  Also available online at:   Acterra: Community Calendar
Tuesday,  October 4, 2005   (8:00 am - ) 
Multiple Dates: September - November 29, 2005 
Nominations Sought: 2006 Sustainability Awards 
City: San Mateo County 
Description: Sustainable San Mateo County is seeking nominations for its 2006 Sustainability Awards. The Awards celebrate and honor businesses, government programs, community groups, and individuals that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to sustainable practices to their work. The Green Building Award supports sustainable design in architecture and recognize the designers, builders and owners of green buildings in San Mateo County. 

Self nominations are welcome. Deadline for nominations is November 29, 2005. 
For information on how to submit a complete application, go to www.sustainablesanmateo.org. Recipients will be recognized at an awards event on February 23, 2006. 

Cost: Free 
Location: Sustainable San Mateo County   
Contact: Judy Williams, 650-638-2323, advocate@sustainablesanmateo.org 
Presented by: Sustainable San Mateo County 
Websites:  http://www.sustainablesanmateo.org 
............................................. 

Tuesday,  October 4, 2005   (9:00 am - 7:00 pm) 
Multiple Dates: Oct 4-6. 2005 
State of the Estuary Conference 
City: Oakland, CA 
Description:  This important environmental conference provides a forum for scientists, resource managers, environmentalists, elected officials, stakeholders and stewards and members of business, industry and the public to meet for a reassessment of the ecological health of the San Francisco Bay Delta Estuary. 

The theme of the 2005 conference is Celebrating Science and Stewardship. The conference will include plenary sessions with over 60 invited speakers. 

Cost: Before 09/16: $225 for 3 days; $250 after;$95 for 3 days for students; $100/day ($40/day for students) 
Location: Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center 
10 Tenth Street   
Contact: Karen McDowell, 510-622-2398, kmcdowell@waterboards.ca.gov 
Presented by: San Francisco Estuary Project and others 
Websites:  http://www.abag.ca.gov/abag/events/estuary 
............................................. 

Tuesday,  October 4, 2005   (6:30 pm - 9:30 pm) 
Panel: The Future of the Renewable Energy Market 
City: Palo Alto 
Description:  Renewable energy is poised to be the next boom market. If you are an energy entrepreneur, or would like to be one, how do you position your business to leverage this emerging economic opportunity? How do you assess market trends, daily news and industry analysis to establish a compelling value proposition? 

Cost: $15 online, $25 at the door 
Location: Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich and Rosati, 950 Page Mill Road, Meeting Room TER 2D/C Palo Alto, CA, 94304   
Contact: MIT Club of Northern California, mitnewenergy@yahoo.com 
Presented by: MIT Club of Northern California 
Websites:  http://www.mitcnc.org/www/Events_Calendar.asp, http://www.mitcnc.org 
............................................. 

Wednesday,  October 5, 2005   (7:30 am - 9:00 am) 
Speaker: Opportunities & Challenges in Commercializing a Biomimetic Discovery 
City: Stanford 
Description:  Biomimicry-based product design. What are the advantages, and what’s involved in bringing such a product to market? 

The Business and Sustainability Group (BSG) welcomes you to a breakfast presentation by one of the true innovator's in biomimetic product design, San Rafael based PAX Scientific. Join us for a discussion with Slim Shekar, EVP and Chief Licensing Officer 

*7:30am - 8:00am: Breakfast 
*8:00am - 9:00am: Speaker presentation 
*9:00am - 10:00am: Optional small group, moderated discussion with Mr. Shekar 

Most companies have the challenge of developing and commercializing a product or technology based on fairly finite and precise product specifications. However, developing a fundamental discovery and commercializing it poses very special challenges. Slim Shekar will discuss the lessons learned during the past three years in executing a commercialization strategy for the firm's fundamental "Biomimicry-based" discovery. 

Cost: Through 9/26: $32; 9/27-10/4: $38; At the door: $45; Students (with ID): $20 
Location: Stanford Faculty Club - Stanford University, 439 Lagunita Dr., Stanford, CA 94305 
Please note that there is a small fee to park in the lot.  (map) 
Contact: Samantha Schoenfeld, 650-328-7756, sschoenfeld@globalcommunity.org 
Presented by: Fdn for Global Community, NetImpact, Pacific Ind. & Biz Assoc., SV Leadership Grp, Sustainable Biz Inst, Wld Biz Academy 
Websites:  http://www.globalcommunity.org/business/upcoming.shtml 
............................................. 

Wednesday,  October 5, 2005   (9:00 am - 1:30 pm) 
Multiple Dates: meets each Wednesday till 12/14/05. 
Become a Nature Docent! 
City: Palo Alto 
Description:  JOIN Environmental Volunteers and share in the joy of nature discoveries with children. Help us provide much needed nature and environmental education to children throughout San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED - just a love for nature and learning! Our training programs are as flexible as our volunteer opportunities. Our volunteer training provides you with all you will need to teach kids to love nature and learning. Sign-up for our upcoming training class and become a nature docent...because understanding leads to stewardship! 

Cost: $75 
Location: Peninsula Conservation Center, 3921 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto  (map) 
Contact: Hillary, 650-961-0545, hillary@EVols.org 
Presented by: Environmental Volunteers 
Websites:  http://www.EVols.org 
............................................. 

Wednesday,  October 5, 2005   (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) 
Energy 101: How California's Energy System Works  • An Acterra Event 
City: Palo Alto 
Description:  Raise your Energy IQ! This is the first installment in the monthly Energy Environmental Forum series. Come learn about our energy system with Jane Trumbull, an energy consultant with the California State League of Women Voters. We will also discuss the pros and cons of Proposition 80, the Electricity Re-regulation Initiative. 

Cost: $5 for Acterra members/$10 for non-members .  Free to anyone joining or renewing a membership to Acterra at this event.
Location: Peninsula Conservation Center. 3921 E. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto  (map) 
Contact: Yuliya Shmidt, 650 962 9876 x.306, library@acterra.org 
Presented by: Acterra Environmental Library & Resource Center 
Websites:  http://acterra.org 
............................................. 

Wednesday,  October 5, 2005   (7:30 pm - 9:30 pm) 
Video and Discussion: Damanhur, the dawn of a new utopia 
City: San Mateo 
Description:  Video and discussion with members of Damanhur, an ecovillage community in northern Italy with over 1000 members which has an emphasis on spirituality, art, healing, social justice, political activism, sustainability including organic agriculture, and planetary transformation. 

Cost: Sliding scale $5-$20 
Location: San Mateo Ecovillage (near Hillsdale exit of 101 Fwy)  (map) 
Contact: Sanda Everette, 650 574-7155, sanda@greensolutions.org 
Presented by: Esperide Ananas 
Websites:  http://www.greensolutions.org/smcc.htm, http://www.damanhur.info/en/html/ArcMagazineDet.asp?IDArt=515 
............................................. 

Thursday,  October 6, 2005   (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) 
Learn to Use Songs and Stories when Working with Kids 
City: Berkeley 
Description:  Get your nutrition and gardening lessons humming in your students heads with songs, chants, games and stories. Songwriter-storyteller Nancy Schimmel presents friendly songs about vegetables, gardening and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Tips on finding, making and telling stories. Ideas, networking, songsheets, booklists, resources. Open to all - nutrition, gardening and cooking teachers, classroom teachers, parents, everyone working with children. 

Cost: Free 
Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702   
Contact: Beck Cowles, 510-548-2220 x233 
Presented by: The Ecology Center 
Websites:  http://www.ecologycenter.org/ 
............................................. 

Friday,  October 7, 2005   (8:30 am - 5:30 pm) 
Multiple Dates: Through Jan. 22; Fri, Sat, and Sun 
Sunset Green-Built Idea House 
City: East Menlo Park 
Description:  Are you interested in Green building techniques? Peninsula Habitat for Humanity is recruiting volunteer docents to work at the Sunset Green-built Idea House in East Menlo Park. The House opens on Oct. 7, and runs until Jan. 22. The House is open on Fri, Sat, and Sun. One house has cutaways, showing the “green insides” of the building and other environmentally friendly building techniques. Another house sits right next door, and is decorated for the holidays. Volunteers get free admission to the House, as well as an up-close look at green building ideas for their own homes. 

Cost: Free for Volunteers, $12 for adults 
Location: East Menlo Park   
Contact: Joseph Byrum, 650-568-7357, joseph@peninsulahabitat.org 
Presented by: Sunset Magazine, and Peninsula Habitat for Humanity 
Websites:  http://www.peninsulahabitat.org/volunteering/volunteering_o_sunset.html 
............................................. 

Friday,  October 7, 2005   (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm) 
Campfire Sing-Along 
City: Fremont 
Description:  Join us for a foot-stomping, hand-clapping great time as you sing along by a campfire and in the pavilion at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Warm your hands on cups of hot chocolate while listening to earthy tunes. A good time to be had by all! 

Cost: Free 
Location: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Marshlands Road, Fremont, CA   
Contact: Carmen Minch, 510-792-0222 
Presented by: Mary Miche 
Websites:  http://www.fws.gov/pacific 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 8, 2005   (9:00 am - 1:30 pm) 
Coastal Birding Day at Half Moon Bay 
City: Half Moon Bay 
Description:  Put htis date on your calendar to celebrate the birds of the San Mateo County Coast. We will have live birds of prey, lectures and field trips to learn about the birds along our coast side. This is a great way for kids and beginning birders to get started birdwatching. Bring a picnic lunch, fluids and lots of birding enthusiasm. 

Cost: Free. Parking $6 at State Beach 
Location: Hwy 92 to Hwy 1, go south to Kelly Ave. Turn west on Kelly to end of road at Francis Beach.   
Contact: Ranger Nelle Lyons, (650)726-8804, carolmasterson@sbcglobal.net 
Presented by: Sequoia Audubon and San Mateo County State Park System 
Websites:  http://www.sequoia-audubon.org 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 8, 2005   (9:30 am - 4:30 pm) 
Canoe with Salmon on the Feather River 
City: Oroville, CA 
Description:  Paddle the calm waters of the lower Feather River north of Sacramento and experience the fall run of the Chinook salmon. Learn about the challenging life cycle of these amazing anadromous fish as we observe them make their journey upstream to spawn. 

Cost: Save the Bay members $65 / Non-members $75 
Location: Carpool groups can be arranged. Free camping the night before and after is available.   
Contact: Jocelyn Gretz, Community Prgrams Coordinator, (510)452-9261 x109, jgretz@savesfbay.org 
Presented by: Save The Bay 
Websites:  http://www.savesfbay.org 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 8, 2005   (10:30 am - 1:30 pm) 
WORM COMPOSTING 
City: Palo Alto 
Description:  Everything you always wanted to know about worms . . . but were afraid to 
ask. Come join us and learn all about this tidy and very efficient way to 
turn all your kitchen scraps into botanical gold. We will take a lunch break. 

Alane O'Rielly Weber, "the worm lady of San Mateo," has been nurturing her 
compost worms for 15 years and teaching vermicomposting for the County of 
San Mateo for the last 7 years. 

Please stop by and pre-register or send your check to: 

Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center 
559 College Avenue * Palo Alto, CA * 94306 
ph: (650) 493-6072 

Cost: $25 
Location: Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center 559 College Avenue * Palo Alto, CA * 94306   
Contact: Patricia Becker, (650) 493-6072 
Presented by: Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center 
Websites:  http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/ 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 8, 2005   (11:00 am - 4:00 pm) 
Shark Day 
City: Alviso 
Description:  They’re baaack! Just when you thought it was safe to visit the refuge… Live, wild, San Francisco Bay leopard sharks will be visiting us in honor of National Wildlife Refuge week. Join us for a day filled with festival fun. We’ll have guided walks, shark petting, shark lectures, mud creature lab, games and crafts. 

Cost: Free 
Location: Environmental Education Center, 1751 Grand Blvd, Alviso, CA   
Contact: Laurie McEwen, 408-262-5513 ext.102 
Presented by: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge 
Websites:  http://www.fws.gov/pacific/desfbay/Tideline/sharkday.htm, http://www.fws.gov 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 8, 2005   (5:00 pm - 8:30 pm) 
Light The Night 
City: Menlo Park 
Description:  Would you walk two miles to save a life? 
Light The Night is a local, fundraising, two-mile evening walk to celebrate and commemorate those lives touched by cancer. Walkers carry illuminated balloons - white for survivors and red balloons for supporters - as they join the parade of hope. 

Registration & BBQ begins at 5pm. 

Cost: FREE 
Location: Burgess Park   
Contact: Margie Boyce, 408-271-8315, boycem@lls.org 
Presented by: Light The Night 
Websites:  http://www.lightthenight.org 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 8, 2005   (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) 
Reading: Point Reyes Fire 
City: Point Reyes Station 
Description:  Join Bay Nature contributors and staff for an evening of readings about the Vision Fire and fire ecology. Featuring Geoff Coffey, Sim Van der Ryn, Ane Carla Rovetta, and Greg Sarris. (No charge) 

Sponsored by Bay Nature and Point Reyes Books. 

Cost: Free 
Location: Point Reyes Books 
11315 State Route 1, Point Reyes Station   
Contact: Bay Nature and Point Reyes Books 
Presented by: Bay Nature and Point Reyes Books 
Websites:  http://www.baynature.com 
............................................. 

Sunday,  October 9, 2005   (9:00 am - noon pm) 
Multiple Dates: Weekly - Every Sunday morning 
Help Restore Beautiful Foothills Park 
City: Palo Alto 
Description:  Remove invasive plants or maintain trails. We usually meet at Orchard Glenn Picnic area at 9 am. All are welcome whether residents of Palo Alto or not. Wear sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeves. All tools, gloves and training will be provided. 
>From Highway 280 take the Page Mill exit and go west towards the hills. The park entrance is on your right 2.5 miles from 280.  

Cost: Free 
Location: 3300 Page Mill Road   
Contact: David Tex Houston, 650-303-2777, davidh@acterra.org 
Presented by: Friends of Foothills Park 
Websites:  http://www.fofpark.org 
............................................. 

Sunday,  October 9, 2005   (11:00 am - 12:00 pm) 
Class:Duck Drawing 
City: Fremont 
Description:  Join local artist, Rich Radigonda at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge for a session in duck drawing. Suitable for all ages. Paper and pencils will be provided, just bring your creativity. Reservations are required. 

Cost: FREE 
Location: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Visitor Center. 1 Marshlands Road, Fremont, CA   
Contact: Carmen Minch, 510-792-0222 
Presented by: Rich Radigonda 
Websites:  http://www.fws.gov/pacificdesbay 
............................................. 

Sunday,  October 9, 2005   (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm) 
Salt Pond Tour 
City: Menlo Park 
Description:  Did you know that the largest tidal wetland restoration project on the West Coast is happening right here in San Francisco Bay? Hear more about this project and view some of the salt ponds recently acquired by the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Geared toward adults. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call 510-792-0222 ext. 43 for reservations and directions. 

Cost: Free 
Location: Bayfront Park, Menlo Park, CA   
Contact: Carmen Minch, 510-792-0222 
Presented by: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge 
Websites:  http://www.fws.gov/pacific 
............................................. 

Friday,  October 14, 2005   (9:00 am - 9:30 pm) 
Multiple Dates: 10/14/05 through 10/16/05 
Eco-Summit: 16th Annual Bioneers Conference 
City: San Rafael 
Description:  The Nation’s Premier Solutions-Centered Summit 
Addressing Innovative Strategies for Restoring the Earth and People 

About the Bioneers Conference: For sixteen years, the Bioneers Conference has brought together leading scientific innovators and environmental visionaries who offer practical solutions to the most pressing environmental and social problems of our time. 

Cost: please see http://www.bioneers.org 
Location: Marin Center,101 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California.   
Contact: Leslie Miller, 505-986-0366 ext 127, 1-877-246-6337, leslie@bioneers.org 
Presented by: Bioneers 
Websites:  http://www.bioneers.org 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 15, 2005   (8:00 am - 12:00 pm) 
Connections to Pier Fishing 
City: Newark 
Description:  Learn the fundamentals of catch and release fishing at the fishing pier at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge! Discover the types of wildlife living in the bay, learn the safety and ethics of fishing, and then try your luck out on the pier with our fishing poles. All participants receive free box with tackle. Partnered with the California Department of Fish and Game. Space is limited to the first 50 people! RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call Carmen at 510-792-0222 for more information. 

Cost: Free 
Location: Dumbarton Fishing Pier, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Marshlands Road, Newark 94560   
Contact: Carmen Minch, 510-792-0222 
Presented by: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge 
Websites:  http://www.fws.gov/pacific 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 15, 2005   (10:00 am - 3:00 pm) 
Multiple Dates: 6 part series 
Coastside Explorers 
City: Half Moon Bay Area 
Description:  The Coast Side Explorers program will offer students a great opportunity to interact with the unique coastal environment through real-life and creative ways that are adventurous, challenging, exciting, and a lot of fun. A core principle behind the program is to provide quality “dirt-time” experiences that allow learning about nature to happen by interacting with it. Students develop fundamental naturalist knowledge, awareness skills, stewardship abilities, and a personal relationship to the natural environment. 

Cost: $300/semester 
Location: Half Moon Bay Area   
Contact: Skye Snyder, 650-298-3405, nature@riekes.org 
Presented by: Riekes Center 
Websites:  http://www.riekes.org/naturestudies, http://www.riekes.org 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 15, 2005   (10:30 am - 12:30 pm) 
STARTING A SALAD GARDEN 
City: Palo Alto 
Description:  Our climate is similar to Provence, France where they have lettuce that is crispy and sweet and buttery all at once. We can easily grow bountiful crops of heirloom lettuces and spicy arugula, fresh parsley and cilantro, sweet crunchy Daikon radishes, and many veggies to help with our salad creations. You’ll leave this salad lover’s workshop with lettuces and herbs to start your own salad bed. Recipes included. Jody has extensive experience including managing organic gardens for schools, Flea Street Cafe, Rosalind Creasy, and private residences. 

Cost: $21 
Location: Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center. 559 College Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94306   
Contact: Patricia Becker, (650) 493-6072 
Presented by: Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center 
Websites:  http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/ 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 15, 2005   (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm) 
Refuge Slideshow 
City: Alviso 
Description:  Learn about the National Wildlife System and how it came into being. Also learn about the many refuges around San Francisco Bay. Presented by Ed Kantack. Program intended for adults. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Please call Laurie McEwen at 408-262-5513 ext. 102 to make a reservation. 

Cost: Free 
Location: Environmental Education Center, Alviso, CA   
Contact: Laurie McEwen, 408-262-5513 
Presented by: Ed Kantack 
Websites:  
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 15, 2005   (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) 
Twilight Marsh Walk 
City: Newark 
Description:  Experience the salt marsh at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge during twilight on an easy stroll along Tidelands (1 1/3 mile) Trail. At the setting of the sun we will observe the beginning of nature’s night shift. Come discover the sights, sounds, and smells of the refuge as night descends. Not suitable for young children. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call 510-792-0222. Led by Mary and Gene Bobik. 

Cost: Free 
Location: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge 1 Marshlands Road, Newark, CA 94560   
Contact: Carmen Minch, 510-792-0222 
Presented by: Mary and Gene Bobik 
Websites:  http://www.fws.gov/pacific 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 16, 2005   (9:00 am - 1:00 pm) 
Multiple Dates: Oct 1, Oct 16 
Restoration: Ulistac Natural Area in Santa Clara 
City: Santa Clara 
Description:  Come play in the garden! Help us tend to the nearly 200 oak seedlings and over 500 native plants in the Bird and Butterfly garden. Until the rains start again, we are watering and mulching the most recent plantings! Learn about how to use native plants in your own landscaping, and meet some of the community members who started this project over 5 years ago. 

Ulistac is the last open space in the entire City of Santa Clara. Although it was preserved as a Natural Area only recently (in 1997), the history of the land goes far back in time, as it was a seasonal Ohlone encampment long before the Spanish settled in the Santa Clara Valley. Today, Ulistac is the site of a community-based Restoration and Education Project, whose goal is to teach students and community members about the natural and human history of Santa Clara through restoration of California native habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, oak woodlands/savannah, riparian woodlands and a Bird and Butterfly Garden. 

Cost: FREE! 
Location: Ulistac is about ½-mile east of Great America, adjacent to the Lick Mill Light Rail Station. The park is bordered by the Guadalupe River to the east, Lick Mill Blvd to the west, Tasman Dr. to the north and the Carlyle Apartments to the south. There is access to the Guadalupe River Trail from the Natural Area. From 101, exit at Montague/San Tomas, and go east on Montague Expressway. Turn left on Lick Mill Blvd, and you will see Ulistac on the right after about a ½-mile.  (map) 
Contact: Kelly Crowley, 408-554-5419, kcrowley@scu.edu 
Presented by: the Ulistac Outreach Center located at Santa Clara University's Environmental Studies Insitute 
Websites:  http://www.scu.edu/envs/ulistac 
............................................. 

Tuesday,  October 18, 2005   (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) 
Water System Public Hearing! 
City: Palo Alto 
Description: Upgrade Our Water System, Protect Our Watersheds! 

The San Francisco Planning Department is conducting an environmental review of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)’s Water System Improvement Program (WSIP), a massive $4.3 billion plan to repair and upgrade the SF Bay area’s primary water system. The SF Planning Department has begun a “scoping” process, during which the public is invited to help identify the range of issues and types of information for consideration in the WSIP Program Environmental Impact Review (PEIR). This scoping period is your chance to comment on what will be studied in the WSIP environmental review! 

The SF Planning Department is holding a series of public meetings during this scoping process. Please plan to attend the hearing, and speak up for watershed protection and water conservation and recycling! 

Cost: FREE! 
Location: Palo Alto Art Center Auditorium, located at 1313 Newell Road (at Rinconada Park, north of Middlefield and Embarcadero Roads)   
Contact: Bill Young, 650-390-8494, bill.young@sierraclub.org 
Presented by: San Francisco Planning Department/SFPUC 
Websites:  http://www.lomaprieta.sierraclub.org, http://sfwater.org/main.cfm/MC_ID/7/MSC_ID/104 
............................................. 

Tuesday,  October 18, 2005   (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) 
Fall Harvest Celebration 
City: Palo Alto 
Description:  The Valley of Heart's Delight project celebrates local farmers, sustainable cuising, and an evening with organic farmer and renowned auther, Michael Ableman. This fall harvest event will feature stories from local farmers Gary Webb of Webb Ranch, the Lawsons from Pi Ranch, a reading and signing from Michael Ableman's new book, Fields of Plenty, and appetizers from Jesse Cool, a local, well-known chef and restauranteer dedicated to sustainable cuisine. 

Cost: $12-20 sliding scale donation 
Location: Foundation for Global Community, 222 High St., Palo Alto, CA 94301   
Contact: Susan Stansbury, 650.328.7756 (x626), sstansbury@globalcommunity.org 
Presented by: Valley of Heart's Delight project 
Websites:  http://www.globalcommunity.org/vhd, http://www.globalcommunity.org/vhd, www.fieldsofplenty.com 
............................................. 

Wednesday,  October 19, 2005   (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm) 
Multiple Dates: 11/16/05,12/14/05 
Palo Alto Native Plant Nursery 
City: E. Palo Alto 
Description:  Join Save The Bay at our Native Plant Nursery in the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve for a weekday afternoon project to help transplant native marsh seedlings and do regular maintenance in preparation for our winter planting projects along San Francisquito Creek. No experience necessary. We provide tools, training. 

Cost: Free 
Location: E. Palo Alto   
Contact: Jocelyn Gretz, 510-452-9261x109, jgretz@savesfbay.org 
Presented by: Save The Bay in partnership with the City of Palo Alto 
Websites:  http://www.savesfbay.org/getinvolved 
............................................. 

Thursday,  October 20, 2005   (7:00 pm - ) 
Environmental Book Club  • An Acterra Event 
City: Palo Alto 
Description:  This month we are reading Don't Think of an Elephant! Know Your Values and Frame the Debate by George Lakoff, a guide for progressives that has been making big news in the community. Come enjoy organic treats at Bay Leaf Cafe and participate in a lively discussion about the progressive movement. 

Cost: Free 
Location: Bay Leaf Cafe, 520 Ramona Street, (near University Ave.)  (map) 
Contact: Yuliya Shmidt, 650 962 9876 x.306, library@acterra.org 
Presented by: Acterra Environmental Library/Resource Center 
Websites:  http://www.acterra.org/library 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 22, 2005   (10:00 am - 2:00 pm) 
Festival: Wildlife Education Day 
City: Cupertino 
Description:  Families are invited to join Santa Clara Audubon and over 20 other environmental organizations to celebrate nature and wildlife. Activities include a bird banding demonstration, birdhouse and bird feeder building, a scavenger hunt, educational presentations, and a poster contest. Live animals, including birds, reptiles, and insects will be shown. 

For “Early Birds,” SCVAS will hold a guided shorebird walk at Charleston Slough in Mountain View’s Baylands at 8:00 a.m. Following the walk, participants will caravan to Wildlife Education Day festivities in Cupertino. RSVP is required for the walk ONLY. 

Cost: FREE! 
Location: McClellan Ranch Park, 22221 McClellan Rd.  (map) 
Contact: Kim Yuan-Farrell, (408) 252-3740, programs@scvas.org 
Presented by: Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society 
Websites:  http://www.scvas.org 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 22, 2005   (10:30 am - 12:30 pm) 
PLAN YOUR SPRING FLOWER GARDEN 
City: Palo Alto 
Description:  Flowers are food for the soul and promote a healthy garden ecosystem. Plant now in the fall for spring color and cutting. Learn anything and everything you ever wanted to know about flowers in your garden and landscape. You can be really successful with flower growing using annuals, perennials, and bulbs. Have flowers all year round. Learn to implement the color scheme you desire. Class meets here and we carpool to Cornelia’s garden. Cornelia is a landscape contractor, garden designer and flower fanatic. She loves to spread her passion for gardening and creating a healthy environment. 

Cost: $21 
Location: Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center. 559 College Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, 94306   
Contact: Patricia Becker, (650) 493-6072 
Presented by: Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center 
Websites:  http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/ 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 22, 2005   (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) 
Multiple Dates: Sat 11/19 
Trip Back in Time 
City: Newark 
Description:  Revive the vanishing knowledge of the history of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge grounds by strolling the trails with docent Ray Studer. Ray spent most of 2004 researching the on-site salt production, railroads, and homes that were located on the refuge grounds until the 1950s. Using a collection of old photographs, the last vestiges of a way of life can be traced back to the 1850s that led to the construction of the town of Newark in 1876. 

Cost: Free 
Location: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge 1 Marshlands Road, Newark, CA   
Contact: Carmen Minch, 510-792-0222 
Presented by: Ray Studer 
Websites:  http://www.fws.gov/pacific 
............................................. 

Saturday,  October 22, 2005   (5:00 pm - 8:30 pm) 
Light The Night 
City: San Jose 
Description:  Would you walk two miles to save a life? 
Light The Night is a local, fundraising, two-mile evening walk to celebrate and commemorate those lives touched by cancer. Walkers carry illuminated balloons - white for survivors and red balloons for supporters - as they join the parade of hope. 

Cost: FREE 
Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez   
Contact: Margie Boyce, 408-271-8326, boycem@lls.org 
Presented by: Light The Night 
Websites:  http://www.lightthenight.org 
............................................. 

Monday,  October 24, 2005   (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) 
Multiple Dates: 8 Mondays TBD. 
Discussion Course: Voluntary Simplicity 
City: San Mateo 
Description:  An 8 session, participant-facilitated course designed by Northwest Earth Institute. The goal is to understand the meaning of voluntary simplicity, to explore the material and psychological distractions that prevent us from caring for the earth, and to consider how life might be enriched through the practice of simplicity. 

Cost: $25 
Location: Beck Hall. 300 East Santa Inez (corner of Ellsworth), San Mateo  (map) 
Contact: Betty Wu, 650-692-9593, bettywu42@gmail.com 
Presented by: Unitarian Universalist of San Mateo 
Websites:  http://www.quia.com/pages/simplicity.html, http://www.NWEI.org 
............................................. 

ABOUT ACTERRA

Acterra: Action for a Sustainable Earth is a nonprofit environmental organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our programs protect and restore our local environment through engaging people in restoration opportunities, educating the community, and developing environmental leaders.

www.Acterra.org   |  EcoAdvocate@Acterra.org  |  tel: 650 962-9876
Acterra  |  3921 East Bayshore Rd  |  Palo Alto CA 94303

CREDITS
EcoCalendar Email Edition is edited by the staff and volunteers of Acterra.

COPYRIGHT
Copyright ©2004-2005 Acterra. Permission is granted to repost or redistribute this newsletter in its entirety, including all contact info (but don't spam anyone!), only for not-for-profit educational purposes.

PRIVACY
We never sell or trade your personal information, including your email address. For details see our privacy policy on our website.

TO SUBSCRIBE
EcoCalendar-subscribe@Acterra.org

TO UNSUBSCRIBE
EcoCalendar-unsubscribe@Acterra.org   (Please note: unsubscribe may take a few weeks to take effect.  Tell us the exact email address at which you received our newsletter. This is important - we can't remove you if we don't know what address to remove!).
For updates and info, contact scott at planttrees dot org.