SF Events 2007

Event

Dear readers,

Welcome to another list of events, classes, actions, films, conferences, grant deadlines, etc., for your planning convenience. Our searchable website edition of the calendar ( http://www.ecologycenter.org/calendar/ ) contains events further into the future. Please continue to send event listings to calendar@ecologycenter.org and forward any breaking action alerts to alerts@ecologycenter.org .

Check out our online EcoDirectory: http://www.ecologycenter.org/ecodirectory/ . Do you have questions? The EcoDirectory provides resources and referrals for common environmental concerns.

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E C O C A L E N D A R _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/
(the events are listed by date and title, then again below with full descriptions)

ECOLOGY CENTER EVENTS
3/18/2008 National Nutrition Month Events at the Tuesday Berkeley Farmers' Market
3/20/2008 The Natural History of the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion
3/21/2008 Stomp the Stumps! Benefit Dance Party
3/22/2008 Ferment Change! A Benefit for West Oakland's City Slicker Farms
3/25/2008 National Nutrition Month Events at the Tuesday Berkeley Farmers' Market
3/29/2008 Compost Give-Away at the Berkeley Farmers' Market
4/3/2008 Introduction to Urban Permaculture
4/6/2008 Home Graywater Systems Slideshow & Tour
4/10/2008 Alternatives to the Aerial Spray Program; Supporting Local Food and Farms
4/12/2008 Bookmaking with Recycled Materials
5/3/2008 Indigenous Permaculture: 2008 Rancheria Ride Bike Fundraiser

ALL EVENTS
Through 3/22/2008 Environmental Forum of Marin's 2008 Sustainable Communities Seminar
Through 3/24/2008 Earthship Biotecture Training in Jamaica
Through 3/29/2008 Volunteer Training: Bay Interpretive Training
Through 3/31/2008 Volunteer: Help a Newt Cross the Road
Through 4/4/2008 Art Exhibit: "Jason Austin"
Through 4/6/2008 Exhibit: "Trading Traditions: California's New Cultures"
Through 4/12/2008 Art Exhibit: Americans Who Tell the Truth
Through 7/20/2008 Training: Permaculture Design
Through 1/18/2009 Course: 4 Seasons Permaculture Design Certification
3/14/2008 What Do the Women Say?
3/14/2008 Talk: Struggle for Power: Water Resources, Development and Indigenous Peoples in Panama
3/14/2008 Workshop: Intro to LEED & Commercial Green Building (GB 101)
3/14/2008 Workshop: Sustainability & Healthcare
3/14/2008 California Straw Building Association (CASBA) Spring Conference
3/14/2008 Lecture: Climate Change and Health: Critiques of Epidemiological Methods
3/14/2008 Volunteer: SPAWN Native Plant Nursery
3/14/2008 National Pesticide Forum: Reclaiming Our Healthy Future
3/15/2008 Workshop: "Go Native - Planting for Pollinators"
3/15/2008 Volunteer: South of Market Tree Planting with Friends of the Urban Forest
3/15/2008 Volunteer: Weed the Wetlands at Santa Venetia Marsh
3/15/2008 Workshop: "Gardening from the Ground Up"
3/15/2008 Application Deadline: Young Climate Leaders
3/15/2008 Permaculture Design Two-Week Intensive
3/15/2008 Workshop: Organic Fruit Tree Care: Training the Young & the Old
3/15/2008 Volunteer: Habitat Restoration at San Geronimo Creek
3/15/2008 Eco-Career Day for High School Students
3/15/2008 Workshop: Intro to Green Renovations (GB 102)
3/15/2008 Town Hall Meeting with Barbara Lee on the Iraq War
3/15/2008 Presentation: Sublime Succulents
3/15/2008 Workshop: Companion Planting
3/15/2008 Workshop: Planning Your Garden
3/15/2008 Planning for the Future of Muir Woods
3/15/2008 Direct Action and Rally against Chevron Refinery Expansion
3/15/2008 Bowl-The-Planet and Silent Auction
3/15/2008 UC Botanical Garden's School Garden Conference
3/15/2008 Teacher Training: Wild in the Wilderness
3/15/2008 Exhibit: Fibers and Dyes
3/15/2008 Exhibition: In Our Own Backyard: A Celebration of the East Bay Regional Parks
3/15/2008 Seminar: "Alternative Materials: Cob and Strawbale"
3/16/2008 Rachel Corrie Memorial
3/16/2008 Work Party: Bernal Hilltop Native Grassland Restoration Project
3/16/2008 Workshop: Garden Garments
3/16/2008 Party with Grandmothers for the Oaks
3/16/2008 A Walk in the Presidio Forest
3/16/2008 Community Labyrinth Peace Walk
3/17/2008 Workshop: "Lead-Safe Painting & Remodeling"
3/17/2008 Lecture: The Market Value and Cost of Solar Photovoltaic Electricity Production
3/17/2008 Talk: Amphibians & Pesticides - Why Humans Should Be Concerned
3/17/2008 Lecture: Globalizing Conservation in the Twentieth Century: Oceans, Whales, and the 'Blue Planet'
3/17/2008 Talk: The History of Gardening in the United States
3/18/2008 Public Hearing: "Stop the Bombplex"
3/18/2008 Panel: Are Pesticides Poisoning Our Children's Future?
3/18/2008 National Nutrition Month Events at the Tuesday Berkeley Farmers' Market
3/19/2008 Simplicity Forum: Reexamining Our Relationship with Money
3/19/2008 Seminar: "Road Diets"
3/19/2008 Meeting: Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure Assessment Study
3/19/2008 Panel: Greening Your Career
3/19/2008 Film: "Horns and Halos"
3/19/2008 East Bay Green Drinks
3/19/2008 Demonstration: "No War: Take action on the 5th anniversary of the Iraq War"
3/19/2008 Meeting: SF Green Professionals Guild
3/19/2008 Public Hearing: "Stop the Bombplex"
3/19/2008 Ocean Protection Council Public Forum on Fisheries
3/19/2008 Panel: Microwave Radiation: The Shadow Side of the Wireless Revolution
3/20/2008 Forum: The West Berkeley Plan and Sustainability
3/20/2008 Seminar: The Key to the 2007 California Codes
3/20/2008 Spotted Owl Habitat Restoration at Muir Woods
3/20/2008 The Natural History of the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion
3/20/2008 Workshop: CEQA and Climate Change
3/21/2008 Stomp the Stumps! Benefit Dance Party
3/21/2008 Volunteer: SPAWN Native Plant Nursery
3/21/2008 Registration Deadline: Bioassessment Volunteer Training
3/21/2008 Common Vision Fruit Tree Tour -- Bay Area
3/21/2008 Good Friday Worship and Witness at Livermore Nuclear Weapons Laboratory
3/22/2008 Workshop: Bountiful Container Gardening
3/22/2008 Workshop: "Native Plants"
3/22/2008 Workshop: Spring Gardening Ideas
3/22/2008 Ferment Change! A Benefit for West Oakland's City Slicker Farms
3/22/2008 Green Building 101: Sustainable Sites and Ecological Landscaping
3/22/2008 Volunteer: Habitat Restoration at San Geronimo Creek
3/22/2008 Volunteer: Quail Habitat Restoration
3/22/2008 Workshop: Using Native Plants in the Garden
3/22/2008 Occidental Arts & Ecology Garden Tour
3/22/2008 Drumming, Dancing, Digging: Common Vision Fruit Tree Tour
3/22/2008 Panel Discussion: Food, Farming, and the Future
3/22/2008 Learn to Drive a Bike! Family Bicycle Safety Workshop
3/22/2008 Volunteer: Kayak and Restoration Trip to the Marin Islands
3/22/2008 Volunteer: Tree Care with Friends of the Urban Forest
3/22/2008 Volunteer: Remove Non-native Plants
3/22/2008 Workshop for Children: Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs
3/23/2008 Party with Grandmothers for the Oaks
3/23/2008 Cafe Night: Cooking for Peace - The Food Not Bombs Presentation
3/24/2008 Conversations at the Herbst Theatre: Bill McKibben
3/24/2008 Town Hall Forum on War Tax Resistance
3/25/2008 Technical Workshop: Nutrient Load - Water Quality Impact Modeling
3/25/2008 Wanted: Environmental Writing, Art and Photography by Youth
3/25/2008 Talk: "Rebuilding Cities in Balance with Nature"
3/25/2008 Roundtable Discussion: Cities Addressing their Urban Sustainability Challenges
3/25/2008 Water Conservation Showcase
3/25/2008 National Nutrition Month Events at the Tuesday Berkeley Farmers' Market
3/25/2008 Workshop: Green Home Energy Retrofits -- An Introduction for Contractors
3/26/2008 Talk: Twin Peaks Bioregion and the Natural Areas Program
3/26/2008 Film: "Bush Family Fortunes"
3/27/2008 Booksigning and Lecture with Eric Corey Freed
3/27/2008 Talk: Anatomy of a Green Building
3/28/2008 Application Deadline: LIF Public Policy Fellowship Program
3/28/2008 Volunteer: SPAWN Native Plant Nursery
3/28/2008 Radical Eco-Feminist West Coast Spring Tour 2008
3/28/2008 Film: "Phoenix Dance"
3/28/2008 Urban Earth Activist Training: The Resourceful City: Water
3/28/2008 Better Living Show in Portland
3/29/2008 Workshop: Sidewalk Landscaping
3/29/2008 Permaculture Design Course: Willamette Valley (OR)
3/29/2008 Volunteer: Native Planting at Eden Landing
3/29/2008 Volunteer: Weed Removal at Cerrito Creek
3/29/2008 Compost Give-Away at the Berkeley Farmers' Market
3/29/2008 Class: "Solar Power Basics for Residential Customers"
3/29/2008 Workshop: "Go Native - Planting for Pollinators"
3/29/2008 Volunteer: Miraloma Tree Planting with Friends of the Urban Forest
3/29/2008 Workshop: "Gardening from the Ground Up"
3/29/2008 Workshop: City Chickens and City Ducks
3/29/2008 Volunteer: Mission Tree Care with Friends of the Urban Forest
3/29/2008 Workshop: Starting Your Spring Garden
3/29/2008 2nd Annual Lakeshore Neighborhood Plant Exchange
3/29/2008 Volunteer: Cesar Chavez Day of Celebration and Service
3/29/2008 Earth Hour
3/29/2008 Volunteer: Habitat Restoration at San Geronimo Creek
3/29/2008 Meeting: Envision the Future of the Concord Naval Weapons Station
3/29/2008 Vegetarian Cooking Class: Demystifying Tofu & Tempeh
3/29/2008 Volunteer: Late Winter Planting at San Francisquito Creek
3/30/2008 Really Really Free Market
3/30/2008 Party with Grandmothers for the Oaks
3/30/2008 Workshop: Bees and Backyard Beekeeping
3/30/2008 Workshop: Landscape Watering Systems

ECOLOGY CENTER EVENTS

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
National Nutrition Month Events at the Tuesday Berkeley Farmers' Market — Cooking demonstrations, free samples, and free copies of recipes that are easy, delicious, inexpensive, & seasonal. Cooking Demonstrations at 2:30pm and 3:30pm: Chef Michael Bauce, Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) cooking instructor at Thousand Oaks School; macrobiotic chef at Manzanita Restaurant, Oakland; and One Peaceful World Private Chef. Preparing: Chinese Greens with Ginger & Sesame Seeds. Sponsored by the Berkeley Nutrition Coalition [City of Berkeley Health Dept., Berkeley Unified School District, Ecology Center/Berkeley Farmers' Market/Farm Fresh Choice, Berkeley Community Gardening Collaborative, and the "Eat Better Today" Farmers' Market Project (a statewide project of the Ecology Center promoting nutrition to food stamp recipients and encouraging food stamp recipients to shop at local farmers' markets that accept the EBT food stamp card)] in cooperation with the Network for a Healthy California (a state program promoting healthy active families through the daily eating of fresh fruits and vegetables). (Please note that the Tuesday & Saturday Farmers' Market are at different locations.) Convenient public transportation: 5 blocks from the Ashby BART Station, many buses on MLK and Shattuck, street parking. The Berkeley Farmers' Markets proudly accept EBT food stamp cards and WIC farmers' market nutrition program vouchers. Location: Tuesday Berkeley Farmers' Market, Derby St. at MLK, Jr. Way, Berkeley. Time: 2pm - 6pm. Cost: Free (as always). Info: 510-548-3333, http://www.ecologycenter.org/ .

Thursday, March 20, 2008
The Natural History of the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion — In the Klamath-Siskiyous, very unusual natural features, such as metal-rich serpentine and peridotite rocks, multiple climactic influences, and a mixed and jumbled geology create a complex mosaic of habitats with fascinating plant and animal species. The Klamath-Siskiyous are home to a diversity of bird species, and 280 of the more than 3,100 plant species endemic to the area. Please join us to learn more about this interesting bioregion from the folks from the Siskiyou Field Institute (SFI). The Siskiyou Field Institute (SFI) provides engaging field-science programs about the Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion of southern Oregon and northern California. SFI will share stories from the field as they take you on a tour of their facility and the natural history of the Klamath Knot. Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley. Time: 7pm - 9pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-548-2220 x233.

Friday, March 21, 2008
Stomp the Stumps! Benefit Dance Party — Celebrate forest activism and the spring equinox dancing to 3 great bands: Grapefruit Ed (special appearance!), the Funky Nixons and the Gary Gates Band. All ages club. Benefits Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters & Earth First! Advance tickets at ticketweb.com. Location: Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave., @ Gilman, Berkeley. Time: 8pm. Cost: $15 at door, $12 in advance and for students. Info: 510-548-3113, http://www.ashkenaz.com/ .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Ferment Change! A Benefit for West Oakland's City Slicker Farms — Come join us for a fermented food feast and celebration of Urban Agriculture to Benefit West Oakland's City Slicker Farms "growing fresh and affordable produce for West Oakland". There will be a presentation on the work of City Slicker Farms by founder Willow Roesenthal, a slide show of international urban agricultural by UCB lecturer Nathan McClintock, live music by Zoyres Eastern European Wild Ferment, and a live ferment workshop. Bring a fermented food and get entered in a drawing to win Homebrew, Sauerkraut, Plant Starts, and Gift Certificates to the Berkeley Farmer's Market. Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley. Time: 7pm - 10pm. Cost: A donation of $10-30 sliding scale is requested, no one turned away due to lack of funds.. Info: 510-548-2220 x233, max@ecologycenter.org .

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
National Nutrition Month Events at the Tuesday Berkeley Farmers' Market — Cooking demonstrations, free samples, and free copies of recipes that are easy, delicious, inexpensive, & seasonal. Cooking Demonstrations from 2pm to 4pm: Joy Moore, healthy food activist & KPFA Radio personality. Preparing: Beets & Beet Greens. Sponsored by the Berkeley Nutrition Coalition [City of Berkeley Health Dept., Berkeley Unified School District, Ecology Center/Berkeley Farmers' Market/Farm Fresh Choice, Berkeley Community Gardening Collaborative, and the "Eat Better Today" Farmers' Market Project (a statewide project of the Ecology Center promoting nutrition to food stamp recipients and encouraging food stamp recipients to shop at local farmers' markets that accept the EBT food stamp card)] in cooperation with the Network for a Healthy California (a state program promoting healthy active families through the daily eating of fresh fruits and vegetables). (Please note that the Tuesday & Saturday Farmers' Market are at different locations.) Convenient public transportation: 5 blocks from the Ashby BART Station, many buses on MLK and Shattuck, street parking. The Berkeley Farmers' Markets proudly accept EBT food stamp cards and WIC farmers' market nutrition program vouchers. Location: Tuesday Berkeley Farmers' Market, Derby St. at MLK, Jr. Way, Berkeley. Time: 2pm - 6pm. Cost: Free (as always). Info: 510-548-3333, http://www.ecologycenter.org/ .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Compost Give-Away at the Berkeley Farmers' Market — Bring your own container-two buckets are suggested or large garbage bags. (Please backyard amateur gardeners only and no professionals). Sponsored by the Berkeley Community Gardening Collaborative. Location: Saturday Berkeley Farmers' Market, Center St. at MLK Jr. Way, Berkeley. Time: 10am - 3pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-548-3333, http://www.ecologycenter.org/bcgc/ .

Thursday, April 3, 2008
Introduction to Urban Permaculture — Hear and see local permaculture designers from the Ecological Division of Merritt College's Landscape Horticulture Department discuss what's possible in a city. Come see what's been incubating at this little 7-acre gem in the Oakland Hills. Christopher Shein will talk about the large food forest and garden built by students and the Permaculture Design Certificate program. Nik Bertulis will introduce the new Regenerative Design Class, working with biology to purify air, food, water and ourselves. Other classes offered at Merritt include Natural Building taught by Kevin and Marisha Farnsworth and Growing Mushrooms with Ken Litchfield. These amazing teachers will be on hand to present a quick overview of their classes and what motivates them to live their passions for urban sustainability. Find out where and how to plug-in to the local permaculture scene! Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley. Time: 7pm - 9pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-548-2220 x233, http://www.ecologycenter.org/ .

Sunday, April 6, 2008
Home Graywater Systems Slideshow & Tour — Learn about the permitted greywater system at the Ecohouse. This system is the first residential constructed wetland/greywater system in the State of California and the first greywater system in Berkeley to be permitted. We will discuss the principles and process of safely irrigating with shower, bathroom sink, and laundry waste water. The workshop includes a 1 hour slide show presentation of greywater design and the application process. Return home with ideas and plans of your own! PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. MUST register by 5pm on 4/4/08 for either the 10am OR the 1pm tour. Near North Berkeley BART. Time: Begins at 10am or 1pm. Cost: $15 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. Info: 510-548-2220 ext. 242, ecohouse@ecologycenter.org , http://ecologycenter.org/ .

Thursday, April 10, 2008
Alternatives to the Aerial Spray Program; Supporting Local Food and Farms — East Bay Pesticide Alert, Don't Spray California, and the Ecology Center present this forum on the Light Brown Apple Moth. What will happen to local organics if the California Department of Food and Agriculture is allowed to follow through on their proposal to douse the Bay Area with pesticides month in and month out for years to come? Will the light brown apple moth prove to be the invasive threat to California agriculture that the USDA claims it to be, or have agricultural damages been grossly exaggerated? Should the vulnerabilities created by conventional agricultural practices be an excuse for eradication projects that put public and environmental health at risk? Come hear about alternative approaches from agroecologist and UC Berkeley professor Miguel Altieri, Mayor of Albany and registered nurse Robert Lieber, farmers Robert Shultz and Ames Morison, and healthcare worker John Davis. Come find out about the CDFA plan, alternatives to it, and ways you can get involved. Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley. Time: 7pm - 9pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-548-2220 x233, erc@ecologycenter.org , ecologycenter.org .

Saturday, April 12, 2008
Bookmaking with Recycled Materials — Come learn how to make a book using coptic binding and creatively recycled materials. We'll make books that can be used as scrapbooks, blank books, and journals; all materials provided. Class is limited to 8 students; call or email to register. Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley. Time: 10am - 1pm. Cost: $15 general, $10 Ecology Center members, no one turned away for lack of funds. Info: Beck, 510-548-2220 x233, erc@ecologycenter.org , ecologycenter.org .

Saturday, May 3, 2008 - Sunday, May 4, 2008
Indigenous Permaculture: 2008 Rancheria Ride Bike Fundraiser — The "Rancheria Ride" helps to raise funds for Indigenous Permaculture and promote awareness of California Indian Tribes. This year's ride will wend through northern Sonoma County and feature travel to the Kashaya Pomo reservation. This is an unsupported ride. All proceeds go towards Indigenous Permaculture projects in Sonsonate, El Salvador and Pine Ridge Reservation in Lakota land. Your donation can purchase all the materials needed to build a high-efficiency stove in El Salvador, saving fuelwood and the respiratory health of Central American mothers, who otherwise work over open wood stoves for hours a day breathing in wood smoke. Please send notification of your donation to djaber@california.com, and make checks payable to "Ecology Center/Indigenous Permaculture", and mail to: 3288 21st St., #192, SF, CA 94110. Cost: $70. Info: 415-370-1657, mayalencanahuat@yahoo.com , http://www.indigenous-permaculture.org/ .

ALL EVENTS

Through Saturday, March 22, 2008
Environmental Forum of Marin's 2008 Sustainable Communities Seminar — The 2008 Sustainable Communities Seminar takes place over seven Saturdays and features presentation and instruction from three dozen local environmental leaders and teachers who will explain the practical and scientific reasons for incorporating environmentally sustainable decisions in our lives. This course is offered primarily to inform and to inspire. While there are no tests and no mandatory reading, extensive resources and recommended readings are provided for each day's focus topic. Each class is devoted to one overarching subject, with each building upon the other in order to provide you with the most fruitful learning experience possible. Online registration has begun; space is limited. Location: Environmental Forum of Marin, San Rafael. Time: 9am - 2pm. Cost: $250. Info: 415-479-7814, SeminarAdmissions@MarinEFM.org , http://marinefm.org/workshopseries.html .

Through Monday, March 24, 2008
Earthship Biotecture Training in Jamaica — Earthship Biotecture will be starting a project in Negril, Jamaica in February 2008. The Earthship Commando team from our headquarters in Taos, New Mexico led by Earthship inventor Michael Reynolds will spend three weeks building an Earthship structure. There will be positions available for eight trainees for each of the three weeks. Session 1: February 25th-29th, Session 2: March 3rd-7th, Session 3: March 10th-14th. Cost: $350/wk, not including room and board. Info: http://www.earthship.net/ .

Through Saturday, March 29, 2008
Volunteer Training: Bay Interpretive Training — Hands-on training sessions covering the history of the Bay, marine habitats, bayshore plant and animal life, and more, with an emphasis on teaching using artifacts and live animals. Location: Shorebird Park Nature Center, 160 University Ave, at the Marina, Berkeley. Cost: $49. Info: 510-981-6720, pdonald@ci.berkeley.ca.us , www.cityofberkeley.info/marina .

Through Monday, March 31, 2008
Volunteer: Help a Newt Cross the Road — Every year newts migrate across Hillside Drive to reach their breeding pools in Castro Creek. Volunteers prevent many of these creatures from being crushed by cars. We need volunteers every evening, possibly into April. The newts are most active on rainy nights. Location: El Sobrante. Time: 5pm - 8pm. Info: annabelle11_3@yahoo.com .

Through Friday, April 4, 2008
Art Exhibit: "Jason Austin" — Featuring 40 works by Visual Artist Jason Austin. Location: EBMUD, 375 11th Street, Second Floor, Oakland. Info: http://www.mesart.com/indexps.jsp?artist=2983 .

Through Sunday, April 6, 2008
Exhibit: "Trading Traditions: California's New Cultures" — The exhibition explores the fusion of California's new communities, highlighting -- through photographs, artifacts, and sound -- the interethnic connections that symbolize the richness of California's diversity. Based on the book Under the Dragon (Heyday Books), the exhibition features the photographs of Lonny Shavelson, commentary by Fred Setterberg, and sound design by James LeBrecht. Location: Oakland Museum of CA, 1000 Oak St., @ 10th St., Oakland. Info: 510-238-2200, http://www.museumca.org/ .

Through Saturday, April 12, 2008
Art Exhibit: Americans Who Tell the Truth — Portraits by Maine artist, Robert Shetterly. This exhibition features 30 of the 68 portraits Shetterly painted of American truth tellers including images of Paul Robeson, Harriet Tubman, and W.E.B. DuBois. Amongst Shetterly's collection are local Bay Area truth tellers including Lateefah Simmons, James Bell, Daniel Ellsberg, Eva Patterson, and Cesar Chavez. Reception will also feature local truth tellers (Eva Royale will be representing Cesar Chavez), as well as spoken word performances and remarks from the artist. In the Sargent Johnson Gallery. Opening Reception on 2/1/08, 6pm-8pm. Location: African and African-American Art and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton St., SF. Info: 415-922-2049, info@aaacc.org , http://www.aaacc.org/ .

Through Sunday, July 20, 2008
Training: Permaculture Design — Join us on the third weekends of the month, 2/08-7/08, for EarthFlow's Santa Cruz Permaculture Design Certificate Course Series. Part One: 2/16+17 & 3/15+16: Fire, Water, Earth & Air... Introduction to Permaculture and Natural Pattern Understanding. Part Two: 4/19+20 & 5/17+18: Food, Water, Shelter & Energy... Designing & Building the Complete Home Ecosystem. Part Three: 6/21+22 & 7/19+20: Community & Green Business... EcoVillage Design and Community Celebration. Meets 9am-5pm Sat and 10am-5pm Sun. Location: Santa Cruz. Cost: $90 per day, $175 per weekend, $950 for all six weekends (pre-paid in full). Info: http://earthflow.com/santacruzPDC08.php .

Through Sunday, January 18, 2009
Course: 4 Seasons Permaculture Design Certification — An opportunity to take a Permaculture Design Certification Course over a full year of nature's rhythms on a budding permaculture farm. Learn how to observe and use the same principles that make ecological systems self-sustaining, and apply them to integrated homes and gardens. In addition, you will learn how to apply these principles to energy systems and water supplies, healthy communities, meaningful and fulfilling work, ecological economies and global political movements for change. The course weaves together the principles and practices of permaculture with wilderness awareness - explore tracking and participate in activities that deepen your awareness and intimacy with the rest of the natural world. Starts 2/23-24/08 and continues one Sunday per month through 1/09. Instructors: Penny Livingston-Stark, Lydia Neilsen, Lauren Dalberth, David Hage, Matt Berry and others! Details and application available online. Location: Commonweal Garden, Bolinas. Cost: $1100 for 13-day program. Info: 415-868-9681, http://www.regenerativedesign.org/courses-events/permaculture .

Friday, March 14, 2008
What Do the Women Say? — In celebration of International Women's Day, Golden Thread Productions presents an evening of poetry and performance by and about women from the Middle East. Among the performances: Golden Thread's artistic director, Torange Yeghiazarian, will direct the award-winning short play, The Body Washer, set in Iraq. Sara Razavi will dissect Palestinian identity politics in The Monologist Suffers her Monologue. Bay Area's beloved poet, Elmaz Abinader, will perform accompanied by Tony Khalife. Location: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Time: 8pm. Cost: $8 advance; $10 door. Info: 510-849-2568, http://www.lapena.org/event/694 .

Friday, March 14, 2008
Talk: Struggle for Power: Water Resources, Development and Indigenous Peoples in Panama — A Talk by Ruben Orlando Gonzalez, Panamanian Sociologist and Rotary Peace Fellow. The Panamanian government is building dams across the country, ignoring the land rights and genuine development needs of indigenous peoples in a quest to provide electricity to the capital, Panama City. The Panamanian NGO Alliance for Conservation and Development (ACD) is working with indigenous community leaders to provide legal support to the efforts to oppose the dams. Ruben Gonzalez, ACD Board member, will focus on the urgent situation in Bocas del Toro province, where the construction of two dams adjacent to the La Amistad World Heritage Site are threatening indigenous lands, homes, and livelihoods right now. Location: Dominican Sisters Hall, 1520 Grand Ave, San Rafael. Time: 7pm - 8:30pm. Cost: $5-$10 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. Info: 415-847-2070, http://internationalrivers.org/en/events .

Friday, March 14, 2008
Workshop: Intro to LEED & Commercial Green Building (GB 101) — If you're a builder or are looking to get into the green building industry, this course is for you. You will be introduced to the six key categories used by the USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program for rating green buildings, including: Sustainable site selection; Water efficiency measures; Energy efficiency; Eco-friendly building materials; Indoor/outdoor air quality; Innovative design. Participants will examine several case studies of commercial green buildings to learn how these techniques have been employed. Register on website or by phone. Location: Green Building Exchange, 305 Main Street, Redwood City. Time: 9am - 5pm. Cost: $125. Info: 707-744-2017, http://www.solarliving.org/workshops/ .

Friday, March 14, 2008
Workshop: Sustainability & Healthcare — This course introduces the principles of sustainability, from historical development to current paradigms. Participants will be introduced to several notable "green" efforts in the healthcare field, including the use of safer medical supplies and materials and the reduction of toxic medical waste. Clear, actionable steps will be suggested, such as establishing toxic-free buildings, literacy around local environmental health issues and the practice of safe, effective, precaution-based medicine. Participants will engage in experiential learning exercises involving strategies for promoting sustainable healthcare. The course is especially geared to primary health care practitioners operating in small- to medium-sized clinics, including nurses, psychotherapists, and complementary health professionals. Instructor Joel Kreisberg, DC, MA, is the founder and executive director of the Teleosis Institute. Currently an adjunct faculty member in the School of Holistic Studies at JFK University, he completed his Doctor of Chiropractic at New York Chiropractic College and received his MA in Integral Ecology at Prescott College. Pleasant Hill campus, Room N263. Register online. Location: Pleasant Hill. Time: 9am - 5pm. Cost: $161. Info: 800-696-5358, http://www.jfku.edu/run/ce/index.php?act=browse&id=271 .

Friday, March 14, 2008 - Sunday, March 16, 2008
California Straw Building Association (CASBA) Spring Conference — Meet with well-known straw-balers, stay in a strawbale cabin and have a lot of fun and education in this three-day conference. Call or visit website for registration and program details. Location: Cambria. Cost: $105-$225. Info: 209-785-7077, http://www.strawbuilding.org/ .

Friday, March 14, 2008
Lecture: Climate Change and Health: Critiques of Epidemiological Methods — With panel: Hubbard, Eisenberg, Colford, Tager, Catalano, UCB SPH. Part of the UCB/School of Public Health Lecture series on Climate Change for Health Scientists. Location: 2319 Tolman Hall. Location: UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. Time: 2pm - 3:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-643-9016, http://events.berkeley.edu/?event_ID=6593&view-prevew .

Friday, March 14, 2008
Volunteer: SPAWN Native Plant Nursery — Volunteer at SPAWN's Native Plant Nursery. All plants from Nursery will be used to help restore local watersheds. Bring Gloves, weather appropriate clothing, water. RSVP via email. Location: Lagunitas. Time: 10am - 1pm. Info: 415-663-8590 x107, jenny@spawnusa.org , http://www.spawnusa.org/ .

Friday, March 14, 2008 - Sunday, March 16, 2008
National Pesticide Forum: Reclaiming Our Healthy Future — This year, Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR) is joining forces with Pesticide Action Network and Beyond Pesticides for a major conference. The Healthy Futures Conference will serve as the 2008 CPR Annual Meeting and is Beyond Pesticides' 26th National Pesticide Forum. The days will be filled with workshops, skills trainings and opportunities to network with pesticide and toxics reform activists from across California, the U.S. and the world! Conference topics include: Children's health and public policy; Farmworker justice, organizing and consumer action; Building just and healthy food systems; Power of local activism to influence political change; Pesticides and the secret history of the war on cancer; Skills training sessions; DDT and malaria; Global warming and biofuels; Biomonitoring and pesticide drift; Lawns and landscapes; Managing indoor environments; Water quality and much more. Call or email for questions and information about scholarships. Registration and further details available online. Location: UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. Cost: $75 general, $65 member, $35 student, $175 business. Info: 888-CPR-4480, t.cosentino@earthlink.net , http://www.pesticidereform.org/ .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Workshop: "Go Native - Planting for Pollinators" — Bay-Friendly Gardening means simplifying garden care, reducing chores and using as few resources, from water to fertilizer, as possible. Bay-Friendly gardeners work with nature to reduce waste and prevent pollution of local creeks, waterways and San Francisco Bay. Attract birds, butterflies and beneficial insects. Learn to diversify your garden by including California native plants that provide food, shelter, and nesting places for wildlife. The Bay-Friendly Gardening workshops are offered by the StopWaste.Org and its Bay-Friendly Gardening partners: The Watershed Project, EBMUD, the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program, and the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Register online. Location: Garre Winery & Vineyard, 7986 Tesla Road, Livermore. Time: 10am - 1pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-444-7645, http://www.bayfriendly.org .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Volunteer: South of Market Tree Planting with Friends of the Urban Forest — Breakfast/lunch is provided! Meet at Luscious Garage, 459 Clementina St. (between 5th & 6th St.). Call to confirm meeting location and to RSVP. Location: SF. Time: 9am - Noon. Info: 415-561-6890 ext 100, http://www.fuf.net/calendar_news/index.html .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Volunteer: Weed the Wetlands at Santa Venetia Marsh — Two endangered species, the California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse, depend on Santa Venetia Marsh for survival. Help plant native plants like coyote bush, gumplant and sticky monkey flower and weed out invasive plants such as harding grass and fennel at this site. Join us at this beautiful site on Gallinas Creek, and learn about the history of wetland protection near the Marin Civic Center. Location: Santa Venetia Marsh, San Rafael. Time: 9am - Noon. Info: 510-452-9261 x119, bayevents@savesfbay.org , http://www.savesfbay.org .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Workshop: "Gardening from the Ground Up" — Bay-Friendly Gardening means simplifying garden care, reducing chores and using as few resources, from water to fertilizer, as possible. Bay-Friendly gardeners work with nature to reduce waste and prevent pollution of local creeks, waterways and San Francisco Bay. Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Understanding your soil will help you grow a blossoming garden this season and for seasons to come. Backyard composting, sheet mulching basics and other soil building techniques will be covered during this workshop. The Bay-Friendly Gardening workshops are offered by the StopWaste.Org and its Bay-Friendly Gardening partners: The Watershed Project, EBMUD, the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program, and the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Register online. Location: Bay-Friendly Demonstration Garden (Oakland), 666 Bellevue Ave., Lakeside Park, Oakland. Time: 10am - 1pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-444-7645, http://www.bayfriendly.org .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Application Deadline: Young Climate Leaders — Project Slingshot, sponsored by Clif Mojo Bars and Focus the Nation, is offering summer scholarships of up to $10,000 for work on creative solutions that can propel global warming solutions into action. Applicants, 18- to 25-years-old, may offer proposals in one of three categories: "outdoor fanatics protecting the places we love to play," "innovators challenging our expectations," and "artists inspiring our communities." Details online. Info: http://69.30.50.18/mojoslingshot.php .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Permaculture Design Two-Week Intensive — Whether you currently own property or dream of it, this two-week intensive course will immerse you in information, ideas and inspiration for how to design sustainable, regenerative systems in balance with your home ecosystem. You will learn the ethics, principles and practice of "permanent culture," by exploring topics such as organic gardening, mulching, natural building techniques, forest farming, water retention and regeneration, erosion control, community processes, and much more. Using a combination of lecture, discussion, hands-on activities at OAEC's 80-acre site, visits to local permaculture examples, and a group design project, you will have the chance to integrate and apply the concepts of permaculture during almost 100 hours of course time. Upon completion of the course, participants receive a Certificate of Permaculture Design. Begins at 5pm on the 15th and ends at 12 noon on the 28th. Instructor: Brock Dolman, with guests. Location: Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, 15290 Coleman Valley Rd., Occidental. Cost: $1400/$1300 if registered two weeks in advance. Info: 707-874-1557, http://www.oaec.org/ .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Workshop: Organic Fruit Tree Care: Training the Young & the Old — Join GFE and Orchard Keepers, organic tree care experts, for this extensive workshop covering organic fruit tree care for both young and mature fruit trees. Learn to encourage fruit from trees of all ages, starting with techniques for training and invigorating young trees for healthy, vigorous growth. We will also learn re-establish annual fruit bearing cycles on older trees through restorative pruning. This hands-on workshop will cover apples, pears and plums (both Stone fruits and Pome fruits). Pre-registration by email or phone required. Location: Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave., @ Lawton St., SF. Time: 10am - Noon. Cost: $15, no one turned away for lack of funds. Info: 415-731-5627, info@gardenfortheenvironment.org , http://www.gardenfortheenvironment.org/ .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Volunteer: Habitat Restoration at San Geronimo Creek — Volunteers needed to help restore native habitat in Marin County's San Geronimo Creek. We will meet at Roy's Pools on the San Geronimo Valley Golf Course. Directions from 101: Take Sir Francis Drake to Fairfax. Continue on SF Drake ~5 mi West of Fairfax (over the big hill, past the Golf Course). Just past the golf course, make a left onto Nicasio Valley Drive, then left onto San Geronimo Valley Drive. Roy's Pools is on the left hand side. What to bring: Warm clothing, long pants, long sleeves, work gloves, sturdy shoes, a water bottle, or any other appropriate gear for weather conditions. Call or email for more information. Rain cancels. Time: 10am - 1pm. Info: 415-663-8590 x107, kevin@spawnusa.org , www.spawnusa.org .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Eco-Career Day for High School Students — Through hands-on workshops and by meeting professionals in the field, learn about the wide range of environmental fields available in the urban and natural environment. Get a jump on summer educational, volunteer, and job opportunities at the resource fair with dozens of local organizations. Registration required; details online. Location: Crissy Field Center, Presidio, Bldg. 603, @ Mason & Halleck, SF. Time: 10am - 3pm. Cost: free. Info: 415-561-3000, iyel@parksconservancy.org , http://www.parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=45 .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Workshop: Intro to Green Renovations (GB 102) — Preparing to embark on a kitchen, bathroom or other home renovation project? There are many exciting and rewarding materials and techniques you can employ to make your home more eco friendly and healthy for your family. Course topics include: The negative impacts of many conventional building materials & techniques; Intelligent alternatives to common products and where to find them; How to get your interior designer or contractor to be environmentally aware; Design principles that make your green house a more warm and natural home. This workshop is also suitable for designers and builders who want to serve sustainability-minded clients as well as those involved in non-residential remodeling. Take this course with GB 101 for an overview of green building techniques for both residential and commercial buildings. Register online or by phone. Location: Green Building Exchange, 305 Main Street, Redwood City. Time: 9am - 5pm. Cost: $125. Info: 707-744-2017, http://www.solarliving.org/workshops/ .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Town Hall Meeting with Barbara Lee on the Iraq War — Join congresswoman Barbara Lee for a town hall meeting marking the fifth anniversary of the US occupation of Iraq. Location: Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave, Oakland. Time: 9am - 11am. Cost: Free.

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Presentation: Sublime Succulents — UC Davis Botanical Conservatory Curator Ernesto Sandoval wows audiences with his presentation and slide show about some of horticulture's most interesting members: succulents. Learn about the specialized botany and adaptations of succulents, plus how to incorporate succulent specimens in their own Marin gardens. Sandoval is joined by Marin Master Gardener Gary Bartl, who discusses succulents in container plantings and displays his own beautiful specimens. In addition, representatives will be on-hand from Ruth Bancroft Gardens and SF Cactus & Succulent Society. Succulents will be available for sale. No reservations necessary. Location: Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross. Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm. Cost: $10. Info: 415-455-5260, http://www.maagc.org/ .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Workshop: Companion Planting — Discover how to enhance your garden's health and productivity while attracting a beneficial insect population. Learn how to make efficient use of your garden space and the plants' natural properties by using methods that have been used for centuries. (1.5 CEUs) Location: Common Ground, 559 College Ave, Palo Alto. Time: 10:30am - noon. Cost: $22. Info: 650-493-6072, www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/ .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Workshop: Planning Your Garden — Learn to use the charts in How To Grow More Vegetables. Getting seedlings started at the right time and in the right quantities can help make the best use of garden space. Bring a copy of How to Grow More Vegetables, 7th edition (always available at Common Ground), a sharp pencil, and a calculator. (1 CEU) Location: Common Ground, 559 College Ave, Palo Alto. Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm. Cost: $25. Info: 650-493-6072, www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/ .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Planning for the Future of Muir Woods — Go "behind the scenes" with members of the National Park Service planning team, talking about how we might sustain and steward the old-growth redwood forest and its historical resources, while continuing to offer visitors memorable experiences. Call to RSVP and get meeting location information. Location: Muir Woods National Monument. Time: 9:30am - 11:30am. Cost: free. Info: 415-561-4730, http://www.parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=1392 .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Direct Action and Rally against Chevron Refinery Expansion — The purpose of this action is shut the Chevron refinery down for the day, and to support community efforts to stop Chevron from expanding its refinery. Attendees will rally in Carroll Park at 11am. Nonviolent direct action to shut down the refinery will take place at 1pm, with shuttle buses leaving from Richmond BART and Point Richmond. Join the bicycle brigade or bring a boat and participate from the water. Location: Judge G. Carroll Park, W. Cutting Blvd and W. Garrard Blvd., Richmond. Time: 11am. Cost: Free. Info: 510-984-2566, takedirectaction@riseup.net , http://tinyurl.com/2nfekt .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Bowl-The-Planet and Silent Auction — You're invited to a pledge event for the Center for Ecosystem Survival. Come and rock-out for the planet. Registration fee includes Glow Bowling, food, and music. Bumper bowling is available for kids. Our Silent Auction offers prizes from the Bay Area's museums, restaurants and activities. This pledge event raises funds to preserve and protect endangered habitats worldwide and to bring the Center's award winning Insect Discovery Lab to Bay Area school children. Call to sign up for the event, to pledge, or to volunteer. Location: Serra Bowl, 3301 Junipero Serra Blvd., Daly City. Time: 5pm - 8pm. Cost: $35. Info: 415-648-3392, info@savenature.org , http://www.savenature.org/ .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
UC Botanical Garden's School Garden Conference — Join teachers, school volunteers and youth educators for the University of California Botanical Garden's annual one-day conference in a roundtable of activities to experience new curricula, innovative activities and learn horticultural and management techniques to take full advantage of one of the most engaging places of learning. Hands-on workshops include: Botany on Your Plate: Investigating the plants we eat (curriculum); Math in the Garden: Inquiry-based activities that build math skills (curriculum); Traditional Uses of Native Plants: Cordage & Basketry; Cultivating Color: Natural dyes and activities from the Garden; Cooking from the Garden: Fresh nutrition for your students; Creating & Sustaining Your Garden: Horticultural How-to's; The Garden and Your Students: Activities & Management techniques; Small group collaboration to identify resources and strategies for starting or furthering your school garden. You'll also receive: A School Garden Resource Guide, activity packets, take-home materials that link the garden to math, literature, nutrition and science, information on local programs, and certificate of participation. Pre-registration required. Download registration form from website. Location: UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. Time: 9am - 3:30pm. Cost: $25. Info: 510-643-4832, manoux@berkeley.edu , http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/education/educationK12.shtml#proDev .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Teacher Training: Wild in the Wilderness — Wild in the Wilderness: Adventures in Environmental Education. If you are interested in designing and implementing your own low-cost environmental education program in a beautiful natural environment, consider bringing a group to the Clem Miller Environmental Education Center. This teacher training workshop (required for teachers bringing a group to the center) is held annually and will provide the foundation for planning your visit. Participate in hands-on activities, discovery methods, and thought-provoking games that illustrate a variety of science and ecological concepts while fulfilling some of the California State Science standards. Learn how to adapt these activities to your lessons and become familiar with the teaching spots around the Center. Leave the weekend energized and full of environmental education ideas that you can take back to the classroom. Accommodations at the Center are required. 1.5 units of continuing education credit are available through Dominican University. This fast-paced workshop is curriculum based and compatible with the California State Science Framework. Workshop takes place from Saturday 9am to Sunday 4pm. Priority registration is given to teachers whose school is already registered to bring their students to the Center. Those wishing to learn basic environmental education techniques are also welcome on a space-available basis. Space is limited and registration is required. Register online, by phone or by email. Location: Clem Miller Environmental Education Center, Point Reyes National Seashore, Pt. Reyes Station. Cost: $80 general, $75 members, free if your school is already scheduled at the Education Center. Info: 415-663-1224, fiona@ptreyes.org , http://www.ptreyes.org/schoolprogram/index.shtml .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Exhibit: Fibers and Dyes — Discover the rich history of using plants for fibers and dyes, Walk through the Garden's exhibit of various plants used for fibers and dyes. See samples of plant fibers woven into designs. Location: UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. Time: 9am - 5pm. Cost: Free with garden admission. Info: 510-643-2755 x03, http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu .

Saturday, March 15, 2008 - Sunday, October 12, 2008
Exhibition: In Our Own Backyard: A Celebration of the East Bay Regional Parks — Take a virtual tour of the East Bay Regional Parks, following the flow of creeks from snow-capped Mount Diablo through protected park land to the many parks along the shoreline of San Francisco Bay. More than 40 photographs from the museum's Bob Walker Archive celebrate the diversity and habitats of the parks. Guest curated by Christopher Beaver, author of After the Storm: Bob Walker and the East Bay Regional Park District. Location: Oakland Museum of CA, 1000 Oak St., @ 10th St., Oakland. Cost: $8 general, $5 seniors & students w/ ID, free for members, children five and under, and City of Oakland employees. Info: 510-238-2200, http://www.museumca.org/ .

Saturday, March 15, 2008
Seminar: "Alternative Materials: Cob and Strawbale" — Two natural building methods are currently undergoing renewed popularity. Cob is an ancient technique using a mixture of earth, sand and straw; it requires only simple handtools and can easily be shaped into imaginative structures. Strawbales are highly insulative and create an Old World character of thick walls and deepset windows. The methods are gaining building code approval in many communities. Location: Building Education Center, 812 Page St., Berkeley. Time: 10am - 5pm. Cost: $85. Info: 510-525-7610, http://www.bldgeductr.org/seminars.html .

Sunday, March 16, 2008
Rachel Corrie Memorial — Celebrate the life and activism of International Solidarity Movement volunteer Rachel Corrie, killed five years ago today by Israeli Occupation Forces operating in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, as she was protecting the home of a Palestinian family. Stand in Solidarity with Palestinians and all indigenous peoples struggling against ethnic cleansing and oppression and for social justice everywhere. Guest speakers and performers: Antonio Gonzales, Loubna Qutami, The Vukani Mawethu Choir, Tony Khalife. Location: Inter-tribal Friendship House, 523 International Blvd. , (near 5th Ave), Oakland. Time: 7pm. Info: 510-236-4250, http://www.norcalism.org/ .

Sunday, March 16, 2008
Work Party: Bernal Hilltop Native Grassland Restoration Project — Join volunteers working to control invasive weeds, pick up trash, maintain restoration areas, and enjoy the spring wildflower bloom at this award-winning urban natural area restoration project. Meet at the foot of the road leading to the phone company microwave tower near the southwest road closure of Bernal Heights Boulevard. Bring your own clippers/tools if possible. Location: Bernal Hilltop Native Grassland, Bernal Heights Boulevard southwest terminus, SF. Time: 11am. Info: 415-831-6328, bpandrp@peoplepc.com .

Sunday, March 16, 2008
Workshop: Garden Garments — Learn to dye with plant sources from your garden. Create an array of colors for a garden dyer's sample book, and dye a plant-colored and patterned textile to take home. Location: UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. Time: 1pm - 4pm. Cost: $40. Info: 510-643-2755 x03, http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu .

Sunday, March 16, 2008
Party with Grandmothers for the Oaks — Join Berkeley Grandmothers for the Oaks for a Party at the Oak Grove. Bring songs, musical instruments, and lots of food and water. We're going to sing our little hearts out ya hear? Location: Memorial Oak Grove, (on Piedmont, just north of Bancroft), Berkeley. Time: 2pm. Cost: Donations of food and water appreciated. Info: http://www.saveoaks.com/SaveOaks/Main.html .

Sunday, March 16, 2008
A Walk in the Presidio Forest — Join this two- to three-mile moderate walk to explore the mini-forest planted by the army during the 1800s. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle, and dress in layers. Meet Ranger Rik Penn at the Visitor Center located in the Officers Club, 50 Moraga Ave. Location: Presidio, SF. Time: 1pm - 3pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-561-3000, http://www.parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=1145 .

Sunday, March 16, 2008
Community Labyrinth Peace Walk — Everyone welcome. Rain cancels. Location: Willard Middle School, Telegraph Ave., between Derby St. and Stuart St., Berkeley. Time: 3pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-526-7377, info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org , http://www.bpfp.org/users/eblp/ .

Monday, March 17, 2008
Workshop: "Lead-Safe Painting & Remodeling" — Learn to detect and remedy lead hazards in the home to prevent lead poisoning. Taught by expert staff from the Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (ACLPPP), course offers simple solutions property owners can use to safely repair and renovate their homes. Register by phone or download registration form from website. Location: Dimond Branch Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland. Time: 6pm - 8pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-567-8280, http://www.aclppp.org/homeown.htm .

Monday, March 17, 2008
Lecture: The Market Value and Cost of Solar Photovoltaic Electricity Production — Speaker: Severin Borenstein, Director of the University of California Energy Institute Sponsor: CITRIS (Ctr for Info Technology Research in the Interest of Society). The high cost of power from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has been a major deterrent to the technology's market penetration. Proponents have argued, however, that typical analyses overlook many of the benefits of solar PV. Some of those benefits are in the realm of environmental and security externalities, but others occur within the electricity markets. In this talk, Prof. Severin Borenstein will do a more complete market valuation of solar PV. Location: 290 Hearst Memorial Mining Bldg., UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. Time: 4pm - 5pm. Info: 510-643-4866, http://events.berkeley.edu/?event_ID=6074&date=2008-03-17&tab=lectures .

Monday, March 17, 2008
Talk: Amphibians & Pesticides - Why Humans Should Be Concerned — Down to a Science is a casual forum where leading scientists discuss their research with the public at a local cafe. After a short presentation from a scientist, we have Q&A leading to a dialogue. This month, we will focus on the pesticide atrazine. Atrazine is a potent endocrine disrupter that chemically castrates and feminizes exposed male amphibians. Further, atrazine exposure results in neural damage, hyperactivity, and leads to possible retarded growth and development. Pesticides like atrazine are persistent contaminants, though more pronounced in amphibians, the effects occur in all vertebrate classes (fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals) examined. With Professor Tyrone Hayes, Professor of Integrative Biology, UC Berkeley. Location: Atlas Cafe, 3049 20th Street, at Alabama St., SF. Time: 7pm - 9pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-440-1792, info@sciencecafesf.com , http://www.sciencecafesf.com/ .

Monday, March 17, 2008
Lecture: Globalizing Conservation in the Twentieth Century: Oceans, Whales, and the 'Blue Planet' — Speaker: Graham Burnett, Associate Professor of History, Princeton University. Sponsors: Science, Technology, and Society Center (STSC), Office for History of Science and Technology (OHST). Location: 140 Barrows Hall, UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley. Time: 4pm. Info: 510-642-9656, http://events.berkeley.edu/?event_ID=6499&date=2008-03-17&tab=lectures .

Monday, March 17, 2008
Talk: The History of Gardening in the United States — Jenny Rose Carey, Director of the Landscape Arboretum at Temple University, Ambler, PA, and Garden Historian, will present an overview of the more than 400 years of known gardening history in the United States of America, from the sketchy details of pre-colonial gardens through the early subsistence gardens to gardens designed purely for pleasure. Each era of American History has produced distinctive gardens that are in keeping with the socioeconomic climate of the times. Using images from the past and present and from across America, including some from the Archive of American Gardens at The Smithsonian, Carey will show how contemporary garden design is influenced by gardens of the past. Location: County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park, 9th Ave. and Lincoln, SF. Time: 7pm. Cost: $5 (members free)849-2568849-2568. Info: http://www.sfbotanicalgardensociety.org/sfbgs_course_template.cfm?s=4739 .

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Public Hearing: "Stop the Bombplex" — The Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration has released new plans to modernize and "revitalize" the U.S. nuclear weapons research and production complex at 8 locations across the country, including the Bay Area's Livermore Lab. The DOE calls the plan, "Complex Transformation." We call it "Bombplex." Western States Legal Foundation, Tri-Valley CAREs, Peace Action West, United for Peace and Justice and allied organizations are calling on all anti-nuclear, anti-war, environmental, and peace and justice activists to turn the "Bombplex" public hearings into a national public referendum on the future of nuclear weapons. Call to RSVP or obtain details. Location: Holiday Inn Express, 3751 North Tracy Boulevard, Tracy. Time: 6pm - 10pm. Info: 925-443-7148, http://www.trivalleycares.org/ .

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Panel: Are Pesticides Poisoning Our Children's Future? — There is mounting evidence that man-made chemicals, notably pesticides, are accumulating in our environment, and that these chemicals may be far from benign. Hear from a distinguished panel of experts about the nature and magnitude of the potential harm and what we can do about it. Guest speakers: Donique Brumley, Activist; Arizona Resident; Tyrone Hayes, Ph.D., Integrative Biology, UC Berkeley; Susan Kegley, Ph.D., Pesticide Action Network North America, SF; Gina Solomon, M.D., Natural Resources Defense Council, SF. Time: 5:30pm reception, 6pm program. Location: Commonwealth Club of California, 595 Market St., 2nd Floor, SF. Time: 5:30pm. Cost: $15 general, $8 members. Info: 415-597-6700, http://tickets.commonwealthclub.org/homepage.asp .

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Simplicity Forum: Reexamining Our Relationship with Money — Meetings of the Berkeley Simplicity Forum this year will be held on third Wednesdays of every month, beginning March 19. Join us for this month's discussion as we assess to what extent money has taken a dominant role in our lives. When we have a problem to solve, do we think first of solving it with money rather than our own ingenuity or by cooperating with others? Is our security truly based only on money, or are there skills we can learn to become more independent? Is there an alternative to the habit of paying down money for everything we need or want? Bring your ideas and experience to the discussion! Located on Ashby, one block west of College. Location: Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue Ave., @ Ashby, Berkeley. Time: 6:30pm - 8pm. Cost: Free. Info: http://www.simpleliving.net/main/ .

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Seminar: "Road Diets" — "Road diet" projects often entail the conversion of four-lane undivided roads into three lanes (two through lanes plus a center turn lane). The fourth lane may be used for bicycle lanes, sidewalks, or on-street parking. This seminar will look at examples of road diets, their effect on road capacity, uses of reallocated right-of-way, public outreach and perceptions, and other impacts and benefits. Speakers will focus on lessons learned in San Leandro, Oakland, and Sunnyvale. Call to RSVP by 3/14/08. Location: MetroCenter Auditorium, 101 Eighth Street, (across from Lake Merritt BART), Oakland. Time: 10am - 2pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-817-5748, http://www.ebbc.org/?q=node/1494 .

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Meeting: Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure Assessment Study — The California Air Resources Board, in cooperation with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Maritime Port of Oakland, and Union Pacific Railroad will discuss the Preliminary Summary of Results from the Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure Assessment Study for the West Oakland Community. The risk assessment provides estimates of potential health impacts for the West Oakland community due to diesel PM emissions from ships, trucks, trains, and other sources. The meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the study, ask questions, and provide input. Key Topics: What the preliminary results showed; How the results may be used; Next steps. Location: West Oakland Senior Center, 1724 Adeline Street, Oakland. Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Info: 916-327-5985, csuer@arb.ca.gov , http://www.arb.ca.gov/ch/communities/ra/westoakland/westoakland.htm .

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Panel: Greening Your Career — Come learn about "green jobs" -- and how you can get one! Dr. Carol McClelland of Green Career Central will introduce a panel of speakers from a variety of industries as they talk about how they found meaningful green careers. Find out more about the green economy and the new work opportunities opening up in almost every field imaginable. You'll also hear strategies you can adapt to your particular interests. Light refreshments and reception at 5:30pm. Program begins at 6:15pm. RSVP by phone or email by 3/17/08. Location: Green Building Exchange, 305 Main Street, Redwood City. Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm. Cost: $10/$5 members, or become a member of Acterra and admission is free!. Info: 650-962-9876 x306, ellenw@acterra.org , http://www.acterra.org/calendar/march.html .

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Film: "Horns and Halos" — This documentary captures the unlikely connection of three men: an ex-con turned celebrity biographer, a janitor cum underground publisher, and U.S. President George W. Bush. Their disparate paths to power and popularity become tangled in this hair-raising film. Before and after the film, everyone's invited to our Humanist Tea House. Location: Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. & 411 28th St., Between Telegraph & Broadway, below Pill Hill, Oakland. Time: 7:30pm. Cost: $5 donation welcome. Info: 510-393-5685, http://www.humanisthall.org/ .

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
East Bay Green Drinks — East Bay Green Drinks is a monthly gathering of people interested in sustainability, including green business, architecture, design, building, organics, clean energy and other topics. Bobby G's Pizzeria is a Certified Green Restaurant serving gourmet pizza, pasta and panini. They support sustainable farming and fair trade coffee, and people's right to make a fair living wage in communities around the world. Bobby G's is generously discounting all beverages and food until 8pm. Come early and enjoy the deal! Location: Bobby G's Pizzeria, 2072 University Ave, Berkeley. Time: 5:30pm - 8pm. Info: http://www.sustainablebiz.org/events/happyHour.html .

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Demonstration: "No War: Take action on the 5th anniversary of the Iraq War" — On March 19, 2008 - the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq - Direct Action to Stop the War will be organizing a day of decentralized, multiple-target direct action against government offices and war profiteers in downtown San Francisco, in order to send a clear message to the economic and political elites that control this country: No business as usual until all U.S. troops are withdrawn from Iraq! Gather at Market & Sansome for the kickoff at 7:30am. Time: 7:30am. Info: 510-984-2566, takedirectaction@riseup.net , http://www.actagainstwar.net .

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Meeting: SF Green Professionals Guild — The San Francisco Green Building Professionals Guild meets monthly on the third Wednesday of the month. 5:30pm-6pm: Sign in, Food & Drink, Networking; 6pm-7pm: Topic Presentation (will start promptly): Xtreme Energy Efficiency, with Matt Golden of Sustainable Spaces; 7pm-7:30pm: Q&A - Open Discussion. Pay by cash or check at the door. A receipt can be provided. A light dinner provided for all attendees based on RSVP's. Pre-registration is required for every meeting. RSVP by email or phone at least two business days prior to the date of the meeting. CEU Value: 1.5 Energy/Building Science. Near Civic Center BART Station. Location: San Francisco Dept. of Environment, 11 Grove St., SF. Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Cost: $15. Info: 510-845-0472 ext. 108, GRG@BuildItGreen.org , http://www.builditgreen.org/councils/guild-SF .

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Public Hearing: "Stop the Bombplex" — The Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration has released new plans to modernize and "revitalize" the U.S. nuclear weapons research and production complex at 8 locations across the country, including the Bay Area's Livermore Lab. The DOE calls the plan, "Complex Transformation." We call it "Bombplex." Western States Legal Foundation, Tri-Valley CAREs, Peace Action West, United for Peace and Justice and allied organizations are calling on all anti-nuclear, anti-war, environmental, and peace and justice activists to turn the "Bombplex" public hearings into a national public referendum on the future of nuclear weapons. Call to RSVP or obtain details. 11am-3pm AND 6pm-10pm. Location: Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Avenue, Livermore. Info: 925-443-7148, http://www.trivalleycares.org/ .

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Ocean Protection Council Public Forum on Fisheries — Please join OPC staff and the Department of Fish and Game to discuss how the OPC might focus it efforts and funding regarding fisheries issues over the next few years. Meet in Room 2. Location: California State Office Bldg., Oakland, 1515 Clay St., Oakland. Time: 1pm - 4:30pm. Info: cblackburn@scc.ca.gov , http://resources.ca.gov/copc/ .

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Panel: Microwave Radiation: The Shadow Side of the Wireless Revolution — The European Environmental Agency has called for immediate action to reduce exposure to radiation from Wi-Fi, mobile telephones and their masts, believing that delay could lead to a health crisis on par with the health side-effects of asbestos, lead poisoning and smoking. Despite this, cities in the United States and around the world are attempting to "go wireless." This panel of leading experts will discuss what is known about the biological effects of microwave radiation and its possible links with various illnesses. Reception begins 5pm; panel at 6pm. Location: Commonwealth Club of California, 595 Market St., 2nd Floor, SF. Time: 5pm. Cost: $15; $7 students; $8 members. Info: 415-597-6700, http://tickets.commonwealthclub.org/auto_choose_ga.asp?area=1 .

Thursday, March 20, 2008
Forum: The West Berkeley Plan and Sustainability — The Berkeley City Planning Department is proposing fundamental changes to The West Berkeley Plan, the district's guiding zoning document, that may significantly alter the ethnic, economic, and environmental characteristics of the area. A panel of community experts on sustainable development will present concerns and lead discussion about the proposed changes. Location: West Berkeley Senior Center, 1900 6th St., @ Hearst, Berkeley. Time: 6:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-549-3213, http://www.webaic.org .

Thursday, March 20, 2008
Seminar: The Key to the 2007 California Codes — A code seminar focusing on the Residential Occupancy Code Changes effective 1/1/08. In January, California finally adopted new codes, the most sweeping changes of any code cycle in our history. Builders Booksource will help you get up to speed with this seminar presented by Code Check's Douglas Hansen. Douglas will focus on residential changes, including: new rules affecting seismic design, building setbacks, fire separation, egress, safety glazing, exterior wall covers, plumbing materials, combustion air, gas appliance venting, and electrical codes. Your fee includes: A syllabus with a summary of significant changes, a copy of "Code Check " (Taunton Press 2007), and refreshments. Pre-registration and payment is required to hold a space. We have limited the seminar to the first 50 to register. Register in person or by phone. Location: MIG Conference Center, 800 Hearst Ave., (between 5th & 6th), Berkeley. Time: 8am - 4:30pm. Cost: $140. Info: 510-845-6874, http://www.buildersbooksource.com/cgi-bin/booksite/ .

Thursday, March 20, 2008
Spotted Owl Habitat Restoration at Muir Woods — Meet at Muir Woods National Monument for an afternoon working at the edge of the redwood forest to remove invasive cape ivy from northern spotted owl habitat. This vine chokes the vegetation prized by dusky-footed woodrats, the spotted owls' choice prey! Bring a bag dinner and then join a ranger for a night walk into Muir Woods to learn about the park's nightlife, have a chance to check-off northern spotted owls from your Big Year list, and experience the special qualities of an old-growth forest. Call for reservations. Location: Muir Woods National Monument. Time: 1pm - 8pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-388-2596, http://www.ggnrabigyear.org/calendar.html .

Thursday, March 20, 2008
Workshop: CEQA and Climate Change — Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), local agencies have a vital role to play in California's fight against global warming. Local governments are responding quickly to the challenge of global warming. Through a sum of their individual decisions, they are making a significant contribution toward moving the State away from "business as usual" and toward a low-carbon future. Many questions have arisen from those cities and counties attempting to comply with CEQA. This workshop series is intended to address these questions. Most commonly asked are: How do we analyze the CO2 impacts of future development? What mitigation strategies do we employ? And finally, how can a cash-strapped county or city undertake this analysis without too much expense? Speakers will include Attorney General Jerry Brown and members of his staff, leaders from the Governor's Climate Action Team, and modeling experts from throughout the State. We will also give local governments ideas for crafting a highly effective climate action plan by highlighting some of the best local government plans from throughout the State. Co-hosted by the Local Government Commission and the CA Attorney General's Office. The cost covers the continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon refreshments. Register online. Location: Elihu Harris Building, 1515 Clay St., Oakland. Time: 9:30am - 4:15pm. Cost: $75. Info: 916-448-1198, http://www.lgc.org/climatechange/?page_id=86 .

Friday, March 21, 2008
Volunteer: SPAWN Native Plant Nursery — Volunteer at SPAWN's Native Plant Nursery. All plants from Nursery will be used to help restore local watersheds. Bring Gloves, weather appropriate clothing, water. RSVP via email. Location: Lagunitas. Time: 10am - 1pm. Info: 415-663-8590 x107, jenny@spawnusa.org , http://www.spawnusa.org/ .

Friday, March 21, 2008
Registration Deadline: Bioassessment Volunteer Training — Using aquatic insects as indicators of water quality, volunteers learn more about the health of their neighborhood creeks and identify potential problem areas. While water samples yield a detailed identification of the water at the time of sampling, the density and diversity of bugs in our creeks yield a watershed-level perspective of water quality and habitat viability. Community members, local college students, and volunteer groups can help collect specimens for identification. In order to participate, volunteers must attend one of the two training dates (March 29th or 30th). Both training dates will have the same structure and information, so please select the date that works the best for your schedule. Please include in your registration an indication of which creeks you would be interested in sampling, the number of days you would be willing to volunteer, and the specific dates you are available. Trained volunteers will be expected to commit to at least one 6-hour sampling day according to their individual availability (weekdays or weekends). Register online. Time: 5pm. Info: 925-335-1315, http://cocowaterweb.org/get-involved/monitoring/bioassessment .

Friday, March 21, 2008 - Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Common Vision Fruit Tree Tour -- Bay Area — Common Vision will run its fifth annual Fruit Tree Tour a 20-city, 70-day tour planting over 1000 fruit trees at urban schools and community centers from Los Angeles to Sacramento. Traveling in veggie oil-powered caravan, 25-earth educators from Common Vision will teach students about sustainable ecology through a daylong program that includes theatre, drumming, dancing, storytelling, and earth-conscious hip-hop. Events open to the public: March 22: Community Planting with Daily Acts (Marin); March 24: Community Planting with Daily Acts (Marin); April 5: Community Planting with Merritt College (Bay); April 12: Community Planting with Bay Area Org TBA (Bay). Info: http://www.commonvision.org/calendar/calendar.html .

Friday, March 21, 2008
Good Friday Worship and Witness at Livermore Nuclear Weapons Laboratory — Father Louie Vitale was arrested in 2006 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, headquarters of the U.S. Army Intelligence and the training place for "interrogators" at such places as Guatanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib. Just in time for Good Friday, Father Louie will be released from five months in Federal Prison. Join him on the morning of Good Friday at the intersection of Vasco and Patterson Pass Road for worship and a procession to the gate of Livermore Nuclear Weapons Laboratory for acts of witness. Time: 6:45am. Info: 510-655-1162, http://www.peacehost.net/EPI-Calc/ .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Workshop: Bountiful Container Gardening — Ideal for the organic urban gardener, learn what plants do best in containers. You'll be amazed at the beauty and bounty you can get from container gardening. Pre-registration by email or phone required. Location: Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave., @ Lawton St., SF. Time: 10am - Noon. Cost: $15, no one turned away for lack of funds. Info: 415-731-5627, info@gardenfortheenvironment.org , http://www.gardenfortheenvironment.org/ .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Workshop: "Native Plants" — Get to know the native plants of Arroyo Viejo Creek! Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of hands-on activities. Learn to: identify local native plants; use field guides and make your own plant identification guide; collect and save seeds legally and ethically; grow plants successfully with divisions and cuttings; take home free native plants. In the Education Building, room TBA. Location: Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd, in Knowland Park, Oakland. Time: 10am - 2pm. Info: 510-665-3508, doria@thewatershedproject.org , http://www.thewatershedproject.org/default/?q=educ_prog .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Workshop: Spring Gardening Ideas — Come explore this most fascinating of endeavors, growing veggies year-round. You can grow many wonderful plants, both edible and ornamental, with a little bit of practical know-how and observation of your own growing conditions. About the Instructor: At 84, local artist Adrienne and her husband eat a diet of homegrown vegetables and fruits grown on their one-fifth of an acre in Palo Alto. (1 CEU) Location: Common Ground, 559 College Ave, Palo Alto. Time: 10:30am - Noon. Cost: $22. Info: 650-493-6072, www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/ .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Green Building 101: Sustainable Sites and Ecological Landscaping — Sponsored by the Green Building Exchange and RecycleWorks of San Mateo County, this is the first in a series of introductory green building workshops. This interactive class targets landscapers, designers, landscape architects and contractors who are not currently using green techniques and materials or who are just getting started. The workshop will provide a broad introduction to the latest in green landscaping and how you can begin to use ecologically-sound systems and materials in your work. Workshop topics include professional certifications, working with LEED and GreenPoint standards, designing sites and managing soil and water for ecological health, native plant selection and maintenance, integrating green materials and supplies, green roofs and walls and additional resources and information. Instructors: Josh Fodor, Central Coast Wilds; Terry Lyngso, Lyngso Garden Materials. Location: Green Building Exchange, 305 Main Street, Redwood City. Time: Noon - 2:30pm. Cost: $25. Info: 650-369-4900, http://www.greenbuildingexchange.com/ .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Volunteer: Habitat Restoration at San Geronimo Creek — Volunteers needed to help restore native habitat in Marin County's San Geronimo Creek. We will meet at Roy's Pools on the San Geronimo Valley Golf Course. Directions from 101: Take Sir Francis Drake to Fairfax. Continue on SF Drake ~5 mi West of Fairfax (over the big hill, past the Golf Course). Just past the golf course, make a left onto Nicasio Valley Drive, then left onto San Geronimo Valley Drive. Roy's Pools is on the left hand side. What to bring: Warm clothing, long pants, long sleeves, work gloves, sturdy shoes, a water bottle, or any other appropriate gear for weather conditions. Call or email for more information. Rain cancels. Time: 10am - 1pm. Info: 415-663-8590 x107, kevin@spawnusa.org , www.spawnusa.org .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Volunteer: Quail Habitat Restoration — This is the last Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge workday before the California Least Terns return to the refuge. Help us prepare the terns' nesting grounds. Meet at the main refuge gate at the northwest corner of former Alameda Naval Air Station. Location: Alameda. Time: 9am - noon. Info: jrobinson@goldengateaudubon.org .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Workshop: Using Native Plants in the Garden — Explore using California native plants for their beauty and appropriateness in our Mediterranean climate. Included is an overview of how Native Americans shaped the landscape of California, from creating and restoring habitats for local wildlife to using natives for potential sources of food, dyes, medicines, and fiber. A list and description of natives that work well in the Bay Area will be included along with cultural information on how to work with them. 1.5 CEUs. Location: Common Ground, 559 College Ave, Palo Alto. Time: 2pm - 4pm. Cost: $25. Info: 650-493-6072, www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/ .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Occidental Arts & Ecology Garden Tour — Tour participants will be introduced to the Center's organic gardens, which preserve thousands of varieties of rare and endangered food, medicinal, and ornamental plants. Sturdy shoes, brimmed hat or warm layers (depending on weather), and personal water bottles are recommended. Location: Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, 15290 Coleman Valley Rd., Occidental. Time: 1pm. Cost: $10. Info: 707-874-1557 x201, http://www.oaec.org/ .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Drumming, Dancing, Digging: Common Vision Fruit Tree Tour — Move over Johnny Appleseed, there's a new tour in town. Daily Acts partners with Common Vision for part of their fifth annual Fruit Tree Tour, a 20-city, 70-day tour extravaganza planting over 1,000 fruit trees at urban schools and community centers from Los Angeles to Sacramento. Traveling in a veggie-oil-powered caravan, 25 earth educators from Common Vision will teach community members about sustainability through a daylong program that includes planting up to 75 fruit trees at the community sites, a 45-minute green theatre performance, drumming and earth-conscious hip-hop. RSVP by phone or email. Location: Petaluma. Time: 10am - 4pm. Cost: $35. Info: 707-789-9664, ellen@daily-acts.org , http://www.commonvision.org/ .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Panel Discussion: Food, Farming, and the Future — This celebratory evening will begin with a taste of spring flavors made from local Marin organic produce and products. The reception will be followed by a lively presentation and dialogue with our panelists: Wendy Johnson, San Francisco Zen Center meditation and gardening teacher; Janet Brown, organic farmer and teacher, Allstar Organics; and Sara Tashker, organic farm manager, Green Gulch Zen Center. Johnson will sign copies of her new book, Gardening at the Dragon's Gate. Location: Toby's Feed Barn, 11250 Highway 1, Pt. Reyes Station. Time: 5pm. Cost: $10. Info: http://www.marinorganic.org/events.php .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Learn to Drive a Bike! Family Bicycle Safety Workshop — Do you want to bike with your family on the streets but feel a bit uneasy? Join Safe Routes to Schools and East Bay Bicycle Coalition for an educational, on-the-bike morning for kids and parents. This workshop offers three hours of drills, games and a neighborhood ride. Learn games and techniques to teach and assess your bike handling skills. This training is for parents and kid and is ideal for kids in grades 2 through 5 who can bike over 1 mile. Space limited; sign up by e-mail. Location: Washington School (Berkeley), 2300 MLK, Jr. Way, Berkeley. Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-533-7433, melanie@transcoalition.org , http://www.ebbc.org/?q=safety .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Volunteer: Kayak and Restoration Trip to the Marin Islands — These outings combine a scenic paddle with valuable restoration work at protected island sites that are inaccessible and off-limits to the general public. Join Save The Bay for a kayak trip to the Marin Islands. Volunteers are needed to help plant native plants and remove non-natives. We have a special use permit to do habitat restoration work in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service at the Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge. RSVP required, space is limited. Location: Marin Headlands. Time: 9am - 3:30pm. Cost: $60 ($50 members). Info: 510-452-9261 x119, bayevents@saveSFbay.org , http://www.savesfbay.org/bayevents .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Volunteer: Tree Care with Friends of the Urban Forest — A mixed bag of scheduled tree care visits, call-in emergency rescue, and random acts of tree kindness. Flexible schedule of 9am - noon or 1pm - 4pm. Learn the tricks of the pros and the science of trees by working on trees planted by FUF either 3 years or 18 months ago. New volunteers, attend a workshop to learn what it's all about. Space limited: RSVP. Location: Friends of the Urban Forest, Presidio of SF, Bldg. # 1007, SF. Info: 415-561-6890 ext 102, http://www.fuf.net/calendar_news/index.html .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Volunteer: Remove Non-native Plants — In partnership with East Bay Regional Park District. Help Save The Bay remove non-native vegetation and promote the health of our recently planted native plants like sticky gumplant, California sagebrush, and marsh coyote bush. Other activities include planting native plants, shoreline cleanup, and work in our native plant nursery. This area includes some of the last remaining wetland habitat in the East Bay and is home to the endangered California clapper rail and burrowing owls. Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland. Time: 9am - Noon. Cost: Free. Info: 510-452-9261 x119, bayevents@saveSFbay.org , http://www.savesfbay.org/bayevents .

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Workshop for Children: Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs — This hands-on workshop will introduce children to natural dyes while they create their own brilliant plant-based colors for their Easter eggs. Price includes one adult and one child. $8 for each additional child or adult per family. Location: UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. Time: 2pm - 3pm. Cost: $15. Info: 510-643-2755 x03, http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu .

Sunday, March 23, 2008
Party with Grandmothers for the Oaks — Join Berkeley Grandmothers for the Oaks for a Party at the Oak Grove. Bring songs, musical instruments, and lots of food and water. We're going to sing our little hearts out ya hear? Location: Memorial Oak Grove, (on Piedmont, just north of Bancroft), Berkeley. Time: 2pm. Cost: Donations of food and water appreciated. Info: http://www.saveoaks.com/SaveOaks/Main.html .

Sunday, March 23, 2008
Cafe Night: Cooking for Peace - The Food Not Bombs Presentation — Food Not Bombs co-founder Keith McHenry will speak about the history, principles and future of the global movement. He will also show a dvd of the movement's work in Africa and take questions. Location: Long Haul Infoshop, 3124 Shattuck Ave., (across from La Peña, 1 block east of Ashby BART), Berkeley. Time: 7pm. Info: 510-540-0751, http://www.thelonghaul.org/ .

Monday, March 24, 2008
Conversations at the Herbst Theatre: Bill McKibben — Bill McKibben is an environmentalist and writer who explores civic engagement on such issues as global warming, alternative energy, and the risks associated with human genetic engineering. Imbued with a sense of urgency, his musings offer perspectives on integrating science, society and environmental policy in a complex and evolving world. In the summer of 2006, he led the organization of the largest civic demonstrations about climate change in the United States and has since founded stepitup07.org, a group that pressures Congress to enact curbs on carbon emissions. A prolific writer, McKibben has authored numerous titles that reflect his blend of civic engagement, environmental advocacy, and universal yet personal reflections on the nexus of society and the environment. Previous works include The End of Nature, The Age of Missing Information, and Hope, Human, and Wild. His most recent book, Deep Economy: the Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future, addresses what the author sees as shortcomings of the growth economy and envisions a transition to more local-scale enterprise. He is a frequent contributor to various magazines including The New York Times, The Atlantic Monthly, Harper's, Orion Magazine, Mother Jones, The New York Review of Books, Granta, Rolling Stone, and Outside. He has been awarded Guggenheim and Lyndhurst Fellowships, and won the Lannan Prize for nonfiction writing in 2000. Purchase tickets online or by phone. Location: Herbst Theatre, War Memorial Performing Arts Center, 401 Van Ness Ave, @ McAllister, SF. Time: 8pm. Cost: $19/$17 members. Info: 415-392-4400, http://www.calacademy.org/events/march_2008.php .

Monday, March 24, 2008
Town Hall Forum on War Tax Resistance — Come learn about what you can do to affect change concerning the war in Iraq. The forum will be presented by Northern California War Tax Resistance and Sonoma County Taxes for Peace. Hosted by Marin Peace & Justice Coalition and the First United Methodist Church of San Rafael. Please do not wear scented products. 6pm potluck, Forum at 7:15pm. Location: First United Methodist Church of San Rafael, 9 Ross Valley Dr, San Rafael. Time: 6pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-460-1257, http://www.nowartax.org/ .

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Technical Workshop: Nutrient Load - Water Quality Impact Modeling — Excessive aquatic plant nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus compounds) are causing and/or contributing to several major water quality impairment issues in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta (Delta). On behalf of the California Water and Environmental Modeling Forum (CWEMF), Drs. Anne Jones-Lee and G. Fred Lee have organized a one-day workshop devoted to Delta Nutrient Water Quality Modeling issues. See website for workshop agenda and speakers. Space is limited. Register via email. Location: California Secretary of State Building, 1500 11th St, Sacramento. Time: 8:30am - 4:30pm. Cost: $50 general, $10 student, free for members. Info: 916-607-0435, technicalworkshop@cwemf.org , http://cwemf.org/ .

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Wanted: Environmental Writing, Art and Photography by Youth — Students: Become a member of "The Green News" Team! Deadline to submit writing, art, and photography to The Green News is the 25th of each month. We're looking for environmentally-focused photography, poetry, book reviews, articles, opinion pieces, cartoons, and more. Info: 510-219-1571, LanaH@earthteam.net , http://earthteam.net/green_news/index.php .

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Talk: "Rebuilding Cities in Balance with Nature" — This four-week public lecture series features sustainable development projects from Northern California. Each week a different lecturer presents a new ecological urban design and answers questions from the audience. The events serve as an introduction to the Ecocity World Summit, which will be co-hosted by UC Berkeley Extension, April 22-26. Tonight's talk: Rebuilding Cities in Balance with Nature, with Richard Register, president, Ecocity Builders. Location: UC Berkeley Extension, 95 Third St, SF. Time: 7pm - 9pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-642-4111, http://www.unex.berkeley.edu/cat/course1564.html .

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Roundtable Discussion: Cities Addressing their Urban Sustainability Challenges — Co-moderated by Prof. Slav Hermanowicz (UC Berkeley) and Gordon Feller (Urban Age Institute). Featuring two special guest presenters (each w/ 15 minute presentations), remaining time for open discussion. Guest presenters: Paul James, Director of the UN Global Compact Cities Programme http://www.citiesprogramme.org joins us from Melbourne, Australia, and Anita Palepu, MD MPH FRCPC, Organizing Chair of the 7th International Conference on Urban Health http://www.icuh2008.com joins us from Vancouver, Canada. Hosted by the University of California/Berkeley Dept of Civil Engineering. Meet in room 150. Parking is available on the surrounding streets (some metered, some 2 hour free parking) or at the Lower Hearst Garage: Hearst Avenue @ Scenic Avenue, Entrance on Scenic Avenue -- Hourly Pay. Parking at all times only in Gold Zone on Level 2. AC Transit buses make numerous stops close to the intersection. Location: Goldman School of Public Policy, corner of Hearst Ave and LeRoy Ave, Berkeley. Time: 2pm - 4pm. Info: http://gspp.berkeley.edu/about/docs/map_general.PDF .

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Water Conservation Showcase — Celebrate World Water Day by attending our 5th Annual Water Conservation Showcase. Through presentations and table-top displays, we will provide information on water-conserving strategies for building designers, managers and operators. This event is organized through the efforts of the Northern California Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (www.usgbc-ncc.org ), East Bay Municipal Utility District (www.ebmud.com ), and The Pacific Energy Center. Many experts believe that water will surpass energy as the most notorious and coveted resource in California. Unpredictable levels of precipitation and other source issues, climate change, population growth, and risks to the infrastructure are some of the water-related concerns facing the state today. This year's showcase will address many of these issues through presentations and table-top displays. Information on water-conserving strategies, the energy and water relationship, policy updates, technological developments, and case studies will also be included. Register online. Location: Pacific Energy Center, 851 Howard St., between 4th & 5th, SF. Time: 10am - 7:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-973-2277, http://tinyurl.com/2ty25g .

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Workshop: Green Home Energy Retrofits -- An Introduction for Contractors — Together with its site and occupants, each existing home is unique, and most have comfort problems that are difficult to solve (and easy to make worse!) unless the house-as-a-system approach is taken. Home performance contracting is an emerging field that benefits homeowners by solving their comfort and indoor air quality problems, and benefits contractors by expanding their capabilities. From building science to business opportunities and site evaluation to diagnostic testing, this class is intended to help interested, quality-oriented contractors decide whether to undertake more comprehensive training. Pre-register online. Location: San Ramon Valley Conference Center, 3301 Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon. Time: 9am - 4:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 800-244-9912, http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/edusafety/training/pec/classes/index.jsp#classresults .

Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Talk: Twin Peaks Bioregion and the Natural Areas Program — The Franciscan Bioregion is the unique ecological area of Planet Earth and the area of our keen interest, north of the San Francisco airport, from San Bruno Mountain to the Golden Gate. In the heart of the city is a series of hilltops, e.g., Mt. Davidson, Tank Hill, Corona Heights, as well as Glen Canyon, that are still rich with natural areas, wildlife habitats, and indigenous biodiversity. This "Twin Peaks Bioregion" is severely threatened by noxious weeds and insensitive uses of our local natural habitats. Still, many people are working hard to steward these special places, and they hold an exciting vision for this area and the whole city as a restored network of wildlife corridors, nature trails, and livable communities, for example from Golden Gate Park to Glen Park. Tom Radulovich - Livable City, BART Board; Greg Gaar - Natural Historian, Haight-Ashbury Native Plant Nursery; Craig Dawson - Mt. Sutro Stewards, Inner Sunset Merchants Association. Location: CounterPULSE, 1310 Mission St., at 9th Street, SF. Time: 7:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-626-2060, info@counterPULSE.org , http://www.counterpulse.org/calendar.shtml .

Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Film: "Bush Family Fortunes" — This Greg Palast film explores the many connections between the Bush family and the Saudi Royal family and the Bin Laden family of Saudi Arabia. It covers much of the same Saudi ground as "Fahrenheit 9/11" did. But it makes a bolder assertion: that the real reason for the war in Iraq is to wrest incredibly rich oil fields from Iraqi control and give them to international oil corporations. Before and after the film, everyone's invited to our Humanist Tea House. Location: Humanist Hall, 390 27th St. & 411 28th St., Between Telegraph & Broadway, below Pill Hill, Oakland. Time: 7:30pm. Cost: $5 donation welcome. Info: 510-393-5685, http://www.humanisthall.org/ .

Thursday, March 27, 2008
Booksigning and Lecture with Eric Corey Freed — Eric Corey Freed is an Architect, the Founder and Principal of organicARCHITECT, a LEED Accredited Professional and Author of: Green Building and Remodeling for Dummies¨. Eric also teaches sustainable design at the Academy of Art University and the University of California, Berkeley, and sits on the board of numerous environmentally focused nonprofits and museums. In this event you will learn: what makes a building green, including materials, architecture, and construction methods behind the concept; and how to: identify and choose the right green materials (and detect greenwashing); put together a green team, including architects and financing people; work within a budget and save money; use green building methods (framing, natural building, & manufactured systems) and sustainable systems (energy, heating, cooling, water systems, and more) to qualify for the LEED Green Building Rating. RSVP by phone. Location: Green Fusion Design Center, 20 Greenfield Ave, San Anselmo. Time: 6:30pm - 8pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-454-0174, http://www.greenfusiondesigncenter.com/events.htm .

Thursday, March 27, 2008
Talk: Anatomy of a Green Building — What makes a green building successful? Environmental architect Dave Deppen will present a case study of the Kirsch Center at De Anza College, one of the country's most user-friendly and widely acclaimed green buildings. He will also touch on the broader fields of sustainable building, process, design and technology. Reception begins 5:30pm; program at 6pm. Location: Commonwealth Club of California, 595 Market St., 2nd Floor, SF. Time: 5:30pm. Cost: $15; $7 students; $8 members. Info: 415-597-6700, http://tickets.commonwealthclub.org/auto_choose_ga.asp?area=1 .

Friday, March 28, 2008
Application Deadline: LIF Public Policy Fellowship Program — The Latino Issues Forum (LIF) Fellowship seeks students interested in working with a leading statewide public policy and advocacy institute in shaping a better vision for California. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience in public policy through instruction on policy analysis, advocacy skills, and framing issues for the Latino community. Students interested in political science, public policy, public health, public administration, and non-profit management are encouraged to apply. Info: 415-284-7220, fellowship@lif.org , http://www.lif.org/news/display.asp?id=18 .

Friday, March 28, 2008
Volunteer: SPAWN Native Plant Nursery — Volunteer at SPAWN's Native Plant Nursery. All plants from Nursery will be used to help restore local watersheds. Bring Gloves, weather appropriate clothing, water. RSVP via email. Location: Lagunitas. Time: 10am - 1pm. Info: 415-663-8590 x107, jenny@spawnusa.org , http://www.spawnusa.org/ .

Friday, March 28, 2008
Radical Eco-Feminist West Coast Spring Tour 2008 — Two activists from the Portland Animal Defense League, Rising Tide North America and Stumptown Earth First! will offer a presentation and interactive two-part workshop on radical eco-feminism and envionmental ethics. Location: Long Haul Infoshop, 3124 Shattuck Ave., (across from La Peña, 1 block east of Ashby BART), Berkeley. Time: 7pm. Info: 510-540-0751, http://www.thelonghaul.org/ .

Friday, March 28, 2008
Film: "Phoenix Dance" — After losing a leg to cancer, accomplished dancer Homer Avila returns to the stage without crutches performing a duet with Andrea Flores, choreographed by Alonzo King. Solo or intertwined, Homer collaborates in his now "imperfect body" and his "one-leggedness" turns into transcendent beauty. Discussion with filmmaker Karina Epperlein follows film. Refreshments. Location: Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St., @ Bonita, Berkeley. Time: 7pm. Cost: donations appreciated. Info: 510-841-4824, office@bfuu.org , http://www.bfuu.org/ .

Friday, March 28, 2008
Urban Earth Activist Training: The Resourceful City: Water — An Earth Activist Training (EAT) workshop -- radical sustainability and regenerative activism. Weekend module, non-residential. Water is one of the key issues of the 21st century, an increasingly scarce resource and a contributor to climate change: half of the energy used in California is devoted to pumping water. How do we harvest, store and manage water in our cities? How can we catch and store rainwater and re-use our graywater safely, saving on bills and helping conserve our precious resource? Permaculture is a system of ecological design that teaches us how to meet human needs while regenerating the environment around us. In this course, we'll learn how to plan an urban garden, techniques to maximize our space, what plants grow best and how to propagate and prune them, how to grow our own fertilizer, attract beneficial insects and discourage pests, and how to fit it all into busy lives. Instructor: Kevin Bayuk. Some work trade available. Location: SF. Cost: $150-$250 sliding scale. Info: 800-381-7940, http://www.earthactivisttraining.org/ .

Friday, March 28, 2008 - Sunday, March 30, 2008
Better Living Show in Portland — This sustainable lifestyle show offers access to resources in six core areas: lifestyle, home/garden, food/beverage, transportation, conservation and clean tech. All designed to introduce you to businesses and groups in the Portland area that can help you make more ecologically sustainable lifestyle choices. Location: Portland Expo Center, 2060 North Marine Drive, Portland, OR. Cost: Free. Info: http://www.betterlivingshow.org/ .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Workshop: Sidewalk Landscaping — San Francisco's sidewalks contain more open space than all city parks combined. Now, with a special city permit, homeowners can reclaim their bit of green space. Converting your sidewalk from paving to planting creates a greener city and keeps water going into the ground instead of into the sewers. This practical, hands-on workshop covers every aspect of transforming your sidewalk into a living treasure. Jane Martin from Plant*SF walks us through the permit process, takes a look at practical, easy-to-maintain designs and winning plant combinations including native Bay Area plants. Saturday workshop and Sunday hands-on experience. Sat, 10am-3pm; Sun, 10am-2pm. Download registration form from website. Location: County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park, 9th Ave. and Lincoln, SF. Cost: $85 general, $75 members. Info: 415-661-1316 ext 354, http://www.sfbotanicalgardensociety.org/sfbgs_course_template.cfm?s=4781 .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Permaculture Design Course: Willamette Valley (OR) — The Cascadia Permaculture Institute offers this comprehensive Certification course. Gain a clearer understanding of theory, design, and practice of ecological design through lecture, discussion, slide shows, design projects, and hands-on experience. Permaculture is an integrated systems approach to designing sustainable lifestyles for home, farm, and community. Taught by: Jude Hobbs, Tobias Policha, and Guests. Six weekends: 3/29+30/08, 4/5+6/08, 4/19+20/08, 5/3+4/08, 5/10+11/08, 5/24+25/08 -- Sat & Sun 8:30am - 5:30pm. Instruction & course materials included. Application deadline: 3/21/08. $50 non-refundable deposit. Cost: $425-$500 sliding scale, partial trades available. Info: 541-687-9699, permaculturerocks@yahoo.com , http://www.cascadiapermaculture.com/ .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Volunteer: Native Planting at Eden Landing — In partnership with the California Department of Fish and Game. Restoring this former salt pond will increase habitat for threatened and endangered waterfowl, shorebirds and fish, and provide recreation opportunities. Help restore this important habitat area. Our goal is to plant 5,000 native wetland plants this winter, such as alkali heath, jaumea and salt grass. Other activities include picking up trash and debris, removing non-native plants, and site monitoring. RSVP. Location: Eden Landing Ecological Reserve, Hayward. Time: 9am - noon. Info: 510-452-9261 x119, bayevents@savesfbay.org , http://www.savesfbay.org .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Volunteer: Weed Removal at Cerrito Creek — Help remove invasive thornless blackberries to keep them from choking Cerrito Creek at the foot of Albany Hill. Other light and heavy tasks for all; all welcome; snacks provided. Good site for families - youngsters enjoy the play structure and the creek itself. Dress in layers; wear shoes with good traction. Meet at El Cerrito's Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara Street. From Central Avenue between I-880 and San Pablo, turn south toward Albany Hill on Santa Clara Street, which ends at the park. Location: El Cerrito. Time: 10am - 12:30pm. Info: 510-848-9358, F5Creeks@aol.com , http://www.fivecreeks.org/ .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Class: "Solar Power Basics for Residential Customers" — Become familiar with the solar power installation process and how to reduce energy costs. Get answers to frequently asked questions, such as: How much will it cost? What incentives exist? How much space will I need? Will PG&E pay me for the energy I produce? How can PG&E help me install solar? Learn the key factors of a successful project, and bring your solar questions. Space limited; register online. Location: Pacific Energy Center, 851 Howard St., between 4th & 5th, SF. Time: 10am - noon. Cost: Free. Info: 415-973-2277, http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/edusafety/training/pec/classes/ .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Workshop: "Go Native - Planting for Pollinators" — Bay-Friendly Gardening means simplifying garden care, reducing chores and using as few resources, from water to fertilizer, as possible. Bay-Friendly gardeners work with nature to reduce waste and prevent pollution of local creeks, waterways and San Francisco Bay. Attract birds, butterflies and beneficial insects. Learn to diversify your garden by including California native plants that provide food, shelter, and nesting places for wildlife. The Bay-Friendly Gardening workshops are offered by the StopWaste.Org and its Bay-Friendly Gardening partners: The Watershed Project, EBMUD, the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program, and the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Register online. Location: Marin Elementary School, 1001 Santa Fe Avenue, Albany. Time: 10am - 1pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-444-7645, http://www.bayfriendly.org .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Volunteer: Miraloma Tree Planting with Friends of the Urban Forest — Breakfast/lunch is provided! Call for meeting location and to RSVP. Location: SF. Time: 9am - Noon. Info: 415-561-6890 ext 110, http://www.fuf.net/calendar_news/index.html .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Workshop: "Gardening from the Ground Up" — Bay-Friendly Gardening means simplifying garden care, reducing chores and using as few resources, from water to fertilizer, as possible. Bay-Friendly gardeners work with nature to reduce waste and prevent pollution of local creeks, waterways and San Francisco Bay. Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Understanding your soil will help you grow a blossoming garden this season and for seasons to come. Backyard composting, sheet mulching basics and other soil building techniques will be covered during this workshop. The Bay-Friendly Gardening workshops are offered by the StopWaste.Org and its Bay-Friendly Gardening partners: The Watershed Project, EBMUD, the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program, and the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Register online. Location: Bay-Friendly Demonstration Garden (Livermore) , 3589 Pacific Ave., Livermore. Time: 10am - 1pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-444-7645, http://www.bayfriendly.org .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Workshop: City Chickens and City Ducks — An introduction to raising and caring for healthy chickens and ducks in San Francisco. Join Paul Glowaski, Garden Manager for the Santa Cruz Homeless Garden Project, for an exciting workshop on organic "eggriculture". You will learn how to legally keep chickens and ducks in SF, from coop design to health concerns, and what to feed them and examples of appropriate organic systems for both chickens and ducks. Pre-registration by phone or email required. Location: Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave., @ Lawton St., SF. Time: 10am - Noon. Cost: $15, no on turned away for lack of funds. Info: 415-731-5627, info@gardenfortheenvironment.org , http://www.gardenfortheenvironment.org/ .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Volunteer: Mission Tree Care with Friends of the Urban Forest — Learn the tricks of the pros and the science of trees by working on trees planted by FUF either 3 years or 18 months ago. Rain cancels. Space limited, please RSVP. Location: Atlas Cafe, 3049 20th Street, at Alabama St., SF. Time: 9am - 12:30pm. Info: 415-561-6890 ext.102, http://www.fuf.net/calendar_news/index.html .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Workshop: Starting Your Spring Garden — Be inspired to grow vegetables and herbs all year round. Learn exactly what plants thrive now, and how to grow them. Many seeds are eager to germinate at this time of year. You will get plenty of ideas and instructions on direct sowing, transplanting, creating healthy soil, and harvesting. Instructor Drew Harwell is the Common Ground Demonstration Garden Manager, Garden Manager for Jesse Cool's Seeds of Change Garden, the former manager of the Stanford Community Farm, and is well versed in Permaculture methods. (1 CEU) Location: Common Ground, 559 College Ave, Palo Alto. Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm. Cost: $25. Info: 650-493-6072, www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/ .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
2nd Annual Lakeshore Neighborhood Plant Exchange — Have plants you must prune or divide? How about trading your excess with others in your neighborhood? Take home new plants for your yard and have an instant new garden! All types of plants are welcome: from cuttings up to full size. Garden accessories and accents welcome: umbrellas, clippers, books on gardening, pots, stepping stones, etc. Bring newspaper, bags, cardboard boxes to carry plants home in. Call or email for more info or to help out. Location: 3811 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland. Time: Noon - 4pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-866-8482, plantexchange@hotmail.com , http://plantexchange.wordpress.com/ .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Volunteer: Cesar Chavez Day of Celebration and Service — Attention Middle and High School Students! Join EarthTeam and Aquatic Park EGRET in shoreline cleanup or invasive plant removal along the tidal lagoons at the Berkeley Aquatic Park. Have fun while meeting other Bay Area teens, benefiting a local ecosystem, and earning community service hours. Tools, gloves, snacks, and water are provided! We will conclude our restoration projects by celebrating the life and values of Cesar E. Chavez with a dynamic guest speaker and musical performance! Free lunch is included for all project participants. Bus transportation is available for groups of 15 or more students. Space is limited and bus pickup locations are determined based on reservations, which are first-come, first serve. We ask for a $3 donation to help offset the cost of bus rental, however no student will be turned away for lack of funds. Registration for bus service required by Friday, March 21. Permission slips are required for all students. Forms must be signed by a parent/guardian. Required forms and additional event details will be sent to you after you register to attend the event. RSVP by 3/21/08 required. Location: Berkeley Aquatic Park, Berkeley. Time: 10am - 2pm. Info: 510-704-4030, trisha@earthteam.net , http://earthteam.net/ .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Earth Hour — Join thousands of your Bay Area friends, neighbors and businesses and millions of people around the world to make a bold statement about climate change. Turn out your lights for one hour. Earth Hour. Time: 8pm - 9pm. Info: http://www.earthhourus.org/sanfran.php .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Volunteer: Habitat Restoration at San Geronimo Creek — Volunteers needed to help restore native habitat in Marin County's San Geronimo Creek. We will meet at Roy's Pools on the San Geronimo Valley Golf Course. Directions from 101: Take Sir Francis Drake to Fairfax. Continue on SF Drake ~5 mi West of Fairfax (over the big hill, past the Golf Course). Just past the golf course, make a left onto Nicasio Valley Drive, then left onto San Geronimo Valley Drive. Roy's Pools is on the left hand side. What to bring: Warm clothing, long pants, long sleeves, work gloves, sturdy shoes, a water bottle, or any other appropriate gear for weather conditions. Call or email for more information. Rain cancels. Time: 10am - 1pm. Info: 415-663-8590 x107, kevin@spawnusa.org , www.spawnusa.org .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Meeting: Envision the Future of the Concord Naval Weapons Station — The coming release of much of Concord Naval Weapons Station from military use is a rare opportunity to create a compact, vibrant, eco-friendly community around the Concord BART station, while preserving open space on much of the former station, with its wildlife-filled rolling hills. Greenbelt Alliance and the Community Coalition for a Sustainable Corcord host this meeting with experts on parks, wildlife, plants, and smart growth, along with a visioning tour and tips on how to get involved. RSVP by phone or email. Location: Willow Pass Center, 2748 East Olivera Road, Concord. Time: 1pm - 3pm. Info: 925-932-7776, cwong@greenbelt.org , http://www.greenbelt.org/regions/eastbay/camp_concord.html .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Vegetarian Cooking Class: Demystifying Tofu & Tempeh — Join Compassionate Cooks' founder Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, author of The Joy of Vegan Baking, in her monthly Vegan Cooking Classes that celebrate healthful and humane eating that features local, seasonal, mostly organic ingredients. This class will demonstrate five dishes that feature tofu and tempeh, including Better Than Chicken Salad, Southwestern Tofu Burgers, Spicy Tempeh Tostadas, French Onion Pie, and Tofu Spinach Lasagna. Discounts for signing up for three classes at a time. Fees cover demonstration, food samples, copies of recipes, coupons for restaurants and local groceries, resources and more. Register online. Location: First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., at Castro, Oakland. Time: 10am - 1pm. Cost: $49 (in advance), plus $5 food/materials fee (due on day of class). Info: 510-531-2665, http://www.compassionatecooks.com/ .

Saturday, March 29, 2008
Volunteer: Late Winter Planting at San Francisquito Creek — We are in the final days of planting season. Help plant natives like tufted hairgrass and blue elderberry along the paths at the Baylands. Other projects include removing non-native vegetation and site monitoring. This unique wetland habitat was saved from development in the 1950s and is now home to many native species, including shorebirds and anadromous fish such as steelhead trout. In partnership with the City of Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve. Location: Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, End of Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto. Time: 9am - noon. Info: 510-452-9261 ext. 119, http://www.savesfbay.org/bayevents .

Sunday, March 30, 2008
Really Really Free Market — Come to the first in a series of Really Really Free Markets in Berkeley. Bring books, clothing, games, music, yarn, and anything else you want to give away. This is a no-money event, so don't even think about flashing greenbacks. Show the capitalists what the free market really looks like! Location: People's Park, Haste St. above Telegraph Ave., Berkeley. Time: 11am - 3pm. Cost: free.

Sunday, March 30, 2008
Party with Grandmothers for the Oaks — Join Berkeley Grandmothers for the Oaks for a Party at the Oak Grove. Bring songs, musical instruments, and lots of food and water. We're going to sing our little hearts out ya hear? Location: Memorial Oak Grove, (on Piedmont, just north of Bancroft), Berkeley. Time: 2pm. Cost: Donations of food and water appreciated. Info: http://www.saveoaks.com/SaveOaks/Main.html .

Sunday, March 30, 2008
Workshop: Bees and Backyard Beekeeping — Learn about the life cycles and biology of the honey bee, basic management strategies and equipment needed to get started as a backyard beekeeper using the Kenyan Top Bar Hive, a low input natural beekeeping system. Weather permitting we will go into a hive and work with the bees. This class is for anyone interested in bees, even if you don't plan to manage a hive of your own. Registration info online or by phone. Location: Institute of Urban Homesteading. Time: 11am - 3pm. Cost: $25-$60 sliding scale. Info: 510-277-1023, http://www.sparkybeegirl.com/iuh.html .

Sunday, March 30, 2008
Workshop: Landscape Watering Systems — Learn how to conserve water with proper design and installation of drip irrigation, which may save 30% - 70% over conventional spray or flood systems. Learn how sizes, shapes of areas, and plant material determines irrigation choices. We'll also discuss automation devices. Location: Building Education Center, 812 Page St., Berkeley. Time: 10am - 3pm. Cost: $50. Info: 510-525-7610, http://www.bldgeductr.org/shortclasses.html .

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

Carrie Bennett
Ecology Center

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