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
10/1/2007 Meeting: Berkeley Biodiesel Collective
10/7/2007 EcoHouse Tour - 10am
10/7/2007 EcoHouse Tour - 1pm
10/30/2007 Fall Fruit 'n' Fright at the Tuesday Berkeley Farmers' Market
11/3/2007 Introduction to Permaculture Design
11/4/2007 Home Graywater Systems & EcoHouse/ Graywater Tour - 10am
11/4/2007 Home Graywater Systems & EcoHouse/ Graywater Tour - 1pm
11/18/2007 Solar Hot Water Heater Workshop
12/9/2007 Workshop: "Grow Edible Mushrooms at Home"

ALL EVENTS
Through 9/29/2007 Protest Against the War
Through 9/30/2007 Carbon Conscious Consumer: Junk Your Junk Mail
Through 10/1/2007 Deadline: Call for Papers: Ecocity World Summit 2008
Through 10/6/2007 Class: "Grow Your Own Organic Garden"
Through 10/7/2007 Exhibit: "The Edge: Where California Culture, Critters, and Environment Collide"
Through 10/25/2007 Art Exhibit: "The Beauty of South America--Photographs"
Through 11/25/2007 Farallon Islands Nature Cruises 2007
Through 12/1/2007 Eco-City Sketchbook Design Competition
Through 12/11/2007 UC Berkeley Extension Sustainable Design Program Fall Schedule
Through 12/31/2007 Volunteer in an Eco-City: Bahia de Caraquez, Equador
9/28/2007 Free Compost for Berkeley Residents
9/28/2007 Technical Training: Solar Electric for the Developing World
9/28/2007 Slideshow & Discussion: Introduction to 3rd World Renewable Energy Projects
9/28/2007 Class: Personal, Professional and Political Climate Solutions
9/28/2007 Workshop: Earth Plaster
9/28/2007 Happy Hour: Green Empowerment at the Ella Baker Center
9/29/2007 Workshop: Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing
9/29/2007 Women of Taste Benefit for Girls Inc.
9/29/2007 Open House: Get a Degree to Change the World
9/29/2007 Really Really Free Market
9/29/2007 Eighth Annual World Veg Festival Weekend
9/29/2007 Workshop: Starting a Winter Salad Garden
9/29/2007 Volunteer: Fall Weeding Project at Santa Venetia Marsh
9/29/2007 Educator Workshop: "Kids in Marshes"
9/29/2007 Workshop: Preserving the Harvest
9/29/2007 Workshop: "Creating Year-Round Edible Gardens"
9/29/2007 Educator workshop: Monarchs in the Classroom
9/29/2007 Workshop: Old Ways Survival Skills
9/29/2007 Seminar: Creating an Ecological House
9/30/2007 Activity: Working with Wool
9/30/2007 Friends of the Urban Forest Tree Tour: McLaren Park
9/30/2007 Residential Retreat: Making a Difference: Creating A Sustainable World
9/30/2007 Parade and Festival: How Berkeley Can You Be!?
9/30/2007 Tenth Annual Progressive Festival
9/30/2007 Benefit: BBQ & Harvest Party with Wildlife Associates
10/1/2007 Meeting: Berkeley Biodiesel Collective
10/1/2007 Celebration: "World Vegetarian Day"
10/1/2007 Applicant Workshop: Climate Protection Grant Program
10/1/2007 Course: "Introduction to Recycling"
10/1/2007 Workshop: "Photovoltaic Design for Engineers & Designers"
10/2/2007 Forum - Kevin Danaher on "Building the Green Economy"
10/2/2007 Rally: Improve Access to Family Planning
10/2/2007 Forum: The current energy situation and the future of solar
10/2/2007 How Local Food Can Reduce Your Global Impact
10/3/2007 Applicant Workshop: Climate Protection Grant Program
10/3/2007 Volunteer Training: "Become a writing coach for public school students"
10/3/2007 Community Meeting: "Stop the Bombplex"
10/3/2007 Talk: "Bees . . . What Is the Buzz?"
10/3/2007 Gathering: SF Permaculture Guild
10/3/2007 "Think Outside the Bottle" Campaign Launch
10/3/2007 Fundraising Celebration: "H2O (Headwaters to Ocean)"
10/3/2007 Class: "Introduction to Horticultural Therapy"
10/3/2007 Volunteer Planning Meeting: Survey of Castro Creek
10/3/2007 Benefit Lecture: Chimpanzees of Budongo
10/4/2007 Workshop: Save Money with Solar Water Heating
10/4/2007 Book Talk: "The Farmworkers' Journey"
10/4/2007 Celebration: Marin Conservation Corps 25 Years of Service
10/4/2007 Community Forum: Research Justice with DataCenter
10/5/2007 Self-Guided Tour: "Foods of the Americas"
10/5/2007 Applicant Workshop: Climate Protection Grant Program
10/5/2007 Sustainable Business Alliance Networking Lunch
10/5/2007 Application Deadline: Student Leadership and Environmental Action Forum
10/6/2007 Volunteer with Save the Bay: Grow Native Plants at MLK Shoreline Park
10/6/2007 UCB Botanical Garden Sick Plant Clinic
10/6/2007 Workshop: Composting
10/6/2007 Kid's Activity: Mini Farmers
10/6/2007 Workshop: Double Digging and Bed Preparation
10/6/2007 Volunteer with Save the Bay: Collect Native Plant Seeds at Eden Landing
10/6/2007 Wildlife Conservation Expo
10/6/2007 Volunteer: California Native Plant Society Walk
10/6/2007 Hoes Down Harvest Celebration
10/6/2007 Workshop: Design and Install an Off-Grid Renewable Energy System
10/6/2007 Acterra Solar Homes Tour, Workshop, and Vendor Fair
10/6/2007 Volunteer: French Broom Removal in Redwood Regional Park
10/6/2007 Ocean Fest: Discover Your Marine Sanctuaries
10/6/2007 Class: Urban Composting
10/7/2007 Kickoff Meeting: Cool Schools Global Warming Campaign
10/7/2007 Documentary Film: "The Big Game"
10/7/2007 Class: Vegetarian Cooking of Oaxaca
10/7/2007 EcoHouse Tour - 1pm
10/7/2007 Autumn Meditation Walk
10/7/2007 Workshop: "Cool the Earth: Lose 5000 Pounds (of Carbon) in 30 Days"
10/7/2007 Fundraiser: "Run for Peace"
10/7/2007 EcoHouse Tour - 10am
10/8/2007 Abstract and Proposal Deadline: National Solar Energy Conference
10/8/2007 Interfaith Fast to End the War in Iraq
10/9/2007 Lecture: Tracking the Nation's Ground Water Reserves
10/9/2007 Meeting: Low Carbon Diet Program Kickoff
10/9/2007 Green Developer Speaker Series
10/9/2007 Lecture: "The Art of Survival: Defining Landscape Architecture in Contemporary China"
10/9/2007 Alameda County Community Health Care Forum
10/9/2007 Workshop: PV Design and Installation Boot Camp for Electricians
10/10/2007 Presentation: The City Repair Project
10/10/2007 Info Session: Becoming a Certified Green Business in West Contra Costa County
10/10/2007 Volunteer: Save the Bay's Native Plant Nursery
10/11/2007 Celebration: Ten Years Protecting Families from Toxic Chemicals
10/11/2007 Volunteer Training: Bay Interpretive Training
10/11/2007 Presentation: Food & Nutrition in Low Income Communities
10/11/2007 Volunteer Training: "Become a writing coach for public school students"
10/11/2007 Sustainable Communities Salon: We Are What We Eat
10/11/2007 Workshop: Women's Carpentry Skills Primer
10/11/2007 Films About Food: "Our Daily Bread" + "We Feed the World"
10/11/2007 Meeting: Building Communities We Can Call Home
10/12/2007 Workshop: How to Keep Your Green Building Green
10/12/2007 Film: "Pole to Pole, Mountains and Deep Ocean"
10/13/2007 Workshop: "Apartment Building Maintenance for Women"
10/13/2007 Walk/Talk: Geology of the Golden Gate Headlands
10/13/2007 Conference: Teaching for Social Justice
10/13/2007 Workshop: Women's Carpentry Project
10/13/2007 Class: Lead-Safety for Remodeling, Repair & Painting Older Homes
10/13/2007 Volunteer: Save the Quail Habitat Restoration
10/13/2007 Overnight Adventure: "The Natural Treasures of Point Reyes"
10/13/2007 Garden Tour: "Herb Day 2007"
10/13/2007 Workshop: Worm Composting
10/13/2007 Volunteer: School House Creek Commons Fall Clean Up + Planting
10/13/2007 Solar Richmond Tour
10/13/2007 Activity: Autumn Arachnids
10/13/2007 Educator Workshop: Kids in Gardens
10/13/2007 Workshop: "Go Native - Planting for Pollinators"
10/13/2007 Down the Drain! Water Treatment Plant Tour and Canoe Outing
10/13/2007 Workshop: Hillside Permaculture I: Introduction to Swales
10/13/2007 Workshop: Bioregional Education in SF
10/13/2007 Workshop: Greywater Design
10/13/2007 Exhibit Reception: Quilts of Bay Area Birds
10/13/2007 Guided Hike / Talk: "Salmon, SPAWN (Salmon Protection and Watershed Network)"
10/13/2007 Class: Solar Power Basics for Residential Customers
10/13/2007 Volunteer: San Pablo Creek Stewardship and Restoration Work Day
10/14/2007 Book Release Party: Sinfully Sweet Celebration
10/14/2007 Celebration: Pesticide Action Network's 25th Anniversary
10/14/2007 Course: Wilderness Survival Essentials
10/14/2007 Film: "Manufactured Landscapes"
10/14/2007 Indigenous Permaculture Presentation: AgroEcological Water Health and Treatment

ECOLOGY CENTER EVENTS

Monday, October 1, 2007
Meeting: Berkeley Biodiesel Collective — Monthly Biodiesel 101 Presentations. We hold monthly introductory presentations on the first Monday of (almost) every month at the Ecology Center. We'll be in the first door on the left, off the hallway that goes straight back. These presentations are for those who have had no contact with the collective, are new to Biodiesel, or know about biodiesel but are new to the area. We talk about biodiesel emissions, homebrewing, types of vehicles and commercial availability. Then we will talk about what our coop does, its history and vision. And, of course, we will talk about how to get involved with the BBC or other regional groups. We will try to answer any questions about biofuels and the local biofuels scene. Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley. Time: 7:30pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-594-4000 x777, berkeleybiodiesel@yahoo.com , http://www.berkeleybiodiesel.org/bbc/ .

Sunday, October 7, 2007
EcoHouse Tour - 10am — Tour the Ecology Center's environmentally friendly demonstration home and garden. Get a comprehensive vision of many of the simple improvements anyone can make to their urban home. Tour includes: solar panels, on-demand water heater, water saving fixtures, natural and recycled building materials, Berkeley's first city-permitted wetland / graywater system, water catchment strategies, ducks in the city, a living roof garden, organic permaculture gardening, native drought tolerant plants, mushroom cultivation, and more. RSVP by 10/3/07. Location: EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St., (enter via garden entrance on Peralta), Berkeley. Time: 10am - Noon. Cost: $10 sliding scale, no one refused for lack of funds. Info: 510-548-2220 x242, ecohouse@ecologycenter.org , http://ecologycenter.org/ .

Sunday, October 7, 2007
EcoHouse Tour - 1pm — Tour the Ecology Center's environmentally friendly demonstration home and garden. Get a comprehensive vision of many of the simple improvements anyone can make to their urban home. Tour includes: solar panels, on-demand water heater, water saving fixtures, natural and recycled building materials, Berkeley's first city-permitted wetland / graywater system, water catchment strategies, ducks in the city, a living roof garden, organic permaculture gardening, native drought tolerant plants, mushroom cultivation, and more. RSVP by 10/3/07. Location: EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St., (enter via garden entrance on Peralta), Berkeley. Time: 1pm - 3pm. Cost: $10 sliding scale, no one refused for lack of funds. Info: 510-548-2220 x242, ecohouse@ecologycenter.org , http://ecologycenter.org/ .

Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Fall Fruit 'n' Fright at the Tuesday Berkeley Farmers' Market — Enjoy Pears, Pomegranates and Persimmons, a Pumpkin Carving Contest, Day of the Dead festivities, and Fall Fruit Pies by Mission Pies. Celebrating 20 years as a program of the Ecology Center, the Berkeley Farmers' Markets offer a wide range of mostly organic produce and healthy, locally-produced foods. Tuesday Berkeley Farmers' Market is near Ashby BART and buses on MLK and Shattuck, street parking. Location: Tuesday Berkeley Farmers' Market, Derby St. at MLK, Jr. Way, Berkeley. Time: 3pm - 7pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-548-3333, http://www.ecologycenter.org/bfm/ .

Saturday, November 3, 2007
Introduction to Permaculture Design — Take some time during the rainy season to design your backyard, school or community garden. This workshop will cover ecological landscape design basics and will be held indoors at the Ecology Center. We'll include a slideshow to illustrate design concepts. The class is taught by Christopher Shein. Christopher runs Wildheart Gardens, an edible & native permaculture nursery, design and landscaping business in Oakland. He teaches at Merritt College, and helps run other urban agriculture projects. PLEASE CALL TO PRE-REGISTER. Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley. Time: 10 am - 1 pm. Cost: $10 EC members, $15 others, no one turned away. Info: Beck, 510-548-2220 x233, erc@ecologycenter.org .

Sunday, November 4, 2007
Home Graywater Systems & EcoHouse/ Graywater Tour - 10am — Learn about the first permitted residential constructed wetland graywater system at the Ecohouse. We will discuss the principles and process of safely irrigating with shower, bathroom sink, and laundry waste water. Workshop includes a 1 hour slide show presentation of graywater design and the application process. Return home with ideas and plans of your own! Limited seating during presentations so be sure to RSVP. Teachers: John Russell, Graywater Designer/ Babak Jacinto Tondre Graywater Co-Ordinator. Near North Berkeley BART. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. MUST RSVP by 5pm 11/2/07. Location: t. Time: 10am - 12noon. Cost: $15 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. Info: 510-548-2220 ext. 242, ecohouse@ecologycenter.org .

Sunday, November 4, 2007
Home Graywater Systems & EcoHouse/ Graywater Tour - 1pm — Learn about the first permitted residential constructed wetland graywater system at the Ecohouse. We will discuss the principles and process of safely irrigating with shower, bathroom sink, and laundry waste water. Workshop includes a 1 hour slide show presentation of graywater design and the application process. Return home with ideas and plans of your own! Limited seating during presentations so be sure to RSVP. Teachers: John Russell, Graywater Designer/ Babak Jacinto Tondre Graywater Co-Ordinator. Near North Berkeley BART. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. MUST RSVP by 5pm 11/2/07. Location: t. Time: 1pm - 3pm. Cost: $15 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. Info: 510-548-2220 ext. 242, ecohouse@ecologycenter.org .

Sunday, November 18, 2007
Solar Hot Water Heater Workshop — Come learn the process of retrofitting a solar water heater on your house. A slideshow presentation and tour of the EcoHouse solar water heater system will be given. Workshop will be lead by Jon Christianson, Sun Light & Power. Location: EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St., (enter via garden entrance on Peralta), Berkeley. Time: 10am - 3pm. Cost: $15 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. Info: 510-548-2220 x242, ecohouse@ecologycenter.org .

Sunday, December 9, 2007
Workshop: "Grow Edible Mushrooms at Home" — Take a slideshow tour of some amazing mushrooms of the Bay Area and learn how to grow edible mushrooms at home. Teacher: Babak Tondre. Hand's-on: bring extra newspaper, cardboard, sawdust, wax, cordless drills, drill bits, and leave with some mushrooms of your own! Location: EcoHouse, 1305 Hopkins St., (enter via garden entrance on Peralta), Berkeley. Time: 10am - 3pm. Cost: $15 sliding scale: no one turned away for lack of funds. Info: 510-548-2220 ext. 242, ecohouse@ecologycenter.org .

ALL EVENTS

Through Saturday, September 29, 2007
Protest Against the War — A week of protests against the war: 9/22-29/07 - Encampment in front of Congress, 9/29/07 - Mass March from the Capitol to the White House. Info: 212-633-6646, http://www.troopsoutnow.org/ .

Through Sunday, September 30, 2007
Carbon Conscious Consumer: Junk Your Junk Mail — The Carbon Conscious Consumer campaign challenges individuals to establish climate-friendly daily habits by pledging each month to take one simple action with a big impact. This September, take action and pledge to use online forms to eliminate most of your unwanted ad mail. Take the pledge, tell your friends, and get a chance to win great prizes like a professional organizer makeover, energy-efficient dishwasher, and book gift certificates! See website for details. Location: t. Cost: free. Info: 877-68-DREAM, outreach@newdream.org , http://tinyurl.com/2x56sl .

Through Monday, October 1, 2007
Deadline: Call for Papers: Ecocity World Summit 2008 — The Ecocity World Summit will address the ecological city, town and village from the perspectives of people, nature, sustainable development, economies and technologies, and incentives and support structures. The Call for Papers for the Academic and Talent Scouting Sessions is open. Those interested should submit their Abstract through the Ecocity World Summit Website. Location: SF. Info: kirstin@ecocityworldsummit.org , http://www.ecocityworldsummit.org/papers.htm .

Through Saturday, October 6, 2007
Class: "Grow Your Own Organic Garden" — Learn how to plan a vegetable garden for maximum production in a small space. Soil preparation, composting, garden design, plant rotation, container growing, seasonal vegetables: their history, origin, and myths. Location: Albany Adult School, 601 San Gabriel Avenue, Albany. Time: 10am - noon. Cost: $35. Info: 510-559-6580, http://www.albanyadultschool.org .

Through Sunday, October 7, 2007
Exhibit: "The Edge: Where California Culture, Critters, and Environment Collide" — "Grizzlies Ate Salmon at the Oakland Museum of California" takes a look back at the estuary adjacent to the museum where salmon ran and bear dined; "Water, Water, Water!" explores the state's steep increase in water use and the history of Hetch Hetchy; and "Which Side of the Fence Are You On?" presents opposing views on suburbia. Through a mix of artwork, natural specimens, and artifacts, The Edge provides a tangible, provocative history of California's attitude toward its natural resources. Location: Oakland Museum of CA, 1000 Oak St., @ 10th St., Oakland. Cost: Included with museum admission. Info: 510-238-4740, ewhipple@museumca.org , http://www.museumca.org/exhibit/exhi_theedge.html .

Through Thursday, October 25, 2007
Art Exhibit: "The Beauty of South America--Photographs" — Photographs by Anne Harris Jones. Artist reception will be held Wednesday, September 12, from noon-1:30pm. Exhibit is open to the public M-F, 8am-4:30pm. Location: EBMUD Main Administration Building, 375 11th St, Second Floor Lobby, Oakland. Cost: free. Info: 510-287-0138.

Through Sunday, November 25, 2007
Farallon Islands Nature Cruises 2007 — The Oceanic Society conducts all-day nature cruises to the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge each Saturday and Sunday from May to November. The refuge is the largest seabird rookery in the eastern Pacific south of Alaska; a quarter of a million birds nest there in the spring and summer. Most trips encounter marine mammals from sea lions and seals to humpback and blue whales. Reservations required; trips go rain or shine. Location: Oceanic Society Expeditions, Ft Mason Center #E-230, SF. Time: 8am - 4pm. Cost: $95; call for group rates. Info: 415-474-3385, http://www.oceanic-society.org .

Through Saturday, December 1, 2007
Eco-City Sketchbook Design Competition — Submit your single page sketch of a slice of life in the green city of tomorrow. The purpose of the Califia Sketchbook Design Competition is to express to a wide variety of people what life will be like in Califia, a proposed next generation eco-city in the SF Bay Area. People from around the world are invited to enter a conceptual sketch revealing smarter greener ways of building, powering, maintaining, and inhabiting the urban fabric. Register online. Location: t. Info: http://www.greencenturyinstitute.org/sketchbook.html .

Through Tuesday, December 11, 2007
UC Berkeley Extension Sustainable Design Program Fall Schedule — Designed with the working professional in mind, this year-long program focuses on developing the mandated knowledge needed by architects, designers, builders, developers, project managers, and other decision makers who want to be leaders in the sustainable, cradle-to-cradle revolution now in progress. The professional program consists of two 10-week core curriculum courses, Principles of Sustainable Design and Practical Applications of Sustainable Design, and four six-week electives from a wide range of choices, for a total of eight semester units. There are two tracks: Track I serves the needs of architects, developers, and builders; Track II addresses the needs of interior architects and interior designers. Location: UC Berkeley Extension, 95 Third St, SF. Info: 415-284-1041, interiordes@unex.berkeley.edu , http://www.unex.berkeley.edu/profseq/sustain.html .

Through Monday, December 31, 2007
Volunteer in an Eco-City: Bahia de Caraquez, Equador — Planet Drum Foundation seeks volunteers for its Ecological City projects, through 12/2007. Work with a revegetation project, planting and maintaining native plants to reduce erosion and create habitats for birds and other animals. Join neighborhood efforts to learn and use ecological practices. Help in renewable energy development. Assist bioregional environmental education groups for children and adults. A background in environmental education and activities, Spanish language speaking ability, and cooperative living experience are desirable. However, willing hands and a desire to help restore our damaged biosphere are most important. Benefits include free accommodation in a large shared apartment, extraordinary beach and wilderness recreational activities, and opportunities to improve Spanish skills as well as experience tropical Ecuadorian culture. Please email a description of your qualifications and interests to Clay Plager-Unger, Field Projects Manager. Info: planetdrumecuador@yahoo.com , http://www.planetdrum.org/ .

Friday, September 28, 2007
Free Compost for Berkeley Residents — Weather permitting. First priority is given to Berkeley Unified School District and Berkeley Community Gardens. Tractor operator on site between 8:45am-11:45am. General public (self-serve), 11:45am-2:45pm. Please complete sign-in log before loading compost. Location: Berkeley Marina Maintenance Yard, 201 University Ave, Next to Adventure Playground, Berkeley. Time: 8:45am - 2:45pm. Info: 510-981-6660.

Friday, September 28, 2007
Technical Training: Solar Electric for the Developing World — This hands-on course covers the skills necessary to wire a solar system in the developing world. Also discussed will be working with partner NGOs in other countries, considering cultural issues, identifying local stakeholders to operate and/or maintain the system, the logistics of procuring equipment, identifying possible productive uses (livelihood income) of the system in addition to lighting, and lessons from Green Empowerment's 10 years of experience. Friday night meeting time TBD, Sat/Sun 9am-5pm. Register by phone. Location: Ella Baker Center, 344 40th Street, at Broadway, Oakland. Cost: $250. Info: 503-284-5774, dexter@greenempowerment.org , http://www.greenempowerment.org/ .

Friday, September 28, 2007
Slideshow & Discussion: Introduction to 3rd World Renewable Energy Projects — Please attend Part I of our solar energy technical training. Slide Show by Green Empowerment Technical Program Manager. Discussion to cover: energy needs and rural electrification in developing countries; ranges of technologies and constraints; community demand assessment; project sustainability through community participation; applications examples (overview and slide show). Q&A follows. RSVP via email. Location: Ella Baker Center, 344 40th Street, at Broadway, Oakland. Time: 5pm - 7pm. Info: 503-284-5774, jason@greenempowerment.org , http://www.greenempowerment.org/ .

Friday, September 28, 2007
Class: Personal, Professional and Political Climate Solutions — Forty percent of the United State's energy is consumed in buildings. This course examines how buildings can help solve the climate change puzzle. Instructors will present strategies and technologies for greenhouse gas mitigation in buildings and the market transformations underway as governments, academics, businesses, and the public focus on green solutions. Audience may participate via the Internet. Register online. Location: Pacific Energy Center, 851 Howard St., between 4th & 5th, SF. Time: 9am - 4:30pm. Cost: free. Info: http://tinyurl.com/2otlq8 .

Friday, September 28, 2007
Workshop: Earth Plaster — Learn Earth Plaster techniques on a Post & Beam Strawbale structure. Friday evening; slide show presentation. Saturday: preparation of soil for plaster, slip coat & infill, light straw clay infill, exterior earth plaster, clay plaster finish over sheetrock. Sunday: Practical Applications. Registration form online. Location: Penn Valley. Cost: $250. Info: 209-785-7077, mbennjr@mac.com , http://www.strawbuilding.org/intro07.html .

Friday, September 28, 2007
Happy Hour: Green Empowerment at the Ella Baker Center — Join Green Empowerment for Happy Hour at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. Mingle over snacks and drinks. Meet Green Empowerment staff. See slides from our project sites. Meet like minded GE supporters. Learn how you can get involved with our trips. And, find out about the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights -- a leader in the eco-equity movement. RSVP via email. Location: Ella Baker Center, 344 40th Street, at Broadway, Oakland. Time: 7pm - 9pm. Info: 503-284-5774, jason@greenempowerment.org , http://www.greenempowerment.org/ .

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Workshop: Hands-on Biodiesel Homebrewing — This class is designed to give you the hands on experience you need to begin making your own high quality fuel. Topics Include: Demo & Practice; Basic Chemistry of Making Biodiesel; Oil Quality Testing - Free Fatty Acid Titration and Quantitative Water Test; Calculations for Methanol and Catalyst Use; Fuel Quality Testing For Conversion; Washing Techniques; Separating Fuel From Glycerol and Water; Processor Operation; Avoiding & Breaking Emulsion; Processor Design & Building Tips; Basic Safety Guidelines. Class will combine lab, practical, theory and Q&A. Lunch included. Second person from the same household 1/2 price. Limit 8 participants. Register via email. Location: Oakland. Time: 9:30am - 5:30pm. Cost: $90. Info: morris1524@yahoo.com .

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Women of Taste Benefit for Girls Inc. — The 16th Annual Women of Taste, a fundraiser for Girls Inc. of Alameda County, is one of the largest food and wine events in the East Bay. Featuring more than 50 of the Bay Area's finest chefs restaurants and wineries, a silent auction, an art auction with items donated by local artisans and celebrities, live music and dancing. Purchase tickets online or by phone. Location: Oakland Museum of CA, 1000 Oak St., @ 10th St., Oakland. Time: 6pm - 10pm. Cost: $125. Info: 510-357-5515 ext. 19, http://www.womenoftaste.org/ .

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Open House: Get a Degree to Change the World — New College of California Open House. Education for a Just, Sacred and Sustainable World. Refreshments will be served. Location: New College of California, 777 Valencia Street, between 18th & 19th Street, SF. Time: 11am - 1pm. Info: http://www.newcollege.edu/ .

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Really Really Free Market — A community market and celebration where nothing is bought or sold. No money, no barter, no trade. Everything is free. Really. Bring gifts, entertainment and friends. Leave your wallet at home. The last Saturday of every month. Location: Dolores Park, between 19th & 20th, SF. Time: noon - 4pm. Cost: free. Info: http://www.reallyreallyfree.org .

Saturday, September 29, 2007 - Sunday, September 30, 2007
Eighth Annual World Veg Festival Weekend — Listen to speakers, attend healthy food demos, enjoy live entertainment, sample vegetarian cuisine, and more. Presented by The San Francisco Vegetarian Society and In Defense of Animals. Location: San Francisco County Fair Building, 9th Ave. & Lincoln Way, Golden Gate Park, SF. Time: 10am - 6pm. Cost: $5 suggested donation. Info: 415-273-5481, wvdinfo@sfvs.org , http://www.sfvs.org/wvd/ .

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Workshop: Starting a Winter Salad Garden — Grow bountiful crops of sweet buttery lettuce, spicy scallions, peppery radishes and other crispy greens throughout the fall, winter and spring. A small bed can keep a family of four in bountiful salads and braising greens. Class includes easy planting, harvesting, and kitchen preparation instructions, dressing demonstration and snack from instructor Jody Main's Garden. Everyone takes home a planted 6 pack of salad veggies. Recipes included. Jody is a local organic food and garden writer, educator, and consultant. Her specialty is designing gardens that include vegetables, herbs and berries. Common Ground is a project of the 501 (c) (3) non-profit Ecology Action. Register by phone. Location: Common Ground, 559 College Ave, Palo Alto. Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm. Cost: $39. Info: 650-493-6072, http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org .

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Volunteer: Fall Weeding Project at Santa Venetia Marsh — Help restore the habitat of the endangered clapper rail by removing invasive weeds like fennel and Harding grass at Santa Venetia marsh. Other projects include native plant seed collection and mulching around native plants. Space is limited; register online or phone for more information. Location: Santa Venetia Marsh, San Rafael. Time: 9am - Noon. Info: 510-452-9261 x119, bayevents@saveSFbay.org , http://www.savesfbay.org .

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Educator Workshop: "Kids in Marshes" — Explore the world of marshes and wetland habitats, and the plants and animals that have adapted to survive in this special ecosystem. Learn about the value of one of the Bay Area's unique and limited resources in this new course. Participants become eligible for a free marsh ecology classroom and field trip program, led by our staff. Register online or by phone. Location: Richmond Field Station, 1301 S 46th St., Richmond. Time: 9am - 4pm. Cost: $30 (scholarships available). Info: 510-665-3546, www.thewatershedproject.org .

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Workshop: Preserving the Harvest — Want to save the taste of summer year round? If your garden is producing more food than you could possibly eat, learn how to preserve your fruits and vegetables for the winter. We will cover recipes, procedure, and safety for canning and pickling fresh produce. Projects discussed will include jams, pickles, dilly beans, sauerkraut, and/or tomato sauce. Bring a mason jar and lid (preferably a pint-sized jar), if you want to take home some of the creations from the class. Pre-register by phone or email. Location: Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave., @ Lawton St., SF. Time: 10am - Noon. Cost: $15. Info: 415-731-5627, info@gardenfortheenvironment.org , http://www.gardenfortheenvironment.org/ .

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Workshop: "Creating Year-Round Edible Gardens" — This hands-on workshop will offer vegetable gardening basics including: soil preparation, when and what to plant for our local climate, companion planting and pest control, plus creative ways to use your bountiful harvest. Seeds, catalogs, regional food source information, and other handouts will be provided. Location: Hayward Community Gardens, 25051 Whitman St., Hayward. Time: 10am - 1pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-444-7645, http://www.bayfriendly.org .

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Educator workshop: Monarchs in the Classroom — Teachers will learn guaranteed techniques for successful milkweed propagation and butterfly rearing, and will take home a rearing cage complete with milkweed and larva to provide immediate personal learning opportunities for their students. Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont. Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm. Cost: $45. Info: 510-636-1684, www.ebparks.org/webreg .

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Workshop: Old Ways Survival Skills — Explore universal hunter gatherer skills used by humans all around the world. Learn basic and essential living skills through hands-on activities: make fire with handdrill and bowdrill fire kits; process dogbane fiber and make string; practice with hunting tools, including throwing rabbitsticks & spearthrowers; learn basic stone and woodworking techniques through beadmaking, shaping and polishing stone, and grinding. Register online. Location: Real Goods Solar Living Center, 13771 S. Highway 101, Hopland. Time: 9am - 5pm. Cost: $95. Info: 707-744-2017, http://www.solarliving.org/ .

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Seminar: Creating an Ecological House — Author and designer Skip Wenz (Adding to a House and Ecotecture: Designing a Sustainable Future) discusses modeling houses on ecosystems, natural building materials, solar design and alternative construction methods. Location: Building Education Center, 812 Page St., Berkeley. Time: 10am - 5pm. Cost: $85. Info: 510-525-7610, http://www.bldgeductr.org .

Sunday, September 30, 2007
Activity: Working with Wool — Watch as the spinning wheel turns wool into yarn. Give a drop spindle a whirl and create a felt ball of your own to take home. Location: Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park, Berkeley. Time: 1pm - 2:30pm. Info: 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org .

Sunday, September 30, 2007
Friends of the Urban Forest Tree Tour: McLaren Park — Guided by Tony Wolcott. Tony has many degrees & certificates, some of which include horticulture & arboriculture. He has typically grown his own vegetables & even his own meat. He presently works for Bartlett Tree Experts. Tour description: A trip down the lost park of McLaren. Start at road entrance & parking area on top of Mansell Street. From there we will take a circuitous route through the highlights & wildlife of McLaren Park. Good views, hidden treasures & a large sampling of trees & shrubs to get acquainted with. Meeting site: Top of Mansell Street where the side road goes into McLaren Park; parking lot available. This is Mansell St on the east side of the park, near University St. MUNI: 29. RSVP by phone or email. Location: SF. Time: 10am - noon. Cost: free. Info: 415-561-6890 ext. 108, nancy@fuf.net , http://www.fuf.net/ .

Sunday, September 30, 2007
Residential Retreat: Making a Difference: Creating A Sustainable World — This seminar invites participants to examine their "Personal Footprint"—a sustainability audit of water, gas, energy, food, plastics, and product consumption—in their homes and offices in order to make informed and conscious choices. Visits to a nearby home and/or business will provide hands-on learning, enlivening the seminar experience. Yoga, meditation, art, dance, ceremony, and outdoor exercises are included to help balance the rational and experiential, a holistic approach to learning. Participants will leave with a vision, action steps, networking contacts, inspiration, and a profound sense of making a difference. Register online. Location: Esalen Institute, Big Sur. Cost: $585-$1120, depending on housing choice. Info: 510-547-7889, kat@urbanpermacultureguild.org , http://tinyurl.com/3cjx2a .

Sunday, September 30, 2007
Parade and Festival: How Berkeley Can You Be!? — This year's "How Berkeley Can You Be!?" Parade and Festival is the 12th annual celebration of the Spirit of Berkeley - self expression, activism, artistic flair, humor, politics, and community participation. Event opens with the Grand Parade beginning at 11am at the corner of University and California, featuring a large gathering of Art Cars, a coffee-powered pickup truck, community marching bands, circus performers, a unicycle basketball team, taiko drums, a banana bicycle, and an enormous restored 1920s steam engine, and more. The Parade arrives at the Festival site, Civic Center Park in Downtown Berkeley, where an all-day celebration awaits, including an international food court, beer garden, and kids' craft zone, and lots of music. This year's event is a "Zero Waste Zone" event. This designation, based on a partnership between Epic Arts, the City, and the Ecology Center, demonstrates our commitment to providing a wildly fun event while generating zero landfill. Event organizers are working with "greening expert" Green Mary to ensure all waste is routed into recycling and compost. This will also help educate the public about the City's new Residential Composting Program. Location: Civic Center Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Center Street , Berkeley. Time: 11am - 5pm. Cost: Free. Info: http://www.howberkeleycanyoube.com/ .

Sunday, September 30, 2007
Tenth Annual Progressive Festival — Join 2,000 people and 80 progressive groups for Petaluma's Progressive Festival. Speakers and performers include The San Francisco Mime Troupe, Jim Hightower, peak oil activist Richard Heinberg, and a live cumbia band. Location: Walnut Park, Petaluma Blvd., @ D St., Petaluma. Time: Noon - 6pm. Cost: free. Info: 707-318-7548, info@progressivefestival.org , http://progressivefestival.org/ .

Sunday, September 30, 2007
Benefit: BBQ & Harvest Party with Wildlife Associates — A celebration to benefit the animals and educational programs of Wildlife Associates. RSVP required. Location: Half Moon Bay. Time: 11am - 3pm. Cost: $125 adult, $50 child, under 4 free. Info: 650-712-0800, http://wildlifeassociates.org/ .

Monday, October 1, 2007
Celebration: "World Vegetarian Day" — Every year on October 1st, World Vegetarian Day kicks off a month of parties, potluck, presentations, food tasting displays, and lots of friendly discussions. For those new to vegetarianism, it serves as an enticement to give meatless fare a try (even for a day) and learn about its many benefits. Check out the website for more info or to order free booklet, 'Vegetarianism: Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Questions'. Location: t. Info: http://www.worldvegetarianday.org/ .

Monday, October 1, 2007
Applicant Workshop: Climate Protection Grant Program — The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has launched a $1.5 million Climate Protection Grant Program to help reduce the Bay Area's contribution to global warming. Grants will be made to local governments, K-12 schools, non-profit organizations and small businesses within the Air District's nine-county jurisdiction. Grants will fund activities in the areas of youth outreach, city and county planning, and best practices that have proven their ability to reduce emissions. Application guidelines available online. Come to this public workshop for potential applicants. Meet in Wing Rooms 118, 119 and 120. Location: San Jose City Hall, 200 East Santa Clara St, San José. Time: 9am - 11am. Info: 415-749-4754, ayoung@baaqmd.gov , http://www.baaqmd.gov/ .

Monday, October 1, 2007 - Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Course: "Introduction to Recycling" — The Northern California Recycling Association offers this quick overview of the current recycling industry and a view of its near-term future developments. Location: Sanitary Fill Classroom, 401 Tunnel Rd, SF. Time: 8:30am - 3:15pm. Cost: $45. Info: 510-217-2433, ncra@ncrarecycles.org , http://www.ncrarecycles.org/itr/itr_SF.html .

Monday, October 1, 2007
Workshop: "Photovoltaic Design for Engineers & Designers" — High Sun Engineering presents a 4-Day Course on Producing PV Design Documents. This is an intensive solar workshop for design professionals on the specific skills needed to produce high quality feasibility reports, drawings and specifications that are currently in high demand by architectural design teams, engineering firms, developers, and discerning property owners. This class will refine your skills and help you confidently negotiate through design development, stringent building dept & DSA reviews, the bidding process, and construction administration. Learn How To: assess solar site conditions; determine optimal PV technology options; perform PV sizing calculations and create computer models, produce accurate PV feasibility reports, create professional PV construction drawings and specs that ensure smooth approval by building officials, quality installations, & maximum PV energy production; coordinate with architectural design teams; manage PV construction projects including bidding, installation oversight, and verification of system performance. Who Should Attend: electrical & mechanical engineers & designers wishing to gain valuable solar design skills; contractor's engineers & designers seeking a competitive edge; industry professionals wanting insight on the design process; engineering students & graduates wanting to start off in the solar industry & make a positive impact on the future of energy. You also get course materials including: workbook with course topics, quick references & calculation tools; CD-R with pdf drawing sets of various sample project types to use as reference for your future designs; full-size drawing set for in-depth study during class. This is not a hands-on class for installers or homeowners, but is geared towards professionals and is a strong complement to the many basic PV classes available. Held at the solar-powered Bay Conference Center in Tiburon, CA with beautiful grounds overlooking San Francisco Bay. Register early for discount. $200 discount for registered college students. Fee includes classes, course materials & lunches. Register online. Location: Tiburon. Cost: $1,100; $950 if pay by 6/20/07. Info: 707-869-9391, christina@sunengineer , http://sunengineer.com/workshops.htm .

Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Forum - Kevin Danaher on "Building the Green Economy" — After centuries of extraction, exploitation, and depletion, we now face undeniable environmental threats. New business models that save or restore natural resources are critical. But how can we translate that insight into more sustainable practices? Global Exchange cofounder Kevin Danaher discusses Building the Green Economy: Success Stories from the Grassroots, a new book that shows how community groups, families, and individuals have taken action to protect their food and water, clean up their neighborhoods, and strengthen their local economies. Location: Community Media Center, 900 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto. Time: 7pm - 8pm. Cost: free. Info: 650-326-8837, ppjc@peaceandjustice.org .

Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Rally: Improve Access to Family Planning — The California legislature overwhelmingly passed SB 94, legislation that would increase reimbursement rates for vital family planning services and increase access to time-sensitve care for low-income women. The bill is now on the Governor's desk. Every month, Planned Parenthood clinics statewide turn away more than 10,000 patients because of insufficient reimbursement from the state. Join us at a rally to let the Governor know that it's time to fix the problem and sign SB 94 into law. Meet on McAllister between Polk and Larkin (north side of Civic Center Plaza). Location: San Francisco Civic Center Plaza, SF. Time: noon - 1pm. Cost: free. Info: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/09/26/18449885.php .

Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Forum: The current energy situation and the future of solar — EcoNow is an interactive forum that connects you with leading green business professionals through education and networking. Each event begins with a presentation on an ecologically and socially responsible venture, delivered by an expert in the field, followed by Q&A. You will have the opportunity to introduce yourself and your interests, before networking, to facilitate the connections you want to make. Share your thoughts, learn from others, brainstorm, develop partnerships and more. Guest Speaker: Professor Tad Patzek, Professor of Geoengineering at UC Berkeley. Patzek is an editor for Transport of Porous Media, and an associate editor of Energy Tribune. He is also an active participant in the global debate of biofuels and their environmental and social impacts. Food and Drink provided. Register online. Location: Tamalpais Bank, Greenbrae Branch, 575 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Greenbrae. Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Cost: $20 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. Info: http://www.econowusa.com/ .

Tuesday, October 2, 2007
How Local Food Can Reduce Your Global Impact — Do you know where your food comes from? Or how far your food travels to reach you? Do you know the impacts of your food choices on the environment? Would you like to learn more about these issues? Please join the Women's Environmental Network (WEN) for a special evening engagement to learn more about the Slow Food movement. We'll be hearing from local experts on food topics such as Community Supported Agriculture, farming practices and other issues related to something we all depend on . . . food! Edible East Bay Publisher/Editor Cheryl Angelina Koehler will be our featured speaker. Please feel free to share this invitation with other local food purveyors to share samples and information about their local offerings or share the bounty of your own garden by bringing in fruits or vegetables you've grown. We'd love to hear your gardening and cooking tips! Local organic food and wine will be provided by WEN. This will be a Zero Waste Event. Reserve tickets online. Location: First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., at Castro, Oakland. Time: 6pm - 8pm. Cost: $10. Info: info@wencal.org , http://www.eventbrite.com/event/73569047 .

Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Applicant Workshop: Climate Protection Grant Program — The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has launched a $1.5 million Climate Protection Grant Program to help reduce the Bay Area's contribution to global warming. Grants will be made to local governments, K-12 schools, non-profit organizations and small businesses within the Air District's nine-county jurisdiction. Grants will fund activities in the areas of youth outreach, city and county planning, and best practices that have proven their ability to reduce emissions. Application guidelines available online. Come to this public workshop for potential applicants. Location: Joseph P. Bort MetroCenter Auditorium, 101 Eighth St., across from Lake Merritt BART, Oakland. Time: 3pm - 5pm. Info: 415-749-4754, ayoung@baaqmd.gov , http://www.baaqmd.gov/ .

Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Volunteer Training: "Become a volunteer writing coach for public school students" — Two part training: Become a volunteer writing coach at Albany public schools. Help students become more confident and competent writers and thinkers. Don't need to be a writer or teacher -- hands-on training and mentoring provided. Commit 1-2 hours a week during the school year to work one-on-one with students (primarily 7th and 8th grade, some high school). Register online or by phone. Location: Berkeley. Time: Noon - 3pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-526-8042, http://www.writercoachconnection.com/ .

Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Community Meeting: "Stop the Bombplex" — Come discuss the future of nuclear weapons in the U.S. and prepare for public hearings on Complex 2030, a revitalized nuclear complex planned by the Department of Energy. Location: United Christian Church, 1886 College Avenue, at "M" St., Livermore. Time: 7pm. Info: 925-443-7148, http://www.trivalleycares.org .

Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Talk: "Bees . . . What Is the Buzz?" — Entomologist Gordon Frankie discusses possible causes for the population decline of social bees and implications for local native bees. Dr. Frankie is the leader of the Urban Bees Research Project at UC Berkeley. Location: El Sobrante Library, 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante. Time: 7pm - 9pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-665-3538, julianna@thewatershedproject.org , http://www.spawners.org .

Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Gathering: SF Permaculture Guild — Join us for the next meeting of The SF permaculture Guild, held in the Garden Club Room. Location: Strybing Arboretum / Botanical Gardens, 9th Ave @ Lincoln Way , SF. Time: 6:30pm - 9pm. Info: 415-999-5354.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007
"Think Outside the Bottle" Campaign Launch — This is the community launch event for the Oakland wing of Corporate Accountability International's Think Outside the Bottle campaign. Do you care about your right to water? This campaign is a response to the growing corporate control of water, which is a direct threat to our human rights, our democracy and our environment. Join us in asking Mayor Dellums of Oakland to cancel all his bottled water contracts and make a public pledge to support our municipal water systems. Refreshments provided. RSVP by phone or email. Location: Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice St., at 14th St., Oakland. Time: 7:30pm. Info: 510-809-7353, rgoodyer@greencorps.org , http://thinkoutsidethebottle.org/ .

Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Fundraising Celebration: "H2O (Headwaters to Ocean)" — Please join us for an evening of delicious food and wine, mingling with friends old and new, perusing auction items, and learning more about The Bay Institute. Lt. Governor John Garamendi will be keynote speaker. Contact for ticket price and more info. Location: Westin St. Francis, Union Square, 335 Powell St., SF. Time: 6pm - 9pm. Info: 415-506-0150 ext. 22, moskow@bay.org , http://www.bay.org .

Wednesday, October 3, 2007 - Saturday, October 6, 2007
Class: "Introduction to Horticultural Therapy" — The course introduces the profession and practice of horticultural therapy, and describes the types of programs utilizing horticultural therapy as well as the cognitive, social, emotional and physical goals for the diversity of people served. It also exposes students to professionals in the field and resources for further exploration. Location: Strybing Arboretum / Botanical Gardens, 9th Ave @ Lincoln Way , SF. Time: 8am - 4:30pm. Cost: $750 ($675, full-time students). Info: 303-338-0500, ckramer@htinstitute.org , http://www.htinstitute.org .

Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Volunteer Planning Meeting: Survey of Castro Creek — SPAWNERS is starting a general survey of Castro Creek to assess possible sources of pollution. We are looking for volunteers to walk the creek and help understand the potential sources of habitat deterioration. If you are interested in joining us this fall/winter for some nature walks come to this meeting or contact us by phone or email. Location: El Sobrante Library, 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante. Time: 7pm - 9pm. Info: 510-665-3538, juliana@thewatershedproject.org , http://www.spawners.net/ .

Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Benefit Lecture: Chimpanzees of Budongo — The Chimpanzees of Budongo and How a Project in Uganda is Helping them Survive. Presented by Dr. Vernon Reynolds. In the heart of Africa lies the Budongo Forest, home to some 500 chimpanzees. Since 1990 Dr. Reynolds and his team have been studying one group of chimps, observing them as they climb the fig trees to eat the ripe fruits, walk the forest trails, meet and exchange greetings with each other. The team has also been studying their many challenges: getting caught in wire snares set by hunters, conflicting with local people over mango trees and sugar cane. Dr. Reynolds will tell their story, introduce you to some of the principal characters and explain what his team is doing to create a culture of conservation in the Budongo Forest. 6:30pm Reception, 7pm Lecture, 6:30pm-8:30pm Silent Auction and Drawing. Funds raised at this annual lecture and auction and at Chimpanzee Discovery Day go directly to the Budongo Snare Removal Project. Location: Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd, in Knowland Park, Oakland. Time: 6:30pm - 9pm. Cost: $20 suggested donation. Info: 510-632-9525 x122, amy@oaklandzoo.org , http://www.oaklandzoo.org/ .

Thursday, October 4, 2007
Workshop: Save Money with Solar Water Heating — Solar domestic water systems have an average payback of just 3-5 years, and are a great investment for your home or business! Learn how you can save money by providing most of your hot water needs with free energy from the sun. This course will cover aspects of the design and installation of solar hot water systems, including: assessing the solar water heating capacity of a site; financial payback analysis; hot water systems, pool/spa/hot tub systems, and space heating; design issues such as collector location, orientation, tilt, & storage volume; code compliance; how to select the right contractor. This workshop will give you hands-on experience in working with solar hot water systems. Register online. Location: Real Goods Solar Living Center, 13771 S. Highway 101, Hopland. Time: 9am - 5pm. Cost: $240. Info: 707-744-2017, http://www.solarliving.org/workshops/ .

Thursday, October 4, 2007
Book Talk: "The Farmworkers' Journey" — Dr. Ann Aurelia Lopez will discuss her book "The Farmworkers' Journey"*. Illuminating the dark side of economic globalization, this book gives a rare insider's view of the migrant farmworkers' circuit that stretches from the west-central Mexico countryside to central California. Lopez deftly weaves the voices of farmworkers and their families together with up-to-date research to portray a world of inescapable poverty hidden from most Americans. Location: Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way, under Sather Gate Parking Garage, Berkeley. Time: 7pm. Info: 510-848-1196, http://www.revolutionbooks.org/ .

Thursday, October 4, 2007
Celebration: Marin Conservation Corps 25 Years of Service — Learn more about MCC's programs and services. The event includes demonstrations and exhibits, music, appetizers, and guest speaker Jay Harman, founder and CEO of Pax Scientific. Location: Marin Conservation Corps -- Novato, 11 Pimentel Court, Novato. Time: 5pm - 8:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-454-4554, http://www.marincc.org/ .

Thursday, October 4, 2007
Community Forum: Research Justice with DataCenter — Come learn about the field of Research Justice and participate in a dynamic discussion and strategy session to build the field and strengthen the movement for social justice. RSVP by phone or email. Location: San Francisco Foundation, 225 Bush Street, Suite 225, SF. Time: 3pm - 5pm. Info: 510-835-4692 ext. 308, jessica@datacenter.org , http://www.datacenter.org/ .

Friday, October 5, 2007 - Thursday, October 25, 2007
Self-Guided Tour: "Foods of the Americas" — Explore varieties of colorful corn, tomatoes, peppers, chocolate, amaranth, quinoa, and oca and other produce domesticated by Native American farmers in this educational marketplace. Garden admission is $7 for adults. See website for more info. 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 .

Friday, October 5, 2007
Applicant Workshop: Climate Protection Grant Program — The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has launched a $1.5 million Climate Protection Grant Program to help reduce the Bay Area's contribution to global warming. Grants will be made to local governments, K-12 schools, non-profit organizations and small businesses within the Air District's nine-county jurisdiction. Grants will fund activities in the areas of youth outreach, city and county planning, and best practices that have proven their ability to reduce emissions. Application guidelines available online. Come to this public workshop for potential applicants. Location: Santa Rosa City Hall, Council Chambers, 100 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa. Time: 2pm - 4pm. Info: 415-749-4754, ayoung@baaqmd.gov , http://www.baaqmd.gov/ .

Friday, October 5, 2007
Sustainable Business Alliance Networking Lunch — The Ella Baker Center's Reclaim the Future Policy Director Ian Kim will speak with members of the Sustainable Business Alliance (SBA) about the organization's work to build a green economy for all. 5-10 minute walk from MacArthur BART. RSVP online. Location: Ella Baker Center, 344 40th Street, at Broadway, Oakland. Time: noon - 1:30pm. Cost: $18 at door, $15 general, $12 members. Info: http://www.sustainablebiz.org/ .

Friday, October 5, 2007
Application Deadline: Student Leadership and Environmental Action Forum (10/20 - 10/21) — October 5 is the application deadline for the Leadership & Environmental Action Forum. LEAF is an event for Bay Area high school students who want to get involved in the environmental movement, develop skills for effective action on environmental issues, and meet others who are interested in the environment. Workshops range from survival skills to renewable energy to hip hop and the environment. The weekend will also feature a ropes course, climbing wall, night hike, and more. LEAF begins on Saturday, October 20 at 9:30am and ends on Sunday, October 21 at 4:30pm. Participants are expected to attend the entire weekend. Location: Camp Arroyo , 5535 Arroyo Rd., Livermore. Cost: $40. Info: 510-704-4030, chicory@earthteam.net , http://www.earthteam.net .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
Volunteer with Save the Bay: Grow Native Plants at MLK Shoreline Park — Help Save the Bay volunteers prepare for the winter planting season by transplanting mugwort, aster, and goldenrod in the native plant nursery. Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland. Time: 9am - noon. Cost: free. Info: 510-452-9261, http://savesfbay.org .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
UCB Botanical Garden Sick Plant Clinic — UC Botanical Garden experts diagnose your plant woes the first Saturday of every month. Location: UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. Time: 9am - noon. Cost: free. Info: 510-643-2755 x03, http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
Workshop: Composting — Composting with Grow Biointensive methods is the basis for keeping your soil strong and healthy to grow the healthiest, most nutritious, and most disease-resistant plants. Learn the easiest and most effective way to compost. It is such fun and so satisfying that we must warn you, composting can become addictive! We will go to a nearby site and build our own compost pile. Bring a five-gallon bucket of "green material" (grass clippings, weeds, and/or non-meat kitchen scraps). Instructor Dan Royer-Miller is in his second year as an apprentice at Ecology Action's Research Garden in Willits, CA. Common Ground is a project of the 501 (c) (3) non-profit Ecology Action. Register by phone. Location: Common Ground, 559 College Ave, Palo Alto. Time: 2pm - 4pm. Cost: $25. Info: 650-493-6072, http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
Kid's Activity: Mini Farmers — A farm exploration program for 4-6 year olds. They'll explore the Little Farm, care for animals, do crafts and try some farm chores. Wear boots and dress to get dirty. Location: Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park, Berkeley. Time: 10am - 11:30am. Cost: $6. Info: 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
Workshop: Double Digging and Bed Preparation — Double-digging is the first step in a Grow Biointensive garden. Learn how easy, fun and productive this method can be. Loosening the soil 24 inches deep will help to build essential soil structure. Plants will grow much better and need less water; weeds will come out easily. This ever-popular class includes a hands-on demonstration at a nearby garden. Instructor Margo Royer-Miller is in her second year as an apprentice at Ecology Action's Research Garden in Willits, CA. Common Ground is a project of the 501 (c) (3) non-profit Ecology Action. Register by phone. Location: Common Ground, 559 College Ave, Palo Alto. Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm. Cost: $25. Info: 650-493-6072, http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
Volunteer with Save the Bay: Collect Native Plant Seeds at Eden Landing — Help Save the Bay restore this former salt pond to tidal wetland by collecting native alkali heath seeds and removing nonnative plants and trash. Location: Eden Landing Ecological Reserve, Hayward. Time: 9am - 12pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-452-9261 x119, http://savesfbay.org .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
Wildlife Conservation Expo — Meet Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE at the Wildlife Conservation Expo! Nineteen of the world's leading animal conservationists will give presentations about their critical efforts to save imperiled wildlife in Africa, Asia and South America. Straight from the frontlines of wildlife conservation, they will share with the audience an insider's view on the key strategies to secure a future for endangered species and their habitats. Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE will deliver the keynote address. Enjoy exhibits from local and international conservation organizations and shop for handmade arts and crafts from around the world. Advance tickets must be purchased to ensure an opportunity to hear Dr. Goodall speak. Location: Mission Bay Conference Center, 1675 Owens St, (near AT&T Park), SF. Time: 10am - 6pm. Cost: $50 general, $25 students w/ ID. Info: 650-949-3533, info@wildnet.org , http://www.wildnet.org/ .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
Volunteer: California Native Plant Society Walk — Large swaths of invasive plants at Lands End have been cleared to make room for native plant habitat restoration, and forest health has been improved through pruning and selective removal. Participants will spend about an hour walking the site, botanizing and discussing restoration efforts, before joining the regular Saturday afternoon volunteers to participate in the stewardship program. Location: Lands End, USS San Francisco Memorial Parking Lot, El Camino del Mar at intersection with Pt. Lobos Ave and 48th Ave, SF. Time: 1pm - 4pm. Cost: free. Info: 415-730-6379, mstafford@parksconservancy.org , http://www.parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=999 .

Saturday, October 6, 2007 - Sunday, October 7, 2007
Hoes Down Harvest Celebration — A celebration to promote sustainable agriculture and rural living through two fun-filled days of workshops and events. The 20th Annual Hoes Down Festival will feature educational farm tours, a children's area, hands-on workshops, farm products, and an abundance of organic food, live music and good times throughout the Capay Valley. Topics will include bio-diesel processing, regional wildlife (seen from a raft trip on Cache Creek), a tour of hedgerow farm and birding, olive oil production, a painting class in agricultural landscape, and more. Pre-registration required for some activities. RSVP online. Info: 800-791-2110, info@hoesdown.org , http://www.hoesdown.org/ .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
Workshop: Design and Install an Off-Grid Renewable Energy System — Are you ready to declare your energy independence by taking an active role in installing your own (residential or commercial) off-grid renewable energy system? This two-day workshop provides an introduction to off-grid solar, wind and hydroelectric systems, which—individually or in tandem—allow homeowners to generate electricity without dependence on the utility grid. Until grid-tied PV became popular and practical, this was our core intro course on PV. Day One will cover: electricity basics; load analysis and reducing energy demand through improved efficiency; components of solar, wind and small hydro systems; system sizing. Day One will also include an extensive tour of the solar energy systems at the Solar Living Center. Day Two will cover: example system designs; component selection and wire sizing for several example contexts; integration of wind power, hydroelectric, and combustion generators with your off-grid solar system. On Day Two, you will also gain hands-on experience wiring both battery-based and solar direct systems. Register online. Location: Real Goods Solar Living Center, 13771 S. Highway 101, Hopland. Time: 9am - 5pm. Cost: $240. Info: 707-744-2017, http://www.solarliving.org/workshops/ .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
Acterra Solar Homes Tour, Workshop, and Vendor Fair — Join Acterra for a tour of some of the Peninsula's most interesting solar homes. 10am-noon: free workshop with an overview of how photovoltaic (PV) and solar hot water systems work, and the economics of installing these in your home. Meet with local solar energy providers (11:30am-2pm) to determine what system is right for you. Take the self-guided tour of Palo Alto-area solar homes (1pm-4pm) and talk with residents about what motivated them to switch to solar energy. Location: Palo Alto City Hall Plaza, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto. Time: 9:30pm - 4pm. Cost: $10 online preregistration / $15 at event (morning workshop free). Info: 650-962-9876, http://www.acterra.org/solartour/index.html .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
Volunteer: French Broom Removal in Redwood Regional Park — Volunteers are needed to remove French Broom and restore Redwood Regional Park. The park provides tools. Meet at Skyline Gate Staging Area, 8500 Skyline Blvd, Oakland. Location: Redwood Regional Park, Oakland. Time: 9:30am - 1pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-812-8265, www.ebparks.org .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
Ocean Fest: Discover Your Marine Sanctuaries — Celebrate our magnificent ocean along the water's edge. Enjoy sustainable seafood, local beers and wines, live music, kids' activities, raffle prizes, and more. Location: Farallones Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center, West Crissy Field, SF. Time: 11am - 4pm. Cost: free. Info: 415-561-6625 x315, sbeck@farallones.org , http://farallones.org/events/oceanfest.php .

Saturday, October 6, 2007
Class: Urban Composting — This fun, hands-on class teaches methods for backyard and worm composting for home and community gardens. Come learn what you can do to improve your garden and prevent organic waste from ending up in the landfill! Location: Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave., @ Lawton St., SF. Time: 10am - noon. Cost: Free. Info: 415-731-5627, info@gardenfortheenvironment.org , http://www.gardenfortheenvironment.org .

Sunday, October 7, 2007
Kickoff Meeting: Cool Schools Global Warming Campaign — Join EarthTeam's Cool Schools Global Warming Campaign for middle and high school students. Learn more about global climate change issues and how to reduce your carbon emissions at home, on your campus and in your community! Meet students from other schools, as well as members of government, business, and nonprofit organizations who are working on global climate change issues! Focus: Cool Communities! What makes a community cool, when it comes to working on climate change issues? Find out as we take a walking tour of the "coolest" spots in downtown Berkeley! Snacks provided. RSVP requested. Location: Berkeley High School, 1980 Allston Way (at Milvia), College and Career Center, Berkeley. Time: 2pm - 4pm. Info: 510-704-4030, chicory@earthteam.net , http://www.earthteam.net/ .

Sunday, October 7, 2007
Documentary Film: "The Big Game" — A documentary on Berkeley's urban tree-sit at the University of California campus and community efforts to save the endangered oak grove from the axe of the UC regents. Presented as part of The Berkeley Video & Film Festival. Location: California Theatre, 2113 Kittridge Street, (between Oxford and Shattuck), Berkeley. Time: 6:55pm. Cost: $11 general, $8 students, seniors, EBMC members. Info: 510-464-5983, http://www.berkeleycitizen.org/youtube/youtube-g.html .

Sunday, October 7, 2007
Class: Vegetarian Cooking of Oaxaca — Come along on a journey of cultural and culinary exploration as we join together to cook an authentic meal of regional Mexican food from the diverse state of Oaxaca. Traditional Mexican food lends itself to using the best local organic food cooked slowly and communally. This cooking party will be held in an ecological and sustainable home with an abundant urban farm from which we will pick some of the ingredients for our meal. The vegetarian menu will feature a roasted nopales salad and chiles rellenos, along with other Mexican delicacies. Class lead by Rebecca Sibrack of Edible Explorations, a cultural cooking education service offering classes and parties that encourage cultural and environmental understanding through food. An anthropologist and accomplished cook, Rebecca is always excited to share her passion for food and cultural exploration. Includes a four-course gourmet meal. RSVP by phone or email. Location: Oakland. Time: 1pm - 5pm. Cost: $40-60 sliding scale. Info: 510-292-7002, rebecca@edibleexplorations.com , http://www.edibleexplorations.com/ .

Sunday, October 7, 2007
Autumn Meditation Walk — Come participate in guided exercises such as walking meditation and quiet sitting, to explore nature as a metaphor for the inner world. Location: Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park, Berkeley. Time: 9:30am - 11am. Cost: free. Info: 510-525-2233, www.ebparks.org .

Sunday, October 7, 2007
Workshop: "Cool the Earth: Lose 5000 Pounds (of Carbon) in 30 Days" — By making simple changes to everyday actions, you can reduce your annual household CO2 output by at least 15 percent. Learn how to put your household on the "Low Carbon Diet" by calculating your CO2 footprint, taking on lifestyle changes to reduce emissions, and forming a Low Carbon Diet "eco-team" with others to to spread the carbon savings beyond your own home. Workshop cost includes the book The Low-Carbon Diet. Pre-register online. Location: Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St., @ Bonita, Berkeley. Time: 2pm - 6pm. Cost: $25 (includes book and materials), $30 for couple or family. Info: 510-841-4824, http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/19176 .

Sunday, October 7, 2007
Fundraiser: "Run for Peace" — The Run For Peace, an annual 5K/10K run in Berkeley's Cesar Chavez Park and along the idyllic Berkeley Marina is a fun community run that draws participants from all over the Bay Area. If you can't run for Peace, walk for Peace! Visit the website to participate or make a pledge. Location: Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley Marina, Berkeley. Time: 10am. Cost: $15. Info: 925-925-7148, http://www.run4peace.org/ .

Monday, October 8, 2007
Abstract and Proposal Deadline: National Solar Energy Conference — The National Solar Energy Conference -- SOLAR 2008 will take place 5/3-8/08 in San Diego. The theme of this year's conference is "Catch the Clean Energy Wave" and will explore the growing interest in renewable energy as a key component in climate recovery, a strong and healthy economy, and a secure energy future. You can submit a technical paper abstract or a proposal for a forum or workshop. Space and time for presentations is limited, all proposals are judged competitively and not all entries can be accepted. Details and applications forms available online. Location: t. Info: http://www.ases.org/solar2008/ .

Monday, October 8, 2007
Interfaith Fast to End the War in Iraq — Join in a day of fasting to call for an end to the Iraq War. On this day, people of faith in local communities across our nation will act as catalysts to transform the meaning of the day from one of conquest to community and from violence to reverence. Please take the initiative right now to join with other religious communities in your local neighborhood to organize events such as candlelight vigils, teach-ins and public demonstrations for Oct 7th night and the 8th. Invite public officials to those events to impress upon them the need to end the war in Iraq. At the end of the day on the 8th, come together as an interfaith community for a joint celebration for breaking the fast (iftar). Location: t. Time: dawn - dusk. Info: http://interfaithfast.org/ .

Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Lecture: Tracking the Nation's Ground Water Reserves — During the past 50 years, groundwater depletion has spread from isolated pockets to large areas in many countries throughout the world. A growing awareness of groundwater as a critical natural resource leads to some basic questions. How much groundwater do we have left? Are we running out? Where are groundwater resources most stressed? Where are they most available for future supply? This presentation discusses how the issues associated with groundwater depletion have evolved, what we know about the Nation's groundwater reserves today, and approaches to improve upon that knowledge base at the regional and national scale. Speaker: Dr. William M. Alley, Chief of the US Geological Survey's Groundwater Office. The talk is part of the Water Resources Center Archives' California Colloquium on Water. Location: UC Berkeley Campus, 112 Wurster Hall, (near Bancroft and College), Berkeley. Time: 5:30pm - 7pm. Cost: free. Info: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/WRCA/ccow.html .

Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Meeting: Low Carbon Diet Program Kickoff — "The Low Carbon Diet - A 30 day Program to Lose 5,000 Pounds" is a four-session (1-hour each) workshop series for small groups that discusses various lifestyle practices that can be altered and household systems that can be modified in ways that significantly reduce CO2 emissions. This group method (similar to the Weight Watchers format) helps to hold participants accountable for their actions in a fun and nonjudgmental environment. The workshop follows a user-friendly workbook full of specific actions and a website with supporting resources, written by David Gershon. This meeting launches the pilot phase of our program, creating partnerships with a variety of Berkeley organizations that will eventually reach a large percentage of the Berkeley residential sector. We will explain the Low Carbon Diet program and why it's so successful, then will provide guidance to help get your organization involved. Part One: welcome & introductions with Mayor Bates, Acterra and the City of Berkeley; The Low Carbon Diet explained by Acterra's Sustainable Living Program Coordinator Susan Silber; group discussion about forming teams. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley, Acterra, KyotoUSA and the Ecology Center. Light refreshments will be served. Meet on the 6th Floor, in the Sequoia Room. RSVP via phone or email by 10/1/07. Location: Berkeley City Hall, 2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley. Time: 10am - 11:30am. Info: 510-558-0821, susans@acterra.org .

Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Green Developer Speaker Series — Topic: Financing Green Building, featuring Scott Muldavin. Hosted By Presidio School of Management and Haas School of Business. Register online. Location: Pacific Energy Center, 851 Howard St., between 4th & 5th, SF. Time: 6pm - 8pm. Info: http://tinyurl.com/3df8m4 .

Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Lecture: "The Art of Survival: Defining Landscape Architecture in Contemporary China" — Dr. Yu, Dean and Professor of the Graduate School of Landscape Architecture at Peking University and President of design institute Turenscape, proposes that the profession must lead the way in urban development and ecology by creating landscapes that are a connecting link between the land and the people. Location: UC Berkeley Campus, 112 Wurster Hall, (near Bancroft and College), Berkeley. Time: 7pm - 8:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-642-4942, maclark@berkeley.edu , http://new-laep.ced.berkeley.edu/ .

Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Alameda County Community Health Care Forum — Please join us for a Community Forum on Health Care. Share your ideas about improving access to health care services for all Alameda County residents! Local health care providers and policymakers want your input! 5pm-6pm Health Resources and Information Fair, 6pm-8pm Forum. Food, translation and childcare will be provided. Location: First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St., @ 27th St., Oakland. Time: 5pm - 8pm. Info: 510-272-6685, amy.dereyes@acgov.org .

Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Workshop: PV Design and Installation Boot Camp for Electricians — If you're an electrician or contractor and are serious about finding your niche in the solar market, then this intensive, information-packed lecture and hands-on course is for you. Focusing on grid-tied PV systems in a hands-on and lecture setting, you will learn about: PV basics; energy efficiency; equipment selection and system components; overview of financial payback; safety; site analysis; system sizing; pole, ground, and roof-mounting; National Electric Code issues; commercial applications; hands-on training. Students will receive a course manual and other resource materials, all of which are included in the tuition fee. This workshop is ideal for electricians looking to begin installing PV systems professionally, and the recommended prerequisite is apprentice or journeyman level electrician status or equivalent experience. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in. Register online. Location: Real Goods Solar Living Center, 13771 S. Highway 101, Hopland. Time: 8:30am - 5:30pm. Cost: $695. Info: 707-744-2017, http://www.solarliving.org/workshops/ .

Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Presentation: The City Repair Project — A 1.5-hour slide presentation that shares the story of The City Repair Project and it's sister design firm Communitecture, in Portland, Oregon. The presentation is chronological, proceeding from the most accessible scales to enormous, visionary collaborations involving thousands of people. As an overall movement, each project repeats the essential principles of localization, community participation and placemaking, while building upon each success to manifest larger and larger impacts. Light refreshments at 6pm, presentation at 6:30pm. 2 blocks from Powell Street BART. Location: Pacific Energy Center, 851 Howard St., between 4th & 5th, SF. Time: 6pm - 8pm. Cost: $5-10 donation requested, no one turned away for lack of funds. Info: http://www.cityrepair.org/wiki.php .

Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Info Session: Becoming a Certified Green Business in West Contra Costa County — There are many benefits to becoming a Certified Green Business; improving business practices through energy and water conservation, pollution prevention and minimizing waste not only saves money, attracts new customers and creates better working conditions, but also contributes to healthier communities and preserves natural resources. Join Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, in collaboration with the Contra Costa Green Business Program and the Green Chamber of Commerce, to learn about the steps required for certification, hear from businesses who have been through the process, and learn about funding opportunities to assist with "greening" your business. Light refreshments provided. Pre-registration by 9/28/07 required. RSVP by phone or email. Location: Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Macdonald & 27th St, Richmond. Time: Noon - 1:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: 510-559-1406, Melissa.Male@asm.ca.gov , http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a14/ .

Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Volunteer: Save the Bay's Native Plant Nursery — Fall is the busiest time in Save the Bay's nurseries as we prepare plants to be planted into the wetlands this winter. We need your help to transplant native plants like mugwort, aster and hairgrass. Other activities include seed collection, plant propagation, and other maintenance associated with growing native wetland plants. No experience necessary, all ages welcome. Due to the sensitive nature of the site, space is limited. Register online to receive directions and other information. Location: Oakland. Time: 1pm - 3pm. Info: 510-452-9261 x119, jgretz@saveSFbay.org , http://tinyurl.com/2zu9fn .

Thursday, October 11, 2007
Celebration: Ten Years Protecting Families from Toxic Chemicals — For ten years, the Center for Environmental Health has worked at the intersection of health and the environment, reducing pollution and promoting alternatives to toxic chemicals that can cause diseases like cancer, asthma, learning disabilities, and birth defects. Join staff and friends to celebrate this work and enjoy organic hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine. Tickets and details online or by phone. Location: Park Chalet, 1000 Great Highway, SF. Time: 6pm - 10pm. Info: 510-594-9864 ext. 303, event@cehca.org , http://www.cehca.org .

Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 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 .

Thursday, October 11, 2007
Presentation: Food & Nutrition in Low Income Communities — Please join us for a series of presentations on issues of importance to our community: transportation, low-income housing & food and nutrition. These three topics were highlighted as key issues of importance to Marin County and intersect environmental, economic and social justice issues. This session: Food & Nutrition in Low Income Communities. Meet in Olney Hall Rm. 96. Location: College of Marin, 835 College Ave, Kentfield. Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Info: 415-485-4908, eecom@eecom.net , http://www.eecom.net/updates/calendar.html .

Thursday, October 11, 2007
Volunteer Training: "Become a volunteer writing coach for public school students" — Two part training (10/11/07 & 10/18/07): Become a volunteer writing coach at Berkeley public schools. Help students become more confident and competent writers and thinkers. Don't need to be a writer or teacher -- hands-on training and mentoring provided. Commit 1-2 hours a week during the school year to work one-on-one with students (primarily 7th and 8th grade, some high school). Register online or by phone. Location: Berkeley. Time: Noon - 3pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-526-8042, http://www.writercoachconnection.com/ .

Thursday, October 11, 2007
Sustainable Communities Salon: We Are What We Eat — A discussion of Local Food with Jessica Prentice, a representative of Three Stone Hearth, the author of Full Moon Feast and creator of the Local Foods Wheel. And Documenting Food with Catherine Butler, producer of The Future of Food, a documentary examining the complex web of market and political forces that are changing what we eat as huge multinational corporations seek to control the world's food system. The film also explores alternatives to large-scale industrial agriculture, placing organic and sustainable agriculture as real solutions to the farm crisis today. Location: Green Building Exchange, 305 Main Street, Redwood City. Time: 6pm - 8pm. Cost: $10 suggested donation. Info: lucas@greencenturyinstitute.org , http://www.greencenturyinstitute.org/salon.html .

Thursday, October 11, 2007
Workshop: Women's Carpentry Skills Primer — This fun, hands-on, two-day workshop will give women with little or no carpentry experience the confidence to work with power tools & to tackle creative construction projects. Through the building of a permanent structure, such as a picnic bench, participants will get experience in: choosing lumber, measuring, selecting tools and using them safely, selecting and using fasteners. Register online. Location: Real Goods Solar Living Center, 13771 S. Highway 101, Hopland. Time: 9am - 5pm. Cost: $240. Info: 707-744-2017, http://www.solarliving.org/workshops/ .

Thursday, October 11, 2007
Films About Food: "Our Daily Bread" + "We Feed the World" — Presented by The Society for Agriculture and Food Ecology, UC Berkeley (SAFE). Welcome to the world of industrial food production and high-tech farming! To the rhythm of conveyor belts and immense machines, the film looks without commenting into the places where food is produced in Europe: monumental spaces, surreal landscapes and bizarre sounds - a cool, industrial environment which leaves little space for individualism. People, animals, crops and machines play a supporting role in the logistics of this system which provides our society's standard of living. "Our Daily Bread" is a wide-screen tableau of a feast which isn't always easy to digest - and in which we all take part. A pure, meticulous and high-end film experience that enables the audience to form their own ideas. "We Feed the World" is a film about food and globalization, fishermen and farmers, long-distance lorry drivers and high-powered corporate executives, the flow of goods and cash flow-a film about scarcity amid plenty. With its unforgettable images, the film provides insight into the production of our food and answers the question of what world hunger has to do with us. With SF area bread bakers: Steve Sullivan (founder Acme Breads); Julie Cummins (CUESA) Phoenix Pastaficio. Moderated by Renato Sardo (ex. President of Slow Food International). Discussion theme: local vs. global: the divergence of food culture. Location: Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar Street, Berkeley. Time: 6:30pm. Info: http://www.agrariana.org/ .

Thursday, October 11, 2007
Meeting: Building Communities We Can Call Home — Come hear Stories and Engagement Tools That Break new Ground Toward Building Stronger Communities. Speakers include Mayor Janet Lockhart, Councilwoman Nancy Nadel, City Manager Ed Everrett, SAMCEDA President Dan Cruey, and Contra Costa Faithworks ED Maria Alegriathat. We will also premiere the Bay Area Alliance's new short film on building stronger communities. 8:30 registration and breakfast. BART: Embarcadero Station. RSVP by email. Location: San Francisco Bay Conservation & Development Commission, 50 California Street, Suite 2600, SF. Time: 9am - noon. Info: 415-352-3648, allison@bayareaalliance.org , http://www.bayareaalliance.org/ .

Friday, October 12, 2007
Workshop: How to Keep Your Green Building Green — Building owners and operators need tools for operating their green building and sustaining their green building practices. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to keep green buildings green with Environmental Management System (EMS) tools: identifying key players and actions, creating checklists and procedures, and embedding green building practices. This workshop is designed for Facility Managers, Plant Engineers, EMS and/or Sustainability Coordinators - anyone with responsibility for building operations, management or green practices. Register by phone or email. Location: Wendel Conference Center, 1111 Broadway, 19th floor, Oakland. Time: 1pm - 4:30pm. Cost: $75 general, $45 USGBC members. Info: 510-268-9210, wendy@beyondcompliance.net , http://www.sustainableearthinitiative.org/ .

Friday, October 12, 2007
Film: "Pole to Pole, Mountains and Deep Ocean" — Conscientious Projector Film Series presents a 2-hour segment of Discovery Channel's "Planet Earth" documentary, narrated by actress and conservationist, Sigourney Weaver. 100 years ago, there were one and a half billion people on Earth. Even though now over six billion crowd our fragile planet, there are still places barely touched by humanity. This program will take you to the last wildernesses and show you the planet and its wildlife as you have never seen them before. Discussion follows screening, and environmental action. All Welcome. Location: Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St., @ Bonita, Berkeley. Time: 7pm. Cost: free, donations welcome. Info: 510-841-4824, http://www.bfuu.org/ .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Workshop: "Apartment Building Maintenance for Women" — Work isn't easy and requires being on call, but you can gain independence and security. Learn the basics of plumbing, electrical, locks, tenant relations, working with contractors and more. Must be prompt! Location: Building Education Center, 812 Page St., Berkeley. Time: 9am - 4pm. Cost: $110. Info: 510-525-7610, http://www.bldgeductr.org/seminars.html .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Walk/Talk: Geology of the Golden Gate Headlands — Explore 200 million years of geology and learn the fascinating story told by the rocks at the Golden Gate. Bring a lunch, wear comfortable walking shoes and a coat. Trip includes a short but strenuous walk down and up a 200-foot bluff. Call for reservations. Meet Ranger Will Elder at Crissy Field Center. We will carpool to the Marin Headlands. Location: Crissy Field Center, Presidio, Bldg. 603, @ Mason & Halleck, SF. Time: 10am - 3pm. Cost: free. Info: 415-561-4323, http://www.parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=940 .

Saturday, October 13, 2007 - Sunday, October 14, 2007
Conference: Teaching for Social Justice — Teachers 4 Social Justice is a grassroots professional development organization providing peer-led education to teachers and educators in the Bay Area. We came together in 2000 as a group of us were developing an understanding of the cuts to education spending as the prison industrial complex bloomed. We've worked since that time to build our analysis, pull together a network of educators and help explore issues of oppression and schooling. Our annual conference has two goals: explore empowering learning communities through curriculum and practice; provide a forum for networking and community building. Register online. Location: Ben Franklin Campus, 1430 Scott Street, SF. Time: 9am - 4:30pm. Cost: free. Info: http://tinyurl.com/2qab88 .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Workshop: Women's Carpentry Project — In this hands-on, intermediate course, we will work together on a carpentry project at the Solar Living Center such as a garden arbor from start to finish, and practice more advanced carpentry skills such as trimming and finishing. Gain confidence in your own skills and independence while participating in our ongoing educational efforts. Take this with Women's Carpentry Skills Primer, 10/11-12/07, for a comprehensive, in-depth carpentry course. Class size is limited, so register early! Register online. Location: Real Goods Solar Living Center, 13771 S. Highway 101, Hopland. Time: 9am - 5pm. Cost: $240. Info: 707-744-2017, http://www.solarliving.org/workshops/ .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Class: Lead-Safety for Remodeling, Repair & Painting Older Homes — HUD & EPA approved class. Free to pre-1978 residential property owners in Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville, and Oakland. Class fee for all others is $130. Location: Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Main Office, 2000 Embarcadero, #300, Oakland. Time: 8am - 5pm. Info: 510-567-8280, http://www.aclppp.org/ .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Volunteer: Save the Quail Habitat Restoration — Save the Quail habitat restoration workdays at the Presidio. Meet at the Natural Resources Field Office. Location: Natural Resources Field Office, 1539 Pershing Dr., SF. Time: 9am - noon. Info: 510-843-7295, mmartin@goldengateaudubon.org , http://www.goldengateaudubon.org/ .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Overnight Adventure: "The Natural Treasures of Point Reyes" — Join us for a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world of Point Reyes. Our explorations will be at a relaxed pace that allows for inquisitiveness, learning and awe. We will wander through a wide variety of habitats in search of birds, mammals, mushrooms, insects, and plants, with guide David Lukas' knowledge of and reverence for nature to guide us. Accommodations included at the Environmental Education Center, which is in a lovely, secluded and peaceful valley just 2 miles from Limantour beach. Location: Point Reyes National Seashore, Pt. Reyes Station. Cost: $150. Info: 415-663-1200, http://www.ptreyes.org .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Garden Tour: "Herb Day 2007" — Celebrate Herb Day by taking a tour of the Herb Garden and Chinese Medicinal Herb Garden with Horticulturist Elaine Sedlack. Location: UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. Time: 10am - noon. Cost: $15, $12 members. Info: 510-643-2755 x03, http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Workshop: Worm Composting — Everything you always wanted to know about worms . . . but were afraid to ask. Learn all about this tidy and efficient way to turn your kitchen scraps into botanical gold. Hands-on opportunities apply! Instructor Alane Weber, "the worm lady of San Mateo," has been nurturing compost worms for 16 years and teaching vermicomposting. She teaches the educational program of Recycle Work's Master Composting Program for San Mateo County. Common Ground is a project of the 501 (c) (3) non-profit Ecology Action. Register by phone. Location: Common Ground, 559 College Ave, Palo Alto. Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm. Cost: $35. Info: 650-493-6072, http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Volunteer: School House Creek Commons Fall Clean Up + Planting — We will be having our fall clean-up and sowing of native wildflower seeds. If the weather has cooled enough, we also hope to be planting a slope of a hill with plugs of native grasses. These are all big projects, so come one, come all and enjoy one of the city's newest open spaces and explore the native plants and orchard. There's a play area for kids, and coffee and snacks will be served. Location: School House Creek Commons, Virginia St & Curtis St, (Eastern end of Berkeley Adult School), Berkeley. Time: 9am - noon. Info: 510-559-8368, http://bpfp.org/news/?p=136 .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Solar Richmond Tour — This tour will include a combination of homes and businesses. There will be mini-workshops at several locations. Register online. Location: Richmond. Time: 10am - 4pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-847-3172, Michele@SolarRichmond.org , http://www.solarrichmond.org/ .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Activity: Autumn Arachnids — This activity starts with a slideshow on spiders, then goes outside to explore the area looking for orb weavers, jumping spiders, wolf spiders and more. Location: Tilden Nature Area, in Tilden Park, Berkeley. Time: 2pm - 3:30pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-525-2233, www.ebparks.org .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Educator Workshop: Kids in Gardens — Participants will learn how to propagate plants, improve soil, eliminate pests without chemicals, reduce waste, conserve water, and create wildlife habitat, to create an outdoor classroom that enhances student learning opportunities. Location: Martin Luther King Middle School, 350 Girard St, SF. Time: 9am - 4pm. Cost: $30. Info: 510-665-3546, info@thewatershedproject.org , www.thewatershedproject.org .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Workshop: "Go Native - Planting for Pollinators" — 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. Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont. Time: 10am - 1pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-444-7645, http://www.bayfriendly.org .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Down the Drain! Water Treatment Plant Tour and Canoe Outing — If you have ever wondered where "down the drain" leads, join us on a tour of your local water treatment plant and learn about the technologies used to treat our wastewater before it enters the Bay. After an hour tour at the plant we will discuss what you can do to help keep the Bay clean as we explore the beautiful marshes at the Palo Alto Baylands by canoe. Some early winter migrating birds may be making a guest appearance! This is an easy canoe trip and good for the whole family; no experience necessary, minimum age 10. Please bring your own lunch and water. Space is limited; register online or phone for more information. Location: Palo Alto. Time: 9am - 3pm. Cost: $45 ($35 for Save the Bay members). Info: 510-452-9261 x119, bayevents@saveSFbay.org , http://www.savesfbay.org .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Workshop: Hillside Permaculture I: Introduction to Swales — Join a hands-on workshop with Christopher Shein (permaculture instructor at Merrit College) to learn about and build swales, a permaculture design element to catch and store water for planting and to prevent soil erosion. Part of Garden for the Environment's Resource-Efficient Landscaping Education Program. (Second swales workshop, 10/27.) Location: Garden for the Environment, 7th Ave., @ Lawton St., SF. Time: 10am - 2pm. Cost: Free. Info: 415-731-5627, info@gardenfortheenvironment.org , http://www.gardenfortheenvironment.org .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Workshop: Bioregional Education in SF — These workshops take a holistic ecological approach with emphasis on observation, discussion, and hands-on learning. Register via phone or email. Location: Glen Canyon Park, SF. Time: 10am - 5pm. Cost: $35-50 sliding scale. Info: 415-285-6556, outreach.planetdrum@gmail.com , http://www.planetdrum.org/ .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Workshop: Greywater Design — Interested in installing a greywater system? Need some advice on how to get started? Come to our Greywater Design Workshop! This workshop will start with an overview of design options, then switch to small groups helping participants design their own system. Everyone must RSVP! Once registered, we'll send you a worksheet to fill out at home preparing you for the workshop. The small groups will be led by experienced greywater teachers to help you create a design for your own home. Location: Green City Gallery, 1950 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. Time: 11am - 1pm. Cost: $15-20 sliding scale. Info: laura@greywaterguerrillas.com , http://digcity.coop/greencitygallery/ .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Exhibit Reception: Quilts of Bay Area Birds — Help artist Jennifer Snedeker create a bird quilt for the visitor's center on 10/13 and 10/14. The exhibit runs from 9/1 through 11/30. Location: Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge (Newark), 9500 Thorton Ave., Newark. Time: 4:30pm - 5:30pm. Cost: Free. Info: jsnedeker@jensnedquilts , http://www.jensnedquilts.com .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Guided Hike / Talk: "Salmon, SPAWN (Salmon Protection and Watershed Network)" — Meet at the Muir Beach parking lot. Hike/talk takes place along Lower Redwood Creek, where you'll learn about salmonid fish and their habits. Location: Muir Beach Parking Lot, Muir Beach. Time: 10am - noon. Info: 415-561-4859.

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Class: Solar Power Basics for Residential Customers — Is solar electricity right for you? Hear about current market-ready solar power technologies and the key steps necessary to own a solar electric system for your home. Become familiar with the solar power installation process and how to reduce energy costs. Get answers to frequently asked questions, such as: How does it work?; Will it work for my home?; 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 to ensure a successful project and bring your solar questions. Register online. Location: Pacific Energy Center, 851 Howard St., between 4th & 5th, SF. Time: 10am - noon. Cost: free. Info: http://tinyurl.com/39jz6a .

Saturday, October 13, 2007
Volunteer: San Pablo Creek Stewardship and Restoration Work Day — Help the San Pablo Watershed Neighbors Education and Restoration Society (SPAWNERS) restore the banks of San Pablo Creek behind the El Sobrante Library. We will plant natives along the creek bank and install erosion control materials. Newcomers welcome! Registration preferred but not required. Location: El Sobrante Library, 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante. Time: 9am - 12:30pm. Cost: free. Info: 510-665-3538, julianna@thewatershedproject.org , http://www.spawners.org .

Sunday, October 14, 2007
Book Release Party: Sinfully Sweet Celebration — Please join Colleen Patrick-Goudreau of Compassionate Cooks to celebrate the publication of her new cookbook, The Joy of Vegan Baking: Compassionate Cooks' Traditional Treats & Sinful Sweets. This music-filled celebration will feature many homemade goodies from Colleen's cookbook, including pies, cakes, breads, cookies, and even hot and cold beverages, such as mulled cider, chai tea, and Horchata. Some savory finger food will be available as well. Colleen will be answering questions about vegan baking and, of course, will be signing copies of her book. Location: First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., at Castro, Oakland. Time: 4:30pm - 8:30pm. Info: 510-531-2665, http://www.joyofveganbaking.com/ .

Sunday, October 14, 2007
Celebration: Pesticide Action Network's 25th Anniversary — Come enjoy local organic food and drink while learning about and benefiting Pesticide Action Network (PAN) North America. PAN North America combines science and community-led campaigns to force global phase outs of highly hazardous pesticides. We promote solutions that protect the health of communities and the environment. PAN North America is one of five independent regional centers of PAN International, a worldwide network of more than 700 organizations in 90 countries to build healthy communities. Our work advances environmental justice, sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty. Celebrate with us at San Francisco's historic Ferry Building, home to local and organic food purveyors and the famous Farmer's Market hosted by CUESA - the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture. Ticket price goes to a gift membership for the person of your choice. Purchase tickets online. Location: Ferry Building, Embarcadero & Market, SF. Time: 3pm - 7pm. Cost: $35. Info: http://www.panna.org/25th/ .

Sunday, October 14, 2007
Course: Wilderness Survival Essentials — Participants in this introductory workshop will learn basic principles and methods of wilderness survival. Topics covered will include assembling survival kits, shelter building, fire starting techniques, emergency signaling, water purification, and more. Call to register. Location: Lake Chabot. Time: 10am - 3pm. Cost: $20 ($18 residents of Alameda & Contra Costa counties). Info: 888-327-2757.

Sunday, October 14, 2007
Film: "Manufactured Landscapes" — Jennifer Baichwal's 2006 documentary follows Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky as he travels through China and Bangladesh recording industrial incursions into the landscape. The places they visit--manufacturing sites, shipbreaking yards, e-waste dumps--provoke inconvenient questions about the impact of global industry on places and people, and about where aesthetics end and ethics begin. Location: Pacific Film Archive Theater, 2575 Bancroft Way, @ Bowditch, Berkeley. Time: 4:30 pm. Cost: $9.50. Info: 510-642-0808 , http://bampfa.berkeley.edu/film/FN16600 .

Sunday, October 14, 2007
Indigenous Permaculture Presentation: AgroEcological Water Health and Treatment — Come join the Indigenous Permaculture Project for a presentation of their work of how indigenous people throughout the continent create connection with the land and water for sustainable communities. We'll discuss water health, appropriate technology, and begin construction of an ecological wastewater treatment system, with information and tools to build compost toilets. Location: Sutter Creek. Time: 10am - 2:30pm. Cost: $10-25 suggested donation. Info: 415-370-1657, http://www.indigenous-permaculture.org/ .

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Carrie Bennett
Ecology Center

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// Thanks to volunteers Guy Baldwin, Lori Fagerholm, David Klotz, and Kimberly Thompson for help with the EcoCalendar.
// Thanks to Jennifer Bresee, Beck Cowles, and David Ricardo for their help and guidance.

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