Environment in East Bay

Perched on stilts above a salt marsh, the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center is your introduction to the ecology of the San Francisco Bay Estuary. Volunteer opportunities include helping to eradicate nonnative plants that threaten Shoreline diversity. Restoration days will involve working and learning techniques of invasive removal, native planting, as well as information about the native plants and animals of the Hayward Shoreline. Refreshments will be provided. Bring gloves or borrow some of theirs.

The garden is a living museum of California native plants located within Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley, California. It is a 10 acre sanctuary for thousands of the states rare and endangered plants in many habitats from the High Sierra to the serpentine barrens of the Coast Ranges, and from the northern rain forests to the southern deserts. Flowers bloom every month of the year, reaching a spectacular peak in spring through midsummer. In the fall and winter, the garden is decorated with the vibrant hues of ripening fruits, changing leaves, and colorful twigs. There are a number of different ways volunteers can support or work in the Garden by propagating plants, collecting and packaging seed, leading tours of the Garden as a docent, assisting the gardeners and working on projects with the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden.

Save The Bay gives you an opportunity to participate in hands on restoration of San Francisco Bay Area wetlands near you.The restoration program puts people on the Bay shore to collect native plant seeds, grow plants in our nurseries, sow native plants along the shoreline and monitor the health of wildlife populations. These restoration activities improve habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife, and enhance the regions quality of life. While volunteering, learn about wetland ecology, how native plants improve Bay health, and threats affecting the Bay.

The Hesperian publishes books and newsletters on public health and social and environmental justice. Positions include attending on site talks with local and international speakers, researching topics for books, packing books and general administrative support.

Each month, thousands of pounds of trash accumulate in Lake Merritt. It is removed by volunteers. The Institute provides gloves, custom made nets, several pairs of hip waders, trash bags, and trash cans.