Waterside Cafe open at Aquatic Park!

Aquatic Park’s new waterfront coffee shop is offering 25 cents off any beverage if you arrive by bike! Waterside Cafe is open Tuesday – Sunday 10-6 in the courtyard of the historic sailboat house at 84 Bolivar Drive, south of the foot of Addison St. The cafe is part of nonprofit Waterside Workshops (www.watersideworkshops.org), which also offers wooden-boat building and do-it-yourself bike repair (plus sale of used bikes), all including job training for local teens. It’s yet another in Aquatic Park’s impressive list of community-generated projects, which include Dreamland for Kids playground (built by BPFP volunteers), the Berkeley Garden Club’s beautiful drought garden, Berkeley Paddling and Rowing Club, and Aquatic Park EGRET at the south end of the park.

Help Restore Berkeley Waterfront Sat., July 10

Join Friends of Five Creeks volunteers at a “walking work party” 10 AM – 12:30 PM Sat., July 10. Learn about history and restoration plans while you help make Berkeley’s waterfront into the park it should be!

Meet at the beach at the mouth of Strawberry Creek, behind Sea Breeze Deli 598 University. This is just west of I-880/580. AC Transit 51B stops across the street, or walk or bike on the Bay Trail or via the pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the freeway.

All welcome! Water, tools, gloves, and snacks provided. Dress for sun, wind, or fog. More information at www.fivecreeks.org or f5creeks@aol.com.

‘Hidden Gems’ bike tour explores the ‘Breas.

The 8th annual Hidden Gems of Berkeley bike ride explores the curious, quirky, and crafted features and grassroots greening initiatives that make Berkeley unique — this year in Berkeley’s charming Northbrae and Westbrae neighborhoods. Meet at the North Berkeley Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda and Hopkins, 10 AM Sat., May 15. The leisurely ride on level and gently sloping terrain ends at 1 PM. Bring lunch, water, and the family — great for children over 10. The event is free; updated Hidden Gems of Berkeley maps available for $5 donation. Sponsored by Berkeley Partners for Parks, Livable Berkeley, East Bay Green Tours, and Bicycle Friendly Berkeley Coalition; led by John Coveney, Marlene Fouche, and originator John Steere (for information contact John at 510 849 1969).

Evening walk explores Cerrito Ck. and Albany Hill Thurs., Apr. 22

Friends of Five Creeks and Transition Albany invite you to enjoy Cerrito Creek and Albany Hill on a spring evening, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Meet at 6 PM at Peet’s Coffee, San Pablo and Carlson, El Cerrito; wear long pants and sleeves (poison oak) and sturdy hiking shoes with good traction; bring sticks if you use them. This two-hour exploration of rare urban wilderness with fascinating history will cross the creek on stepping stones and gain 300′ elevation on moderately steep, narrow dirty trails — with refreshments at the top! Information at www.fivecreeks.org, f5creeks@aol.com, 510 848 9358.

Tour East Bay “Green Corridor” May 6

Tour green buildings and pioneering “green economy” businesses, meet leaders in sustainability, learn about healthy resources, and enjoy a day-long seminar on wheels with Bay Area Green Tours and the Oakland Museum’s Natural Science Build, 9 AM – 4 PM Thursday, May 6; cost $90. Bring bag lunch or enjoy no-host lunch at a restaurant that supports local farmers. Information and sign-up at www.ebgt.org.