Learn more about, contact, and join BPFP and its partner groups
Sunday, June 21, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Prior to a Solstice ceremony and labyrinth walk listed for 2:00 to 4:00 this same Sunday afternoon, the East Bay Labyrinth Project (EBLP) needs volunteers to help lay out pattern of temporary 11-circuit labyrinth (register in advance ASAP at eastbaylabyrinthproject@gmail.com to participate in this part of the day’s celebration; delicious lunch provided; three-hour commitment and advance registration required).
Join Friends of Five Creeks volunteers in Eastshore State Park from 10 am – 12:30 pm Saturday, May 30, as improve both habitat and human enjoyment by whacking a welter of invasives weeds. Light and heavy tasks for all — from big clumps of fire-prone Pampas grass to little feathery tumbleweeds. We supply gloves, tools, and snacks. Dress for sun or wind.
Follow signs from the small parking area off West Frontage Road between University and Gilman (Internet maps W. Frontage Rd. and Virginia, Berkeley, though there is no Virginia there). By car, best to park at Sea Breeze Deli, 598 University, and walk 5 minutes north on the Bay Trail. AC Transit 9 also stops at Sea Breeze. The site is a lovely stroll or bike ride via the Bay Bridge and/or Pedestrian/Bicycle trail from Aquatic Park.
Information at www.fivecreeks.org, f5creeks@aol.com, 510 848 9358.
RAIN UPDATE:
Rain, unless heavy, will not cancel tour – walking or biking editions of it. Bring an umbrella for walking, rain gear for the bike ride and give thanks for the rain we need.
Hidden Gems of Berkeley Ride and Walk – Experience the Treasures of Central Berkeley, Saturday May 2, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The 7th annual Hidden Gems of Berkeley Ride and Walk will feature the unique and vernacular treasures and grassroots’ greening initiatives of Central Berkeley. As in the past, we’ll have vivid interpretive tours – by bike and by foot. This year, we’ll explore the hidden fabric of gardens, paths, and the curious cultural and natural features and buildings of Central Berkeley (by bike) and Downtown (by foot).
Ride and walk start will be at the Civic Center fountain (off Allston between Milvia and Martin Luther King Blvd.) Bring lunch and water. The event is family friendly (over the age of 10).  Updated Hidden Gems of Berkeley maps will be available for a donation of $5.
Bike Tour to be led by John Steere and John Coveney; Walking tour to be led by Jen English and Georgia Silvera Seamans. Check out www.bpfp.org for more information.   Co-sponsored by Berkeley Partners for Parks (BPFP), Livable Berkeley, and the Bicycle Friendly Berkeley Coalition.
CHOCOLATE & C H A L K A R T
The sidewalks along North Shattuck Ave. in the Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley are the target of artists young and old, professional and greenhorn during the 13th annual CHOCOLATE & C H A L K A R T FESTIVAL on Saturday, May 30.
With no fees to artists, areas of sidewalk will be assigned to participants to create their own fanciful chalk drawings. A CHOCOLATE & C H A L K A R T Contest for the best drawing will be judged after 4 p.m. Winners will be notified the following day. First prize is $250 with $50 gift certificates awarded for runners up. Same-day registration takes place 10AM-5PM in event booths located along North Shattuck Ave. Artist’s chalk is available for a fee.
For CHOCOLATE sampling, start by purchasing a packet of tickets (10 for $10) at any of the registration sites. The to-go menu features organic café mocha, chocolate mochi ice cream, and spicy chocolate tandori chicken, as well as the weirder chocolate goat cheese truffles, chocolate garlic clusters, and chocolate soap! Spend your tickets on these delights in the businesses flying festival balloons.
Vendors with chocolate-related items and hand made arts & crafts fill the Farmer’s Market area, music fills the air, clown’s laughter fills your heart, and many more surprises fill your senses as you stroll along the sidewalks viewing the artwork that remains in place for the next two weeks. See last year’s winners at www.chocolateandchalkart.com
Produced by Another Bullwinkel Show 510.548.5335 www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com and sponsored by the North Shattuck Association www.northshattuck.org . Take BART to downtown Berkeley and walk north six blocks.
Saturday, April 18
Berkeley Path Wanderers: Improved and Impassible Paths Theme Walk, 10 a.m. The walk will cover many paths improved in recent years by BPWA. We will also pass by and look at several not-yet-improved paths to show how much is involved in building the new paths. This walk is moderately strenuous, come prepared for a lot of ups and downs, interspersed with some flat stretches. Meet at: Fountain across from new hills Fire Station #7 – 3000 Shasta Rd. (1/2 block from Grizzly Peak Blvd.) Info: charlie_paths@comcast.net www.berkeleypaths.org