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Santa Fe Right-of-Way Open at Lincoln St.!

The fence that had blocked the Santa Fe Right-of-Way just north of Lincoln Street is open for a six-month trial, thanks to the Berkeley Parks Department. This means you can walk or cycle this 1880s rail route from University Avenue in Berkeley to San Pablo at McDonald, on the El Cerrito-Richmond border. You’ll find community gardens, public art, play areas, and restored creeks on the level, 4.5-mile route (known as the Ohlone Greenway and running under BART in Albany and El Cerrito).

Try it out! Please report any problems in the area of Delaware to Cedar Streets in Berkeley to Berkeley Path Wanderers — email charlie_paths@comcast.net or f5creeks@aol.com.

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Feb. 15 BPWA talk on wildlife, Native American history

Wildlife biologist and ethnologist Jim Hale speaks on East Bay wildlife and Native American history, 7-9 pm Thursday, Feb. 15, at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St., Berkeley. Hale has taught biology at San Jose State and UC Santa Cruz, worked on creek restoration, and done research on many local rare and endangered species, from wildflowers to mountain lions. The walk is sponsored by Berkeley Path Wanderers Association; Hale also leads their Feb. 20 walk in Wildcat Regional Park. Information at www.berkeleypaths.org.

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Feb. 10 BPWA Wildcat Ck. walk on Native American history

On Sat., Feb. 10, Berkeley Path Wanderers Assn. sponsors a four-hour exploration of Wildcat Canyon Regional Park with ethnologist and wildlife biologist Jim Hale. The walk includes several rock sites used by Native Americans and is followed by an optional drive to see rock art at nearby Poinsett Park in El Cerrito. (Hale also will speak on local wildlife and Native American history at Berkeley Path Wanderers’ Feb. 15 meeting, see www.berkeleypaths.org.)
Meet at 10 am at the Wildcat Canyon Staging Area, Park Avenue 0.1 mile northeast of McBryde Avenue, Richmond. Bring water and lunch. Dress in layers and be prepared for rain and mud. Driving directions at www.berkeleypaths.org; map at www.ebparks.org; AC Transit 68 stops nearby. More information at www.berkeleypaths.org or 925 939 4304.

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Feb. 5 talk on estuaries

Friends of Five Creeks president Susan Schwartz gives a slide tour and talk on “Restoring America’s Estuaries: Winning Battles But…,” 7 pm Mon., Feb. 5, at the Edith Stone Room, Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin. Free; information at www.fivecreeks.org, f5creeks@aol.com, or 510 848 9358.