Berkeley Partners for Parks

Visit Friends of Five Creeks web site for a 34 sec. movie of steelhead up to 24″ long attempting to spawn in CodornicesCreek. The photos are bittersweet: They were possible because retaining walls on this small city creek forced these magnificent seagoing trout to try to nest in unsuitable places. Watching their struggle is inspiring, heartbreaking — and a powerful argument for creek restoration. Codornices Creek is closed to fishing. Please do not disturb the fish!

The Berkeley Daily Planet also covered the story with a nice article providing background information on steelhead salmon, and Northern California creeks and rivers.

A dozen Berkeley High School AP Environmental Science students got “down and dirty” Saturday, Mar. 18, 2006, making ephemeral art with “found” materials in the first session of Friends of Five Creeks’ “Art to Action on Berkeley Creeks” project. Working with local environmental artist Zach Pine (www.naturesculpture.com), students turned leaves, logs, litter, even muddy footprints into art . The site was the swale next to Lower Glendale Path, one of Codornices Creek’s many headwaters. Less visible results: seeing more clearly, and a deepened appreciation of nature and creeks. Huge thanks to students, Zach, and especially BHS teacher Mardi Mertens.

Groups from Brownies to UC Berkeley public-policy graduate students are pitching in to help with weeding at the most recent restoration on Codornices Creek. A little over a year ago, the creek was “liberated” from a narrow concrete channel west of Fifth Street (alongside University Village and between sports fields). The need now is to keep weeds under control along the newly meandering channel, giving natives time to grow in. The most recent group of helpers — 15 residents of Canterbury House, a residence for UC students focused on public service. Thanks to all — and if your group wants to help, contact us at f5creeks@aol.com.