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| March
Multiple Dates: Saturday, June 1, 2013 A Place of Magic: Photography of the Baylands Exhibit City: Palo Alto Description: Discover the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve through a fresh lens! Experience stunning nature photography by Salvatore Ventura. Ventura’s work captures the diversity and beauty of the marshland ecosystem and its unique flora. All works are for sale and proceeds benefit local nature education. Cost: Free Location: The EcoCenter, 2560 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 (map) Contact: Environmental Volunteers, 650-493-8000, communications*evols.org Presented by: Environmental Volunteers Websites: http://www.evols.org, http://www.evols.org/index.php?page=photography-exhibit---salvatore-ventura ............................................. Saturday, March 2, 2013 (10:30 am - 12:30 pm) Grafting Class City: Palo Alto Description: Learn about grafting and the important role it plays in plant and tree production. You will receive an overview of budding techniques and practice grafting that you can use on your own trees. There will be several varieties of grafting wood, or scion wood, for you to build your own plum, peach, pear, or heritage apple tree. Rootstocks and grafting knives will be available for purchase at Common Ground. Cost: $35.00 Location: Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center 559 College Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 near VTA bus 22 and Cal. Ave. Caltrain (map) Contact: Common Ground Staff, 650-493-6072 Presented by: Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center Websites: http://grafting2.eventbrite.com/#, http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/upcomingclasses.htm ............................................. Saturday, March 2, 2013 (11:00 am - 12:30 pm) Bird Drawing and Sketching Workshop City: Palo Alto, CA Description: Join local artist Kathy Kleinsteiber for a free workshop on drawing and sketching birds at the Environmental Volunteers' EcoCenter. Come discover new techniques, sharpen your art skills, and learn tips that will help bring your drawings to life. Bring a sketchpad, pencils, and erasers. Best for ages 14 and up. Reservations strongly recommended. Cost: Free Location: Environmental Volunteers' EcoCenter, 2560 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 (map) Contact: Eric, (650) 493-8000 ext. 345, education*evols.org Presented by: The Environmental Volunteers Websites: http://www.evols.org/index.php?page=bird-drawing-and-sketching-workshop, http://www.evols.org/ ............................................. Saturday, March 2, 2013 (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm) Multiple Dates: 2/9/13 EcoCenter Docent Training City: Palo Alto Description: The Environmental Volunteers successfully restored the historical SeaScout Base in the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve to a modern, green, and interactive nature center in the heart of the Baylands. This beautiful building is surrounded by even more beautiful marshland habitats for migratory, resident, and even endangered bird species. Join this session and you will receive all of the training you need to facilitate enjoyable and integrated experiences for visitors to this local treasure. Training consists of 2 four-hour sessions on consecutive Saturdays. The EcoCenter is open Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Cost: $25 Location: Environmental Volunteers - EcoCenter, 2560 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303 (map) Contact: Eric McKee, 650-493-8000 x345, education*evols.org Presented by: Environmental Volunteers Websites: http://www.evols.org/training-sign-up-form, http://www.evols.org ............................................. Saturday, March 2, 2013 (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm) History of the Salt Pond Restoration Project City: Alviso Description: Attend a lecture at the Environmental Education Center at 1751 Grand Blvd Alviso. An illustrated history of the: who, what, when, where, why and how of the Salt Pond Restoration Project. Includes a hands-on visual demonstration of how the marsh protects us from flooding. All ages’ welcome. Presented by Joseph Garcia call 408-262-5513 ext. 106 for more information. Cost: Free Location: Environmental Education Center, 1751 Brand Blvd. Alviso Contact: Jose Garcia, 408-262-5513, joseph_garcia*fws.gov Presented by: National Fish and Wildlife Department Websites: ............................................. Thursday, March 7, 2013 (6:30 pm - 9:00 pm) Marin Organic Volunteer Orientation City: Novato Description: Meet new friends and community members as you learn about local organic agriculture, the trends in organics both locally and nationally, as well our new programs and volunteer opportunities. Hear from Marin Organic's new Education Director Constance Washburn and from Marin Organic farmer and board member Sara Tashker of Green Gulch Zen Center & Farm about the history of Marin Organic and exciting new programs in 2013. Volunteer Orientation is required. If you are interested in volunteering but unable to attend the Orientation, please contact Constance@MarinOrganic.org. Cost: Free Location: 1800 Ignacio Blvd., Building 27 Contact: Constance Washburn, (415) 663-9667, constance*marinorganic.org Presented by: Education Director Constance Washburn & Marin Organic farmer Sara Tashker Websites: http://www.marinorganic.org/events.php#Volunteer-Training ............................................. Talk:"Photovoltaic Technologies & the Solar Efficiency Race" City: San Jose Description: Sudip Mukhopadhyay will discuss new approaches to maintain the efficiency of solar panels from the viewpoint of new materials. Advanced ticket purchase required: http://svctss20130307.eventbrite.com/ Cost: $ 6.50 Location: SEMI Building “Main Entrance” , SolarTech Conference Center,3081 Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95134 (map) Contact: Mei-Ling Shek, meilingshek*yahoo.com Presented by: Silicon Valley Clean Tech Forum & EcoGreen Group of Silicon Valley Websites: http://www.ecogreengroup.org ............................................. Thursday, March 7, 2013 (9:00 pm - 9:00 pm) Plastics 360: Film Night City: Berkeley Description: For students, teachers, business managers and owners, civic leaders, citizen activists, and anyone interested in sustainable living. Film shorts: The Story of Bottled Water (Annie Leonard); Midway Island cleanup (Chris Jordan); We Can Recycle Plastic (Mike Biddle); and more With: Chris Pincetich, PhD, Sea Turtle Restoration Project; Beck Cowles, Berkeley Ecology Center; Monica Wilson, GAIA; and Beth Terry, www.myplasticfreelife.com Cost: $10. Location: Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley Contact: Elizabeth Little, 510-532-6574, info*greensangha.org Presented by: Green Sangha Websites: http://greensangha.org/plastics360/, http://www.greensangha.org ............................................. Saturday, March 9, 2013 (8:00 am - 5:00 pm) Arbor Day Program, City of Mountain View City: Mountain View Description: Free Event! Including: a ceremonial planting of an Arbor Day tree environmental education booths live music and activities for children including face painting, arts, crafts, games and stories information booths to learn more about trees and urban forestry, composting, recycling a tree climbing demonstration by the city's forestry operation Cost: Free Location: Pioneer Park, Corner of Castro and Church Street Between LIbrary and City Hall. (map) Contact: Jakob Trconic, 650-903-6326 Presented by: Acterra will have a table at this event Websites: http://www.mountainview.gov/city_hall/comm_services/forestry/arbor_day.asp ............................................. Saturday, March 9, 2013 (10:30 am - 12:30 pm) Practical Biodynamics Class City: Palo Alto Description: This will be a fascinating journey into holistic gardening. Discover what makes biodynamics unique. Add new skills and awareness to your gardening experience! You will learn how to read a planting calendar and cultivate awareness of working with rhythms in the garden. Learn how to make high-quality compost using the biodynamic preparations. Disease resistance and soil fertility will be covered. Cost: $31.00 Location: Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center 559 College Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 near VTA bus 22 and Cal. Ave. Caltrain (map) Contact: Common Ground Staff, 650-493-6072 Presented by: Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center Websites: http://practicalbiodynamics.eventbrite.com/#, http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/upcomingclasses.htm ............................................. Wednesday, March 13, 2013 (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) class: Am I Good Enough Yet? Media Images and Effects on Health, Self-Esteem City: palo alto Description: in aftermath of last year's successful movie "miss representation", much has been written about how media and internet images affect our ability to see ourselves & others clearly. we will examine how media images affect both men and women, & be connected w/upsurge in fad diets, cosmetic surgery, steroids for performance, unusual supplements, and difficulty being satisfied with our own and others' natural charms. we will consider cultural roots of this, health consequences, and practical solutions to restore balance. Cost: $35 Location: stanford campus;location provided upon registration Contact: stanford health improvement program, 650-723-9649, healthimprovement*stanford.edu Presented by: stanford health improvement program Websites: http://hip.stanford.edu ............................................. Saturday, March 16, 2013 (4:00 am - 4:00 pm) Plastics 360: Impacts & Possibilities Conference City: Lafayette Description: Topics: A brief history of plastics. Susan Freinkel, author of Plastic: A Toxic Love Story The Plastic-Oil connection. Joe Mueller, MS, biology instructor, College of Marin Marine litter. Chris Pincetich, PhD, marine toxicologist Plastics in our bodies. Marion Guyer, MD, MBA Recycling and beyond. Samantha Meyer, Clean Water Action Changes we can make, from home to office to city hall. Sarah Kelley, Terra Textiles; Samantha Meyer, Clean Water Action; Andy Peri, Green Sangha; Beth Terry, author, Plastic Free Plus! Opening meditation and mindful movement break with Gerry Swan, RYT More information: info@greensangha.org or call (510) 532-6574 Cost: $30 by Mar 1, $40 door ($10 disc for Green Sangha mbrs & stdts w ID) Location: Lafayette Public Library, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette Contact: Elizabeth Little, 510-532-6574, info*greensangha.org Presented by: Green Sangha Websites: http://greensangha.org/plastics360/, http://www.greensangha.org ............................................. Saturday, March 16, 2013 (10:30 am - 12:30 pm) Salad Gardening with Herbs and Flowers Class City: Palo Alto Description: A salad lovers dream. Learn to grow buttery and crisp lettuces, spinach, sweet and crunchy carrots, beets and fennel, spicy arugula and radishes, fresh flavorful herbs, edible flowers and more. You will learn soil preparation, easy planting instructions, harvesting techiniques and more. Everyone will start a "take-home" salad garden to plant. Cost: $35.00 Location: Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center 559 College Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 near VTA bus 22 and Cal. Ave. Caltrain (map) Contact: Common Ground Staff, 650-493-6072 Presented by: Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center Websites: http://saladgardeningwithherbsandedibleflowers.eventbrite.com/#, http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/upcomingclasses.htm ............................................. Saturday, March 16, 2013 (11:30 am - 11:30 am) Native Plant Propagation with James Kern City: Palo Alto Description: This class by James Kern will introduce you to plant propagation and include propagation of Native California plants. The methods shown will include seed handling, cuttings, and division. Learn how to propagate groundcovers such as Redwood Sorrel or Wild Ginger and how to take cuttings of some of our native perennials. Most plants in your garden can be easily propagated once you know how and when to take cuttings from them. James Kern has a background in botany and is a well-known Master Gardener, horticultural consultant, and landscape contractor. He is also a lecturer and teaches part-time at Foothill College and is a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers Association. Cost: $25 member, $35 non-member (join today!). Location: Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley Street, Palo Alto Contact: Gamble Garden, 650-329-1356 x201, admin*gamblegarden.org Presented by: The Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden Websites: http://www.gamblegarden.org ............................................. Tuesday, March 19, 2013 (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm) Multiple Dates: Sun March 24 2013, Sat March 30 2013 Climate Immersion: An Introductory Series City: Berkeley Description: Explore climate solutions, from urban farms to personal action plans. Includes nuts and bolts session, field day at urban farm, and tour of EcoHouse. For those wanting to develop basic knowledge about climate change, and learn about community solutions. Check our website for details on session times and dates. Pre-registration ensures a spot. Cost: Free Location: Ecology Center, Urban Adamah and EcoHouse Contact: Jahan Khalighi, 510-548-2220 ext.226, jahan*ecologycenter.org Presented by: Ecology Center Websites: http://www.ecologycenter.org ............................................. Wednesday, March 20, 2013 (5:30 pm - 9:30 pm) Multiple Dates: Wednesday, March 27 Green@Home Volunteer Training • An Acterra Event City: Cupertino Description: Help slow climate change in your neighborhood! Green@Home is looking for volunteers to perform free energy-saving HouseCalls to residents in Palo Alto and Cupertino. Trainings consist of two 4-hour classes. You will learn valuable green building skills, reduce our local carbon emissions and help people save money. Training consists of two, 4-hour sessions with a volunteer comitment of 6 hours a month. Cost: Free with $30 deposit Location: Exact address provided upon registration Contact: Lisa Dorn, 650-962-9876 x380, greenathome*acterra.org Presented by: Acterra's Green@Home Program Websites: http://www.acterra.org/programs/greenathome/getinvolved.html#housecall, http://www.acterra.org ............................................. Wednesday, March 20, 2013 (9:30 pm - 9:30 pm) Multiple Dates: Course begins Wed, March 20, 6:30pm to 9:30pm Urban Permaculture Design Course in SF City: San Francisco Description: Register now for the Spring 2013 session of the Urban PDC in San Francisco. The course begins on March 20th, please see our website for all the dates. This training offers the opportunity to develop professional skills and provides valuable education to enhance your current career or prepare you for your next venture or vocation. It is one of the few permaculture design trainings that match the schedule and tuition to the busy lives of urban professionals and full-time students. Through a mix of classroom discussion time, small group work and hands-on activities, we will explore methods of designing and establishing regenerative communities and economies. http://www.upisf.com Cost: $850 with work trade available. Location: 18th & Rhode Island Permaculture Demo Garden, 18th and Rhode Island, San Francisco Contact: David Cody, 415-260-6570, registration*upisf.com Presented by: Urban Permaculture Institute Websites: http://www.upisf.com ............................................. Thursday, March 21, 2013 (9:00 pm - 9:00 pm) The Wonder and Risk of Transpacific Migration City: Berkeley Description: Discover the amazing movement patterns of albatrosses, sharks, and other open-ocean creatures as wildlife biologist Peter Pyle presents his research on transpacific migration. Find out how Pacific Ocean migrants overcome the hardships and risks of long-distance travel over the inhospitable and food-deprived central Pacific. The great flights of Black-footed Albatrosses, which come 4,000 miles to California to get food for their chicks, will be a primary focus. His talk will also include Great White Sharks and other marine animals, and the over-water journeys of various shorebirds, land birds, insects, and bats. Peter will put all of this information into a conservation context. Cost: $5 or free for members. Location: Northbrae Community Church, 941 the Alameda, Berkeley Contact: Golden Gate Audubon Society, 510-843-2222, ggas*goldengateaudubon.org Presented by: Golden Gate Audubon Society Websites: http://www.goldengateaudubon.org/education/speaker-series/, http://www.goldengateaudubon.org ............................................. Saturday, March 23, 2013 (10:30 am - 1:30 pm) Backyard Compost Class City: Palo Alto Description: Register for this class - a partnership between Common Ground and the City of Palo Alto Zero Waste. Discover how easy it is to use composting techniques to create a vibrant, healthy and beautiful garden. Backyard composting conserves energy and reduces pollution and waste. Learn how to turn your food and yard waste into a wonderful soil amendment or mulch that will help your garden thrive by suppressing weeds, protecting the soil, improving soil structure and conserving water. Taught by a Santa Clara Master Composter! Cost: Free Location: Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center 559 College Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 near VTA bus 22 and Cal. Ave. Caltrain (map) Contact: Common Ground Staff, 650.493.6072 Presented by: Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center Websites: http://backyardcompost2.eventbrite.com/#, http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/upcomingclasses.htm ............................................. Sunday, March 24, 2013 (11:00 am - 1:00 pm) Search for Twain's Frog and the Beautiful Serpent City: Pacifica Description: Join Brent Plater of the Wild Equity Institute to search for two of the most imperiled vertebrate species on the San Francisco peninsula: the California red-legged frog and the San Francisco garter snake. This will be a leisurely walk to enjoy the restoration work being conducted at Mori Point and to learn about the bold steps being taken to save the frogs and the snakes from the brink of extinction. This event is rain or shine. This is a great outing for kids! RSVP requested at either http://wildequity.org/events/3404 or http://www.meetup.com/San-Francisco-Wildlife-Enthusiasts/events/104937802/ Cost: Free Location: Meet at the Mori Point Entrance Gate, at the intersection of Bradford Way and Mori Point Road, Pacifica, CA, 94044. (map) Contact: Wild Equity Institute, info*wildequity.org Presented by: Wild Equity Institute Websites: http://wildequity.org/ ............................................. Thursday, March 28, 2013 (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) Transition Berkeley's 2nd Anniversary Celebration & Potluck City: Berkeley Description: Join Transition Berkeley in a fun, interactive and inspirational evening! Come and learn more about the fast growing Transition Movement, which looks at ways that our community can work together and build resilience through practical projects and education. Share how you were inspired by the activities from the past year, (whether it was the swaps, bike rides, panels on alternative economies and urban agriculture, participating in Berkeley's Climate Action Coalition etc.). Help create the year ahead and find out ways YOU can get involved.Bring a delicious dish to share with a serving utensil for the potluck. 510-548-2220 x233, linda@transitionberkeley.com,http://www.ecologycenter.org. Cost: Donations gratefully accepted to support the work of Transition Berkeley. Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, Ca, 94702 Contact: Jahan Khalighi, 510-548-2220 ext.226, jahan*ecologycenter.org Presented by: Ecology Center Websites: http://www.ecologycenter.org ............................................. Enough is Enough: An Evening with Author Rob Dietz City: Berkeley Description: Enough is Enough: An Evening with Author Rob Dietz Building a Sustainable Economy in a World of Finite Resources Thurs. March 28th 7:00 - 8:30 pm David Brower Center, Tamalpais Room 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley FREE to the public (Donations Welcome) Overwhelmed by news of climate change, unemployment, species extinction, and poverty? Rob Dietz will present a visionary but realistic alternative to the perpetual pursuit of economic growth. For details visit www.howmany.org or contact outreach@howmany.org or 510-848-9061. Cost: Free Location: David Brower Center, Tamalpais Room, 2150 Allston Way Contact: Susan Weiss, 510-848-9061, outreach*howmany.org Presented by: HowMany.org/Institute for Population Studies, with Earth Island Inst., Global Footprint Network, MAHB, & more Websites: http://www.howmany.org ............................................. Saturday, March 30, 2013 (12:00 am - 12:00 pm) The Secret Life of Slugs and Snails - Life in the Very Slow Lane City: San Francisco Description: In his most recent book, The Secret World of Slugs and Snails: Life in the Very Slow Lane, David George Gordon invites readers to "step into a world, that until now, you've only ever stepped on." During his one-hour presentaton, he'll share his insight about West Coast slugs and snails, their curious behaviors, relationships with native plants and fungi and the many niches they fill in the natural world. He'll also explain how to forge a meaningful and lasting peace with these slimsters and offer tips for controlling their damage to our flower gardens and vegetable plots. A book signing will follow his talk. Cost: Free with registration and RSVP. Location: San Francisco Botanical Garden/County Fair Building, 1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco Contact: Carol Laughlin, 415-661-1316 x412, claughlin*sfbg.org Presented by: San Francisco Botanical Garden Society Websites: http://www.sfbotanicalgardensociety.org/sfbgs_course_template.cfm?s=5350, http://www.sfbg.org ............................................. Saturday, March 30, 2013 (3:00 am - 3:00 pm) Folger Stable Community Day II City: Woodside Description: Folger Stable in Wunderlich County Park is steeped in history and is the perfect place to participate in horse riding activities! Bay Area Equestrian Connection LLC (BAEC) invites you to visit and get a taste of the riding opportunities available. Join us for our Community Day Open House and take a free tour, grab a beverage or hop on a horse for a fraction of the regular price. Enjoy: -Trail Rides(7yrs.+) $20 & Pony Rides (3-8 yrs.)$5 -Tours of the boarding possibilities and stable -Meet our trainers & staff -Meet local Horse non-profits -FREE beverages Rides start at 11:00am. Sign ups start on event day at 10:30am. Just drop in! Cost: FREE Stable Tours, Pony Rides $5, Trail Rides $20. Location: Folger Stable, Wunderlich County Park, 4040 Woodside Road, Woodside Contact: Dan Byrum, 650-529-1028, info*folgerstable.com Presented by: Bay Area Equestrian Connection LLC Websites: http://folgerstable.com/index.php/community-day-open-house, http://www.folgerstable.com ............................................. Saturday, March 30, 2013 (10:30 am - 1:30 pm) Growing Great Tomatoes Class City: Palo Alto Description: Learn which tomatoes have really great flavor and reliable production and hold up under regular garden conditions. You will learn excellent trellising methods, soil preparation and how to avoid the brown crispy foliage so a bountiful harvest will be yours until frost. Tomatoes featured are the result of Nancy's 25 years of hands-on tomato research. Taught by Nancy Garrison, founder of, past coordinator of, and now retired from the Master Gardener Program of the U.C. Coop. Extension in Santa Clara County. Save time after class for Nancy's popular Common Ground Center tour covering her favorite products. Cost: $31 Location: Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center 559 College Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 near VTA bus 22 and Cal. Ave. Caltrain (map) Contact: Common Ground Staff, 650-493-6072 Presented by: Common Ground Garden Supply and Education Center Websites: http://growinggreattomatoes2.eventbrite.com/#, http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org/upcomingclasses.htm ............................................. |
