Nearby Nature

Mountain Biking Detoured In Redwood

This summer, you will have to plan ahead for your Redwood Regional Park biking trips – especially if you are a novice rider or are bringing your kids to the trails.

The most popular route for bicyclists, East Ridge, will be closed at Skyline Gate, from 8am – 5pm weekdays.  The good news is you can go mountain biking on weekends or after 5pm weekdays.

From now through September, the East Bay Regional Park District is cutting down old trees for fire prevention purposes.  While no one can argue with the importance of this “hazardous tree and fuel mitigation project,” the summer trail restrictions are a bummer.

What’s closed? The East Ridge Trail will be blocked between Skyline Gate and Prince Road, along with closures on Phillips Loop and Eucalyptus as well.

If you want to cycle from Skyline, then you would drop down to Stream Trail and ride up Prince Road to gain access to East Ridge traveling south.  This route’s challenging for novice riders, including steep and narrow terrain (see detailed map).

As Bay Area denizens, there are a few opportunities to protest the closures and detours.  The Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay (BTCEB) and East Bay Bicycle Coalition (EBBC) encourage all interested riders to show up and make their views known:

  • July 22 at 2 pm – Attend the Executive Committee meeting of the East Bay Regional Park District, where there’s scheduled time for public comments (map).
  • July 29 at 7 pm – Attend a special meeting arranged for bicyclists and Park District staff, which will be held at the Trudeau Center (map).

My two cents?  It’s restrictive but not worth the protest.  While open access would be ideal, it’s just more important for the Park to deal with fire prevention measures.  I’m not fully informed on these matters, and welcome comments and debate here.

2009 Update: Starting September 8th, the East Ridge Trail will be closed from 8am – 5pm weekdays.  The closed portion runs between Skyline Gate and Prince Trail, where East Bay Parks says they are removing hazardous tree debris and diseased Monterey Pines.  This work is expected to wrap up by December, and you can read more here.

Sibley Volcanic Preserve Is Art

Today, I decided to display some Sibley Volcanic Preserve imagery.  Sibley is sui generis in the East Bay Parks – and a convenient volcano right in our neighborhood.

Normally I think of Sibley basking in its East Bay glory.  I expect to see amber waves of grain, the volcano and its cool labyrinth, or else the typical views to San Francisco.  We always take visitors to Sibley and hear the oohs and aahs about how lucky we are to live here.

Sibley also inspires photographers to create art.  These images are taken at special moments, such as the spring when the grass is green or on days with amazing sunrises.  Have you ever seen Sibley looking so lovely?

Saving Beaconsfield Canyon From Ourselves

We just learned that some irresponsible folks left kerosene-filled torches in Beaconsfield Canyon, a brilliant move.  CBS5 Anchor and fellow Montclarion Wendy Tokuda discovered these torches and saved the day!

Beaconsfield Canyon is a small, five-acre preserve near Ascot Drive, which is managed by the City of Oakland.  It’s pretty much left alone by the City, but needs restoration work.

The Friends of Sausal Creek organize monthly work parties, where volunteers devote time to clearing the brush.  Their efforts prevent fires and encourage biodiversity.

CBS5 Anchor Tokuda joined the clean-up crew last weekend.  She fixed the immediate problem, and then reported the news to the Montclair Watchdogs:

This last Saturday when we were working in Beaconsfield, we found 3 torches on long bamboo poles, used to provide light…They had kerosene in them and there was evidence at least one had been used. I took them to the Shepard’s Canyon fire station and asked if they might post a no-fires sign down there.

This Canyon is small but valuable to the Sausal Creek ecosystem.  I’m fascinated by Sausal Creek’s history, including the impacts by natives, farmers, landed gentry and 20th century developers.  Now we are trying to return to the past, slowly but surely.

So fair warning to these (or any) folks who decide to “hang out” in the woods:  please think before you leave fire-starters and other detritus behind.

How Many Oakland Fires?

The correct answer would be thirteen fires, including the recent Hiller flare-up.

Montclarions and nearby Hills inhabitants have lived through some amazing fires. Yet homes have covered up the 1991 destruction, and newcomers arrive without memories.

Lest we forget, the Diablo Winds sparked some devastating fires in 1923, 1931, 1933, 1937, 1946, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 1991, 1995 and 2002.

Some fires were worse than others. The 1,000+ acre fires happened in 1931, 1933, 1946, 1960 and 1991. Of course, the ones wiping out the most homes took place in 1923 and 1991.

The fires will appear again – and maybe we are a bit smarter about controlling brush and trying to defend our homes against them.

The pleasures of Montclair living, right? We like our trees and beautiful vegetation, but it comes with some risk.

More info:  Compliance standards – Hills fire history – Oakland fire dept

Looking for 168 Good Campers

This Saturday, Oakland Parks is looking for another 168 good campers to spend the night at Joaquin Miller Park.  There’s plenty of room left on the Great Meadow for your family.

As part of this year’s Great American Backyard Campout, you would join more than 20,431 campers (as of last count) across the country.

Just bring the family, some clothes and a tent.  You’ll have time to commune with Mother Nature, including these beautiful hikes in the Park.

For $8.50/person, Oakland Parks will serve you snacks, dinner and breakfast.  That’s camping in style, without any heavy lifting.

At this late date, I would reach Stephanie Benavidez at 510-867-0669.  You can also pay online.