Nearby Nature

Oakland’s Goats Prevent Fires

This morning, I noticed hundreds of goats hard at work.  They are quickly munching through brush and grasses – and getting rid of the tinder that spreads fires.  As you drive on Rt. 580, glance over to the hills near Knowland Park.  You can’t miss the munching workers!

These goats actively tour the area.  Last month, I spotted them on a field between Rts. 238 and 880.  I wondered when they would make their next appearance, and am glad they have returned.

According to the Governator, fire season is “all year” now.  Of course, the 800 fires raging through California are mind-blowing, and very early this year.

For the Oakland Hills, let’s hope the Hiller flare-up is our 2008 fire story.  We have to be realistic, though, about the continued risks from man-made and natural sparks.  Thus our goat workers are welcomed allies, beforehand.

Our Ducks Are City Slickers

Montclarion ducks seem to be city slickers, who are quite used to meeting visitors at the park.   Click on the image (or right here) – and watch what they do!

The video story of two Montclair ducks goes something like this:

  1. They are on dry ground, seeking sustenance.
  2. They have no trouble getting close for bread.
  3. They pant like dogs while waiting for treats.
  4. They grab for more, shocking the videographer.

What happened to genteel ducks who knew their place?  Who calmly ganged up on you, but kept their distance in the water?  They’re not in Montclair anymore.

Where Are the Montclair Creeks?

The news of 500-year floods in the Midwest was amazing, with Iowan cities submerged from levee breaks.  That’s one catastrophe which won’t visit the Montclair Hills anytime soon.

Yet I became curious about our water flows through the Village.  After all, we experience our own special brand of mudslides, sink holes and floods each rainy season.

Where are the Montclair Creeks?

Our main creeks are partly hidden from view.  They aren’t conforming to Mother Nature’s direction anymore, especially as you drive through sections of Thornhill, Shepherd Canyon, and the Montclair shopping district.

The Temescal and Shepherd Creeks flow into culverts and storm drains, as noted by the dotted red lines below.  Solid blue lines indicate visible streams, such as the Palo Seco until it reaches town.

Typical rainy seasons have caused problems in Shepherd Canyon.  It’s logical that above-average rainfalls would overwhelm the hidden and visible streams, too.

The Oakland Museum of California has full-sized detail of these watershed maps – so you can study exactly where you live among the Montclair (and other Oakland) creeks.

Also take a closer look at the Temescal and Sausal Creek Watersheds, as many tributaries flow from the Montclair Hills into the San Francisco Bay.  Mother Nature still prevails!

Hiller Fire Photos, 2008

Nothing like a fire to support the first Red Flag Warning this season. In all seriousness, we are better prepared than in 1991 – and equally lucky we didn’t incur the wind god’s wrath last Thursday.

Joe Dougherty snapped a complete set of Hiller fire photos, including the fire crews and helicopter water drops. Here’s a preview of the fire, before it was controlled:

While the fire was around three acres – and extinguished quickly – it was very close to us. It’s time to pay attention to the brush around your homes, as this season could be a scorcher.

First Fire Warning Tonight

The National Weather Service has declared a “Red Flag Warning” tonight, due to very high winds. According to the Oakland Park Ranger, Kent McNab, this is the first fire warning of the season.

Between 9pm tonight and 6am tomorrow, all Oakland Hills residents should be a bit more careful. Simply put, please don’t start any outside fires – the embers could catch.

Within Oakland’s jurisdiction, Joaquin Miller Park will be closed to the public. No barbeques or even cigarettes are permitted during this alert. Welcome to summer in the hills.