Friends of Sausal Creek
Why We Do What We Do and What We're Doing Right Now

by Anne Hayes

In the midst of a discussion about outreach at our last monthly meeting, Edy Horwood asked people to share their reasons for being a member of the Friends of Sausal Creek. Here are a few of the replies that reveal our shared values, our motivations for doing what we do:

Interpret nature in an urban center with a community-based group

Celebrate where we live and demonstrate a commitment to place, natural systems, and all the species that live here

See how nature works

Restore nature

Build community

Teach kids they can affect their environment

Work for a better future for ourselves and our children

Cooperate with city and county governments to build a shared vision

To further our commitment to action, the Friends are currently drafting a five-year action plan. At our September meeting, we discussed our overall vision for Sausal Creek and reviewed our mission statement, goals, and objectives. At our second planning session, October 30, we identified and prioritized future actions for the Friends. Tina Stott, leading the planning process, will draft the plan in November. It will be available for review and comment in December, and we'll discuss the plan at our December 15 community meeting. The final plan should be complete in January.

The Friends are also busy in the field. The recent sewer work carried out by the city provides us with a unique opportunity to further the restoration of Dimond Park and Dimond Canyon. A great deal of nonnative plant material has been removed, so we can expand on the replanting the sewer contractor will be doing by clearing and revegetating an even greater area. In order to take advantage of the winter rains, however, the planting needs to be completed within the next two months. To get as much native plant material in the ground as we can, the Friends are holding work parties every Saturday in October and November. Meet at the usual time and place: 9 a.m. to noon, Dimond Park, Oakland.

To participate in the action planning process, join us at our next monthly meeting, Wednesday, November 17, 7 to 9 p.m. at Dimond Library. For more information, call Anne Hayes at 231-9566.