Ecology Center Events
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Thirsty Thursdays at North Berkeley Farmers Market

Thirsty Thursdays are Returning in September at the North Berkeley Farmers Market! The Ecology Center is thrilled to announce that Thirsty Thursdays at North Berkeley Farmers Market will be taking place every Thursday in September as the first in-person event since the long months of Covid-19 restrictions. Enjoy live local music, demonstrations by program leaders and meet our sustainability partners as you shop for fresh and organic produce and products at the market. Enjoy a glass of sustainably grown and produced DeNovo wine or Drake's beer, while listening to the Berkeley High School Jazz Band as they entertain you each week with their youthful talent and vibrant Jazz performance. U.C. Choral, U.C. Berkeley's largest and most diverse a capella group will entertain you with everything from Beethoven to the Beatles to Bruno Mars. Farmers Market bluegrass favorite, Fog Holler, will close the month of events at the final Thursday of the month, 9/30/2021. This talented trio will entertain you with their uniquely inspired original music, blending a tapestry of bluegrass, old time and country sounds and will close the Summer with their foot tapping musical excellence. Ecology Center Classroom instructor and textile artist Judith Schonebaum, will display rugs, market bags & cardboard weavings created by students in her workshops. She will demonstrate weaving methods using old fabric and plastic to create beautiful and useful objects for your home. Interns & graduates from the Youth Environmental Academy will demonstrate how to make Beeswax Wraps. You can even shop for sustainable products at at the Ecology Center Retail Store Farmers Market Pop-Up. Become a member and you will receive a discount on your purchases. Team members from the Education & Engagement program will be on hand to share the many resources available at the Ecology Center including the help desk and seed library. We hope to see you there!
Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: North Berkeley Farmers’ Market, Shattuck Avenue and Rose Street, Berkeley, CA, 94709
Cost: FREE
Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thirsty-thursdays-at-north-berkeley-farmers-market-tickets-166088658649

Saturday, September 25, 2021
Preparing Your Garden For Fall

One of the many benefits of the Bay Area climate is being able to garden year-round. Fall/Winter is still a great time to grow edibles and improve your landscape.

Lori “Compost Gal” Caldwell will share great techniques on how to transition to your Fall garden. You will learn about seed saving, crop rotation, soil amending, cool-weather edible crops, starting seeds, sheet mulching and planting natives.

Whether you are brand new to gardening and are interested in growing your own food or you are a seasoned home gardener, this class will teach you valuable techniques on how to create or transition to a Fall garden. Lori Caldwell is an Alameda County Master Composter, a Stopwaste Educator, avid edible gardener and Bay-Friendly Qualified Landscape Professional. She has been happily teaching sustainable gardening classes all over the Bay Area since 2007. Her mission is to connect people to the soil and all that it provides.
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/preparing-your-fall-garden-tickets-143418599893

Sunday, September 26, 2021
Butternut, Delicata, Kabocha…Oh My! How to Cook With Hard Winter Squash

Beloved but intimidating, hard winter squashes usually have shades of orange, yellow and red flesh with seeds and pulp. They can be challenging to cut open and sometimes so large, how could a regular family possibly eat the entire thing?!

Fear no more! Chef Alison is here to walk you, through the wonderful variety of hard winter squashes - when to eat the skin, how to cut them open, scrape the seeds, how to use the pulp, and more. She will go through a few cooking methods like roasting, pressure cooking, boiling, and stuffing! This is an online workshop!

Chef Alison Mountford is the founder of Ends + Stems, a meal planning service with the goal of creating meals that have a meaningful impact on your life and your planet. A graduate of the San Francisco Culinary Institute, Chef Alison is passionate about helping others reduce their food waste by sharing meal planning, shopping, cooking and storing techniques.

Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: 9254219574, cynthia@ecologycenter.org, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/butternut-delicata-kabochaoh-my-how-to-cook-with-hard-winter-squash-tickets-165834650905

Thursday, September 30, 2021
Thirsty Thursdays at North Berkeley Farmers Market

Saturday, October 2, 2021
4th Annual Ride Electric at the Farmers’ Market

Electrify your ride. Test drive new & used EVs. Find eBikes for commutes, recreation and hauling kids & cargo. Save money & clean the air.

EQUITY IN TRANSPORTATION

EV Test Drives & eBike Show

Test drive new and used electric vehicles
Visit the eBike showcase
Talk to local EV drivers and eBike riders
Learn about credits, rebates, grants and loans
Enjoy lunch at the farmers' market. Test drive an EV and earn a farmers' market token

Make the switch to zero emissions transportation! EVs and eBikes are more affordable than ever! Owners of plug-in vehicles interested in showcasing your car, please register as an EV owner and complete the survey.

Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Civic Center Park, 2151 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA, 94704
Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-ride-electric-at-the-farmers-market-registration-168162832559

Saturday, October 9, 2021
Seed Saving For Everyone

In this workshop you will learn the age- old tradition of seed-saving and join the movement to protect biodiversity and preserve heirloom varieties of seeds. From the botany and different types of seeds, to using nature’s abilities to save your own seeds, you will learn the steps necessary to plan your garden for seed saving. ] At the end of this class you will have a clear idea of plant reproduction how to choose, clean and store worthwhile seeds to ensure the highest rate of germination and propagation from your seeds. With gardeners like you, we can get these seeds where they belong—in gardens and on tables everywhere, for generations to come. Topics:

Why do we save seed?
Hybrid vs Heirlooms
Saving different types of seeds
How to prevent hybridization
Seed storage
Starting seeds including using worm castings
The how to's of Seed Tape
Soil Maintenance
Creating a seed saving schedule
BASIL - Bay Area Seed Saving Interchange Library at the Ecology Center

Lori Caldwell, a frequent Ecology Center Classroom instructor, is Owner/Operator of CompostGal: Consulting, Landscaping & Education. She is an avid gardener and her mission is “To connect people to the soil and all that it provides”. A Master Composter and Bay-Friendly Qualified Landscape professional, she has been teaching sustainable gardening classes all over the Bay Area since 2007.
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: 9254219574, cynthia@ecologycenter.org, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seed-saving-for-everyone-tickets-160632085893

Saturday, October 16, 2021
Holiday Food Gifts in Reusable Jars

DIY Holiday Food Gifts Anyone Can Make!

Shopping for the person who has everything? Wanting to gift something with a personal touch? On a budget but in need of some lovely hostess-type gifts? Or, maybe you are just hoping to break the cycle of wasteful Amazon shopping this year? Whatever your motivation, we're going to make some fun, memorable, and beautiful holiday food gifts! If you cook along, you'll leave here with a jar of candied citrus, almond-nutella, herb infused oil, homemade vanilla extract, and assorted seasoning salts.

Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: 9254219574, cynthia@ecologycenter.org, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-food-gifts-in-reusable-jars-tickets-165923675179

Saturday, November 13, 2021
Growing Winter Succulents & Turning Them Into Holiday Gifts

Can succulents survive in the winter? The answer is yes. Can you grow them yourself? Absolutely!

Extreme cold even brings out the gorgeous and vibrant colors of these hardy plants. Their ease of propagation and low water requirements make them a unique, compelling and environmentally friendly gift as you start thinking about your holiday giving.

In this workshop, Ecology Center Classroom instructor Lori “Compost Gal” Caldwell” will teach you the steps needed to successfully grow your own winter succulents and share unique ideas of how to package them in beautiful upcycled containers.

Lori will talk to you about the soil, water and sunlight needs of winter succulents. You will also learn about the use of soil amendments, how to control pests naturally, when to plant and correct drainage and aeration for your plants.

Lori Caldwell is an Alameda County Master Composter, a Stopwaste Educator, avid edible gardener and Bay-Friendly Qualified Landscape Professional. She has been happily teaching sustainable gardening classes all over the Bay Area since 2007. Her mission is to connect people to the soil and all that it provides.

Become a member and receive a discount on this class and future workshops. You will see the option when you register.

We hope to see you in class!

Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: 9254219574, cynthia@ecologycenter.org, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/growing-winter-succulents-turning-them-into-holiday-gifts-tickets-170319798101

Sunday, November 14, 2021
A Sustainable Thanksgiving from Start to Finish

Thanksgiving!! Make It Sustainable

Thanksgiving celebrates the love of family & friends. Let's give thanks to our planet as well. Chef Alison returns to the Ecology Center Classroom to set you up to host (or attend) a more sustainable event this year. She'll talk about shopping lists, portion planning, how to execute a better potluck - whether you're a guest or the host, table settings, zero waste cooking, food storage, using up leftovers, and some of her favorite tactics to enjoy the day with less stress.

Alison will also go through the details of roasting a turkey and some alternative to turkey show-stopping recipe ideas.

Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: 9254219574, cynthia@ecologycenter.org, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-sustainable-thanksgiving-from-start-to-finish-tickets-165947508465

Community Events
Friday, September 17, 2021
Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force Summer Series

We are the Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force (CEMTF) a Bay Area coalition of elected officials, city & county staff, nongovernmental organizations, youth, environmental activists, social activists, and front line communities addressing the inequities and causes of the climate emergency. We meet Fridays from 9am-noon, from July-November 2021. Below are our planned meetings. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.cemtf.org/. July 30th: Fossil Fuel Free Bay Area August 20th: Clean and Just Transportation September 17th: Ecological Protection October 15th: Just Transition & Green New Deal November 19th: United Climate Actions
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event

Saturday, September 18, 2021
World Cleanup Day
You can make a difference by cleaning up your favorite park, trail or space in your community. Gather your family, group of friends or coworkers and register a cleanup to show that you're participating in World Cleanup Day. Gather volunteers to help with a local clean up.
Time: All Day
Location: , CA
Info: https://www.earthday.org/actions/post-a-cleanup/

Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Planting Pesticide-Free Meadows in the Sky for Birds & Bees
Flowering trees provide acres of elevated forage and habitat for honeybees, beneficial insects, and birds. But did you know that most flowering trees from nurseries and brokers are pre-treated with Synthetic Systemic pesticides and fungicides before retail? You may be surprised to learn that 100% of citrus trees sold in California are required to be pre-poisoned with neonicotinoids before sale, rendering the flowers harmful to pollinators. Neonics and other Systemics are effective marketing tools but have contributed greatly to the decline of insect and bird life due to lax regulatory agencies and little to no oversight in the field. The good news is organic tree saplings, raised in healthy, living soils by regenerative means, have no need for Systemic Poisons. Learn from Susan Kegley, PhD Chemist and owner of Bees N Blooms Organic Farm, and how she raises several species of flowering tree saplings to house and feed insects and the hungry birds that eat them. Hear from Steve Black of Raemelton Farm about his organic flowering tree sapling operation. And listen to Aimée Code of Xerces Society discuss Synthetic Systemic agricultural chemicals that are harming pollinators. Each presenter will demonstrate how Systemic-free soils and organic practices are the best way to support thriving birds and native pollinators.
Time: 9:00am - 12:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Info: https://eco-farm.org/news/planting-pesticide-free-meadows-sky-birds-bees

Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Teen Environmental Activism and Self Care: Connecting with Nature
Laura Van Ham will lead Connecting with Nature, the first presentation of our educational speaker series, Teen Environmental Activism and Self Care: Finding Balance for the Journey. This program is designed for youth ages 14 - 22 and runs from Sept. 21 - Nov. 30 on alternate Tuesday evenings (find more events in the series on our calendar). Throughout the series, we aim to build a community that supports the work of teen activists now and going forward. Because of this, attendance at all events isn’t required but strongly encouraged. Register to receive the Zoom link, which is the same for all events in the series. Presentation Description: One of the best ways we can care for Earth and for ourselves is to spend time in close proximity with the Living World. In our time together, we will identify a few ways to experience rest, reassurance, and inspiration from Trees, Plants, and our other more-than-human relatives. This session will include a "sit spot," where everyone will be encouraged to enjoy some uninterrupted moments observing and enjoying time in the natural world. For more information about this series, please visit: https://www.sierraclub.org/san-francisco-bay/blog/2021/08/new-educational-program-teen-environmental-activism-and-self-care
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Info: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000002FRdIAAW&mapLinkHref=&_ga=2.171247208.916793703.1629329759-2130486854.1629329759

Thursday, September 23, 2021
Make the Most of Rainwater for Your Home
With drought the new normal, keeping as much rainwater on your property during the rainy season makes sense! Learn about rain barrels, rain gardens and permeable pavers--all great ways for homeowners to use rain to beautify your home and replenish thirsty soil, while reducing flooding, pollution and water use.
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Info: https://www.cleanwaterprogram.org/about-us/news/149-free-webinar-tap-into-the-rain.html

Tuesday, September 28, 2021
EV Charging: Green@Home Series
Are you interested in buying an electric vehicle but are unsure about how to charge it? Join us for the second workshop in the Green@Home series where you will learn from an expert about the convenience and cost-effectiveness of EV charging whether you live in a single-family or a multi-family building. This workshop will cover resources for home and community EV charging, rebates, and ways to optimize your EV charging experience. At the close a PG&E representative will briefly discuss PG&E’s time-of-use rates and net energy metering so you can learn about how to receive the lowest possible rates for charging your EV.
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Info: https://www.acterra.org/greenhome

Wednesday, September 29, 2021
HomeGrown Bay Area Kick Off
HomeGrown Bay Area is a newly formed coalition with the goal of empowering cities and counties throughout our region to advance equity and sustainability through food policy, purchasing and programs. Please join us for a kick-off event on September 29 to learn how you can help realize HomeGrown Bay Area’s Vision 2030. Join us and learn more about this newly formed coalition with the goal of empowering cities and counties throughout our region to advance equity and sustainability through food policy, purchasing and programs.
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Info: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpdOuvqzksGNaUsIKXfrtZ690tevWUYVR9?blm_aid=1280318

Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Plastics & Climate: How Single-Use Packaging is Fueling the Crisis

Over 99% of plastic is made from fossil fuels, and greenhouse gases are emitted at every stage of the plastics life cycle. Yet, even as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that “climate change is widespread, rapid, and intensifying,” big brands like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé (including BlueTriton, formerly Nestlé Waters North America) are increasing their production of single-use plastics and packaging—driving a petrochemical expansion that threatens the global climate as well as communities and ecosystems around the world.

Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Info: https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/ppc-webinar-092921

Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Teen Environmental Activism and Self Care: Yoga and Meditation as Self Care
Melanie Green will lead Yoga and Meditation as Self Care, the second presentation of our educational speaker series, Teen Environmental Activism and Self Care: Finding Balance for the Journey. This program is designed for youth ages 14 - 22 and runs from Sept. 21 - Nov. 30 on alternate Tuesday evenings (find more events in the series on our calendar). Throughout the series, we aim to build a community that supports the work of teen activists now and going forward. Because of this, attendance at all events isn’t required but strongly encouraged. Register to receive the Zoom link, which is the same for all events in the series. Presentation Description: Melanie will lead participants through a guided meditation that is meant to nourish the body and quiet the mind. Participants will also have the chance to move through some sun salutations and then settle into a gentle yoga practice for steadiness, heart opening, and calm. For more information about this series, please visit: https://www.sierraclub.org/san-francisco-bay/blog/2021/08/new-educational-program-teen-environmental-activism-and-self-care
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Info: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000002FRdIAAW&mapLinkHref=&_ga=2.171247208.916793703.1629329759-2130486854.1629329759

Friday, October 15, 2021
Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force Summer Series

Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Teen Environmental Activism & Self Care: Personal Strengths & Engaging Community
Melinda Kramer will lead Discovering Personal Strengths & Engaging Community, the third presentation of our educational speaker series, Teen Environmental Activism and Self Care: Finding Balance for the Journey. This program is designed for youth ages 14 - 22 and runs from Sept. 21 - Nov. 30 on alternate Tuesday evenings (find more events in the series on our calendar). Throughout the series, we aim to build a community that supports the work of teen activists now and going forward. Because of this, attendance at all events isn’t required but strongly encouraged. Register to receive the Zoom link, which is the same for all events in the series. Presentation Description: As an impassioned voice and global leader for climate and gender justice, Melinda embodies the importance of connection to nature, self, and others. She engages with diverse communities around the world and deeply believes that when women thrive, communities, the environment, and future generations thrive. Melinda will share her personal story about how her early foundation in anthropology and environmental policy led her to follow her heart towards a lifetime devotion to service and sustainability. For more information about this series, please visit: https://www.sierraclub.org/san-francisco-bay/blog/2021/08/new-educational-program-teen-environmental-activism-and-self-care
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Info: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000002FRdJAAW&mapLinkHref=&_ga=2.180692719.916793703.1629329759-2130486854.1629329759

Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Teen Environmental Activism & Self Care: Growing Up in the Age of Climate Change
Dr. Robert Root and Dr. Robin Cooper will lead Growing Up in the Age of Climate Change: Facing Eco Anxiety & Climate Grief, the fourth presentation of our educational speaker series, Teen Environmental Activism and Self Care: Finding Balance for the Journey. This program is designed for youth ages 14 - 22 and runs from Sept. 21 - Nov. 30 on alternate Tuesday evenings (find more events in the series on our calendar). Throughout the series, we aim to build a community that supports the work of teen activists now and going forward. Because of this, attendance at all events isn’t required but strongly encouraged. Register to receive the Zoom link, which is the same for all events in the series. Presentation Description: In this presentation, Dr. Root and Dr. Cooper will share about the spectrum of emotional responses related to living in this world with climate change. They will also address the range of other impacts that climate change has on all living beings in this world. Additionally, Dr. Cooper will speak towards the normal emotional responses and how young people can work towards viewing these uncomfortable feelings as normal and that they alert us to take effective action to manage both individual personal feelings and to join collectively to create effective community-based solutions. For more information about this series, please visit: https://www.sierraclub.org/san-francisco-bay/blog/2021/08/new-educational-program-teen-environmental-activism-and-self-care
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Info: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000002FRdKAAW&mapLinkHref=&_ga=2.138109432.916793703.1629329759-2130486854.1629329759

Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Teen Environmental Activism and Self Care: Climate Justice for Earth and All Beings
Lucy Garcia will lead Importance of Climate Literacy, the fifth presentation of our educational speaker series, Teen Environmental Activism and Self Care: Finding Balance for the Journey. This program is designed for youth ages 14 - 22 and runs from Sept. 21 - Nov. 30 on alternate Tuesday evenings (find more events in the series on our calendar). Throughout the series, we aim to build a community that supports the work of teen activists now and going forward. Because of this, attendance at all events isn’t required but strongly encouraged. Register to receive the Zoom link, which is the same for all events in the series. Presentation Description: Earth is a living organism, and our best ally in healing ourselves, our societies, and our places. I will speak about the mounting scientific evidence for this, what it means for climate action, and about indigenous writing on “all our relations”—the idea that all life, the waters, and the lands are our relations, beings we are responsible for. I’ll invite your participation in the Council process, and afterwards open discussion on practical matters. For more information about this series, please visit: https://www.sierraclub.org/san-francisco-bay/blog/2021/08/new-educational-program-teen-environmental-activism-and-self-care
Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Info: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000002FRdLAAW&mapLinkHref=&_ga=2.183701102.916793703.1629329759-2130486854.1629329759

Friday, November 19, 2021
Climate Emergency Mobilization Task Force Summer Series