Saturday, March 13, 2021
Composting: Basic and Worm
When it comes to building healthy soil, compost is the key!! Composting can be a great, environmentally friendly way of disposing of old produce, recycling resources, building healthy soil and saving water.
Master Composter and Stopwaste Educator Lori Caldwell will walk you through both types of compost techniques: basic and worm in this online workshop. From building and maintaining a compost pile and harvesting your compost Lori will explain what composting is and why it is an important way to recycle resources and build healthy soil.
She will discuss the benefits of worm composting (have a lot of food scraps? ). Not a lot of space? Worm composting is for you!. Lori will show you how to set up your worm bin and how to use of castings. Come and learn how fun and easy composting can be, even in small spaces! Tips and troubleshooting will also be covered and you will go home with a comprehensive list of what is actually compostable.
Lori Caldwell, is an Alameda County Master Composter, a Stopwaste Educator, a Bay-Friendly Qualified Landscape Professional and an avid edible gardener. She has been teaching sustainable gardening classes since 2007 and is a favorite sustainable gardening instructor at the Ecology Center whose mission is, “To connect people to the soil and all that it provides”.
You can get acquainted with Lori by reading this interview with her: Sustainability is Key: Learning from Gardening with Lori “CompostGal” Caldwell
Become an Ecology Center member and you will receive a discount on registration and enjoy continued membership benefits including store and event discounts!
[raw]
[/raw]
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: 9254219574, cynthia@ecologycenter.org, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/composting-basic-and-worm-tickets-133392804469
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Amish Knotting Recycle Textile Workshop

Amish Knotting or "Toothbrush Weaving" is one simple, buttonhole stitch that can be easily to many projects…rugs, market bags, coasters.
In this online workshop you can turn scrap fabrics into beautiful, useful items such as rugs, bags and pillows. No experience is necessary. Bring any "past use" sheet, towel or any thin fabric that can be torn or cut into long strips.
Artist Judith Schonebaum, who has created her own collection of clothing, accessories made of recycled & repurposed materials, will show you how to create a woven piece that is useful and beautiful while being mindful of waste.
Enjoy the simple pleasure of doing handwork using recycled materials in a friendly group atmosphere.
Materials list will be sent prior to class.
Become an Ecology Center member and you will receive a discount on registration and enjoy continued membership benefits including store and event discounts!
[raw]
[/raw]
Time: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: 9254219574, cynthia@ecologycenter.org, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/amish-knotting-recycle-textile-workshop-tickets-133728825517
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Sustainable Gardening For Renters
Are you a renter who wants to grow a garden? No yard? No extra money? No problem! Most renters, especially if they’re not planning a stay, prefer not to spend too much time or money fixing up someone else’s property. But the benefits of home gardening, including lowering your grocery bills, making healthier eating easier and combatting climate change and the mind benefits of planting should not be an obstacle to renters. In this hands-on workshop, Lori “Compost Gal” Caldwell, a long-time renter herself, will help you navigate small spaces and the ways to grow food as a renter. She will demonstrate creative solutions and cover topics such as:
- *Container gardening indoors and outside
- Vertical Gardening (hanging pots and peats, pallets & trellises
- From concrete to food: creating temporary raised beds
- Plant selection, crop rotation and maintaining fertility
- Working with your landlord and landlord incentives for lawn conversion
- Free/low cost resources
- Reuse options
- Taking your garden with you
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: 9254219574, cynthiamurdough@gmail.com, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gardening-for-renters-tickets-143207197583
Sunday, April 11, 2021
Coiled Baskets From Recycled Materials
In this online Coiled Basket workshop, textile and fine artist Judith Schonebaum will share with you the fascinating indigenous tradition of coiling, a technique of winding up fiber like a snake while stitching the coils together as you move up the project.
Historically coiled baskets were made from reeds, grasses and tree fibers and were used as water jugs, trays, bowls and storage containers (the original Tupperware!). Contemporary coiled baskets incorporate new materials and innovative basket weavers are always experimenting with fiber of the new age. Newspapers, aluminum, plastics, steel, paper are all materials used to construct today’s baskets.
Learn how to continue a centuries old “reusables” practice as Judith shows you, step-by-step, how to make a small basket made from recycled fabrics and plastic bags. Using scissors and string, wire and tape and discarded materials you find around your home, create a beautiful basket with your own, unique creative stamp on it.
Judith Schonebaum is a popular functional textile art instructor in the Bay Area and beyond. She focuses on creating functional, decorative and wearable art from recycled textiles and plastic materials. She received her BA in Find Arts from the University of Vermont including attending an intensive folk art program at the Shelburne Museum.
You will be sent a material and tool list prior to the class.
Become an Ecology Center member and you will receive a discount on registration and enjoy continued membership benefits including store and event discounts!
Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: 9254219574, cynthia@ecologycenter.org, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coiled-baskets-from-recycled-materials-tickets-133725308999
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Adventures in Pickling
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: 9254219574, cynthiamurdough@gmail.com, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adventures-in-pickling-tickets-143166838869
Saturday, June 12, 2021
Building Healthy Soil in Your Home Garden

Time: 11:00am - 11:30am
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: 9254219574, cynthiamurdough@gmail.com, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/build-healthy-soil-in-your-home-garden-tickets-143223185403
Saturday, June 26, 2021
Fantastic Fermentation: Hands On Cooking Class
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: 10 – 15
Info: 9254219574, cynthiamurdough@gmail.com, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fantastic-fermentation-tickets-143192150577
Community Events
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Regional Parks Botanic Garden Class: Prominent California Trees
Instructor: Glenn Keator. This series will highlight many of California’s wonderful and varied trees from redwoods and giant sequoia to the myriad oaks, riparian corridor trees, buckeye, madrone, tanbark oak, and more. For each tree, topics covered will include: where they grow, their uses, their key features, how they reproduce. Ten Tuesdays, February 23 through April 27
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: Free
Info: https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/classes-field-trips-workshops/
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Beginning Beekeeping: The Basics and Starting a Hive – Online EVENING workshop
Garden For the Environment: Beginning Beekeeping: The Basics and Starting a Hive is an online introductory workshop on honeybees and beekeeping practices whether you're starting a backyard hive or are just curious about bees. Veteran San Francisco beekeeper Paul Koski will cover equipment and tools needed, bee biology basics, and will provide practical knowledge to get your beekeeping journey started. The workshop will include lecture, slides, videos, and plenty of time for Paul to answer your beekeeping questions.
The class is designed for absolute beginners so no prerequisite knowledge is required. We will have more beginning beekeeping workshops this year, and each will emphasize what is happening in a beehive throughout the seasons.
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: Free
Info: bit.ly/gfeonlinebeginningbeekeeping1
Saturday, March 13, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Regional Parks Botanic Garden Class: Prominent California Trees
Instructor: Glenn Keator. This series will highlight many of California’s wonderful and varied trees from redwoods and giant sequoia to the myriad oaks, riparian corridor trees, buckeye, madrone, tanbark oak, and more. For each tree, topics covered will include: where they grow, their uses, their key features, how they reproduce. Ten Tuesdays, February 23 through April 27
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: Free
Info: https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/classes-field-trips-workshops/
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
EV 101: Electrify Your Ride Event
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: Free
Info: https://drivecleanbayarea.org/ev101-electrify-your-ride/
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Dan Gluesencamp: The Franciscan Manzanita Story: from Saving ‘one last plant’ to Protecting California’s Bountiful Biodiversity
For more than a century, the Franciscan manzanita has been surprisingly central to key moments in California botany: it’s “Perils of Pauline” history stars trailblazing woman botanists, includes the 1906 earthquake and ghoulish nighttime raids on Gold Rush cemeteries, and features walk-on roles in the fight to save the Regional Park Botanic Garden and establish California’s Native Plant Society. Long thought extinct since the 1940s, in 2009 we discovered a mother plant growing at the Golden Gate Bridge and began urgent work to save this singular plant and special species. This talk explores the history of the Franciscan manzanita, it’s rediscovery, and the dedicated humans who work to save it once again, forever. It is a story of politics and public perception, as much as botany and beauty. The story also raises essential questions in conservation: what is wild, what is a species, why and how much should we spend to save a shrub? Sharing these lessons and exploring these questions together, we will then talk about how they inform the urgent efforts to save all of California’s remarkable biodiversity.
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: Free
Info: https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/classes-field-trips-workshops/
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Regional Parks Botanic Garden Class: Prominent California Trees
Instructor: Glenn Keator. This series will highlight many of California’s wonderful and varied trees from redwoods and giant sequoia to the myriad oaks, riparian corridor trees, buckeye, madrone, tanbark oak, and more. For each tree, topics covered will include: where they grow, their uses, their key features, how they reproduce. Ten Tuesdays, February 23 through April 27
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: Free
Info: https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/classes-field-trips-workshops/
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
EV 101: Electrify Your Ride Event
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: Free
Info: https://drivecleanbayarea.org/ev101-electrify-your-ride/
Friday, March 26, 2021
Promise to Our Planet Online Benefit
Join Acterra for a virtual community building event and benefit to spotlight local action in combating our climate crisis. Thought leaders Bill McKibben (350.org founder), Wade Crowfoot (CA Secretary for Natural Resources), and Bryant Terry (award-winning chef and author), plus expert-led breakout sessions will bring focus to ongoing efforts in electrification, sustainable food, engaging youth, and workplace greening. Includes award presentations for the Bay Area’s environmental businesses, organizations, and individuals.
Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: Free – 100
Info: https://www.acterra.org/promise
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5
Monday, March 29, 2021
EV 101: Electrify Your Ride Event
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: Free
Info: https://drivecleanbayarea.org/ev101-electrify-your-ride/
Friday, April 2, 2021
A New Day: Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali
Underserved communities are stressed by climate change, health disparities, the financial crisis. We need a new way. Hear environmental and social justice advocate Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali on moving communities from SURVIVING to THRIVING.
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: Free – 10
Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-mustafa-santiago-ali-a-new-day-from-surviving-to-thriving-tickets-140226734939?aff=ecologycenter
Saturday, April 3, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5
Saturday, April 17, 2021
SunWork Solar Installation Volunteer Training
Free online webinar with instruction on how to install solar energy systems. Then volunteer on solar energy projects in your community. Learn the basics of installing rooftop solar energy systems by volunteering with SunWork. This 3-hour online event teaches the basics of rooftop solar, solar equipment, electricity, and construction safety. This orientation is an opportunity to learn about clean renewable energy.
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Online Event, Online Event
Cost: Free
Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/volunteer-solar-installer-training-webinar-with-sunworkorg-apr-17-registration-141190128475?aff=efbeventtix
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5
Saturday, June 5, 2021
Welcome to Wildlife – Youth Connecting with Nature
Calling Nature Explorers! Welcome to Wildlife is a free nature connection program where youth learn through fun and interactive outdoor experiences. Saturdays, Feb. 6 - Jun. 5 / 9-11:30 am (ages 8-11) and 12:30-3 pm (ages 12-15) Register: info@peraltahacienda.org
Time: 9:00am - 11:30am
Location: Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.peraltahacienda.org/pages/main.php?pageid=121&pagecategory=5