Upcoming Trail work
Interested in trail work?
Do you have a group of people who would like to pull broom or work on trails? In the past we have worked with Scouts, school groups and others. Let us know and we can arrange a time at your convenience and provide tools. Contact [email protected].
Friends of the Hillside Natural Area also hosts regular work parties on Wednesdays from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM with a focus on removing broom on the Madera Meadow. On Saturdays from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM they focus on early weed management and removing invasive species before they spread. Wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves/pants to protect yourself from poison oak. The Friends typically meet at the end of Regency Court but please email [email protected] know if you're planning to attend in case of changes in plans.
Friends of the Hillside Natural Area also hosts regular work parties on Wednesdays from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM with a focus on removing broom on the Madera Meadow. On Saturdays from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM they focus on early weed management and removing invasive species before they spread. Wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves/pants to protect yourself from poison oak. The Friends typically meet at the end of Regency Court but please email [email protected] know if you're planning to attend in case of changes in plans.
Top image: Trekker Co-President Brian Richmond in the field!
Recent Trail Work
Trail Repair Work Party
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 10 am - 12 pm. Meet at Snowden trailhead, near intersection of Snowden & Ganges Aves.
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 10 am - 12 pm. Meet at Snowden trailhead, near intersection of Snowden & Ganges Aves.
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Do you enjoy hiking the trails in the Hillside Natural Area? Want to help us improve them? You’re in luck! We’re planning our first trail work party in years.
Some of El Cerrito’s volunteer-built trails need repair, like this one on Motorcycle Hill (right) that slopes into the hill and will erode over time. Now is the best time to tackle those repairs, after the rainy season and before the ground becomes too dry. Bring water and gloves. Join us in making El Cerrito an even better place to live! Sunday, March 29, 2026, 10 am - 12 pm. Meet at Snowden trailhead, near intersection of Snowden & Ganges Aves. |
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Earth Day
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 10 am - 12:30 pm
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 10 am - 12:30 pm
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Celebrate Earth Day by improving the Hillside Natural Area! Join the El Cerrito Trail Trekkers and Friends of the Hillside Natural Area to improve the HNA for everyone.
We will focus on removing invasive species such as French Broom and help repair some trails to make them safer for everyone and more resistant to erosion. We will have tools on hand, but please bring gloves, hat, and water. Meet at the Snowden Ave entrance to the HNA, east of Ganges Ave. |
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Broom Pulls
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Sunday, February 9, 2025
UPDATE: The February 1 broom pull is postponed due to rain. Please join us on Sunday, February 8 at 10:30 am instead. With the recent soaking rains, it’s time to pull broom and remove other invasive plants! Join us on Saturday, January 18 and Saturday, February 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the end of Regency Court for joint work parties with Trail Trekkers and Friends of the Hillside Natural Area. We’ll be working in a hidden gem of the Madera open space, offering stunning views of the bay, armed with our trusty weed wrenches.
Our efforts will create room for California’s state grass, purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra), to flourish. This remarkable perennial, with its deep roots, is not only resilient but also a powerful ally in carbon sequestration. Come lend a hand and be part of the restoration!
Removing broom is relatively easy, and much fun. It is satisfying to see how much improved the Hillside has become over the years, thanks to our efforts and those of Friends of Five Creeks and the El Cerrito Environmental Quality Committee's Green Team.
Our efforts will create room for California’s state grass, purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra), to flourish. This remarkable perennial, with its deep roots, is not only resilient but also a powerful ally in carbon sequestration. Come lend a hand and be part of the restoration!
Removing broom is relatively easy, and much fun. It is satisfying to see how much improved the Hillside has become over the years, thanks to our efforts and those of Friends of Five Creeks and the El Cerrito Environmental Quality Committee's Green Team.