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Together We Can Defeat the Menace of French Broom

 

 
Few plants in the Hillside Natural Area are as noxious, quick spreading, or as colorful as French Broom, whose profusion of bright yellow blooms stokes fear in the hearts of environmentalists who work hard to preserve native habitat.
Over decades, forests of French broom have engulfed areas of the El Cerrito hills, choking off the growth of native plants, including live oaks and wildflowers, and harming habitat for birds, insects and other fauna.

Yet much has been done to beat back this menace. Just a few years ago, a ride up Moeser Lane showed French broom blocking views of neighboring homes. No more.

Entire meadows in the Hillside Natural Area that were once overgrown with the weeds that grow into small trees, are now habitat for native plants instead. All  this is thanks to volunteer broom pullers.

Learn more by watching this film with Howdy Goudey, which was shown at the 2021 Hillside Festival.
 
Would you like to join us?

Help us remove invasive French Broom for the Hillside. Trekkers is partnering with the city Environmental Quality Committee’s Green Teams on a series of broom pulls, all on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon (or beyond; sometimes it is hard to stop!) The dates are February 26, March 26, April 23 (an Earth Day activity), and – tentatively, if the ground remains soft, May 21. We supply tools and tarps. Removing Broom is relatively easy and deeply satisfying. Attend to work alongside some of the most interesting people you will ever meet. Meet at the north end of Regency Court.
 


El Cerrito Trail Trekkers board of directors:
Dave Weinstein, president, davidsweinstein@yahoo.com
Wade Huntley, vice president
Barbara Lass, secretary barbara.lass@att.net
Pam Austin, treasurer, paustin26@yahoo.com
Clare Sheridan, member at large, 
claresher@gmail.com
Melissa Hobbs, member at large, melma39@yahoo.com

 

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