Next time you visit Claremont Canyon, hike the Willow Trail. A few feet past tall Cow Parsnips (Heracleum maximum) growing along the trail you will find native Pink Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula) vines and shrubs abundant with clusters of bright pink flowers. Hummingbirds are attracted to the vibrant tubular flowers that grow in the spring and early summer, while during the late summertime, other birds eat the red berries they produce. Grab your hiking shoes, water, and your camera and enjoy these summer blooms in the preserve. Want to share your photos with us? Send us an email atinfo@claremontcanyon.org.
#ReadyOakland encourages our community to take action now, before peak wildfire season arrives. Follow these tips to be prepared in case of a wildfire. | Photo courtesy of Ready, Oakland
Prepare for Wildfire
Several wildfires last year—in southern Alameda County and eastern Contra Costa served as a reminder of the steps we need to take to make our homes here in the Berkeley and Oakland hills safer.
Put screens over vents and gutters to prevent flying embers from entering.
Reduce or remove vegetation from within five feet of our homes and garages.
Remove wooden fences within five feet as well. Ideally, remove or fireproof wooden decks.
Visit Ready, Oakland and the Oakland Fire Safe Council website for more fire preparedness information and guides, wildfire safety programs, and ways to get involved.
Several large eucalyptus trees along Alvarado Road are nearing the end of their lives, presenting a significant hazard to homes, cars, and people because of falling branches and excess debris. | Photo by Marilyn Goldhaber
Working with Oakland on the Safer Canyon Initiative
Since 2001, the Claremont Canyon Conservancy has stewarded Claremont Canyon and addressed wildfire risk, to preserve and restore its native healthy ecosystem. Through boots-on-the-ground efforts we have reduced fuel loads, removed dangerous invasive species, and nurtured native species. We have also taken an active role in organizing regional efforts to reduce wildfire risk.
This fall, with the generous $100,000 Safer Canyon donations, the Conservancy seeks to remove eucalyptus trees from Garber Park’s Alvarado entrance and near Fireplace Plaza. The removal of these trees was called for in Oakland's Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) and identified as the purple shaded area in the Garber Park map (see on page 145of the VMP document). Take a look at our 2026 Spring Print Newsletter on our website to learn more about the Safer Canyon Initiative.
Our adventurous group of birders showed up on a foggy morning with binoculars on hand, in search of aviary residents in the Canyon. | Photo by Nancy Mueller
Springtime birding
On Sunday, May 2nd, Erica Rutherford and John Colbert—long time birders—and a group of birders and bird enthusiasts took to the Canyon in search of different bird species! Around 40 species were identified including a Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird, Hairy Woodpecker, an Oak Titmouse, and aLazuli Bunting. Thank you to everyone who joined the walk! If you're interested in seeing photos of these and other species found in and around Claremont Canyon visit our Flora and Fauna page on our website and Kay Loughman's wildlife website www.nhwildlife.net.
If you were unable to attend our spring bird walk and are interested in a future bird walk, contact us at info@claremontcanyon.orgor fill out the form below.
Berkeley Green Team members from Berkeley High standing behind a pile of over 1,000 broom plants they pulled in the span of three hours. | Photo by Wyllie Clayson
At our previous volunteer event in the Upper Canyon at Signpost 29, members of Berkeley Green Team returned once again to continue removing large stands of highly flammable, invasive, and non-native broom. Thanks to their efforts, we cleared a large area underneath native oaks which has been helping lower fuels and the chances of having a severe wildfire. Read our 2026 Spring Print Newsletter to learn more about broom, why it's important to remove it, and the success we've had removing it in Claremont Canyon. Would you like to volunteer with us? Send us an email at info@claremontcanyon.org.
Visit this 13-acre park and help restore its native wild habitat (we meet year-round). Meet at the Fireplacebelow the Evergreen Lane entrance (Map). For more informationor questionscontactWyllie.
Join us in the upper canyon as we work to restore and maintain pathways, remove invasive broom, and collect litter. We meet at Signpost 29, 1.5 miles up Claremont from the intersection of Ashby/Tunnel Rd. More information Here. Questions? Contact us at info@claremontcanyon.org.
Help restore native plants and maintain a popular trail! Weed invasive plants, plant seeds, and-if it comes to it-water native seedlings. Located in the small side canyon just north of Claremont Canyon, which is above the Clark Kerr campus. No prior experience needed. Gloves and tools are provided.
Please contact Jim Rosenau or call at (510) 845-0106.
Hiking the Canyon
We would love to hear from our members and others who are out hiking or otherwise observing nature in the canyon. Send us your pictures at info@ClaremontCanyon.org and we will feature one each month.
An array of colorful flowers in full bloom on the Stonewall Panoramic Trail. There's still time to go out and see native poppies showing off their bright orange hues. Thanks to Jeff Martin for sending us the photo above taken in mid May, 2026.
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As you venture outdoors this summer, take caution of the plants you touch. The photo above shows native Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) with berries. Although it looks harmless, the oils from every part of this plant can cause mild to severe skin irritations. Keep in mind: Leaves of three, let them be. If it’s hairy, it’s a berry. If it’s shiny, watch your hiney. Visit Calflora and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy to learn more | Photo by Wyllie Clayson.
Trails are open
All trails are open and accessible throughout Claremont Canyon. For maps and complete information on trails click here. You can also take a guided tour here. Please stay safe and take all items and pet waste out with you.
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