You, Too, Can Help Preserve the Precious Resources of Walnut Creek's Open Spaces

Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying, "Too old to plant trees for my own gratification, I shall do it for my posterity."

For the benefit of the citizens of Walnut Creek we have a group of very dedicated volunteers that are doing just that. Since the beginnings of the Open Space in the mid-1970s, members of the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation have been planting trees, removing non-native and invasive plants and rehabilitating our natural environment to benefit wildlife and those that enjoy spending time in the outdoors.

Volunteer opportunities through the Open Space Foundation are varied and can accommodate a wide variety of talents, interests and time. Two very active weekday groups are the Tuesday Group and the First and Third Wednesday Group. Those names pretty much tell you when you need to be available to join in the action.

The Tuesday Group works primarily at the habitat restoration area at Bayberry Pond in Lime Ridge and at the native plant nursery in Walnut Creek. The First and Third Wednesday Group does a variety of habitat rehabilitation tasks throughout the Open Space as well as work at the Nature Area at Heather Farm.

On weekends you will find the Oak Restoration Team out gathering, preparing and planting acorns or watering and tending to the trees planted over the past 30 years. The Quail Habitat Restoration Team work can be seen in the wildlife corridor heading out of Borges Ranch into Shell Ridge and at the cattle exclosures in the drainage at North Lime Ridge.

More information on these volunteer activities can be found on the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation website. 

The City of Walnut Creek Open Space Division is beginning the recruitment of volunteers to work with city staff on maintenance and special projects throughout the Open Space and at the historic Borges Ranch in Shell Ridge. Site volunteers are needed to help with maintenance projects to insure the safety of Open Space visitors and protection of the natural resources of the Open Space. History Volunteers will be trained to conduct tours and serve as hosts at Old Borges Ranch, the early 1900s Walnut Creek cattle ranch located in Shell Ridge.

Information on volunteering for the City Open Space Division or more information about the activities of the Open Space Foundation is available by contacting Ranger Nancy Dawson Dollard at 925/943-5899 ext. 2135 or by e-mail to dollard@walnut-creek.org.