Intro to Ecology & Biodiversity of Urban Oakland

Join us for an enlightening journey through the ecological history of Oakland! We’ll explore the past, present, and exciting futures of the land we cherish. Understanding our connection to nature is vital for a sustainable and thriving community.

Event Highlights:

• Host: Aminah Hanif-Cruz, Hub Lead, Black Girl Environmentalist
• Facilitator: Saumitra Kelkar, Biology Educator and CA Native Plant Specialist
• Activity: A scenic walk around Lake Merritt to identify and catalog native and non-native plants using the iNaturalist app. 🌱📸
• What to Bring: A water bottle and sun protection 🌞

Schedule 🕰️:

• 11:00-11:15 AM: Welcome and Grounding
• 11:15-12:50 PM: Walk perimeter of Lake Merritt
• 12:50-1:00 PM: Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Who’s Invited? 🤗

This event welcomes anyone enthusiastic about learning and connecting with nature—children included! It’s highly walkable and stroller-friendly.

Parking 🚗:

There’s no designated parking, but street parking and public transport options are available. The nearest BART stations are Lake Merritt (south side) and 19th St/Oakland (north side).
Accessible parking is available in the paved lot off Bellevue Avenue at Lakeside Park.

Accessibility ♿:

Lake Merritt offers a highly accessible multi-use loop, perfect for wheelchair users and mobility devices. ADA-compliant restrooms can be found at various locations, including Snow Park and the Boating Center.

Media Consent 🎥:

Please note that this event will be photographed and recorded for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to the use of your image and voice. If you prefer not to be photographed, kindly inform our lead at the event.

Cost 💵:

This event is free for BIPOC identifying participants, and voluntary donations for the speaker are welcome.

Stay Connected 🔔:

• Join our mailing list!
• Follow us on Instagram!

Community Guidelines 📜:

Black Girl Environmentalist events promote inclusivity, respect, and curiosity. Attendees are expected to treat everyone with kindness. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated, and safety is our priority.

Thank you for supporting our community! We hope to see you at part 2 of our workshop series! Don’t forget to invite a friend!
For more inquiries or special accommodations, please email bgebayarea@gmail.com.

Location: Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Ticket Link