Friends of Five Creeks, California Center for Natural History, and Park Hills neighbors are partnering up for this event to keep fire-prone French broom under control near Berkeley's Park Hills neighborhood and in the heart of Tilden Park, near Lake Anza and the merry-go-round. Friends of Five Creeks has done a great job pulling broom in this area, but it will re-sprout for more than a decade, and winter rains gave it a boost.

Enjoy nature while you help out; afterwards, volunteers will be treated to a merry-go-round ride on the historic Tilden carousel!

After the broom pull you can also bring a picnic, take a nature walk, or swim in Lake Anza. Swimming at Lake Anza costs $3.50 per adult, and don't forget to bring a swimsuit and towel! There are also snacks at the carousel like good ice cream, hot dogs, and coffee.

Meet at beautiful Acacia Picnic Area on Lake Anza Road. Map here, or view or download park maps here. Tilden has no cell service, but you can find paper maps at kiosks throughout the park.

Driving directions: In Berkeley go up Spruce to Grizzly Peak Blvd. Cross and go steeply downhill on Canon Drive. At the bottom, turn right (south) on Central Park Drive and continue to the merry-go-round on your left. Make a soft left onto Lake Anza Road, which divides. Continue to the first overflow parking lot for Lake Anza. Walk back a short distance to Acacia picnic area, on the east side of the divided road (there will be a sign). Or from Grizzly Peak Blvd. farther south, take Shasta downhill to its end. Turn left (north) on Wildcat Canyon Road, and fork right onto Central Park Drive. Continue to the merry-go-round and turn sharply right onto Lake Anza Road, then follow directions above.

By bus, take AC Transit 67 to the merry-go-round, and walk a short distance southeast on Lake Anza Road.

Tools, gloves, water, and snacks provided. Wear closed-toed shoes with good traction, long pants, and long sleeves. There are light and heavy tasks for all, but because of the possibility of poison oak, this work party is not for young children.

For more info, contact Susan Schwartz at f5creeks@gmail.com

Check out some photos from previous broom pulls!