2014 Accomplishments
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The Friends of Montclair RR Trail wishes to thank our many dedicated volunteers and generous contributors for their ongoing support. Our appreciation, too, for the expertise and assistance provided by the great people at the City of Oakland, the Montclair Village Association, Montclair's Pet Food Express, and other community organizations with whom we've worked throughout the year.
Safety and Maintenance
Secured a grant from Diablo Fire Safe Council and donations from the City of Oakland and local residents -- Arranged and completed removal of large stand of mature eucalyptus trees, which posed a substantial fire hazard -- Followed up with notes of thanks, and requests for new funding for additional fire mitigation efforts Coordinated and conducted monthly volunteer workdays -- Volunteers donated over 350 hours in time to trail upkeep throughout the year Remediated various trail hazards -- Coordinated repair of broken sewer line -- Pursued repair of broken metal grate with City of Oakland -- Obtained temporary barrier across large open drain, to help prevent accidents from occurring -- Repaired problem areas of paved trail with purchased blacktop -- Reported tree, rock slide and other hazards to City -- Installed flags to mark potentially dangerous issues until they could be resolved -- Removed large discarded items (such as utility wires, burned trash can, rebar, etc.) that were unsightly or posed hazards -- Cut up and stacked "down on the ground" branches and logs, and arranged for City disposal, to reduce fire danger |
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Beauty and Enjoyment
Initiated and completed an erosion control and landscaping project behind the parking garage with assistance from the Montclair Village Association (MVA) -- Re-graded area and installed rock beds -- Obtained special pricing & purchased native plants from UC Botanical Garden &Friends of Sausal Creek (FOSC) -- Installed over 100 new native plants with the energetic help of 16 volunteers Collected trash and dog waste found along and around the trail Initiated proposal to the City of Oakland for the addition of garbage cans and benches -- Installed temporary extra garbage can Distributed mulch along unpaved areas of trail (between McCaulou's and end-of-trail abutment) to lessen "muddiness" for walkers Deepened drainage ditches, to help keep debris off trail Periodically swept paved areas of trail Oversaw removal of graffiti |
Preservation and Restoration
Installed 180 native plants in large previously mulched area at "Cortereal Corner"
-- Arranged and picked up plants donated by Friends of Sausal Creek Native Nursery
Kept newly planted natives watered amidst drought
-- Obtained water donor, set up 200+-foot hose and organized weekly hand-watering
Removed dead plants and brush from slope behind the parking garage
Sawed off low dead branches from trees near Bishop's Court
Pulled out ivy, broom and other non-native and invasive plants
Maintained East Meadow by weeding and mulching
-- Arranged and picked up plants donated by Friends of Sausal Creek Native Nursery
Kept newly planted natives watered amidst drought
-- Obtained water donor, set up 200+-foot hose and organized weekly hand-watering
Removed dead plants and brush from slope behind the parking garage
Sawed off low dead branches from trees near Bishop's Court
Pulled out ivy, broom and other non-native and invasive plants
Maintained East Meadow by weeding and mulching
Enhancements
Installed
two commercial-grade dog-waste bag stations, and kept refilled twice a month with bags donated by Montclair's Pet Food Express
Built and installed two "community-fill" dog-waste stations
Researched and developed plans for new signage and a community message/notice board
Built and installed two "community-fill" dog-waste stations
Researched and developed plans for new signage and a community message/notice board
Education and Awareness
Sent monthly announcements to email list about upcoming volunteer workdays and other activities
-- Augmented trail workday signage with flyer specifying location and encouraging volunteerism
Created and distributed postcard informing trail users why dog waste does not belong in a natural area like the Montclair RR Trail
-- Coordinated with FOSC for creating their own version of the awareness postcard
Initiated a dog etiquette program focusing on keeping the trail clean and how to interact with children, bikes and others
-- Augmented trail workday signage with flyer specifying location and encouraging volunteerism
Created and distributed postcard informing trail users why dog waste does not belong in a natural area like the Montclair RR Trail
-- Coordinated with FOSC for creating their own version of the awareness postcard
Initiated a dog etiquette program focusing on keeping the trail clean and how to interact with children, bikes and others
Other
Held monthly Board meetings, distributed minutes, developed proposals and coordinated issue resolution and activities throughout the year
Conducted walk-through with City officials to discuss and agree on further safety measures and improvements
Purchased and maintained tools and other supplies for use by volunteers
Conducted walk-through with City officials to discuss and agree on further safety measures and improvements
Purchased and maintained tools and other supplies for use by volunteers