Bort Meadow (Oakland)

This trail features a variety of mature trees and grassy hillsides alongside a stretch of riparian habitat, plus a very large open meadow surrounded by trees and chaparral. Varied thrush winter here, and are seen regularly. Raptors, nuthatches, California Thrashers, and woodpeckers are also sighted regularly, along with a variety of sparrows and Pine Siskin. This is a mix of paved and dirt fire roads, wide in most areas, mostly level although there is a short (0.1 mile) 9% grade down from the parking lot to the canyon floor on a paved road. There are picnic tables and benches on the meadow, along with restrooms.

Rain cancels.

Restrooms are available. There is ample parking.

Leader: Steven Hunter, stevenlhunter@yahoo.com, cell (510) 290-1855, and Viviana Wolinsky, viwolinsky@gmail.com, cell (510) 434-4492

This trip is free but advance registration is required. Registration will open two weeks before the trip and close at 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 13.  Directions for registered participants are below.

Please note the public health guidelines for this trip, as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic:

• Walk is limited to 15 participants plus the leaders. There will not be a waiting list.

• Participants must register online and acknowledge acceptance of our liability waiver. Each person must register separately. No “drop ins,” please.

Thank you for your flexibility in helping us ensure that everyone remains healthy! Because we have to limit the size of trips, please do not sign up unless you are committed to attending.

Directions: Meet at the Bort Meadow Staging Area parking lot, off of Redwood Road approximately 1.7 miles south of the intersection with Pinehurst. We’ll walk down to the meadow area, bird a riparian corridor, then investigate the meadow itself.

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/6g3kMd6MnBfY9niz6