Blackie's Garden Plaque

In the morning on November 17 I had the good fortune to be a part of a tour of Blackie’s Garden hosted by Blackie’s Brigade Captain Harvey Rogers.  Harvey, a Belvedere Master Gardener, has been coordinating over 30 volunteers since 1995  to keep this garden beautiful.

From humble beginnings – three large mounds of construction land fill and hearty native plants – the garden now has over 100 cubic yards of topsoil and a drip irrigation system, and is producing incredible results. The pesticide-free, full-sun, public garden features approximately 3,000 drought-resistant native plants, not only from California, but Mediterranean areas of South Africa, Mexico, and Australia, which gives a greater result for color, longer lasting bloom periods, and size of plants. Over 150 plant markers have been created in Latin and English for easy identification, and are updated regularly to help educate visitors to this easy-access garden.

Annually, the Belvedere and Tiburon Foundations, the City of Belvedere, and Town of Tiburon support the planting and maintenance of the garden at the entrance to Blackie’s Pasture.  Harvey and his volunteers do all the work.

Each year, Harvey conducts a walking tour identifying the many varieties of plants, planting techniques, and gardening skills involved in keeping the garden successful.  The tours are wonderful, enlightening, and very educational.

Visit the Garden today to learn more about it.  There is an educational display at the entrance to the Garden to help you as you look around and contact information is available – perhaps you can get a personal tour from Harvey as well!

Saturday, October 17 at 11:30 am – “A Day on Angel Island”

Marin Conservation League

To continue a series of events commemorating its 75th Anniversary, Marin Conservation League (MCL) extends an open invitation to join the League and special guests at an informal picnic, dedication ceremony, and walk on Angel Island, Saturday, October 17th, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Special tribute will be paid to Caroline S. Livermore, after whom the peak on Angel Island was named, and to the other remarkable women who founded MCL in 1934.  The event will feature a new interpretive sign to be installed in Ayala Cove near the Visitor Center, and a “Founders’ Grove” of plant species native to the Island, to be planted up the slope above the sign.  These installations will honor the key role played by MCL’s founders in securing Angel Island as a State Park for the permanent enjoyment of the public.

The program, which is free and open to the public, begins with picnic lunch from 11:30 to 12:30.  Bring your own lunch or check out the offerings at the Island’s Cove Café!  MCL will provide commemorative cake and beverages.  Between 12:30 and 1:30 the League will dedicate the interpretive sign and conduct a ceremonial planting.  Special guests for the dedication include County Supervisor Charles McGlashan; Putnam Livermore, son of Caroline S. Livermore; Dr. Martin (Marty) Griffin, who worked with Ms. Livermore in the saving of Richardson Bay from development in the late 1950s; Angel Island State Park Superintendent Dave Matthews and other representatives of California Department of Parks and Recreation, Marin District; Silvia Lange, Angel Island Association (AIA) docent well-known for her historic sketches; and Suzanne Badenhoop, President of the AIA Board.

From 1:45 to 3:30, Dr. Alan Miller, long-time AIA docent, MCL member, and retired professor of environmental studies at University of California, Berkeley, will lead a “Walk Into History” to the new Visitor Center on the East Island.  As an alternative, those who wish can “do their own thing.”

Transportation to the Island is by Tiburon-Angel Island Ferry ($13.50; ages 6 – 12 $11.50), departing from Tiburon on the hour at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and departing the Island at 2:20, 3:20, 4:20. Tiburon is served by Golden Gate Transit Route 19.

This year’s events and projects honoring MCL’s 75-Year history in Marin County have included the League’s Annual Dinner in April; a video entitled “Scenes From a History: Marin Conservation League Turns 75,” produced by Dave Gotz, who also produced “Turning the Tide,” the story of the Saving Richardson Bay; and two previous “Walks Into History” – North Ridge complex of Marin County Open Space Preserves, and Samuel P. Taylor State Park. With the help of Marin historian Barry Spitz, MCL is also completing a 75-year history of the League, to be published early next year.  The Angel Island event is being made possible with the assistance of Angel Island Association, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Marin District, and Gardeners’ Guild, who are providing professional expertise and materials for the planting of the “Founders’ Grove.”

For further information and to sign up for the event, call Marin Conservation League at 415-485-6257, e-mail dparker@marinconservationleague.org, or visit the MCL Website.

Tiburon has allowed BTJR to use the Joint Emergency Operations Center at the Police Station on a temporary basis but the program remains uncertain after the November session concludes. A permanent location near Reed School or on school property for the program is being sought.

Funding will be necessary as portable/temporary classrooms cost upwards of $80,000, particularly if they are on school property. The K-Club and Academy programs are integral parts of the BTJR mission and are well supported by parents using the service. Suggestions are welcome!

Alternatives being discussed now include:

• Portables or Temporary Buildings on Reed School Property
• Use of space on local City/Town Parks and/or Park Areas
• Commercial Space