Your monthly news & updates |
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IN PERSON ROUNDTABLE
May 5, 2022
7:00 PM
Our Saviors Lutheran Church
1035 Carol Lane
Lafayette
All Briones District Scouters. We will have our May Roundtable in Person Thursday May 5th 7-8pm, Commissioners meeting in person from 6:30-7:00pm. Please plan on attending. Theme : What makes a good campfire, planning end of the year events for all.
Scout Shop & Service Center Update
The Council Service Center in Pleasanton is open, 6601 Owens Drive, Suite 100, Pleasanton 94588. The main phone number and professional staff extensions are unchanged.
The new Scout Shop is open. 508 Contra Costa Boulevard, Suite K2, Pleasant Hill 94523
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Don't miss important information! Be sure to scroll all the way down! There's a lot of important information in the newsletter this month!!!! Detailed articles so you do not have to look for links.
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Upcoming Training, District or Council Events
Tuesday - May 3 - Eagle Board of Review - St. Monica Catholic Church, Moraga - See Eagle info below for more details
Wednesday – May 4 - Eagle BOR Binder Check - Contact Gordon Bell for time and method
Thursday – May 5 - District Commissioners Meeting - 6:30 pm Our Saviors Lutheran Church - 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette
Thursday – May 5 - Roundtable - 7:00 pm – Our Saviors Lutheran Church -
1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette
Saturday - May 7 - Kite Day - 11 am - 4 pm - Cesar Chavez Park - Berkeley
Tuesday – May 10 - Eagle Board of Review - Contact Gordon Bell
Thursday - May 12 - Kchinkwehelak Village Meeting 6:30 pm - Contact Mr. Stanton
Saturday - May 14 - Wolfeboro Pioneer Spring Reunion - Camp Herms, El Cerrito
Tuesday - Jun 7 - Eagle Board of Review - St. Monica Catholic Church, Moraga - See Eagle info below for more details
Wednesday – Jun 8 - Eagle BOR Binder Check - Contact Gordon Bell for time and method
Thursday – Jun 9 - District Commissioners Meeting - 6:30 pm - Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette
Thursday – Jun 9 - Roundtable - 7:00 pm - Our Saviors Lutheran Church,
1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette
Tuesday – Jun 13 - Eagle Board of Review - Contact Gordon Bell
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For more information regarding the stay at home order please visit the state website:
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Our Virtual Order of Arrow Village meeting is Thursday, May 12th @ 6:30 pm. Email Mr. Stanton for the Zoom link if you do not receive an email with it. We normally meet on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. The meetings are approximately an hour long. More information about that below.
Our Lodge will be putting together a very active and exciting year ahead with lots of fun activities mixed with exciting service projects, Escape Room, LEAD, Movie Night, Rock Climbing, Hope Walk, OA Trek, Canoe Trip, SF Scavenger Hunt, and Inductions are just a few of the activities that have been planned or done. I would hope that you will get involved and enjoy them with us.
This is your meeting, so come and ask your questions, get your answers and meet your fellow Arrowmen. You can help schedule fun activities to do.
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GGAC Scouting Family
Youth protection is a core value of the Golden Gate Area Council. We have an update on the Live Scan background check requirement of California law AB 506, which adds layers of protection to our already robust BSA Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse policies.
As noted in previous communications, all youth service organizations (e.g. Scout units, church groups, and sports teams) are required to meet AB 506 standards as of January, 2022. Two of the AB 506 standards affect all adult volunteers, all employees, and many of our families.
Mandated Reporter Training from the State of California
Mandated Reporter Training is required in addition to our BSA Youth Protection Training. Volunteer leaders must complete the 2 hour training and upload their certificate at California Scouting.
Live Scan background check (complete before April 30)
A Live Scan background check (the digital version of inked fingerprinting) is required for all volunteers and staff. Live Scan replaces previous background checks; all volunteers will have to complete this once.
Please follow Step 3 at California Scouting/GGAC and use your web browser's pdf reader to open the Live Scan Request Form. Only the "Applicant Info" section needs to be completed. (Note: if your default settings are to open pdf files in Adobe Acrobat, the form may not be populated with our council's unique routing number)
Continue to refer to the California Scouting site, developed by all California councils, to follow the steps necessary for your training and Live Scan background check. It is imperative that you complete steps 1-3 by April 30, 2022. Local information will continue to be available at GGAC Youth Protection. We appreciate your patience and assistance as we join all California Youth Service Organizations in improving youth protection.
Yours in Scouting
Dan Walters Mike Hale Michael Allison
Council President Scout Executive Council Commissioner
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Editor's Comment
It's my understanding that there were some complaints about my leaving out Passover on the Calendar. This was an oversight on my part. It is my intention to be as inclusive as possible in line with BSA's desire , however I'm only one person. If you want to help prevent oversights like this volunteer to help me edit or proofread the newsletter. Email me normgee50@gmail.com if you would like to help and maybe learn some new skills.
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Mental health issues have become a major concern for several units, due to the recent deaths of two students in the Lamorinda area. May is mental health awareness month.
BSA doesn’t have its own mental health training, however, Andrew was able to find some resources:
For printed BSA mental health flyers click on the links below:
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Mom & Cub Camp
May 13-15, 2022
Camp Royaneh
May 20-22, 2022
Camp Royaneh
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While on the surface it may appear that the NYLT Leadership Academy is just a standard train-the-trainer course, but in reality it is so much more than that. The NYLT Leadership Academy is a special place where youth learn to lead themselves, lead others, and change their communities, and world for the better.
Everyone that has completed NYLT is encouraged to take on this next challenge in their leadership journey and hone skills that will be with them forever.
In 2022, we'll be offering the NYLT Leadership Academy course at 4 locations during 5 weeks.
Sign up today and reach your new leadership heights.
St. Louis, MO June 25 – July 2, 2022
West Virginia July 3-9 & 10-16, 2022
California July 10–16, 2022
Washington, DC July 24–30, 2022
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BeAScout.org Leads - Did You Know?
For All Unit Leaders
The BSA National office has alerted us that there is a noticeable spike in web activity on sites like BeAScout.org over the holiday break, with families searching for positive, outdoor activities for their children--just what Scouting is here to deliver!
The Call to Action for you is: 1) Expect that there might be Active Leads arriving to your unit via Invitation Manager within my.scouting.org and 2) PLEASE act on such invitations promptly to engage with those who are reaching out. There has never been a more important time to help youth/families find a unit and join our program!
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The annual Friends of Scouting campaign has started! With FOS presentations fast approaching, we need to start scheduling them. Jill Tarkoff has agreed to lead our family FOS efforts!!! One thing that we can do to help get the ball rolling is to get the dates and times that your unit is planning to have your FOS presentation. Please reach out and let Andrew Dale and Jill Tarkoff know what date you are planning on having your presentations. Once we get your date, we can get the volunteers to give the presentations and then we can fund the program that we all love! Thank you all for everything that you do.
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Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, May 21-22, Camp Herms
EVERY SCOUT DESERVES A TRAINED LEADER!
Briones has not been able to offer IOLS for 2 years, but it is back in May! IOLS is required to be considered a Trained Scoutmaster or ASM. A slimmed-down IOLS will run Saturday and Sunday morning, and be packed with information on stoves, knots, lashings, gear, knife and axe safety, cooking, map and compass, and so much more. Click here for a flyer!
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See the Recent Updates to FAQs for Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse
The updates include answers to recent frequent questions and a new section on maintaining program integrity.
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Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill & Walnut Creek Eagle Scouts
April 2021
Congratulations to our newest Eagle Scouts
Are you wondering where some of the Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda Eagle Scouts are? PARENTS: In this time of Sheltering in Place, please send pictures of your Scout in uniform to Norman Gee with the information of the date and the unit the Scout earned their Eagle Scout rank. We want to make sure EVERY EAGLE SCOUT receives recognition for their achievement! Contact Norman normgee50@gmail.com or Bonnie Hazarabedian bonzai@flash.net.
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MERIT BADGE COUNSELORS
Merit Badge Counselors :If you are planning to do any group merit badge sessions that are planned and advertised as such, according to the Guide to Advancement these must be pre-approved by the Council Advancement Committee, this does not include something being done within your unit. As a reminder there should be no charge for Merit Badge counseling. If you have any questions on this please feel free to contact Ron Fedele.
Emails will go out shortly regarding re-registration. Your current MBC status expires on June 30, 2022 and if you choose to renew it will be for !8 months as we are shifting Council and District position expirations to 12/31. If you do not respond to the email you will NOT be renewed. Please check with other MBC's in your unit to ensure they have received this email. If they have not they should check their email and MBC status in Scoutbook.
To put us in sync with Golden Gate Area Council requirements please note the following: You must have YPT to the end of the registration period (12/31/2023) if you do not you will NOT be renewed. You must have completed the AB506 requirements (Training and Live Scan) see californiascouting.org. You must submit updated certifications for Merit badges that require them (more info to come).
If you have any questions please fell free to reach out.
"Every Scout deserves a trained leader" - Lord Baden Powell of Gilwell
Ronald E. Fedele
Assistant Council Commissioner for Technology
Council Merit Badge Dean
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Citizenship in Society
The new merit badge encourages Scouts to explore important topics around diversity, equity, inclusion and ethical leadership and learn why these qualities are important in society and in Scouting. This merit badge will be Eagle required as of July 1, 2022.
Merit Badge Counselors can only be added by the Council Advancement Committee after having completed a Citizenship in Society orientation. In order to be scheduled for the orientation submit a merit badge counselor application to Ron Fedele.
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Reminder of several aspects of the Eagle Scout Rank process that have been missed by many of our Scouts lately. Please read them below and share the information with your Unit Leadership and Eagle Scout Candidates.
Please note that our council can only grant up to a six-month extension. Any time beyond that needs to be approved by our National Office. Also, our Council Advancement Committee only meets once per month to discuss extensions, please make sure to have your Scout complete the extension form and turn it in at least a few weeks before their 18th birthday. They are to continue to work towards completing their Eagle Rank even if they have not heard back from the committee about their extension.
If the Scout needs to complete an Eagle Scout Project Fundraising Application (Fundraising Application Page A in the Workbook), the “Authorized Council Approval” is for only Andrew Dale, as District Executive, to sign after signatures of the Beneficiary and Unit Leader are received. Please have the Scout email him at andrew.dale@scouting.org and make sure to include at least one other adult in that email.
Once the Scout has completed their Scoutmaster Conference for Eagle, they need to send their completed Eagle Scout Rank Application to Andrew (andrew.dale@scouting.org) to review the application before it gets verified at our Council Office. The latest this step can be done is the day before the Scout’s 18th birthday, or the final day of their approved extension. If the Scout has an extension, please have them let Andrew know that final date of their extension at this time.
An Eagle Scout Rank Application can be downloaded from ScoutBook with all of the dates preloaded into the correct fields, by using the information provided on the attached PDF.
Each line on the application must be completed through the signature of the Unit Committee Chair on page two. With the exception of the employer reference, if the Scout is not employed.
All information for each reference must be included: name, address, telephone, and email. If the Scout does not have a religious reference, they must include a parent or guardian in that field.
The Grand total of hours under Requirement 5 on page two is the total number of hours the project took to complete, counting everyone’s involvement, not just the Eagle Candidate. Please encourage your Scouts to start this tally of hours as they are starting to research project ideas.
If even one number on a completion date is incorrect from the Scout’s official records, Andrew will send the application back to the Scout to be corrected.
If there are missing dates for items that have not yet been entered into the Scout’s Advancement Records, please include a BSA Advancement Report (https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34403.pdf) with the application. This report authorizes our Council to enter in the missing dates. If Andrew finds a missing date on an application, Andrew will reach out to you individually for this report.
Once the Eagle Scout Rank Application is correct, Andrew will then send it to our Council Registrar Michelle Behrendt (michelle.behrendt@scouting.org) for the Council Verification step on page two. This process may take a day or two, depending on workload, vacation schedules, etc.
After the verification has been complete, Ms. Behrendt will email a scan of the application back to the candidate, cc’ing Andrew and our Council Advancement Committee Chair Mr. Merl Nygren (nygreme@att.net).
Scouts can then schedule their Eagle Scout Board of Review with Mr. Herb Lederman (herblederkop@gmail.com) for the Lamorinda Area, or Mr. Gordon Bell (gordon.ed.bell@gmail.com) for the Walnut Creek/Pleasant Hill Area. Scouts working with Mr. Lederman for their Board of Review need to send their workbook to Mr. Bruce McGurk for pre-board processing. After the Board of Review is complete, paperwork is sent to our National Office for final verification and certification. About 3-4 weeks later (sometimes up to 6 weeks), the Eagle Scout’s National Certificate and final paperwork is mailed back to our Council Office. Once they are received, the Scoutmaster or Committee Chair will be notified that the Eagle Credentials and Award Kit is available for pick up.
Please remind your Scouts to always include at least one other adult while emailing any of the people mentioned above. This keeps everyone within Youth Protection and CyberChip guidelines. If a Scout forgets to do so, Andrew will kindly remind them of this policy in his email reply, in which he will include you.
We know that this is a long and complicated process. It can go smoothly by following these few steps.
Thank you and please let Andrew know if you have any questions.
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Fifty miles is a long way to travel, whether you’re hiking, bicycling, boating or canoeing. That’s why the BSA’s 50-Miler Award exists — to recognize these achievements and to promote activities that improve personal fitness, self-reliance, knowledge of the outdoors.
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How to Print Membership Cards and Charter Certificates
For Unit Leaders
Now that rechartering is done, you may want to print membership cards for your members or a charter certificate to present to your charter organization. Click a link to download the how-to PDF: Charter Certificate, Membership Cards.
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For Scouts, Unit Leaders, Advisers, and Parents - here's the complete Life to Eagle Trail. Step by step with no step missed! |
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SCOUTS ON TRAIL TO EAGLE
Briones District Troops & Scouts on the Trail to Eagle
Starting now and until the Bay Area Health Officers end the Shelter in Place ruling that is now in place, the following guidelines are in effect for Life Scouts who are following their Trail to Eagle.
- We will continue to offer Zoom-based review boards for Project Proposal reviews. Check the District website for the procedure.
- We will continue to offer in person or Zoom-based review boards for Rank Advancement reviews. Check the District website for the procedure.
- Scouts may work on developing proposals and preparing the planning section of the Workbook for approved projects. For Scouts who have finished their project, they are encouraged to complete the Report section of their workbook. And, if they have met all the other requirements for Advancement, they should forward their Application to our District Executive to get Council's verification signature . . . again, check the District website for how to do this.
- Eagle projects can now be done with small fixed groups with masks and distanced as much as possible.
Briones Eagle Boards of Review
EBORs are available for Scouts who have completed all their requirements. Scouts can then schedule their Eagle Scout Board of Review with Mr. Herb Lederman (herblederkop@gmail.com) for the Lamorinda Area, or Mr. Gordon Bell (gordon.ed.bell@gmail.com) for the Walnut Creek/Pleasant Hill Area. Scouts working with Mr. Lederman for their Board of Review need to send their workbook to Mr. Bruce McGurk for pre-board processing.
Eagle Project Ideas
Eagle project ideas can be found in the Conservation section of this newsletter or on the Briones District webpage.
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20 ideas for unique Eagle Scout service project beneficiaries
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Has your Eagle Scout aged out? Wondering how you can help?
Join the Power Team of commissioners! While the job may seem large Mark Weyland, our district commissioner, has picked out the 6 key functions a commissioner.
The unit commissioner is a friend to the unit, but what does that mean:
1. They check in with the unit's adult leadership and committee at least 5 times a year to gauge the success of the unit's program and offer suggestions for improvements or praise for their work.
2. They help the unit as needed to interact and engage with online BSA resources, and live or virtual roundtables
3. They help the unit recruit and maintain youth
4. They help the unit recharter
5. They help the unit resolve issues that may arise that the unit may not be able to solve on their own (act as a diplomat for the district and the council)
6. They set the example in action and in presentation
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Did you know that your units need to record their hours spent volunteering service to others? Every unit has a unique id number that they can use to record the hours. In order to make it easier for units, the District has set up an email address where you can report your hours, what the service was, and the number of Scouts that worked on it. Send an email listing the service, location, the total number of hours (# of Scouts x number of hours) to Briones.service.hours@gmail.com. Recording service hours affects everyone's Journey to Excellence scores (units, districts, councils, sections, etc...).
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SAR Eagle Awards Contest
Information can be found at www.californiasar.org under programs/youth programs, or they can email me directly.
President
California Society Sons of the American Revolution (CASSAR)
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You too can help!
Join your District's Power Team, we have many openings. While we're listing only the primary position, every position can use additional help even those not mentioned. The more folks who volunteer the easier the work. Let Bruce McGurk or Mark Weyland know if you're interested in helping.
Roundtable
We are in need of a Roundtable Commissioner (their job is coordinate the Roundtable meetings from September thru June).
Scouts BSA Roundtable
We also need a volunteer to coordinate and present programs for troops each month.
Cub Scout Roundtable
We also need of a volunteer to coordinate and present programs for packs each month.
Conservation Chair
We are in need of someone to be our Conservation Chair. You will be responsible for keeping track of conservation related opportunities in the District and sending the information to the newsletter editor.
Day Camp Directors
Will you miss not having day camp for your Cub Scouts? We need at least two people to step up and start planning next years day camp. Planning will start in September for 2022.There will be no day camp if no one steps up to chair it.
Unit Commissioners
This is a rewarding fun job for those who have stepped down from working with their units. It's a great opportunity to share your knowledge with units who need help or just a little advice on the best way to do things.
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USEFUL SCOUTING LINKS
This forum has a treasure trove of great info – Scouters helping Scouters! Just a heads up, though - all content, information, and opinions shared on this forum are those of the author, not the BSA.
A blog for BSA's Adult Leaders
The Official Blog of the Scouting Movement
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Conservation Corner
Gardens & Landscape
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Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden: Learn about native, drought tolerant and wildlife gardening. Work parties on Sunday, check their website for dates https://phig.webs.com/. Eagle Scout Projects available. Inquire with Monika Olsen, phigarden@gmail.com.
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Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm: Learn about permaculture and biodynamic gardening at a historic farm in Pleasant Hill. Work parties every Saturday. http://www.rogersranch.org/rodgers-ranch-urban-farm.html. For Eagle Scout projects, contact Marian Woodard, marian@thequantumbusiness.com
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Friends of Wagner Ranch Nature Area: Join in every Sunday from 9 am - 1 pm to help out with gardening, general maintenance and light construction. Eagle Scout projects are also available. Contact them at https://fwrna.org/contact/
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John Muir National Historic Site: Garden and landscape volunteers assist with manual labor in the park's fruit/nut orchards and the Mt. Wanda open space areas. Biological internship also available. Contact the Volunteers In Parks Corps at 925-228-8860.
Reduce Reuse Recycle
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The Crayon Initiative: More than a half million pounds of crayons are discarded every year, turning into a waxy sludge that clogs our landfills and never biodegrades, and is also a waste of resources. The Crayon Initiative collects donated crayons from restaurants, schools and homes across the country, then melts them down and remanufactures them, reducing waste. Better yet, the recycled crayons are distributed to art programs at children's hospitals across the US, brightening the lives of young patients during their stay. Get your troop involved collecting crayons! Learn more with this guide for Scouts: http://thecrayoninitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/170604_TCI_Scouts_Program_Guide.pdf
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Volunteer with RecycleSmart and Republic Services! Multiple Farmers Markets in Orinda, Moraga, Danville and Walnut Creek- Scouts can assist with waste sorting stations and the RecycleSmart booth. Annual events like Pleasant Hill's Art Jazz & Wine can also use help with waste sorting stations. For more information, contact Ashley Louisiana, Ashley@recyclesmart.org
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Any troop can participate in a Vermicomposting (Worms!) and Bin Building Workshop with RecycleSmart. It's $20 per family and includes all bin supplies, two hours of instruction and worms! It's a great deal and such a fun experience. For more information, contact Ashley Louisiana, Ashley@recyclesmart.org
Restoration
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Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation: Work parties most weekends; minimum volunteer age is 14, but can be opened to younger children by prior arrangement with a leader (see link below). Eagle Project opportunities include site prep and planting of native plants, as well as invasive species removal. Other projects depend on scout interest. http://www.wcosf.org/calendar/events.html
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Save Mt. Diablo: Join the Diablo Restoration Team (DiRT)! Dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of natural resources in Contra Costa County, volunteers meet monthly to get DiRTy and contribute to the stewardship of habitat for sensitive and endangered species. Contact Jim Cartan, jcartan@savemountdiablo.org
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Volunteers of Outdoor California: Trail work and camping. Visit www.v-o-cal.org
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Friends of the Creeks: Help transform a weedy area of creek bank in Civic Park in Walnut Creek into a meadow of wildflowers and native grasses. Restoration days monthly on the second Saturday. Email contact@FriendsoftheCreeks.org.
Water Conservation and Wastewater Treatment
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Residential Recycled Water Fill Station: Monday-Friday, 9 am - 4 pm. (During wet weather and holidays, please call 925-335-7717.) http://www.centralsan.org/index.cfm?navId=1348
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EBMUD Resources: In 1978, EBMUD began an education outreach program so that students can learn about water conservation, pollution prevention and watershed stewardship. EBMUD offers classroom materials in English and Spanish at three grade levels, outdoor classroom programs from November to April, and participates in regional education outreach programs. http://www.ebmud.com/recreation/teacher-resources/
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Rotary Rain Harvesting Project: Get involved with installing rain barrels and other rain harvesting and water conservation techniques.
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Central San Student Programs: CCCSD is pleased to offer the following education programs to teachers and schools to help students learn about protecting their environment. http://www.centralsan.org/index.cfm?navid=161
WIldlife
Tours
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Contra Costa Transfer & Recovery Station Tours: Ever wonder what happens to trash after it's whisked away from the curb? Gain an eye-opening glimpse into the world of garbage on these free tours.
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Mt. Diablo Recycling Tours: Learn what happens to recycling after it leaves your curb! Contact Adriana Medina, Adriana.Medina@garaventaent.com
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Central San Treatment Plant Tours: Central San offers free virtual tours of its award-winning wastewater treatment plant. https://www.centralsan.org/virtual-plant-tour
Here are links for teachers::
Other Local Organizations
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Your newsletter editor wants to hear from you!
The Briones newsletter is sent out around the first of each month to those on the Briones email distribution list. If you wish to have something published in the newsletter, please send it to Norman Gee at normgee50@gmail.com and put Briones News in the subject line.
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