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Contra Costa Marketplace - June_2015

Weinstein assures, “Nothing’s going to stop it from happening.” The Trail Trekkers, in association with the Trust for Public Land and many generous local residents were able to raise over $100,000 to help the city make the purchase. The federal government also played a key role in the process. The City of El Cerrito was awarded a $250,000 grant from the federal government to help buy the Madera Open Space, on one condition: “The city had to promise that the Madera land that they bought, plus the entire Hillside area—every acre of it—has to be wild land forever,” said Weinstein. Before, there was always the possibility of houses or other developments being built onsite. “Now it can’t be done,” he said. “So that’s a major accomplishment.” Weinstein explains the two basic plans for the Madera Open Space upon acquisition: “1. We need to improve the trails and make them easier to use. 2. In a way this kind of conflicts with number one—we need to work on habitat restoration.” This area is home to some rare plants, native vegetation and wildlife, so plans must be made carefully. A lot of thought and work (and money) has gone into developing this trail system in El Cerrito. About 5 of the trails have actually been created from scratch by the Trail Trekkers and there’s plenty more work to be done. “There are many trails in the city that are not usable for a variety of reasons, at least 20, maybe more,” said Weinstein. “One of our major goals is to open up impassable trails and make them passable.” The National Park Service is also working with them to create some signage to help navigate the trails—there’s lots to look forward to in El Cerrito! For now, enjoy all that you have so far. Walking from one end of Hillside to the other, through the Madera Open Space, wouldn’t take more than a few hours round trip, but the way you go could change every time. Weinstein encourages you to avoid that “outdoor deficit disorder” and get out of the house in take a trek on a trail. And you might be surprised at just how amazing it is. “Even though I go out there a lot, every time I do I see something new,” he said. “It’s just so beautiful to have these trails—all of a sudden you’re not in the city anymore, you’re in some special place.” Sign up for their monthly newsletter including information on group hikes, events and updates at ECTrailTrekkers.com. Contact them at ectrailtrekkers@gmail.com and follow them on Twitter @ECTrailTrekkers. Four Generations Of Service To The Greater El Cerrito Community june Since 1951 2015 MARKETPLACEcontrac osta .com 25


Contra Costa Marketplace - June_2015
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