April News: Our Generous Path-Wanderers

April 2024

Our Generous Path-Wanderers

From maintaining Berkeley’s 110+ paths to leading semi-monthly walks and hikes, the work of BPWA relies on the tireless enthusiasm of countless volunteers, the support of more than 60 partner organizations and, most importantly, charitable gifts from nearly 800 individuals. This regular feature will introduce a few of our generous donors, sharing why they give to BPWA and collectively revealing what an interesting community we are.

Donor Profile: Heidi Tarver

Your hometown?

Berkeley CA.

How long have you lived there?

Since 1974.

Profession/hobbies?

I’ve been a full-time studio artist for the past 25 years. I’ve worked in a number of media, but I currently create ceramic objects, both functional and sculptural, at my Berkeley studio. My work can be seen at the ACCI gallery in North Berkeley, as well as on my website www.heiditarver.com.

What is it you love about your work/life?

I love making art—every part of the design and execution fascinates me. I’m also a former garden designer and enjoy working in my half-acre garden. Creating objects out of clay and digging in the dirt are so intertwined, they’re almost like two sides of the same practice. I love it all.

Nearest path to your home?

Covert Path.

How did you first discover the Berkeley paths?

Covert Path goes right past my house! We use it ourselves and see lots of folks enjoying it every day.

Why do you choose to support BPWA?

Probably in part because we enjoy the paths so much, and also because the BPWA is such a pure, boots-on-the-ground community organization. To see what a small group of community members can create with our own hands fills me with hope for the world.

If you’re a BPWA donor and would like to share your story, please reach out to us at info@berkeleypaths.org.

Send Us Your Path Stories

What’s your favorite path? Or what’s the most interesting thing that’s happened to you on one of Berkeley’s paths? Send us your story and we’ll run it in our newsletter with your byline! Please submit all content to info@berkeleypaths.org.

UPCOMING WALKS

Note: Heavy rain cancels; If rain is in the forecast, check the www.berkeleypaths.org website the day before to see if the walk is cancelled.

Steve Glaeser Memorial Walk

When: Sunday April 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Leaders: Colleen Neff, Mary Lynch, Charlie Bowen

Distance and elevation: Approximately 3 miles, a somewhat strenuous walk with lots of stairs both up and down.

Start/end: Berkeley Rose Garden, 1200 Euclid Avenue, Berkeley

Accessibility: This walk is not wheelchair accessible; well-behaved dogs on leash permitted.

BPWA’s dedicated path builder for 19 years, Steve Glaeser, passed away in late January 2024. This walk features many of the most challenging paths Steve worked on, including Northgate Path and Lower Columbia Path. READ MORE

Steps and Trails

When: Sunday April 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Leader: Tamara Gurin

Distance and elevation: 6 miles, 1,100 feet elevation

Start/end: Berkeley Rose Garden, 1200 Euclid Avenue, Berkeley

Accessibility: There will be steep stairways, some without handrails. Dogs and children are welcome on the walk

A fast-paced hike, partially on the stairways, partially on the trails in Tilden Park. We will take stairways to Grizzly Peak Boulevard then Selby Trail and Grizzly Peak Trail to the Grizzly Peak Vista Point on Grizzly Peak Blvd. READ MORE

PATH MAINTENANCE WORK PARTIES

Join us for a path maintenance work party!

Monday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sunday, April 27, 1 to 3 p.m.

Do you enjoy working with your hands and seeing tangible results of your efforts? Join us to clean up Berkeley’s paths—work that’s mostly weeding, sweeping, raking, and clipping. We’ll have gloves and tools available, but feel free to bring your own. Please also bring your own water, as we won't be offering water or refreshments. Please RSVP to receive an email confirming the meeting place by writing to Mary Lynch at path.maintenance@berkeleypaths.org.

HELP US KEEP THE PATHS SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE

In 2018, a cast of thousands — okay, about 80 volunteers — fanned out across Berkeley to walk every path and record its condition. BPWA collected the data into this status report. This “living document” was last revised in August 2022 to show more recent progress on path repairs and improvements. In the future, BPWA plans to conduct these comprehensive surveys every five years.

But we can’t be “everything everywhere all at once.” We rely on you, our surrounding community, to let us know if you spot a problem that needs to be fixed right away. If you see something, say something! You can submit your own report of path conditions to path.maintenance@berkeleypaths.org.

Many thanks for being our eyes and ears!

Berkeley Path Wanderers Association

Berkeley Path Wanderers Association is a community organization of people who treasure the public pathways that crisscross our city. Learn more

The BPWA board generally meets monthly. Our next meeting is Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Guests are welcome! Please contact info@berkeleypaths.org for more information.

We always welcome new volunteers to lead walks on Berkeley’s paths. If interested, please contact Walks Co-Coordinators Tamara Gurin or Desmid Lyon at walks@berkeleypaths.org.

To support Berkeley's paths, you can donate online. All donations are tax-deductible and go toward building new paths, repairing and clearing existing paths, purchasing handrails, and advocating for paths and walkers.