Extended fencing along Fern Ravine

A few years ago, in an effort to protect the redwood grove at the top of Fern Ravine Trail in Joaquin Miller Park, Friends of Sausal Creek (FOSC) teamed up with Volunteers for Outdoor California (V-O-Cal), Oakland Parks & Recreation (OPR), and Oakland Public Works (OPW) to construct a rustic, split-rail cedar fence. Since the construction, the redwood understory protected by the fence has thrived. This week, in an effort to finish the project that was only partially funded, Oakland Trails embarked on a mission to extend the fence as originally approved.

Timeline:

Jan–Feb, 2017: Meeting on site with all the stakeholders, the project to extend the fence was approved by FOSC, OPR and OPW. Oakland Trails then began raising the funds needed for the project.

Mid April: OPW agreed to provide staff to help drill the post holes using heavy equipment. May 25th was set as the work date.

Early May: The materials needed – split rail fencing, gravel, and screws – to match the existing fence were custom ordered at Ashby Lumber. The total project bill, including their generous discount for our non-profit organization, was $1200.

May 23: The materials were picked up by Oakland Trails volunteers and hand-delivered to the site.

May 24: Oakland Trails volunteers prepped the materials and the work site.

May 25: Construction began at 8:30am. OPW’s Michael Allen drilled the post holes while Oakland Trails volunteers installed the posts and rails.

140 ft of new fence was installed by lunch! What a crew!!

We’d like to thank the following sponsors for their support of this project and our volunteers: Ashby Lumber, La Farine Bakery, Farmer Joe’s Marketplace. Special thanks also to Oakland Public Works, Friends of Sausal Creek, and Dee Rosario.