Recap: Mortar Roc Adopt-a-Site Clean-up, Sept. 19, 2021

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In September 2021, the Bay Area Climbers Coalition in conjunction with Queer Crush and the City of Berkeley Parks and Recreation department successfully hosted an Adopt-A-Crag at Mortar Rock – located on the ancestral land of the Ohlone people.

Queer Crush signing up for stewardship work in the Chochenyo Muwekma-Ohlone Area (Indian Rock Park).
Queer Crush signing up for stewardship work in the Chochenyo Muwekma-Ohlone Area (Indian Rock Park).
Team Touchstone members also signing up for stewardship work in the Chochenyo Muwekma-Ohlone Area (Indian Rock Park).
Team Touchstone members also signing up for stewardship work in the Chochenyo Muwekma-Ohlone Area (Indian Rock Park).

During this event we were able to spread over 2 truck loads of mulch as well as remove garbage from the site. We even had a surprise where local climbers were so excited to see what we were doing that they decided to abandon their current plans and join us for a day of stewardship and ultimately give us around 10 dedicated volunteers.

East Bay Steward, Kim Harrison, coordinates with Charles from the City of Berkeley Parks and Recreation department.
East Bay Steward, Kim Harrison, coordinates with Charles from the City of Berkeley Parks and Recreation department.
Volunteers collecting mulch with shovels and buckets to be spread along Mortar Rock Park.
Volunteers collecting mulch with shovels and buckets to be spread along Mortar Rock Park.
Team Touchstone climbers collecting garbage throughout Indian Rock Park.
Team Touchstone climbers collecting garbage throughout Indian Rock Park.
Mulch is spread along the bottom of the major crag at Mortar Rock Park.
Mulch is spread along the bottom of the major crag at Mortar Rock Park.

We would like to thank the City of Berkeley and Queer Crush for helping make this event possible and we’re looking forward to future events with both organizations!

We are still looking forward to organizing events with community volunteers once land managers allow for hosting large groups! If you are interested in volunteering or participating, here’s how to get involved for future events!

Photo and Video Credit: Krystle Viray Simon