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Jewel Lake

Parking
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A long winding road up from Berkeley led to this Nature Area. Because the Nature Area was difficult to get to without a car, sufficient parking was provided. But note that you can get there by the AC Transit #67 bus, but the bus only runs once per hour.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:27:54 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #102754_4693BCX
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School Outings
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Picnic tables on wide grassy areas were provided. On this day, two bus loads of children were brought in to enjoy the area and its educational features.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:28:16 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #102816_4694BCX
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A Sign
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A sign marked the entry to the park. It read:

Tilden Nature Area
Environmental Education Center
Story Of The Wildcat Creek Watershed external link
Little Farm
Jewel Lake


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:29:08 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #102908_4696BCX
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Maps And More
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Also near the entry was a display of information, hours and maps. Brochures in a weatherproof box were free and could be used for self-guided tours.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:30:20 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #103020_4698BCX
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Education Center and Little Farm
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Just a short way inside on the way to Jewel Lake was a side path that led up to the Environmental Education Center and Little Farm.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:31:08 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #103108_4699BCX
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Wilson's Warbler
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A Wilson's Warbler was alongside the trail. The park was filled with many birds and was a great place for birding.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:34:20 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #103420_8241TNT
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Wildcat Creek Trail
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Wildcat Creek Trail was wide enough for maintenance vehicles. It was a level smooth walk suitable for all ages and physical conditions.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:36:12 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #103612_4705BCX
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Walkway Was Closed
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An elevated walkway lead through the nature area to Jewel Lake's northern shore. That walkway was closed that day for repairs following a heavy rainy season.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:38:40 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #103840_4707BCX
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A California Towhee
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California Towhees would land on the path and look for food ahead of those walking on the path. As the walkers approached the California Towhee would run ahead or fly into the surrounding brush.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:42:58 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #104258_8253TNT
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Moss Covered Trees
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As the path neared the lake, much moss was found in the trees lining the trail.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:44:20 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #104420_4710BCX
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Drinking Fountain
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A drinking fountain was found alongside the trail. In the dry season this could also be used as a bench.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:44:46 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #104446_4711BCX
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One Of Many Side Trails
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Many side trails branched off of Wildcat Creek Trail. Some were flat and smooth like this one, but many more ran steeply up and into the surrounding hills.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:50:14 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #105014_4716BCX
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Wetlands
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Part of the area around Jewel Lake was occupied by wetlands. Here, for example, tall grasses and cattails grew from a shallow wet area.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:50:48 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #105048_4717BCX
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New Growth
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Here was a plant just starting to bloom as the summer approached.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:51:10 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #105110_8257TNT
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Kids Returned
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School children returned from their trip to Jewel Lake. It was a good day to get out and learn in nature. Overcast but not raining and not cold.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:55:50 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #105550_4719BCX
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Maintenance
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A worker was maintaining the park. Here he used a hose to clean recently emptied trash cans.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:56:54 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #105654_4721BCX
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Western Pond Turtle
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One of many Western Pond Turtles that inhabited Jewel Lake.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:58:08 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #105808_8259TNT
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Jewel Lake
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Jewel Lake turned out to be a modestly small lake but it was nonetheless a stunningly beautiful little lake.


Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 10:58:28 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #105828_4722BCX
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Bench
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Alongside Wildcat Creek Trail was a bench made from a split log.


Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:00:20 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #110020_4725BCX
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Sign
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A sign alongside the trail and just across from the lake read:

Please Don't Feed the Water fowl

The Park District is dedicated to protecting native wild animals. We Need Your Help. Unfortunately parks have become a favorite place to release ducks. Domestic ducks can carry diseases easily transmitted to wild ducks.

When fed regularly, the ducks quickly multiply and over populate the area. The over abundance of water fowl causes high bacterial counts that may exceed public health standards and can lead to soiled lawns and walkways.

To help us protect people and wildlife. Please Don't Feed the Waterfowl.

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:00:48 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #110048_4726BCX
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Wildcat Creek
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Wildcat Creek is formed by the drainage and overflow of Jewel Lake. At one time a canal was proposed to take water from this watershed and connect it to the East Bay water supply. The canal was never completed, and Wildcat Creek is now being gradually restored to its former natural state.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:03:52 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #110352_4729BCX
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Direction Indicators
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A bridge over Wildcat Creek led to another trail. Jewel Lake could be viewed from this bridge.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:04:42 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #110442_4731BCX
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Jewel Lake and its Spillway
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The view from the bridge with Wildcat Creek Trail to the left, Jewel Lake ahead, and its spillway below.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:07:58 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #110758_4732BCX
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The Creek As A Canal
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The start of Wildcat Creek was still in the form of a canal. One of the rangers said that both these culverts were filled to almost overflowing during the last severe rain storm.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:08:22 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #110822_4733BCX
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The Side Trail
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This is a fish-eye view of the side trail just past the bridge over Wildcat Creek. Jewel Lake is to the right.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:09:58 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #110958_4735BCX
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Moss Covered Tree
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Alongside the side trail were moss covered trees.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:13:46 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #111346_4738BCX
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Black Mud
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Near Jewel Lake was a patch of muddy water that reflected the sky and trees. The deep black of the mud appeared to swallow the forest.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:18:06 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #111806_4740BCX
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A Black Phoebe
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A Black Phoebe was gathering food by the lake's shore.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:20:22 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #112104_8276TNT
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The Old Canal
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The upper part of Wildcat Creek that was still the old canal. Wildcat Creek runs for miles further so it is possible to visit the restored portions of the creek.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:23:06 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #112306_4743BCX
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Things For Hardware Lovers
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Here was the valve used to open and close the gate to the canal. It is still used for flood control.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:23:50 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #112350_4746BCX
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USGS Datum 509.7
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A survey marker was embedded into the concrete of the valve platform. The marker bore the inscription:

EAST BAY WATER COMPANY
USGS DATUM 509.7


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:25:32 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #112532_4748BCX
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A Debris Gate
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A debris gate was chained up and ready to be lowered as needed.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:27:48 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #112748_4750BCX
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Beyond The Lake
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Beyond Jewel Lake, Wildcat Creek Trail continued for miles.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:31:16 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #113116_4753BCX
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Eucalyptus Grew There
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Alongside Wildcat Creek Trail beyond Jewel Lake, some eucalyptus trees grew among pine trees. The bark of the eucalyptus would fall and land on a tangle of branches.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:34:00 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #113400_4755BCX
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A Female Oregon Junco
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A Female Oregon Junco seen on the Wildcat Creek Trail beyond the Jewel Lake.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:46:20 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #114620_8287TNT
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Turtles And Ducks
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A half dozen Western Pond Turtles and a male and female Mallard duck pair were seen resting on a log in Jewel Lake.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:46:20 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #114858_8299TNT
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The Bridge And Lake
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Jewel Lake and the bridge over its spillway as seen from a side trail a little uphill.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:50:52 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #115052_4764BCX
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Squirrel
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A foraging squirrel paused when a camera was pointed at it.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:56:22 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #115622_8304TNT
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Restrooms
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On the way back to the parking lot was a modest restroom. It included running water and flushing toilets and was moderately clean and not at all offensive. A drinking fountain was out front.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:56:24 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #115624_4767BCX
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Feral Cat
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A wild domestic cat ran away back toward the parking lot.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 11:59:22 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Terry Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #115922_8307TNT
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A Single Bloom
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We visited in late spring so there were fewer blooming flowers than one would find in early spring. Here was one wild flower.


Jewel Lake   •  Part of Tilden Nature Area   •  Tilden Park above Berkeley, California   •  (Photo posted Wednesday 7 July 2010)   •  (Photo taken 12:10:28 Tuesday 18 May 2010)   •  © 2010 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #121028_4790BCX
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