Mission and Vision
Friends of Sausal Creek works to protect, conserve, and restore the Sausal Creek Watershed in Oakland, California.
With the help of thousands of volunteers, students, and supporters, FOSC has improved the ecological health of the watershed, spread awareness about the environment, and contributed to urban greening and climate resilience in Oakland.
See below for a roundup of our work and wins from this past year.
Friends of Sausal Creek Annual Report
FISCAL YEAR 2023
"Civicorps' partnership with FOSC has let new corpsmembers flourish and it fosters newfound passions for the environment and conservation.
As a crew supervisor, I have gotten to work on several different projects with FOSC, and it brings me great joy each time I go to give back to the Oakland community."
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Mary Woodall | Assistant Conservation Corp Supervisor - Civicorps
"Sausal Creek is an amazing wilderness in the heart of Oakland. And one that offers real habitat restoration opportunities!
From stabilizing slopes to restoring native plants, from removing litter to educating children, there are so many ways to contribute."
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David Jaber | Climate Strategist and FOSC Volunteer
"I led a hike tour and training in Dimond Park with FOSC, and we get kids from all over the city. It’s amazing because it’s sometimes their first exposure to nature, and it’s right in their backyard.
The training teaches them about the local environment, but also gives them teamwork opportunities."
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Leo Theus | Case Manager - Youth Employment Partnership
Words from our Community Partners
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Friend,
This past year has been one of growth, reconfiguration, exploration, and action for Friends of Sausal Creek. We saw several major successes in 2023, from outplanting a record number of native plants to expanding our community of volunteers and advancing several environmental conservation proposals forward with Oakland leaders.
This is all, of course, thanks to our volunteer and donor community. Your dedication, contributions, and hard work continue to bring life back to the watershed, and we are sincerely grateful for the endless support.
As we close out the year, we reflect on the beauty of the Sausal Creek Watershed – the sound of water in Dimond Park, the majesty of the redwoods in Fern Ravine, and the marine wildlife observed in the estuary. Please join us in reviewing the many ways FOSC has made an impact this year in protecting, restoring, and engaging with the watershed and its sacred natural resources.
Lisa Giordano
Executive Director | Friends of Sausal Creek
2023 Impact + Progress
OUTREACH
This year, we engaged new stewards online and in-person with the launch of a new website and the expansion of our community events program.
18 community events hosted
15% growth in subscribers and followers
ADVOCACY
We worked with elected officials and local government agencies to advance proposals for environmental protection and management in Oakland.
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CONSERVATION + RESTORATION
New restoration projects have begun in the lower watershed, and we’re continuing our work to conserve and protect native plants in Oakland’s parks.
3,625 native plants outplanted
16% growth in fruiting pallid manzanitas
EDUCATION
FOSC’s environmental education skyrocketed this year! New students joined us for lessons in the watershed, and we engaged Oaklanders in skills training for careers in the outdoors.
455 students on field trips
93% growth in student visits
SERVICE
Our volunteer engagement almost doubled in 2023, allowing us to significantly advance restoration and conservation projects throughout the watershed.
7,747 total service hours
43% growth in volunteer visits
2023 Financials
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Into the Future
For 2024, we have plans in the works to revitalize two urban parks in East Oakland, expand watershed awareness around the estuary, improve habitat and creek connectivity throughout the watershed, and triple the size and capacity of FOSC’s environmental education programming.
Thanks for a great year – we’re excited to move forward together!
Friends of Sausal Creek is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by U.S. law.
Our tax identification number is 91-2147216