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The Friends of Albany Hill works to preserve the special nature and open space in Albany, home to many native species of wildflowers, ferns, shrubs, and trees. We also support the Monarch Butterfly Migration located on the hill during the winter months.  Contact us to get involved in gatherings on the hill.

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Winter Activities on Albany Hill

Friends of Albany Hill completed mural work at the Children’s Center, 720 Jackson St. The AUSD board meeting on January 10, 2023 spotlighted the mural with a short slide show and the history and purpose presented by artist Carole Fitzgerald. (Watch the presentation; starts at 10:33)

The monarch butterfly count was 600 at Thanksgiving and 120 at New Year’s. This is the largest count in 5 years and was seen by many for the first time. They will hang around until the rains cease around mid-February. They will have moved down the Western and Southwestern slopes now for protection. If you are adventurous, you can follow deer trails and find the cluster. Look up!

Bird nesting will begin in February. Watch for bird walks with Ralph Pericoli.

Days of Nature and Culture On Albany Hill

Stay tuned for details about future gatherings on Albany Hill. Contact us to get involved in gatherings on the hill.

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Videos

We’ve just added three Albany Hill history videos documenting the Celebrating on Albany Hill, March 25, 1995 event. (The video links also appear in the History menu.)

• Nature Walk with Dr. Barbara Ertter, on Albany Hill
• Urban Forestry Grant Presentation by Carole Fitzgerald, Friends of Albany Hill
• Land Purchase Dedication by Jane Hart, the Trust for Public Land, for Albany Hill

A more recent video lecture by Dr. Barbara Ertter is here:
Dr. Barbara Ertter – Reflections on Albany Hill: An Island in an Urban Sea
Video presentation from the AlbanyKALB

Plants, Birds and Butterflies on Albany Hill

The Friends of Albany Hill presents extensive information pages on the plant species, bird species and butterfly (lepidoptera) species live in the diverse Albany Hills forests and meadows. It’s a real opportunity for local residents to learn about Bay Area nature, both the beauty and the science.