Texas Ranger Jack Hays settled along the banks of Temescal Creek in 1852 and called his home “Fernwood.” Oaklanders have been attracted to this park-like enclave of hills and ravines ever since. This walk explores Fernwood from its earliest settlement to development in the 1920s as Oakland’s forested suburb. No sidewalks, wear comfortable shoes, a few moderate hills.
Meeting Location: In front of Montclair Branch Public Library, 1687 Mountain Blvd. (near Thornhill Dr.)
Tour Guide: Kathleen DiGiovanni
Fees: $15 Members / $20 Non-Members.
Accessibility Note: Oakland’s forested suburb. No sidewalks, wear comfortable shoes, a few moderate hills.
NOTES:
PLEASE MEET 15 MINUTES BEFORE listed time to allow for registration.
We kindly request you register in advance. In-person registration will be first-come-first-served on a space available basis. We cannot guarantee a spot will be available.
We offer fee waivers for limited income residents— just ask!
Comfortable walking shoes, sun hats and sunscreen are recommended. Bring water.
Vouchers, limited-income accommodation, and any other special circumstances should be handled in advance. Please email info@oaklandheritage.org for assistance
Check your email the morning of the walking tour for any last-minute changes, clarifications, or cancellation.
If you need assistance navigating Eventbrite, please reach out to us at info@oaklandheritage.org or call our office at (510) 763-9218 and we’d be happy to help.
Due to the ongoing presence of Covid, we will continue to make masks available. If you feel ill the day of a tour, please stay home. If after a tour, you become ill and test positive, please let us know as soon as possible. Thank you.
Please check out the profiles of tour leaders. We are grateful for their skill and generosity.
These tours support Oakland Heritage Alliance, a non-profit that tells Oakland’s story through walking tours, lectures, newsletters and advocacy. We welcome volunteers and new members!