Gardening Party in People's Park (plus history tour with Terry Compost!)

People's Park is a living legacy. In springtime 1969, hundreds of people came together to turn a junk heap into a park and community garden. Because the land was considered "private property," the gardeners were met with intense oppression.

In May of '69, the Park was fenced off and the Alameda County Sheriff's Department went on an hours-long shooting spree down Telegraph Ave, wounding dozens and killing James Rector. The National Guard occupied Berkeley for about a month, and helicopters flew overhead announcing curfews, occasionally dropping tear gas upon hospitals and picnicking school children.

Decades of struggle followed, and thanks to the efforts of many park lovers and urban gardeners, the Park was reclaimed by the people. Today it is the longest running People's Land Occupation in the United States.

But the Park's vibrancy is only as great as the care we put into it. That's why we're getting together for a gardening party in People's Park this Sunday!

In the tradition of user-development, folks will work together in a self-guided way, doing whatever type of work their inspiration leads them to. *What to do you want to see in People's Park?* Follow your bliss. Plant some tomatoes or maybe build a bench.

At 2pm, eco-historian Terry Compost will provide a guided tour of the park, sharing the history & ecology of the plants that dwell in the Park for all who wish to hear.

The future of People's Park is always uncertain. Come down and reclaim the Park for yourself. Make real the landscape of your dreams.

Schedule:
Noon - bring gardening tools, seeds, creativity, and prepare to get dirty!
2pm - Historical tour of People's Park ecology with Terry Compost
Nightfall - clean up and admire the fruits of our labor