John Garber Park

Garber Park is a 13-acre wildland park located on the south slope of Claremont Canyon near the Berkeley-Oakland border in California. The park, owned by the City of Oakland, is named after John Garber, a prominent 19th-century attorney who once owned the land as part of his estate.

The park features a diverse ecosystem with significant stands of native vegetation, including big leaf maple, California buckeyes, regenerating coast live oak, and typical understory found in woodland forests. Harwood Creek meanders through the park during winter and spring, adding to its natural beauty.

Garber Park offers approximately one mile of hiking trails that wind through the preserve. The main loop trail gently rises from the forest floor into the surrounding hills, providing visitors with a family-friendly hiking experience. Along the trails, hikers can discover various points of interest, including a 1920s-era Fireplace Plaza, which serves as a reminder of the park's historical significance.

The park serves as an ideal outdoor classroom for nature enthusiasts and students alike. It encompasses several ecosystems, from riparian to meadow, and hosts a variety of bird species. Local organizations, such as the Garber Park Stewards, actively work to maintain and restore the park's natural habitat, organizing regular work parties to remove invasive species and improve trail conditions.

Garber Park is accessible from dawn to dusk, offering visitors a peaceful retreat in the heart of the urban East Bay. While the park is primarily used for its picturesque hiking trails, it also provides opportunities for nature observation, environmental education, and community stewardship activities.