The Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed group is hosting a free public slide show on local scenery and wildlife next Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Brentwood Community Center from 11 a.m. to noon. Local photographers (including award winners) and a wildlife biologist will display and discuss their best shots of local landscapes and creatures. Local artists are encouraged to bring and display their artwork inspired by our local area.

The Friends group hopes this event will do several things: First, that it will highlight the natural beauty of our area, especially for newer residents who aren't familiar with the surrounding countryside. Secondly, that the event will kindle an interest in watershed and nature art, and encourage interaction between the artistic community and the environmentally minded community and result in further activities, events and projects with nature art themes. Finally, now that the East Contra Costa Habitat Conservation Plan has been enacted, the slide show will let people see some of the beautiful landscapes and rare species of animals and plants that this plan can potentially protect.

The community center is a short walk from the Farmers' Market, so get your produce and come over for a brief feast for the eyes. You'll go on your way cool, rested and with a new appreciation for the Marsh Creek Watershed of East Contra Costa. For more information, or if you're a local artist who'd like to contribute to the exhibition, contact Mary Grim at 672-6522, ext. 113, or e-mail mary.grim@ca.nacdnet.net.

The Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed are local people interested in the health of our local ecosystem. The group raises awareness about the value to our community of Marsh Creek and the natural watershed. The group's other interests include restoring local salmon runs, protecting water quality in Marsh Creek and the Delta, encouraging the use of native plants, and promoting the enjoyment and enhancement of our creeks and trails. For more information on the group, or to see the slide show flyer with sample photos, visit www.fomcw.org. The Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed are always looking for more friends.

By the way, the FOMCW group is also seeking a new coordinator. This is a part-time paid position to help support the group's activities. If you care about Marsh Creek and are interested in protecting or restoring the local environment, contact Sarah Puckett at spuckett@n-h-i.org or (415) 693-3000, ext. 113. Or stop by the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed table at the Marsh Creek Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 15 in Creekside Park in Brentwood.