During the past year, the "Friends of Montclair RR Trail" have picked up steam. Neighbors and the City of Oakland got together to establish priorities for this historical railroad bed and trail - and have become an official group.

** You're invited to the First Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Montclair RR Trail, on Saturday, April 10 at 12:30 pm - at the Montclair Recreation Center. **

More About The Friends...

The Friends of Montclair RR Trail was formed to maintain, preserve and enhance the wild and natural character of the Montclair RR Trail. We are a community-based group of trail users, neighbors and supporters who value this unique trail and wish to create a lasting natural legacy for future generations to enjoy.

We provide an extra pair of eyes and additional hands when needed, augmenting Parks and Recreation resources to keep our Trail clean, safe and natural for all who use it.

We are a dues-based organization for households and other community supporters. Dues support a modest organizational infrastructure of volunteers (e.g., printing, mailing) and provide seed money for fund-raising and purchase materials used on trail (seeds, bulbs, placards.)

Why Join?

Membership allows a strong voice and support for targeted programs. Here are six very good reasons:

1. Be a voice for the trail, on behalf of users and as an advocate with the City of Oakland.
2. Participate in development of educational programs to teach our children to become future stewards.
3. Contribute ideas, and labor, to the continuing naturalization of the trail, through eradication of invasive species and plantings of native plants.
4. Suggest solutions for improvements, such as signage, drainage, clean-up activities and graffiti removal.
5. Alert the community and City to safety issues.
6. Become part of a growing and thriving network of community support activities in Montclair.

History of the Railroad Trail:

The Montclair Railroad Trail, stretching through Shepherd Canyon, was built on the rail bed of the historic Sacramento Northern Railway. From 1912 to 1957 passenger and freight trains ran between Oakland and Chico.

In the 1970s community action stopped the construction of proposed highway 77, which would have replaced the rail bed with a multi-lane freeway. The trail was created instead.

Today, the Montclair RR Trail provides a beautiful natural setting for hiking, bicycling and dog walking with access to Montclair Village, and the residential neighborhoods of Shepherd Canyon and Montclair.

Join The Friends:

There are nominal annual dues, which are $25/household or $50/business. Checks are payable to FOMRRT, and may be mailed to 5837 Snake Rd, Oakland CA 94611. Also you may reach them: MontclairRRTrail@gmail.com.

Still want to learn more about the Friends? Please check out the drafted bylaws about the group: Click bylaws here