Discover the Heart of Community Building
MariLark – Building Community
Join us as we cultivate connections and foster growth in the Berkeley hills.
Our Journey and Mission
At MariLark, our mission is to weave together the threads of community, creating a tapestry of support and growth. From the sunlit coastlines of California to the serene landscapes of Maine, our journey has taught us the value of living in a close-knit village. We are committed to nurturing a sense of belonging and shared purpose, one seed at a time.
Our Community Services
Community Gardening
Engage with neighbors and cultivate a shared green space that nourishes both body and soul.
Workshops & Events
Participate in hands-on workshops and events designed to educate and inspire community members.
Local Art Collaborations
Support and showcase local artists through collaborative projects that enrich our community’s cultural landscape.
Upcoming Community Events
Garden Workshop Extravaganza
Join us for a hands-on gardening workshop where you’ll learn the art of sustainable planting and community building.
April 15, 2024
FREE
Community Potluck Picnic
Bring your favorite dish and enjoy a day filled with food, fun, and friendship at our community picnic.
May 20, 2024
FREE
Local Artisans Fair
Support local artists and discover unique handmade crafts at our annual fair.
June 10, 2024
FREE
Summer Solstice Celebration
Celebrate the longest day of the year with music, dance, and community spirit.
June 21, 2024
FREE
What Our Community Says
“MariLark has transformed our neighborhood into a vibrant, connected community. The events are always inspiring and bring us closer together.”
Jane D.
“I never knew gardening could be so fulfilling until I joined MariLark. It’s not just about plants; it’s about people and growth.”
Michael R.
“The sense of belonging and support I’ve found here is unmatched. MariLark truly makes a difference in our lives.”
Emily S.
Latest From Our Blog
Tomato tasting 2018
It was our sixth annual tomato tasting and each year it gets better and better. A number of first timers came so I expect it will continue to attract more and more people to this unique and fun event. The 2018 tomato tasting happened to fall on my birthday this year,…
Hello and welcome to MariLark!
Welcome to Marilark Where we are building community one seed at a time! This is a special place where my roots go deep. I am the founder of the modern MariLark, but I am not the one who picked the lot, designed the home and finally built it here in what was known as…
My Iowa Story
My Iowa story starts in the summer of 1970 during a visit to my Grandparents in Clinton, Iowa, a ton on the banks of the M ississippi River.
Historic MariLark
MariLark was built in 1941 by Marie and Larkin Smith, calling it MariLark soon after completing the construction. Back then the neighborhood was like being in the woods and was called Berkeley Woods before being incorporated into the City of Berkeley in the late…
The Little Red Barn
Launching a movement! Rarely in life do you exceed your expectations and the launch of the Community Seed Bank (CSB), otherwise known as the little red barn, was one of those occasions. In the planning stages for years, the seed bank and the adjoining farm…
Ben the Painter
I met Ben Nardinelli about three years ago at a San Francisco Bay/East Bay Urban Farm tour. The farm tour, set up by Ruby at the Institute for Urban Homesteading, visited a number of urban farms in the Berkeley and Oakland border area. We were stopped at Wanda…
Join Us in Building Community
Be a part of MariLark’s mission to foster community spirit in the Berkeley hills. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, attending our vibrant events, or staying informed through our newsletter, your involvement makes a difference. Together, let’s cultivate a thriving community.