Pacific Tree Frog

Harland Hand [1922-1998], inspired by the principles of fine art and rock formations in the High Sierra, designed this hillside garden with breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay.

Using concrete, curving lines and dramatic color combinations, Hand created an emotionally evocative space that houses an extraordinary plant collection.

El Cerrito is known for its frog population, and the Harland Hand Memorial Garden is an important breeding ground for the Pacific Tree Frog, aka Pacific Chorus Frog, or Pseudacris regilla, a very small but vocal creature that breeds in some of the garden's 20 ponds.

These little frogs, the size of a quarter to a half dollar, fill the night with their calls during the mating season. At twilight one might spot them on lily pads, calling females to their watery realm.