MARCH 2017
Your monthly EBRPD news & updates
Wildflowers, spring festivals, trail updates and summer day camps.
Native Wildflowers are Blooming

Spring is when our parks go Technicolor with wildflowers. Bring your camera, sketchbook, binoculars - whatever suits your taste to fully enjoy the magnificent displays around the East Bay.

Because the inland portion of the East Bay warms up sooner, wildflowers bloom there first. In March, start exploring Round Valley, Morgan Territory, Black Diamond and Brushy Peak to see lush hillsides of poppies, larkspurs and blue-eyed grass. Contra Loma is known for its fields of the very rare but beautiful Fritillaria agrestis. Head to Diablo Foothills to see another rare and sweet-smelling gem, the Fritillaria lilacea.

Continue to letter from EBRPD General Manager Robert E. Doyle
Doyle GM pic update
 Park & Trail Closure Updates
While we hope the recent sunny days will continue, please note winter rainstorms greatly impacted many of our parks and trails with flooding, fallen trees, erosion, mudslides and other damage. Flood damage is extensive and in some areas may require many months to repair. Be cautious on the trails - and visit the EBRPD website or call before heading out.

Check www.ebparks.org/closure for updates, or call us at 1 (888) EBPARKS.

As of March 1st, Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore remains closed due to flooding and associated damage. 

Other storm-related trail updates as of March 1st:

Alameda Creek Regional Trail
The Alameda Creek Unpaved Trail from the Bart Tracks downstream to Isherwood staging may experience closures due to trail maintenance from Feb 27-March 2, between 9am and 3pm. Please expect detours and delays during this timeframe.

Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Several trails are closed due to storm damage. Plan your visit accordingly.

Coyote Hills
The boardwalk, observation dock, Hoot Hollow Picnic Area, Ohlone Village site, and Chochenyo Trail are closed due to flooding.

Garin/Dry Creek Regional Parks
The Chabot-Garin Trail from Llama Lane to Stonebrae Radio towers is closed due to storm damage.

Kennedy Grove
Sobrante Ridge Trail and Lower Seafoam Trails are closed.

Lake Chabot
Multiple trail closures, please check online.

Leona Canyon
Main trail closed for repairs through March 8.

Redwood Regional Park
Closures at Stream Trail, Bridle Trail, East Ridge Trail, Phillips Loop Trail. Trails are impassable due to several downed trees and trail washouts. See details online.

Shadow Cliffs
The Lake Trail, South Arroyo Trail, the Arroyo Del Valle bridge and the North Arroyo Trail are closed due to storm damage.

Wildcat Canyon
Wildcat Peak trail and Rifle Range Road trail closed due to landslides.

bouquet_wedding_red.jpg
Wedding Fairs
Getting married? Come to the Brazilian Room in Tilden Regional Park for our annual wedding fair. Meet florists, caterers and other vendors while you sample treats and enjoy live music. Tuesday, March 7. Free! REGISTER
Johnny Appleseed Day
Discover the story of American Folk hero Johnny Appleseed, learn some apple history and taste a variety of delicious apples! Tree planting, apple cider pressing, and crafts for kids will round out the day. Sunday, March 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. Winter entry fee applies. DETAILS

sheep
Sheep Shearing Day
Spring has sprung and it is time for our sheep's annual "haircut". Watch as the farm's sheep get sheared; then, try your hand at wool carding and see the transformation from fiber to yarn at the spinning wheel. You can even make your own wooly lamb to take home. Fee: $6/adults. $5/seniors (62+), $4/children (4-17 yrs.), 3 yrs. & under free. Free Parking.  Ardenwood Historic Farm.
DETAILS
tartan day by Allan Mendez
Tartan Day Scottish Fair
Celebrate Tartan Day with music, Scottish dancing, bagpipes, handmade crafts, historical re-enactments, and Highland athletics. Local Scottish clans and societies will share their rich culture and colorful heritage. Children can find magic and fantasy in the Children's Glen and might just see a fairy or dragon. Enjoy a meat pie or other Scottish treat. Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ardenwood Historic Farm. Special Event Fee $5-$12. Advance Tickets Available.

day camp kids
Register for Summer Day Camps
  Registration is open for this summer's outdoor day camps, held in Oakland, Hayward, Antioch, Richmond and Fremont. Just $200 for a week of outdoor fun, ecology, field trips, and more with our recreation leaders.  Financial aid is available! Ages 5 - 12. Older youth ages 13-17 may apply to be a Leader-in-Training. DETAILS

Enjoy the Benefits of Membership
Spring is a great time to get outdoors! Make your trips to the Regional Parks even easier with a Regional Parks Foundation membership. You'll enjoy free day-use parking, free swimming, free admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm (on non-event days), camping discounts and more.

New this year, membership now includes a dog pass for up to three dogs (increase from 1), and a horse/boat trailer permit.
Become a Regional Parks Foundation Member.

new RPF logo
Featured Activities

Saturday, March 4, 7:00 - 8:00 a.m., Dawn Chorus Yoga, Big Break Visitor Center

Saturday, March 4, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m., Las Trampas Hike

Saturday, March 3, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Spring Gardening, Ardenwood Historic Farm

Monday, March 6, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., Citizen Science: Count Wood Duck Eggs! Shadow Cliffs. Register by March 4.

Saturday, March 11, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Spring Forward for Frogs, Sunol.

Sunday, March 12, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Wild Edibles and Plant Uses, Garin.

Saturday, March 11, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m., Magic Microscopic Worlds, Tilden Nature Area

Tuesday, March 14, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m., Sea Squirts, Crab Cove. Ages 3 to 5, registration required.

Saturday, March 18, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m., Wonders of Wetlands, Coyote Hills.

Discover even more fun! Search online by park, date or other keywords. Or browse through a PDF of our bi-monthly activity guide, Regional in Nature.

Photo of Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline: Marc Crumpler

  East Bay Regional Park District |1 (888) EBPARKS | info@ebparks.org | www.ebparks.org