eNews: What's Happening in Your Regional Parks

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September 2023

NEWS & FEATURES

Start Off the Fall Season in Regional Parks

A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA B. LANDRETH

September brings a rush of fall events and celebratory observations in the Park District. Read on to learn about fall events hosted in our parks, such as the CA Coastal Cleanup Day, UN International Day of Peace, Gathering of the Ohlone Peoples, and All Abilities Day.

Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place annually from September 15 to October 15. The Park District will honor this festive month with many programs.

With wildfire safety paramount at this time of year, when the hot, dry Diablo winds blow in from the east, please be aware of fire warnings and follow all fire safety rules when in your parks.

See you on the trails and in the visitor centers in your Regional Parks.

Workforce Development Programs Increasing Benefits for Local Youth

The Park District is continuing and expanding its youth workforce development programs to support wildfire prevention efforts and trails maintenance work while increasing benefits for Bay Area at-risk youth and the greater community. More info.

New Doolittle Bay Trail Project Brings Improved Safety and Access to MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline

On August 18, 2023, the Park District, along with special guests and state and local elected officials and agencies, celebrated the opening of the San Francisco Bay Trail Gap and Improvements Project at Oakland’s Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline. The ribbon-cutting event officially opened a newly-paved section of the SF Bay Trail and a renovated boat launch and staging area. More info | Ribbon-cutting video

Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 15 through Oct. 15

Join us in commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. Join us for programs and events celebrating the contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. Programs include virtual fitness Zumba classes, naturalist-led activities at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch on Saturday, September 16, and a Hispanic Heritage Month Hike at Garin Regional Park in Fremont on Sunday, September 17. More info.

Briones Pilot Project Trail Restoration Update

Trail restoration is underway as part of the Briones Pilot Project, which is testing trail use strategies to enhance the visitor experience, improve trail safety, and protect wildlife and habitat. Restoring illegally built “bootleg" trails is a key component of the project. On designated Dig Days, volunteers have helped maintain and improve select new trails, restore habitat, and remove invasive and hazardous plants (thistle, poison oak, etc.). Sign up for the Sept. 9 Dig Day.

September-October Regional in Nature Activity Guide is Out!

Enjoy the latest issue of Regional in Nature, packed with seasonal programs and activities in the parks, features on the Doolittle SF Bay Trail expansion, wildfire safety, Black Diamond's Somersville story, pelicans, pumpkins, and much more! View Regional in Nature Activity Guide.

Calving Season Advisory: Admire from a Distance

Calving season runs August to October in

Regional Parks. Be mindful of interactions that can create a danger to both calves and people. Calving season tips for visitors:

• Do not approach or touch baby calves. Do not take selfies with calves.

• Do not get between a mother cow and its calf.

• Do not worry if you see a calf by itself. The mother cow is usually nearby and will return.

• Leash your dog around cattle and keep them away from calves.

If you see a calf that is distressed, injured, or sick, please report it to park staff at (510) 881-1833. More info.

IN THE PARKS

Gathering of the Ohlone Peoples at Coyote Hills

Visitors at the annual Gathering of the Ohlone Peoples at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont can connect with and gain a deeper understanding of the local Indigenous Peoples past, present, and future. Join Ohlone Peoples from diverse tribal communities as they share their living history through music, song, dance, and

stories. Together, we'll learn, celebrate, and honor the first stewards of this land. Sunday, October 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. More info.

All Abilities Day at Big Break Regional Shoreline

Explore nature at your own pace and in your own way at All Abilities Day hosted by Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. This program is inclusive for all abilities, offering something for everyone. Travel along paved trails to visit stations to listen to birds, draw wildlife, sit on benches to scan the water, or paint the view. Hands-on experiences, American Sign Language and Spanish interpreters on site, indoor and outdoor options, and wheelchair accessible. Tuesday, October 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. More info.

Coming Soon: Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access Improvements

The Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access Improvements Project is underway at Fremont's Coyote Hills Regional Park on 300 acres that was donated to the Regional Parks Foundation and then passed through to the Park District for management and expansion of Coyote Hills. The project restores wildlife habitat and provides balanced public access to approximately 200 acres of parkland, including seasonal wetlands, grassland, riparian forest, and oak savanna.

New visitor facilities include an additional 100-space parking area, picnic tables, restrooms, water fountains, new and improved trails, wildlife overlooks, and educational exhibits and signage. The project is expected to open in late 2023/early 2024.

Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline: Partial Closure

A portion of Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline park will be closed from Tuesday, September 5 through November 2023 for irrigation replacement work. All facilities within the closed area including the parking lot, restrooms, playgrounds and picnic areas, will be unavailable during this time. The new irrigation system will save water by significantly improving watering efficiency in the park. Map of closed area.

Access to the Pickleweed Trail, Grangers’ Wharf Trail, and Killdeer Trail between Grangers’ Wharf and Pickleweed will remain open during construction. Alternative parking and restrooms are available at Grangers’ Wharf and Waterfront Park. Park map.

IN THE COMMUNITY

UN International Day of Peace at Lake Chabot: Saturday, Sept. 16

Join us for an uplifting program of music, peace messages, poetry, and a lakeside walk at the UN International Day of Peace event on Saturday, September 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lake Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley. This year’s theme is Actions for Peace, a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace. More info.

Teens Share Stories of Park History Learned in Youth Program

In August 2023, with support and guidance from Park District staff, 10 high school youth from People Who Care participated in the District’s Thurgood Marshall Youth Development Program, which aims to connect youth to the Regional Parks, learn about the location’s history, and create content to share stories and future possibilities of the parkland. Participants came from communities around Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50 in Concord. More info.

The Thurgood Marshall Youth Development Program was funded by the Regional Parks Foundation. Support Foundation programs.

California Coastal Cleanup Day: Saturday, Sept. 23

Join over 70,000 volunteers at the 39th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 23 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Help clear debris and remove trash from California waterways, including lakes, creeks, rivers, and shorelines. Lend a hand and earn a Coastal Cleanup patch or sticker. Special prizes for the most unusual trash collected! Choose from any of the Park District's shoreline and lake cleanup sites. In partnership with the California Coastal Commission. More info | Cleanup Registration

Walk and Talk with Rep DeSaulnier: Saturday, Sept. 23 at Castle Rock/Diablo Foothills

Community members are invited to enjoy a morning hike with Representative Mark DeSaulnier on Saturday, September 23 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area in Walnut Creek. The naturalist-led hike promises spectacular views and observations of wildlife along the trail. Hike meet-up is at the Stagecoach Picnic Area. More info.

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

Garin Apple Festival: Saturday, Sept. 9, 10-2

Ochard-inary adventures await! Take a bite of history as you explore the historic apple orchard and celebrate the beauty of nature at the annual Garin Apple Festival in Fremont. Try your hand at making ice cream, enjoy live music from Muleskinner Stomp, create nature crafts, and join Bob the Blacksmith for a live demonstration. More info.

September Movie Nights at Tilden (Berkeley) and Ardenwood (Fremont)

Tilden Family Movie Night

Saturday, September 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Join us for a free showing of the Super Mario Bros. Movie. Arrive early to secure a good seat on the lawn. Bring a flashlight, warm clothes, and a blanket or lawn chairs. No pets. Rain cancels.

Ardenwood Historic Farm Movie Night

Friday, September 29, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Thinking of a great way to spend the evening outdoors with your loved ones? Then join us for a free showing of the hit movie Nightmare Before Christmas! Arrive early to secure a good seat on the lawn.

Bring a flashlight, warm clothes, and a blanket or lawn chairs. No pets. Rain cancels.

Mine Open House:

Sept. 30/Oct. 1 from 10:30-3:30

Explore the underground at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch during our free mine tours. Discover the toils, triumphs, and tragedies embedded beneath the surface of these hills as we explore a replica coal mine.

Must be 7+ years old to attend the mine tour. Hard hats will be provided. Please be prepared for hot temperatures outside, and cool temperatures underground.

Mine tours are free and will be offered on a regular basis throughout the day. No advance registration; tours will be booked in person on a first come, first served basis. More info.