EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT NEWS | |
|
Celebrate Black History Month With Us
A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA LANDRETH
| |
Join us in celebrating Black History Month in February. The Park District's Black History Month activities and programs honor the rich legacy of African American history in the parks with stories of contributions of individuals and groups through our archives and naturalist programs.
As part of the 90th Anniversary "Explore Your Parks" Adventure Series, join naturalists in February at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park in Concord for Celebrating Black History Walks. Tours will explore the southern end of the new Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50, where attendees can learn about the natural and human history of the land. Be sure to register in advance for the tours on our activity calendar.
Be sure to check out all of our exciting 90th anniversary events and activities. Celebrate with us all year long! Enjoy your East Bay Regional Parks.
|  | Lunar New Year on February 10th signifies hope and new beginnings. Many communities in the Bay Area celebrate Lunar New Year to usher in luck and prosperity. Happy New Year to all! | Park District Awarded Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting | The East Bay Regional Park has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the District Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its annual comprehensive financial report for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. This recurring award and recognition exemplify the Park District’s commitment to excellence, transparency, and accountability within our agency. More info. | Tilden Environmental Education Center Replacement Project | The Park District has launched community engagement efforts as part of the Tilden Environmental Education Center (EEC) Replacement Project. Built in the early 1970s, the Tilden EEC is outdated and in need of major structural and functional changes. After careful assessment, the District has determined that replacement, rather than rehabilitation, is necessary. Join the next community Zoom meeting to discuss design options, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. More info. | Staying Safe During and After Seasonal Storms | Strong storm systems have brought hazardous winds and rain to the Bay Area this month. Even after the storms subside, please exercise caution in parks and on trails. Be mindful of potential hazards, including highly saturated/muddy ground, mudslides, and downed trees and branches. Stay safe, exercise caution when visiting Regional Parks, and check our Alerts and Closures webpage before heading out. | |
Special 90th Anniversary "Explore Your Parks" Adventure Series Program at Celebrating Black History Walk | |
Join special guests and naturalists on February 11th at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park - Home of the Port Chicago 50 in Concord for a 90th anniversary "Explore Your Parks" Adventure Series Program. Free event. Registration is required. More Info.
Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Celebrating Black History Walk with Special 90th Anniversary Presentation at start of program. Register for Event.
| Youth Job Fairs Highlight Job Opportunities at the Park District | |
The Park District's annual Youth Job Fairs are designed to raise awareness of employment opportunities for youth in the East Bay. This year, the District is hosting two youth job fairs, one in person and one online.
In-Person Youth Job Fair
Saturday, February 24, 2024
10:00am – 1:00pm
Temescal Beach House in Oakland
Catch a shuttle from Rockridge BART
Virtual Youth Job Fair
Saturday, March 2, 2024
10:30am – noon
Zoom login: ebparks.zoom.us/j/83434622673
Visit the Careers for Youth and Students webpage to learn more about the positions being offered for 2024.
| Park'n It Day Camp Registration Now Opens February 6th | Park’n It Day Camp is a traditional summer day camp program for kids ages 5-12 that takes place Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm in various East Bay Regional Parks. Camps feature hands-on experiences under the care of our highly-trained staff of recreation leaders, lifeguards, and naturalists. Registration for Park’n It Day Camp is open now. More Info. | |
McCosker Creek Restoration and Public Access Project Opening Spring 2024 | The Park District is excited to announce that the largest creek restoration project in the District’s history is finishing up at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. The public will be able to access to the area starting April 2024. More info. | Castle Rock Area of Mt. Diablo State Park Closed for Peregrine Falcon Nesting Season | For the protection of the American peregrine falcon, the Castle Rock area of Mount Diablo State Park is closed to visitors annually from February 1st to July 31st. Although the rock formations, known as Castle Rock, are in Mt. Diablo State Park, most visitors reach them through Diablo Foothills Regional Park. This protected species is highly territorial and sensitive to disturbance, especially during nesting season. No other portions of the park are affected. | |
Opening Soon: New Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access Project | A nearly completed restoration project is coming soon to Coyote Hills, expanding the park by approximately 25 percent. The Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access Project (Patterson Ranch) was made possible by the largest ever land donation to the Park District and will provide public access and restore habitat on approximately 170 acres of parkland. The project is expected to open in 2024. More info. | |
Regional Parks Foundation 2023 Impact | Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, more than 11,000 children, youth, and underserved community members enjoyed outdoor education and recreation in East Bay Regional Parks last year. The Foundation is proud to share this snapshot of its 2023 impact and extend a heartfelt thank you to our donors and members. More info. | |
The Great Backyard Bird Count | |
Join millions of people worldwide February 16-19, 2024 for the Great Backyard Bird Count! Report your observations from a computer or download an app to your phone. If you are new to the Great Backyard Bird Count, download the free Merlin Bird ID app to participate. Experienced birders who have participated before can download the eBird app for reporting. Step outside this weekend to observe, count and enjoy birds and report your findings until midnight of Feb. 21.
Great Backyard Bird Count Programs at Big Break
Sat Feb. 17 and Sun Feb 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Bring binoculars/spotting scope if you have them, but there some available to loan. Free drop-in program, meet at the Visitor Center.
| |
Winter Walk at Carquinez Strait | |
Join us on Friday, February 23 from 9 a.m. to noon for a 90th Anniversary "Explore Your Parks" Adventure Program activity at Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline. Take in the spectacular views of Carquinez Strait
and look for signs of spring’s approach along this rolling, paved trail. Heavy rain cancels. Drop-in program; no registration is required. More info.
| Regional Parks Botanic Garden Plant Adaptation to Habitat Tour: Feb. 25 | |
This engaging and educational event at the Botanic Garden will cover diverse California habitats, including sea bluffs, mountains, and temperate rainforests, where the adaptability of plants to different environments will be on display. The tour is designed with young children in mind, but is open to participants of all ages. All are welcome!
Plant Adaptation to Habitat Tour
Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Meet in front of the Botanic Garden Visitor Center. Drop-in event. Rain cancels. More info.
| |
Lake Chabot Walk: Get to Know Black Conservationists | In honor of Black History Month, join us at Lake Chabot Regional Park on Saturday, February 24 from 10-11:30 a.m. for a short scenic walk as we discuss the work of Black conservationists protecting wetlands and beyond. All ages welcome, parent participation is required. Parking fees may apply. Meet in front of the Lake Chabot Marina and Café. More info. | |
Connecting Parks to People | | | | |
