September 2020 |Volume 29 | Issue 9
Dear Open Space Supporters,
Wow! August was something else with the creek going dry, extended heat waves, lightning storms and fires burning all over California, including in Sycamore Grove Park! You can read more about the August 16 "Arroyo Fire" in this month's article. The park has reopened as of August 29 but is subject to closure for extreme fire danger throughout the dry season. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated about closures.
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As the sun sets earlier, our park closing time changes accordingly.
Here are upcoming operating hours for Sycamore Grove and Holdener Park:
Sept. 1 - Sept. 4: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sept 5 - Sept 23: 7:00 am - 7:30 pm
Sept. 24 - Oct 13: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
As a reminder, all visitors need to exit Sycamore Grove Park by the posted closing time, even if they do not have a car in the Sycamore Grove parking lots. At Holdener, the parking lot closes at sunset but the multi-use trail is open until 10:00 pm.
In accordance with Alameda County Guidelines, we are offering outdoor, socially-distanced, ranger-led programs. In order to limit group size we are requiring RSVPs for all programs. Scroll down to see upcoming programs and RSVP to reserve a spot for your family.
Lastly, although wildfires are scary and can negatively affect our homes and our health, we'd like to make sure you know that carefully managed fires can benefit our local ecosystems. Read this month's article to learn more.
Sincerely,
The Valley Wilds and LARPD Open Space Staff
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Ponding USA (Free! RSVP)
Saturday, Sept. 5 10:00 am
Forget surfing, everybody's going ponding today! Join Ranger Darren to beat the heat and explore the pond. After a short introduction, we will take nets and go hunting for the elusive critters (water bugs) hiding in the pond. Afterwards we will take a look at what we caught. Good for ages five and up. All ponders must wear water shoes. RSVP by calling (925) 960 2400 or emailing desgur@larpd.org.
Photo Credit: Lockhart Family
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The Road Less Traveled (Free! RSVP)
Saturday, September 12 10:00 am
Sycamore Grove Park, Wetmore Road Entrance (1051 Wetmore Road)
Join Ranger Danny and enjoy an easy walk along some less traveled single-track trails. Enjoy the feeling of being lost in nature though surrounded by the city and people. RSVP by calling (925) 960 2400 or emailing dhaberman@larpd.org.
Photo Credit: Amy Wolitzer
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Storytelling Campfire (Free! RSVP)
Saturday, September 12 7:00 pm
Sycamore Grove Park,
1051 Wetmore Road
Join Ranger Seth and friends as they tell their best, mostly true, stories from the outdoors. Funny stories, spooky stories and stories that teach a valuable lesson about the outdoors. We will sing, laugh, and, if you stay awake until the end, we will teach you the secret to making the perfect campfire s'more. Bring your favorite blanket, warm clothes and a chair if you don't want to sit on a concrete bench. This program is perfect for families and children of all ages. This program will be held in the gathering area behind the native garden. Please RSVP by calling the Ranger Office at (925) 960 2400 or emailing seddings@larpd.org
Photo Credit: Glen Florey
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Hawks (Free! RSVP)
Sunday, Sept. 13 2:00 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Nature Area Entrance
Join Ranger Vickie to explore different types of hawks and other raptors. We will start out with an introduction to the many different types of raptors and then take a short stroll through the park to try to find some to view. This is a beginner level program. All ages and abilities welcome. Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars or scopes if you'd like. Binoculars will be available to borrow. RSVP required by calling the Ranger Office at (925) 960 2400 or emailing veggert@larpd.org
Photo Credit: Polly Krauter
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Fall Birds (Free! RSVP)
Saturday, Sept. 19 9:00 am
Sycamore Grove Park, Arroyo Road Entrance (5049 Arroyo Road)
Join Ranger Eric on a mild morning stroll along the creek looking and listening for birds stretching their feathers in the morning light! Binoculars available to borrow. Cancelled if raining. RSVP required by calling the Ranger Office at (925) 960 2400 or emailing ewhiteside@larpd.org
Photo Credit: Glen Florey
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Spiders and their Kin (Free! RSVP)
Saturday, Sept. 19 2:00 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Reservable Picnic Area (5035 Arroyo Road)
They creep, they crawl, and they give many folks the heebee jeebees. They are the eight-legged animals of our world - spiders (and their relatives). Join Ranger Dawn to talk about these wonderful creatures. We will learn about some of the different types of spiders around the world and find out which are considered dangerous. There will be a few live specimens for us to look at. RSVP required by calling the Ranger Office at (925) 960 2400 or emailing dsoles@larpd.org
Photo Credit: Dawn Soles
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Mammals of the Ice Age (Free! RSVP)
Sunday, Sept. 20 2:00 pm
Sycamore Grove Park,
Reservable Picnic Area
Join Ranger Dan and Ranger Doug as we look at some of the truly "Mammoth" mammals that used to call California home. We will discuss the amazing adaptations that made the creatures of the ice age unique and what ultimately led to their demise. RSVP required by calling the Ranger Office at (925) 960 2400 or emailing dsousa@larpd.org
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September Sunset (Free! RSVP)
Sunday, Sept. 27 6:00 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Wetmore Road Entrance (1051 Wetmore Rd.)
Join Ranger Amy for an after-hours adventure. We'll enjoy the day giving way to evening as we stroll up to a hilltop to enjoy the sunset. Hopefully, we will see and hear nocturnal creatures starting the "night shift". On our way back, we will do some fun activities to exercise our senses in the dark. This four-mile hike is family-friendly, but strollers are not recommended. RSVP required by calling the Ranger Office at (925) 960 2400 or emailing awolitzer@larpd.org
Photo Credit: Amy Wolitzer
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Yoga In Sycamore Grove (Free! RSVP)
Saturday, October 3 7:30 am
Sycamore Grove Park
Arroyo Road Entrance (5049 Arroyo Road)
Namaste and welcome to Yoga in Sycamore Grove Park. Join Ranger Seth to experience yoga in nature as the park is waking up. If you are new to yoga this is the program for you. Allow the sounds of nature help sweep your stress away as you move through your yoga poses. RSVP by emailing seddings@larpd.org or calling (925) 960 2400.
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Fall Stroll (Free! RSVP)
Sunday, October 4 9:00 am
Sycamore Grove Park
Arroyo Road Entrance (5049 Arroyo Road)
Join Ranger Vickie for an easy two and a half mile walk along a part paved, part dirt path. This can be your chance to meet us and get familiar with the park, and we can look for wildlife along the way. Open to all. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Photo Credit: Amy Wolitzer
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All About Owls (Free! RSVP)
Sunday, October 4 2:00 pm
Arroyo Road Entrance (5049 Arroyo Road)
Come Join Ranger Doug as we discuss the amazing creatures that own the night sky…the owls. We will talk about their awesome adaptations and what makes them such proficient hunters. RSVP by emailing dsousa@larpd.org or calling (925) 960 2400.
Photo Credit: Amy Wolitzer
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Pumpkin Carving Campfire
(Free! RSVP)
Saturday, October 10 4:30 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Reservable Picnic Area (5035 Arroyo Road)
Join Ranger Dawn to celebrate the symbol of the Halloween season - the pumpkin! Bring a pumpkin (and carving tools if you have them) and we will carve our squashes into works of art, or horror (or both if you like). Carving stencils (and a few tools to borrow) will be provided. The BBQ will be ready if you would like to bring dinner to cook. After carving, we will sit around a campfire and hear the history of Halloween and enjoy some sing-a-longs. Hot chocolate and s'mores fixins' will be provided. RSVP by emailing dsoles@larpd.org or calling (925) 960 2400.
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Oaks and Acorns (Free! RSVP)
Sunday, October 11 2:00 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Reservable Picnic Area (5035 Arroyo Road)
Join Ranger Amy to learn about different oaks in Livermore and the acorns that they grow. We will discuss how California Indians made these nuts edible and taste acorn porridge! RSVP by emailing awolitzer@larpd.org or calling (925) 960 2400.
Photo Credit: Amy Wolitzer
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Sunset to Night Hike (Free! RSVP)
Saturday October 17 5:30 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Wetmore Road Entrance (1051 Wetmore Road)
Sycamore Grove has some of the best views of a Livermore sunset. Join Ranger Seth on a hike up to one of the most scenic views in Sycamore Grove to watch the sun go down, then continue with a night hike through the park. This will be a two-hour trip. RSVP by emailing seddings@larpd.org or calling (925) 960 2400.
Photo Credit: Amy Wolitzer
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Sycamore Grove's Coyotes (Free! RSVP)
Sunday, October 18 10:00 am
Sycamore Grove Park, Wetmore Road Entrance (1051 Wetmore Road)
Come join Ranger Dan on a hike while we talk about the coyotes that live in and around Sycamore Grove Park. Learn about some of the best hunters in North American and how their populations are continuing to grow despite an ever-changing environment. RSVP by emailing dthomas@larpd.org or calling (925) 960 2400.
Photo Credit: Sue Crow Griffin
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Autumn Amble (Free! RSVP)
Sunday, October 25 10:00 am
Sycamore Grove Park, Arroyo Road Entrance (5049 Arroyo Road)
The season is changing and the fall colors are too. Join Ranger Darren for an amble through the Nature Area as we (hopefully) observe the park's inhabitants getting ready for winter and discuss some of their survival strategies. This is about a two-mile walk on level ground good for ages 5 and up. Canceled if raining. RSVP by emailing dsegur@larpd.org or calling (925) 960 2400.
Photo Credit: Amy Wolitzer
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Special Halloween Program!
$10 per person, pre-reg req'd
Friday, October 30
3 Sessions: 6:30pm 7:45pm 8:30pm
Sycamore Grove Park,
1051 Wetmore Road
Rumors of Big Foot and Banshees and something roaming the creek! Join our Rangers (and awesome volunteers) tonight for a glimpse into the spookier side of Sycamore Grove and find out what these rumors are all about. For those who make it back this will be a journey of ~ 1.5 miles. Remember when you are signing up – the later it gets, the scarier the monsters. $10 per person – Ages 7 and up. Registration will open soon. Register at larpd.org or call (925) 373 5700 for more information.
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Early on the morning of August 16, 2020, Kristen Larrabee woke up to the sound of thunder. She looked at the clock - 4:44 am. Usually, she’d roll over and go back to sleep, but she was enticed by a flash of lightning she saw through the bedroom window. “How often do you get a lightning storm in California?” she thought, and put on her robe. Her husband, Rob, stayed in bed, sleepily gazing out the window towards the upper reaches of Sycamore Grove Park.
The view from the front porch was spectacular, but quickly became frightening when Kristen realized how close the storm was. She turned around to retreat to a more sheltered area, and heard Rob yell out, “Fire! Call 911!” Through sleepy eyes, he had seen a bolt of lightning hit the ground just a few hundred feet from their property line, near the top of Harrier Trail in Sycamore Grove Park.
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Photo by Kirk Williams
Kristen turned to look back at the grassland northwest of their house, and already there were flames the height of a car. Kristen quickly dialed 911. Her son Parker jumped into action, ensuring that gates were opened to allow firefighters quick access to the growing flames. Very soon, the wind was blowing in all directions and the fire was off and running, in multiple directions as well! Firefighters arrived and went right to work, but it was quickly apparent that fighting this fire was going to take time, and the Larrabee family was advised to evacuate. Kristen describes seeing a fire tunnel or fire tornado blazing up the hill towards the rocks above Valley View as they drove away from their house. [Mercury News has fantastic video of the blaze and a brief interview with Capt. Gary Owens of Alameda County Fire available on their YouTube channel.]
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Photo by Kirk Williams
Thankfully, their house did not burn but a good chunk of Sycamore Grove did. Rob’s sleepy view of the hillside and the Larrabee family’s quick response were surely major factors in facilitating the quick response from various fire agencies that kept this impressive blaze from becoming altogether catastrophic
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According to CalFire, approximately 178 acres burned before the “Arroyo Fire” was extinguished. Almost all of this acreage was in the upper part of Sycamore Grove. Starting from the top of Harrier trail, the fire burned all parts of Valley View trail, down the western slope, through the oak-filled canyon and up the next hillside to Quail Run Trail. At the bottom of the slope, the fire crossed Wagon Road Loop and made it as far as the lower part of the park, burning a few acres West of Kingfisher Crossing before it was contained.
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Map courtesy of CalFire
The area of the park that was hardest hit by the fire is near Wagon Road Loop Trail. For 120+ years, eucalyptus trees have loomed above a fairly flat meadow area. They were planted back in the late 1800s as a windbreak for a mansion that was never built on the 2,000 acre Olivina Estate founded by Julius Paul Smith in the 1880s.
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Photos by Ranger Amy Wolitzer
Eucalyptus trees come from Australia. They were popular back in the homesteading days as they grow very quickly. However, they come with inherent fire danger. Unlike the native oaks with leaves that respond to fire by wilting and have bark that is slow to burn, eucalyptus leaves are full of flammable oils, and it takes very little for them to go up like a torch. The leaves and bark they routinely drop serve as amazing kindling. Once engulfed, the dense hard wood burns for a long time and trunks and roots can smolder for days. Any leaves that remain after the fire initially sweeps through can easily reignite should they land on smoldering logs.
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The potential for flareups in this area, as well as precarious half-burned trees that could fall at any time, necessitated keeping the park closed for several days. That closure was extended when the nearby SCU Fire Complex became one of the largest fires in California history. Sycamore Grove Park reopened on August 29, but is subject to closure at any time due to extreme fire danger or hazardous conditions. It is important to keep in mind that firefighting resources are stretched very thin right now, and we can’t expect as quick a response as we were lucky to get on that Sunday morning! |
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Many of our social media followers expressed sadness at the apparent devastation they saw in the photos we shared, however, we want our readers to know that fire can actually be incredibly beneficial to local ecosystems. The idea of wildfire makes many people think of a scorched landscape where all life has been eliminated, and nature’s beauty ruined. The blackened ground may look a little shocking at first but, given time, you will see the beauty that reappears and the improvements that fire can bring.
Burning off the “thatch” of dead grasses returns nutrients to the soil and allows seeds that have been smothered below to get the light they need to sprout and grow. A fire at the right time of year can remove invasive annual plants (like yellow star thistle) before they drop their seeds. A good, quick burn can allow native plants, especially those well adapted to fire, to gain foothold over the invasive plants.
A walk through our hills when they haven’t burned recently reveals a lot of non-native grasses, mustard, and other invasive plants. Most of the hills in Sycamore Grove, probably were once heavily tilled and planted with annual grasses for cattle grazing. Wild oats, medusa head, ripgut brome, mustard, and thistles dominate and suppress native plants under undisturbed conditions.
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After fires burn, those who look closely can see the burned crowns of native bunch grasses such as purple needle grass and creeping wild rye here and there. Unlike the invasive annual grasses, bunch grasses put down deep roots and live for many, many years. As we will soon see, they benefit from fire, sending out copious new growth. As winter and its rains come, we expect to see the leaves of mule’s ears, California purple aster and soaproot beginning to grow out of the charred soil.
We have seen the magic that fire can do before! As an example, about 10 years ago, LARPD and the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department teamed up to do prescribed burns on hillsides in Sycamore Grove Park. One of the hillsides selected appeared to be completely covered with non-native plants before the burn.
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The following spring, mysterious pairs of grass-like leaves sprouted in great profusion. It wasn’t until April, when they sent up flower spikes, that it became clear these were Triteleia laxa, also known as wallybaskets or ithuriel’s spear. These gorgeous purple-blue flowers belong to the iris family and grow from a small bulb. I had been hiking this hillside for years but never saw one blooming on the west-facing slope until after the burn. These native plants had been lurking there for years, putting out their grass-like leaves below all the thatch. They were getting enough light to stay alive, but not enough to flower until the burn cleared out the plants that had shaded them and allowed them to receive the amount of light they needed to bloom. That year there was a beautiful bloom of Triteleia.
Fire has a long history in California. The natural fire regime for coast live oak woodlands is fairly long, with a notable fire once every 25 - 50 years, but grasslands are considered to have a short interval regime with fires at least once every 10 years. Before European contact, Indians in California used fire extensively to optimize natural resources. It is estimated that 5 to 13 million acres were burned in California each year, some fires were started by lightning, but most were started purposefully by indigenous peoples. Their careful land management shaped the “wilderness” that early explorers found. Explorers and missionaries wrote about meadows blanketed with wildflowers and park-like forests of gigantic trees one could easily ride a horse through. When the Indians were brought to missions and no longer allowed to burn the land, the diversity of plants and abundance of wildflowers plummeted. The forests became overcrowded with underbrush. As one Miwok elder put it, “The white man sure ruined this place. It’s turned back to wilderness.”
Why did the Indians burn? There were several reasons. One of their major food sources was the seeds of various flowering plants like redmaids and clarkia that grow in open meadows. After seed-gathering in the late spring, fields would be set on fire. This kept meadow areas open and maintained habitat for desired species to grow. Fire also helped increase the abundance of plants that were gathered for berries, greens, tubers and bulbs. These California grassland plants have evolved in a landscape that burns frequently and have seeds that are not easily damaged by fire and/or resprout from the root base, bulbs or tubers after fire. Burning the meadows also maintained good grazing lands for deer, elk, antelope, and other animals that the Indians depended on for food. There are also reports of fire being used during a hunt to drive animals towards waiting hunters.
Burning was also done frequently enough in oak woodlands that there wasn’t much underbrush. These fires did not reach the crowns of trees and they were not catastrophic. It was important to burn after gathering acorns in the fall. Burning the leaf litter destroyed the fallen, bug-ridden acorns and ensured that the larva of the pests had no habitat in which to overwinter so that they could not reappear to ruin the next year’s crop. (The great majority of the acorns on our trees today contain filbert worm larvae.) The native Americans also used burning to manage plants used for basketry, tools, and weapons. After burning, plants like buck brush, willow and redbud experience rapid growth, and produce long, straight, flexible shoots. For more information about the use of fire by California Indians, check out the fantastic, detailed book Tending the Wild by M. Kat Anderson.
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We are very appreciative of the quick response by Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, CalFire, Alameda County Fire, and other agencies. We are thankful that more of the park didn’t burn, and incredibly relieved the fire was extinguished before it became a conflagration that could threaten structures. We expect native plants to grow out of the blackened soil and thrive with less competition, and we are looking forward to watching nature regenerate itself. Bees will visit the wildflowers that have been waiting for their turn to bloom, and birds will rejoice in the treetops as the new leaves grow.
Fire personnel Photo Courtesy Alameda County Fire
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