December 2024

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT NEWS

Winter Fun in the Parks

A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA LANDRETH

As we wrap up a wonderful 90th anniversary year, we can now take time to reflect on the past year's exciting events and milestones, while looking forward to the new year ahead.

Winter is the perfect time to explore the beauty of the Regional Parks with family and friends. Bundle up and enjoy invigorating winter hikes and trail rides, peaceful nature walks, and wildlife spotting, all while enjoying the crisp, cool air and breathtaking landscapes.

In December, the Park District offers many exciting seasonal programs and traditional holiday events (see Featured Activities, below), ensuring there's something for everyone. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories while experiencing the magic of winter in nature.

Happy holidays from all of us at the Park District! See you on the trails.

Resolutions Recognize the Park District’s 90th Anniversary

The East Bay Regional Park District celebrated its 90th Anniversary on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden with a presentation of Senate and Assembly resolutions by State Senator Nancy Skinner and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. The resolutions recognize the Park District’s contributions over the past 90 years and its important role in the East Bay, providing access to nature close to home for the residents of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. More info.

Reopening of Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail Section Closed Since 2016

On Dec. 11, officials from the East Bay Regional Park District, East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), and the Town of Moraga celebrated the reopening of a section of the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail between Canyon Road and Westchester Street in Moraga. The trail section has been closed since 2016 due to a landslide. The Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail serves an important role in the community, providing healthy recreation, green transportation alternatives, and safe routes to school for schoolchildren. More info.

Fourth Martin J. Cooney Photo Collection Release Highlights Park District Events from 1960s to Early 1980s

The Park District proudly announces the release of Special Events, the fourth and final Martin J. Cooney photo collection. This historic digital photo collection was researched and curated by Park District Archives staff and volunteers and has been published to commemorate the District’s 90th Anniversary. All four Martin J. Cooney photo collections are available to view on the Celebrating 90 Years webpage.

2024 Trails Challenge Finish Line Approaching

Submit Trail Logs Today!

There’s still time to finish the 2024 Trails Challenge! This free, annual program connects people to nature by providing 20 designated trails ranging from easy to moderate and challenging throughout the Park District. Finish five of the 20 designated trails, or 26.2 miles, to complete the Challenge.

Submit the log online by Dec. 31, 2024, to receive a commemorative pin (while supplies last). More info.

IN THE PARKS

New Bridge Built on a Fallen Redwood Tree in Reinhardt Redwood

What happens when a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it? Sometimes, it just lucks out and lands perfectly. A new creek crossing bridge, built atop a fallen redwood tree, is now accessible in Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. More info.

Western Snowy Plovers Return to Crown Beach

During the high tide on Nov. 8, at least 24 western snowy plovers were observed foraging and roosting at Crown Beach. A few days later, Crown Beach rangers and a group of Park District Wildlife Biologist Doc Quack's volunteers built this year's Plover Protection Zone, a designated resource protection area for the federally protected western snowy plover in their overwintering habitat site. The signs and temporary fencing meant to safeguard this species does not fully contain these tiny, 6-inch birds, so please be careful not to disturb them when walking along the beach. Typically, they will remain in the area until mid-April.

Now Open: New Dublin Blvd. Iron Horse Regional Trail Bridge

Congratulations to the City of Dublin on the Nov. 23 opening of the new free-span bridge crossing of the Iron Horse Regional Trail at Dublin Blvd. Like many other bridges, which cross over busy roadways, this newly completed project will help improve traffic flow on the roadways and improve pedestrian/bicycle movement and safety along the Iron Horse Trail. The Park District operates and manages the Iron Horse Regional Trail, with many crossings and bridges over city roads.

New Homes for Burrowing Owls at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline

The population of the western burrowing owl, a candidate species for listing under the California Endangered Species Act, has been steadily dropping in the state over the past 60 years, with an alarming drop within the last decade alone.

Burrowing owls are the only owl species that nest and roost underground, which has left them vulnerable to significant habitat loss, exposure to rodenticides, and collisions with wind turbines and cars. Additionally, the killing and removal of ground-dwelling squirrels and other mammals, whose underground burrows the owls use for nesting and roosting, has left them with far fewer nesting options. To help, the Park District put together a multi-department task force to give burrowing owls some "new digs".

Park District staff built artificial nesting sites at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline in November. The new “owl outposts” are 5-foot-tall earthen mounds 10 feet in circumference, with a predator-proof security screen, prefabricated home, and a burrow system. They were constructed using wood, wire, PVC pipe, and heavy rocks.

In an exciting follow-up story, Park District staff and Bay Raptor Rescue released two rehabilitated western burrowing owls in the New Marsh at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline in early December. They report that the released owls started using the recently constructed artificial nesting sites.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Fire Dept. 2024 Holiday Coat Drive with One Warm Coat through Dec. 17

The Park District Fire Department is partnering with the non-profit organization One Warm Coat to collect coats that will then be donated to Youth Uprising, an organization supporting youth and young adults in East Oakland. Donate new and clean/gently used coats, sweaters, jackets, sweatshirts, scarves, hats, and gloves to the future leaders of the community.

Item Collection Locations

• Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center (map)

• Tilden Merry-Go-Round (map)

• Park District Headquarters (map)

• Redwood Canyon Golf Course (map)

• Ardenwood Historic Farm (map)

Flyer | Info/Donate

Fire Dept. 2024 Holiday Toy Drive with Toys For Tots through Dec. 17

This month, the Park District Fire Department is providing drop-off locations for the Marine Corps Reserves' Toys For Tots program. Donate new, unwrapped toys during the holiday season and they will be distributed as gifts to children in need within the local Alameda County community. Help foster a spirit of giving and joy that makes the holidays brighter for all.

Toy Drop-Off Locations

• EBRPD Fire Station #1 (map) please park in Steam Train Overflow Lot

• EBRPD Public Safety Headquarters (map)

Call (510) 544-2731 for more info | Flyer

Help East Bay Regional Parks!

Donations to the Regional Parks Foundation are an impactful way to support the East Bay Regional Park District’s universal access, environmental stewardship, and educational and recreational programs. Contributions from members and supporters help protect parkland and habitat, and ensure access for all to nature.

Ways to Support East Bay Regional Parks

• Make an end-of-year gift online

• Give via Donor Advised Fund

• Give a gift of securities/stock

• Other ways to donate

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

Ardenwood Old Fashioned Christmas at the Patterson House

Celebrate a turn-of-the-20th-century holiday at a beautifully restored Queen Anne mansion. Join costumed docents for a tour of 14 rooms decorated with Victorian-style holiday ornaments. Tours are included with entrance to the farm.

Friday-Sunday Tour Times

• 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.: Tot Tours for all ages, downstairs only, wheelchair accessible (20 min)

• 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m.: Full tours for age six and over (45 min)

Ardenwood Farm Entrance Fees

$4/Adults; $3/Seniors; $2/Children ages four to 17; Free/Children three & under

Call (510) 791-4196 or email pattersonhouse@fremont.gov to request tour times or for more info. Reservations are recommended but not required.

Don't Miss Tilden Steam Train's Winterfest

Winterfest at the Tilden Steam Train is a magical holiday experience for all ages. Redwood Valley Railway will be open Dec. 14, 15, 21, and 22 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting. Remember to dress warmly, bring flashlights, and drive slowly and be cautious when parking and making your way to the station. Tickets can be purchased on site and are $4 per ride or $16 for five rides. Children under two ride for free. More info.

Free Nature Lecture at the Botanic Garden: Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m.

The Wayne Roderick Lecture series at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden brings presenters and topics related to plants and natural history to the garden’s Visitor Center auditorium. Presentations are enjoyable for beginners and professionals alike. Upcoming December presentations include Ben Anderson – Bulbs from Dry Summer Climates, with more presentations coming in the new year. Schedule/More info.

Weekend Walks: Looking for Newts at Tilden and Garin

Newt Walks in Tilden

Saturday, Dec. 21 and 28 from 3:30-5 p.m.

Explore Tilden Regional Park at dusk while learning how terrestrial salamanders begin their transformation into aquatic animals for breeding season. Newt walks begin at Tilden Botanic Garden and meander up South Park Drive.

Trek with Newts at Garin

Sunday, Dec. 15, 10-11:30 a.m. Explore the transformative lives of newts on a 2.5-mile round-trip hike. See these superheroes move across their natural habitat and breeding grounds. Meet at the Ziele Creek Entrance, along Ziele Creek Drive in Hayward. Program takes place rain or shine. Dress for the weather and be ready for some muddy shoes!

Winter Wonderland at Tilden's Merry-Go-Round

Experience a beloved East Bay holiday tradition at the historic Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round! Ride the carousel, visit with Santa or Olaf, view the lights and decorations, and enjoy holiday treats. More info.

Winter is for the Birds

Learn about the region's birdlife at the Park District's winter birding programs, where participants will explore various habitats, learn bird identification skills, and gain insights into the ecological roles of different bird species. Most programs are good for novice birders and seasoned ornithologists alike.

Birds of the Winter at Del Valle

Saturday, Dec. 14 & Sunday, Dec. 29, 9-11 a.m.

Birds of the Winter at Brushy Peak (Christmas Bird Count)

Friday, Dec. 20, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Registration required.

Birdwalks at Tilden

Saturday, Dec. 14 & 28, 9-10:30 a.m.

Bay Bird Mornings

Crab Cove: Sunday, Dec. 15, 9-11 a.m.

Middle Harbor: Sunday, Dec. 22, 9-11 a.m.

Emeryville Marina: Sunday, Dec. 29, 9-11 a.m.

East County Birding (Great Winter Bird Count) at Big Break

Thursday, Dec. 19, 9-10:30 a.m.

Winter Birding at Thurgood Marshall

Sunday, Dec. 22, 8-11 a.m.

Registration required.

Winter Solstice Celebrations: Dec. 21

Winter Solstice Sunrise - Del Valle

Saturday, Dec. 21, 6:30 a.m. (registration required)

Celebrate the shortest day of the year by getting up early and hiking to the top of the hill to see the sun rise.

Winter Solstice Walk - Big Break

Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m.

Walk the trails at Big Break Regional Shoreline and look for signs of winter on the shortest day of the year.

Winter Solstice Celebration - Coyote Hills

Saturday, Dec. 21, 4:30-6 p.m.

Celebrate the longest night of the year with stories, music, hot drinks and s’mores by the fire, nature observations at dusk, and solstice nature crafts.

Winter Break in Nature at Del Valle: Starts Dec. 23

What amazing things are happening at Del Valle at this time of year? Bring the family to the park during winter break to join naturalist programs on several days at the end of December and beginning of January.

• Explore the Shore

• Galls for All

• Who, Who, Who is That?

• Bird Count Bonanza

More info.