Regional in Nature May - June 2010 East Bay Regional Park District Activity Guide www.ebparks.org

Junior Lifeguards having fun in EBRPD’s summer program.

Inside: Swim Lessons and Jr. Lifeguards • page 4 Trails Challenge/Kids Challenge • page 5 Boating/Kayaking • page 5 Fishing • page 6 Memorial Day Mine Tours • Black Diamond • page 8 Butterfly and Bird Festival • Coyote Hills • page 9 Tule Baket and Arrow Making Workshops • Sunol • page 10

Contents

Aquatics/Jr. Lifeguards...... 4 Recreation Programs...... 5-6 Ardenwood...... 6-8 Black Diamond...... 8 Botanic Garden...... 8-9 Coyote Hills...... 9-10 he East Bay Regional The Master Plan defines the vision was updated in 2008 and outlines Crab Cove...... 10 Park District is preparing and mission of the Park District several proposed new areas within an update of the Park and sets priorities for at least the Park District’s jurisdiction. Middle Harbor...... 10 T District’s Master Plan, a policy the next decade. Over an 18-month process, the Sunol...... 11 document that guides the District The policies set forth by the Master Park District will seek public input Tilden Nature Area...... 11-12 in future expansion of parks, trails, Plan help guide the stewardship and through meetings, surveys, focus and services. The District provides Other Regional Parks...12-14 development of current and future groups, and other community and manages the Regional Parks for parks in such a way to maintain a outreach means. If you would Volunteer Programs...... 14 Alameda and Contra Costa counties, careful balance between the need like to be involved, please send a 1,700-square-mile area that is Registration & Fees...... 15 to protect and conserve natural a request to [email protected] home to over 2.5 million people. resources while offering recreational for email notifications of upcoming Visitor Centers/ The District manages 65 regional Swim Areas...... 15 use of parklands for all to enjoy now information sessions and public parks, over 100,000 acres of open and in the future. Accompanying the meetings. The anticipated date space, and 1,100 miles of trails. plan is the Master Plan Map, which of completion is late 2011.

General Information / Free Brochure.....1-888-EBPARKS Camping & Picnic Reservations...... 1-888-EBPARKS Naturalist & Recreation Programs...... 1-888-EBPARKS Briones Regional Park TDD...... 510-633-0460 Web site...... www.ebparks.org Swim Season Opens at Regional Park Lakes EBRPD Board of Directors Whitney Dotson...... Ward 1 John Sutter...... Ward 2 Swim season officially opens Memorial Day weekend, May 29-30, Carol Severin...... Ward 3 at East Bay Regional Park District lakes and pools. Douglas Siden...... Ward 4 Ayn Wieskamp...... Ward 5 Beverly Lane...... Ward 6 Swim at Lake Anza (Tilden), Contra Loma now open to the public Thursday through Ted Radke...... Ward 7 (Antioch), Cull Canyon (Castro Valley), Del Sunday during swim season. Visit www. Pat O’Brien...... General Manager Valle (Livermore), Don Castro (Hayward), ebparks.org and click on the Activities, Quarry Lakes (Fremont), Roberts Pool then Swimming links for more informa- (Oakland), Shadow Cliffs (Pleasanton), and tion about swim locations, swim les- Visit www.ebparks.org for map Lake Temescal (Oakland). Also, Castle Rock sons, our enhanced Junior Lifeguard downloads, activity and event pool at Diablo Foothills (Walnut Creek) is program, and swim safety tips. information, and much more! Health Jr. Lifeguard Summer Program Matters The East Bay Regional Park District’s Junior Lifeguard program is a dynamic summer program for kids ages 9 to 15 designed to promote fitness, self-esteem, teamwork, and making friends. The program is East Bay Regional Park District offered at five area lakes with an introduction to water safety/rescue, and first aid, and CPR – great lifelong skills for everyone. Each day, participants enjoy a variety of beach and water activities with focus on personal safety and skills that will benefit their community. Many Junior Lifeguard participants become future lifeguards with the East are proud partners in 2010 with the mutual goal Bay Regional Park District or other agencies. Participants must be of promoting health and fitness. able to demonstrate they can tread water and pass a 25-yard swim test on the first day of each session. Pre-testing is available. Keep Summer Registration: 1-888-327-2757 option 2, 3, or www.ebparks.org/webreg Fun and Safe

This is the season for swimming, newly published book biking, and boating, for family Day Camp is a Must-Have vacations, and outdoor fun. Kaiser The History of the East Bay Permanente would like to remind Experience This Summer! everyone that simple safety Regional Park District precautions can help all of us Our Recreation Staff has expanded its popular avoid trouble during the summer Park’n It Day Camp this summer to include The East Bay Regional Park holidays. two new locations: Cull Canyon in Hayward District is pleased to announce For example: and Castle Rock in Walnut Creek. Camps are its new book titled Living also available at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Landscape. Readers can follow • Limit sun exposure. Try to stay Fremont and Contra Loma in Antioch. Park’n the path of the extraordinary out of the sun during peak times It Day Camp supports keeping children healthy rise of the East Bay Regional (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and apply and active. The camps offer kids ages 5 to 12 Park District from its sunscreen at least 30 minutes fun in the outdoors with fishing, swimming, inception in 1934 to its before heading outside. games, arts and crafts, field trips, and lots remarkable preservation • Beware of hot cars. Never more. More information is available on page 6 of over 100,000 acres leave a child or pet unattended of this activity guide, at www.ebparks.org, during 75 years. Published or by calling 1-888-EBPARKS. by Wilderness Press, Living in a vehicle even for just a few Landscape can be found at local bookstores, minutes. Temperatures inside through East Bay Regional Park District visitor centers, and the car can quickly cause heat online. Visit www.ebparks.org for upcoming book-signing events stroke or even death. throughout the East Bay. • Have a “designated observer.” Living Landscapes was written by author Laura McCreery, Never assume someone else is oral historian with University of California, Berkeley’s Institute watching the kids in the water. of Governmental Studies. Name a “D.O.” and make sure that person remains within arm’s length of young swimmers. • Use your head. Make helmets Through the Eyes of the Lion required equipment for biking and boarding. Set a good A few centuries ago, European parks through the eyes of our top look like to them! Find Bay Nature example by wearing your settlers pretty quickly eliminated the predator. Find out what the parks online at baynature.org. top predator of the East Bay–the helmet, too. grizzly bear–and pushed mountain Summer is also the perfect time lions into the most remote areas. to think about taking a CPR and Even now, your chances of seeing a first aid class. mountain lion are next to zero, but large predators are essential parts of kaiser permanente is a major healthy ecosystems, and mountain sponsor of the park district’s lions, coyotes, bobcats, and golden 2010 trails challenge. to learn eagles are doing better here than more about getting in shape and they have in a long time. The current healthy lifestyles, visit www.kp.org issue of Bay Nature magazine will (you do not need to be a member look at the Park District’s web of of kaiser to receive information). Photo by Trish Carney (trishcarney.com) for the Felidae Conservation Fund (felidaefund.org)

Session 6: “X” Marks the Spot–Can REGISTRATION AND FEES Register online: www.ebparksonline.org you imagine how difficult Registration is required: or by phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2, then 3 it would be to find buried call 1-888-EBPARKS treasure without a map? (1-888-327-2757) option 2, 3 JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS Now imagine trying to Fees for Alameda and find a missing person in Contra Costa County residents: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION SESSION THEMES a crowded aquatic facility. This session • $125 for morning unit (9 a.m.-noon) This inclusive summer program provides Session 1: Master Disaster… teaches Junior Lifeguards how to quickly • $125 for afternoon unit (1-4 p.m.) participants, ages 9-15, with an introduc- Personal Safety 101– and efficiently locate a missing person on • $160 for full day (morning + afternoon) land. Participants also learn why it is impor- tion to Water Safety/Rescue, First Aid, and Participants learn how to Fees for residents outside CPR in a fun and challenging environment. protect themselves and tant for a missing person to stay “found” once they have been located. Alameda and Each day, participants enjoy a variety of assist others in an emer- Contra Costa Counties: beach and water activities designed to gency scenario. Through Session 7: Holy Titanic! Don’t Forget promote fitness, self-esteem, and team- the ENAME game, participants are taught Your Lifejacket–The California Depart- • $139 for morning unit (9 a.m.-noon) work. Focus is given to personal safety to survey the scene of an emergency. Ju- ment of Boating and Wa- • $139 for afternoon unit (1-4 p.m.) and community service. In addition to the nior Lifeguards also learn how to protect terways requires children • $176 for full day (morning + afternoon) extensive core curriculum, each week-long themselves when helping others by using under the age of 12 to wear Uniform: Each registered child is re- session will emphasize a specific theme gloves, pocket masks, biohazard equipment, a lifejacket at all times while quired to purchase and wear a manda- (see session theme descriptions below). and more. boating. Also, all users of tory uniform during the Junior Lifeguard Each session runs for one week, Monday- Session 2: Breath of Life–“Help! My personal watercraft must wear a life jacket Summer Program. The fee for the Friday, and is divided into two units: morn- friend stopped breathing!”–Rescue when on the water. This session teaches uniform is $30 and includes a hat, T-shirt ing (9 a.m.-noon) and afternoon (1-4 p.m.). breathing can improve the Junior Lifeguards to identify and properly and swim trunks. Participants register by session and unit. odds of survival for a victim utilize Coast Guard-approved life jackets. There is a 10 percent discount when a For each session, participants may sign-up awaiting more advanced Participants practice self-rescue strategies child enrolls in multiple sessions during for the morning unit, the afternoon unit, medical care. During this including the HELP position, the Huddle the same summer, or for each additional or the full day (both units–9 a.m.-4 p.m.). session, participants learn position, and creating a personal flotation child when more than one child from NOTE: Children who participate in the to clear the obstructed airways of con- device from their own clothing. Junior the same family is enrolled in the same full day will receive a commemorative scious and unconscious victims. They will Lifeguards are also taught to recognize and session. (Discount NOT available online pin (shown at right) recognizing their ac- practice life-saving rescue breathing tech- treat the stages of hypothermia. and is not given once online registration complishment. niques. Instruction also includes methods Session 8: If It Breaks, We Can is completed.) Each day, there will be a morning and of self-rescue for a blocked airway. Splint It–Participants learn the difference afternoon unit, with theme-based curri- Session 3: Save a Life...Just Shock between soft, rigid, and Certification: Junior Lifeguards will cula comprising 1-1½ hours of each unit. ‘Em!–Automatic External Defibrillators anatomical splints. Junior now have an opportunity to earn Theme-based lessons and activities will be (AEDs) save lives! Adult Lifeguards practice stabiliz- American Red Cross certificate in either complemented by lectures, skills, games, CPR is an invaluable skill. ing and splinting all parts of First Aid or CPR/AED-Adult depending and physical activities derived from the This session teaches par- the body including fingers, on the Session. Sessions 1,3,5, and 7 for Junior Lifeguard core curriculum. There ticipants how to respond to arms, ankles, legs, and ribs. Instruction First Aid. Sessions 2, 4, 6, and 8 for CPR/ is one snack break during each unit, so cardiac emergencies. Junior includes techniques for treating sprains, AED- Adult. NOTE: This is optional. If please pack a healthy snack and drink. Lifeguards learn the proper techniques for strains, and breaks with everyday items and interested, please inform the instructor Participant is responsible for providing opening an airway, using breathing barriers, wilderness resources. on the Tuesday of the Session. Cost: $15 their own lunch. Lunchtime is monitored and checking for the pulse of an uncon- PREREQUISITES for processing. by instructors from noon-1 p.m. scious victim. Participants will practice Successful completion of a 25-yard swim Students can be dropped off one-half hour adult CPR and learn to use an AED. test, administered on the first day of each before morning or afternoon units begin. Session 4: Be kind, C-Spine–Junior session, is mandatory. Parents must be Students should be picked up within one- Lifeguards learn to work present for this swim test. If a parent or half hour after the morning and afternoon as a team as they provide guardian has any doubts regarding their unit’s end. in-line stabilization for a child’s ability to pass the swim test, a pre- SWIM LESSONS victim of a possible spinal PROGRAM LOCATIONS test is highly recommended and can be Roberts Pool in Oakland and Contra injury. This training occurs The Junior Lifeguard Program is offered arranged during registration. Loma in Antioch offer American Red both on land and in the water. Participants at Lake Anza (Berkeley), Contra Loma Cross swim lessons. Lessons begins are introduced to the cervical collar and (Antioch), Cull Canyon (Castro Valley), in June and go through August. Morn- techniques used to secure a victim of a Camperships available Shadow Cliffs (Pleasanton/Livermore), and ing, Mid-day, evenings, and Saturdays. spinal injury to a backboard. Temescal (Oakland). The Regional Parks Foundations Programs include: Parent Tot (6-36 Session 5: Reach or Throw–Then Session Dates provides camperships for Ju- months); Super Tot (3-5 years); Learn- Go!–Participants learn how to make Session 1...... 6/21 – 6/25 nior Lifeguards and swim les- to-Swim (6-13 years); Adult (group their own personal res- Session 2...... 6/28 – 7/2 sons to families in financial and private); Private, Semi-private, cue device (a throw jug). Session 3*...... 7/6 – 7/9 need. Call 1-888-EBPARKS Group Private, and Adaptive lessons. Junior Lifeguards learn to Session 4...... 7/12 – 7/16 (1-888-327-2757), option 2, 3, for Minimum of one swim instructor per perform reaching, throw- Sessions 1-4 offered only at more information. 4-6 students. See www.ebparks. ing, and extension assists Contra Loma & Shadow Cliffs org for full details. Registration is using lifesaving equipment and everyday *No meeting on July 5. required. Register by telephone, walk-in, items. Participants practice rescue assists or Internet only; no mail-in registration Session 5...... 7/26 – 7/30 from the land and water. They also learn See www.eblifeguard.com for accepted. Register for Adaptive les- Session 6...... 8/2 – 8/6 how to move victims using safe carrying more information on Junior sons by phone only. Session 7...... 8/9 – 8/13 techniques and beach drags. Instructors Lifeguard and swim lesson Session 8...... 8/16 – 8/20 emphasize teamwork as Junior Lifeguards curriculums. build human-chains for reaching assists.

Left: Swim lessons are a fun and safe way to learn swim skills and water safety. Right: Junior Lifeguards learn water safety and rescue skills at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton. 4 Info–Ardenwood: (510) 544-2797; Black Diamond: (510) 544-2750; Botanic Garden: (510) 544-3169; Coyote Hills: (510) 544-3220; Crab Cove: (510) 544-3187; Middle Harbor: (510) 272-4802; Sunol: (510) 544-3249; Tilden Nature Area: (510) 544-2233 RECREATION Register online: www.ebparksonline.org or by phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2, then 3 GOLF–INTRODUCTION Tilden Golf Course Amer.Golf Corp 4-5:30pm, Fri, May 14 #24358; 9-10:30am, BASIC LAND NAVIGATION LLAMAS– Sat, Jun 12 #24362; 5:30-7pm, Thu, Jun 24 Sunol Susan Labiste MYSTICS OF ANDES KIDS CHALLENGE #24363 10am-3pm, Sat, May 15 #24384 Redwood LAMAS Outfitters Learn pre-shot and full-swing fundamentals, Hit the trails without fear of getting lost. 11am-2:30pm: Sat, May 22 #24372; Sun, and become familiar with terminology/ Learn the basics of map and compass The 2010 Kids Challenge pro- May 23 #24373; Sat, Jun 5 #24374; Sun, equipment. Golf balls and loaner clubs reading, and triangulation for on-trail Jun 6 #24375 gram is based on the California are provided. Participants will receive a navigation. We’ll try our newly learned Ready for a new experience? Learn the Children’s Outdoor Bill of free $20 range card for use at the driving skills on the trail in a hike with moderate secrets of the llamas; you’ll get to know Rights, which recommends range and $20 off a future class at the golf elevation gain. Compass and maps will be these wonderful creatures as you feed, a fundamental list of experi- course. 14+yrs. provided.14+yrs. groom, and hike with them. Professional ences that every child would Registration is required. Registration is required. Llama packers will guide you along the way; benefit from, before entering Fee: $50 (non-res. $56) Fee: $23 (non-res. $27) expect to hike 2-3 miles. Age 8+ (parent high school. This program is POLES FOR participation required). self-paced and challenges youth LAND NAVIGATION Registration is required: 1 (888) 327-2757. to complete 5 of the 10 activi- HIKING & FLOWER HIKE ON THE TRAIL No online registration. ties listed in the Bill of Rights. Sunol Susan Labiste Fee: $70 per llama (non-res.$78) (4 llamas Some activities require parent Coyote Hills Jayah Faye Paley 10am-3pm, Sat, May 22 #24385 max. per class) participation and/or additional 9:30am-2:30pm, Sat, May 15 #24390 Hate getting lost? Join us to practice map Power with Poles! Using your whole body and compass skills, using our topographic BIKE PARADE TO THE BAY fees. Register to receive the while hiking feels good! Learn how to use maps. This course emphasizes land associa- Middle Harbor Tara Reinertson guidebooklet and a special your upper body muscles to help preserve tion and triangulation techniques, requires 2-4pm, Sun, May 23 #24594 prize to help you get started your joints. Reduce knee stress, improve some basic knowledge of map/compass Join other bike & nature enthusiasts for a (1 per child, while supplies endurance, upper body strength, posture navigation and terminology, and a fitness ride with your local naturalist out to Middle last). A commomerative patch and balance. Beginner to experienced hik- level appropriate for moderate to difficult Harbor. Learn why Middle Harbor is the and EBRPD frisbee will be sent ers welcome. Top quality poles provided. trails. 14+yrs. coolest park in the East Bay! Meet at West after completing the challenge Registration is required. Registration is required. Oakland BART station. First 40 people will (1 per child, while supplies last). Fee: $35 (non-res. $39) Fee: $23 (non-res. $27) receive a FREE bike helmet. 12+yrs. Course Code: 23496. Registra- Registration is required. tion is required. after complet- ing the challenge (1 per child, while supplies last). Course BOATING / KAYAKING Code: 23496. Registration is required. KAYAKING FAMILY KAYAKING BROOKS ISLAND VOYAGE: DISCOVERY FOR FOLKS 50+ BRING-YOUR-OWN-BOAT Quarry Lakes, Lake Chabot Quarry Lakes, Lake Chabot TRIP Current Adventures Current Adventures Brooks Island Interpretive Staff 11am-2pm, Sat, May 8 #24339, Quarry 11am-2pm, Sat, Jul 3 #24352, Quarry 10am-4pm: Sat, Jun 12 #24189, Sat, Aug Lakes Lakes 21 #24190; Sun, Sep 12 #24191 Noon-3pm, Sat, Jun 26 #24340, Lake 11am-2pm, Sat, May 22 #24347 Paddle the rising tide across the Chabot Sun, Jun 13 #24350, Lake Chabot A program of EBRPD Richmond Harbor Channel to Brooks in partnership with . . . Get in-depth instruction for pad- Learn kayaking skills with your peers Island. Explore the island’s natural and dling from certified instructors. Learn at a pace that is right for you. Learn cultural history, and enjoy views from equipment selection and basic paddling paddling techniques, equipment se- its rocky peak. For experienced boat- techniques while touring the lake in a lection, and safety guidelines in calm ers who can provide their own kayak TRAILS CHALLENGE single kayak (double kayaks available waters. Then practice what you have and safety gear. Parent participation upon request). You’ll have lots of time learned touring the lake in a single required. 14+ years. Thousands of people like you have to practice as we explore the lake. kayak (double kayaks available upon Fee: $20 (non-res. $22) participated in this program, last year 5+yrs. (parent participation required request). 50+yrs. Registration is required. over 8,000 people! The program chal- for ages 5-13yrs) Registration is required. lenges participants to complete 5 of Registration is required. Fee: $60 50-61yrs/$55 62+yrs. BROOKS ISLAND the featured trails in the guide booklet Fee: $60 14+yrs./$55 5-13yrs (non-res. $66/$61) ADVENTURE (non-res. $66/$61) Brooks Island Cal. Canoe & Kayak by Dec. 1. The booklet features trails DISCOVER KAYAKING for all levels of fitness and all types of 10am-4pm: Sat, Jun 26 #24273; Sat, Jul Lake Chabot, Quarry Lakes trail users as well as a variety of tips SUNSET KAYAK: B.Y.O.K. 10 #24288; Sat, Jul 24 #24290; Sun, Jul Middle Harbor Tara Reinertson Current Adventures for new trail users. We are encourag- 25 #24297; Sun, Aug 8 #24299; Sun, Aug 6pm-8:30pm, Sat, May 8 #24591 11am-3:30pm, Sat, May 15 #24320; ing participants to go “green” by us- 22 #24300; Sun, Aug 29 #24301; Sat, Sep Enjoy a relaxing kayak within the refuge Noon-4:30pm, Sun, May 30 #24328, ing the downloadable version of the 11 #24302; Sat, Sep 25 #24309; Sun, Sep of Middle Harbor. Observe shorebirds Lake Chabot booklet and printing only what you 26 #24310; Sat, Oct 2 #24312; Sat, Oct up-close, learn about the Port of Oak- 11am-3:30pm, Sat, Jun 19 #24321, need; hard copies are available for 9 #24313; Sun Oct 10 #24314 land and see spectacular sunset views Quarry Lakes $5. With registration you will receive This trip is short paddle in stable, dou- over the San Francisco skyline. 18+yrs. Get in-depth instruction for pad- access to download the guidebook, ble kayaks across sheltered bay water Registration is required. dling from certified instructors. Learn instructions on how to receive your with spectacular views of San Francisco. equipment selection and basic paddling free organic T-shirt (while supplies Paddle along Brooks Island preserved techniques while touring the lake in a last), and web links to see the routes shoreline then come ashore to enjoy a single kayak (double kayaks available on Google Maps. A commemorative naturalist guided, two-mile hike around upon request). You’ll have lots of time pin will be sent once you complete the island which is normally closed to to practice as we explore the lake. the challenge; pins will be mailed in visitors. Parking fee will be charged at 5+yrs. (parent participation required the fall (while supplies last). Kaiser Richmond Marina. 14+yrs. for ages 5-13yrs) Permanente is a major sponsor of this Registration is required. Registration is required. program. Registration required: Fee: $85(non-res. $95) Fee: $65 (non-res. $72) visit www.ebparks.org & click on the “Features” section to get started. No phone registrations. 5 = Register at www.ebparksonline.org = Disabled accessible program = Parking fee may be charged = Financial assistance is available Register online: www.ebparksonline.org NORDIC WALKING TRAIN RIDES or by phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2, then 3 FOR HEALTH & FITNESS Ardenwood Railroad Museum Tilden Jayah Faye Paley 10:15am - 3:30pm, Every Thu, Fri & Sun 4:45-6:15pm; Fri, Jun 25 #24465 Climb aboard for a ride back in time to the PET FIRST AID/CPR URBAN SURVIVAL: STAYING ALIVE Join us and learn about walking with days when railroads connected the area’s Lake Chabot Peter Pay WHEN DISASTER HITS power, attitude and poles. Up your energy, farms with East Bay towns, cities, and the 9am-1pm: Sun, Jun 20 #23506; Sun, Aug 15 MLK Jr. Shoreline Susan Labiste improve pace, endurance and upper body world. Check the schedule and meet the #23507; Sun Oct 17 #23508 10am-2pm, Sun, Jun 20 #24467 strength while walking, talking & enjoying train at Ardenwood Station or Deer Park. the outdoors. Popular in Europe, this activ- Learn how to save a pet’s life during an Earthquakes, Terrorism, Pandemics, Tsuna- VICTORIAN emergency, minimize a pet’s trauma after mis. With so many warnings, how does one ity is great for athletes and couch potatoes prepare? Find out about how the risk and alike! Top quality poles provided. (18+yrs.) FLOWER ARRANGING injury and safely transport an injured pet to Ardenwood Patterson House Docents the veterinary clinic. This program concen- the preparation for these disasters differ, Registration is required. and how they all are similar. Plan a survival 10:15-11:30am, Every Thu in May & June trates on basic first aid, including wounds, The beauty of nature gained new popular- fractures, chocking, cardiac emergency kit. Do hands-on water treatment. Practice ARDENWOOD techniques for preparation and survival. ity in the late 1800s and flowers were a and snake bites. Booklet and certificate Ardenwood Historic Farm is open Tues.-Sun. 14+yrs. Parent participation required. available for purchase during class.12+yrs. from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. House tours are avail- Registration is required. Registration is required. able by reservation only until April 1 (call Fee: $20 (non-res. $22) WILDERNESS TRIPS Fee: $45 (non-res. $51) 510-791-4196). Food service, blacksmithing demonstrations and train rides will return in April. Admission fees apply. For program and Join park naturalist and Recreation PARK’N IT (not available online and is not given fee info: (510) 544-2797, awvisit@ebparks. staff for fun & exciting wilderness trips SUMMER DAY CAMP once online registration is completed). org or www.ebparks.org. in your local Regional Parks. Learn 9am-4pm, Mon-Fri, Jun 21-25 Contra Registration is required. about your natural environment and Loma #23751 (age 5-12 yrs) Fee: $200 (non-res. $220) PATTERSON HOUSE TOURS backpacking skills with like-minded Ardenwood Patterson House Docents people. Trips are available for all levels 9am-4pm, Jul 26-30, Ardenwood #23758 PARK’N IT (age 5-12yrs) Various times, Every Thu -Sun of hikers, loaner gear available (while 9am-4pm, Aug 2-6 Ardenwood #23759 LEADERS IN TRAINING Tour the beautifully-restored Patterson supplies last), and trips vary in theme (age 5-12 yrs); 9am-4pm, Mon-Fri, Jun 21-25 Contra House Museum. Discover the history of to meet a variety of interests. Par- 9am-4pm, Jun 21-25 Cull Canyon Loma #23809; Jul 26-30 Ardenwood this 19-room Queen Anne Victorian farm- ticipants are expected to be in good #23752 (age 5-8 yrs) #23811; Aug 2-6 Ardenwood #23812 house, listed on the National Register of physical condition. For more informa- 9am-4pm, Jun 28-Jul 2 Castle Rock Would you like to be a Recreation Leader Historic Places and operated as a museum tion call (510) 544-2558. #23755 (age 9-12 yrs) (camp counselor)? This is your chance of local history and Victorian life. Tours are to learn what it takes! Receive hands-on lead by docents dressed in 19th-century PACK-AND-DROP: Explore the Regional Parks through field ANTHONY CHABOT trips, art, swimming, and play. Recreation training while assisting our camp staff clothing, and take about 45 minutes. Check 11am, Sat, May 8 to 2pm, Sun, May leaders, naturalists, rangers, and life- during Park’n It Summer Day Camp. for tickets at the Train Station upon your 9 #24173 guards will take you behind the scenes Complete the entire week and you will arrival. Special 15-minute tours for chil- Recharge your batteries in beautiful to discover nature’s secrets. Extended receive a $50 stipend. Attend the camp dren 6 and under offered Thursday and Anthony Chabot Regional Park on care is available from 7:30-9a.m. and week of your choice. Call (510) 544-2554 Fridays at 2:30 p.m, Saturdays and Sundays this moderate hike through grass- 4-5:30p.m. Ask about our family discount to request an application. 13-16yrs. at 11a.m. land, oak woodland and shady forest. Experience amazing views, spring wildflowers, diverse animal life, and the nighttime sky. We provide the FISHING – MY FIRST FISH! FISHING – INTRODUCTION INTRO TO FLY-FISHING-Fish food, loaner equipment if necessary, (GUARANTEED) 8-10am, Sat, June 5 #23732, Quarry 1st! and we drop it off at our primitive Shadow Cliffs, Temescal Lakes; Sat, Aug 21 #23846, Del Valle Lake Anza Fish First! camp destination. All experience Outdoor Rec. Staff 7am-1pm: Sun, May 9 #24185; Sun, Jun levels welcome. Pre-trip meeting 5-7pm, Wed, May 5 #23733, S. Cliffs FISHING – BASS BASICS 13 #24186 May 5. 14+yrs. 5-7pm, Wed, May 26 #23734, Temescal 8-10am Sat, Jun 26 #23731, Contra This exciting and informative day is Registration is required. Come out to the lake and participate Loma geared toward the beginning angler. Fee: $76 (non-res. $86) in this fun “derby style” class where Spend three hours at Lake Anza prac- FISHING – CATFISH BASICS SURVIVAL kids will catch their first fish…guar- 6:30-8:30pm, Fri, Jul 23 #23845, Shadow ticing casting with a certified fly-casting anteed! Participants will practice cast- Cliffs instructor. Then enjoy two-1/2 hours of ESSENTIALS OVERNIGHT ing, followed by catching a fish from Outdoor Recreation Staff classroom instruction where you will CAMP WORKSHOP an enclosed net in the lake. Parent Learn the basics of bass, catfish, or pier be introduced to knots, fly selection, Sunol Susan Labiste participation required 5-15 yrs. Gear fishing as well as skills in knot tying, cast- reading the water, and more. 1pm, Sat, Jun 5-11am, Sun, Jun 6 provided. 5-17yrs. ing and gear selection. These classes are Registration is required. #24179 Registration is required. perfect for anyone interested in getting Fee: $60 (non-res. $66) This is an overnight adventure in Fee: $38 (non-res. $44) saving your own skin. Set up rain started with the sport of fishing. A CA BEGINNING FLY CASTING State Fishing License is required for par- and shade shelters. Insulate with ticipants 16+yrs. Gear provided. 5+yrs. natural materials. Practice fire Registration is required. Shadow Cliffs Lois Kilburn starting/management, day and night Fee: $19 (non-res. $21) 8am-1pm, Sat, May 15 #24365 signaling, water procurement and Learn knots, roll cast, pick-up and lay treatment. Bring backup camping FLOAT TUBE FISHING! down cast, false casting, and how to se- equipment so you can pursue this Contra Loma Outdoor Rec. Staff lect equipment and set up your fly rod. experience as far as you feel capable. 7:30-10:00am, Sat, May 1 #23730 Class is taught by a National Champion Food provided. This course will introduce the sport tournament caster. 15+yrs. Registration is required. of float tube fishing. Participants will Registration is required. Fee: $68 (non-res. $76) be given on-land instruction on float- Fee: $60 (non-res. $66) • Sunol Regional Wilderness, August tubing gear and techniques, followed 13-14. Sat-Sun by instructor guided fishing on Contra • Round Valley Regional Preserve, Loma Reservoir. Gear provided. 16+ yrs. October 2-3 Sat-Sun Registration is required. • Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Fee: $29 (non-res. $33) December TBD

6 Info–Ardenwood: (510) 544-2797; Black Diamond: (510) 544-2750; Botanic Garden: (510) 544-3169; Coyote Hills: (510) 544-3220; Crab Cove: (510) 544-3187; Middle Harbor: (510) 272-4802; Sunol: (510) 544-3249; Tilden Nature Area: (510) 544-2233 MEET THE BUNNIES ARDENWOOD Register online: www.ebparksonline.org Ardenwood Interpretive Staff or by phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2, then 3 MEMORIAL DAY 1:30-2pm, Sat, May 1, Jun 12, 26 OPEN HOUSE Hop on over for a warm welcome from some of the farm’s furriest residents. Learn why rabbits are great hoppers and how time to be outside and fly kites! Learn how they use their long ears to sense danger. COOKING IN THE to make your own and navigate it across COUNTRY KITCHEN the farmyard! Meet in the Farmyard. AFTERNOON FUN & GAMES Ardenwood Interpretive Staff EXCELLENT EGGSHELLS Ardenwood Interpretive Staff 10:30am-1:30pm, Sundays in May Ardenwood Melissa Fowlks 2-3pm, Sun, May 2, 23, Jun 6, 27 & June 11am-noon. Sun, May 16 Life on a farm wasn’t all work and no play. Stop by the Country Kitchen for a Get your creative juices flowing as we Join us for some old-fashioned fun. Try your taste of the past. Sample a cookie or roll up our sleeves and use eggshells as hand at some classic American pastimes biscuit straight from the wood-burn- flowerpots for some seedlings. Meet at including stilts and the potato-spoon race. ing stove and see why cooking outside the Granary. YARNS ABOUT WOOL always makes food taste better. Pick Ardenwood Interpretive Staff Ardenwood Christina Garcia up an historic recipe to try at home. PLAY WITH DOUGH 10am-4pm, Mon, May 31 11am-noon, Sun, May 2, 23 Ardenwood Christina Garcia Celebrate the holiday with an admis- Gather on the Granary porch to hear noon-1pm, Sun, May 16 sion free day of fun! Enjoy a picnic on some stories about sheep. Learn how breeds apart and give their hard-working Victorian households often reserved sev- the lawn, while your children roll up shearing, spinning, knitting and weaving turn moms a little treat. eral days a week for the family’s baking. their sleeves and help with the morn- their fleece into warm sweaters and coats. Discover the fun of kneading your very ing chores (11 a.m.-noon). Ride the ZAINY BRAINY own pretzel that we’ll bake for you in our train, tour the Victorian farmhouse COOCOO FOR COOKIES WEATHER VAYNES wood-fired oven. and watch the blacksmith at work. Ardenwood Melisas Fowlks Ardenwood Melissa Fowlks HOORAY FOR HONEYBEES! Taste some “farm baked” cookies noon-1pm, Sun, May 2 11:30-12:30, Sun, May 9 Ardenwood Gina Bacigalupi from our outdoor Country Kitchen Celebrate National Chocolate Chip Day! Make your own unique weather vane and 1-2:30pm, Sun, May 16 (11 a.m.-1pm) and try your skills at We’ll talk about how this divine chocolate learn why it’s so important for farmers to Join us for fun bee-related activities, arts, some old-time games (noon-1 p.m.). chip got started and then bake some cook- have this interesting ornament perched on crafts, and a tasting of local honey. Discover Take a stroll with an interpreter ies in our wood-burning stove! Meet at the top of their barns. Meet in the Farmyard. just how special these insects are. We’ll and learn what life was like long ago Country Kitchen. TUSSIE-MUSSIE FOR MOM even learn to “bee dance!” (2-3 p.m.) and give the animals their NAME THAT SEED! afternoon meal (3 p.m.). Ardenwood Sara Witt TENDING THE Ardenwood Gina Bacigalupi 1:30-2:30pm, Sun, May 9 1-2pm, Sun, May 2 Victorians assigned meanings to flowers VEGETABLE GARDEN Is that a calendula seed or a nasturtium and sent messages via “tussie-mussies”. Ardenwood Ira Bletz way to bring the splendor of the outdoors seed? Let’s play games to learn about Select a few significant blooms and create noon-1pm, Sat, May 22, Jun 12 into the home. Watch as our docents cre- seeds–the crazy and the ordinary. Find out your own “nosegay with a message” for Lend a hand planting seeds and turning ate floral works of art for display in the which ones you can even eat! Mother or someone special. compost in the heirloom vegetable garden. Patterson House Museum. Learn vegetable fact and lore. If we’re lucky, a TODDLER TIME FLOWER PRESSING few tender vegetables may be ready to taste. ANIMAL FEEDING Ardenwood Ira Bletz PERFECTION FUZZY WUZZY Ardenwood Interpretive Staff 11-11:30am, Tue, May 4, 11, 18, 25, Jun 1 Ardenwood Gina Bacigalupi Ardenwood Heather McLelland 3pm, Every Thu-Sun in May & June Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting 12:30-1:30pm, Sun, May 9 1-2pm, Sat, May 22 Feed the pigs, check for eggs, and bring hay morning at the farm. Each day we’ll meet Our gardens are glittering with gorgeous “Fuzzy Wuzzy was a sheep. Fuzzy Wuzzy to the livestock. You’ll learn all the animals’ and learn all about a new animal friend blooms. Let’s learn how to preserve these was sheared. Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t very favorite foods as you help shut the farm through stories, chores and fun. May 4: precious petals by making our own flower fuzzy, was he?” Come and design your own down for the evening. Pigs. May 11: Sheep. May 18: Goats. May 25: presses. Discover how Victorians turned Chickens. June 1: Goats. (1-4 yrs.) fuzzy farm friend with real wool! BLACKSMITHING flowers into keepsakes. DEMONSTRATIONS LAMBS, KIDS, & PIGLETS– QUIT BUGGIN’ THOSE BUGS! OLD-FASHIONED GAMES Ardenwood Melissa Fowlks Ardenwood Scott Thomas OH MY! Ardenwood Christina Garcia noon-1pm, Sun, May 23 10am-4pm, Every Thu, Fri & Sun and Sat, Ardenwood Interpretive Staff 2-3pm, Sun, May 9 Let’s do a little insect biology and learn May 1, 15, 29, Jun 12, 26 11am-noon, Sat, May 8, 29 Leave your modern amusements behind about these fascinating critters and their With a forge and anvil, a trained “smith” When is a lamb called a sheep? How long and try your hand at some old-fashioned importance in our environment. After- could make or repair the tools and equip- are piglets in their mommy’s tummy? Learn fun. Walk on stilts, play marbles and jacks, wards we’ll replicate these buggy critters ment necessary on a bustling farm. Stop by farm animal facts on a morning stroll and or compete in a sack race. and see our blacksmith heat iron over his give snacks to our growing babies. through a craft. Meet in the Farmyard fire and shape it on the anvil. BARNYARD BUDDIES (6+ yrs). WHAT’S THE CLUCK ABOUT? Ardenwood Interpretive Staff LOVELY LADIES CROQUET MOTHER GOOSE DAY Ardenwood Fowlks/Mclelland 11am, Sat, May 15, 22, Jun 5, 26 Ardenwood Ardenwood Heather McLelland 1-2pm, Sat, May 8 Here’s your chance to get close to all your Patterson House Volunteers 11:30-noon, Sat, May 1 Come learn about our fine feathered favorite barnyard pals. Feed the goats a 1-3pm, Sun, May 23 & Jun 6 Duck, duck, GOOSE! Come celebrate friends; join in on their funky chicken dance, snack, pet a bunny, greet the pigs and tickle Social requirements did not always limit Mother Goose Day! We’ll play a popular feed ‘em a snack, and make a craft to take a chicken (if you dare). game and hear a story or two. It’s sure to home. Meet at the Chicken Coop. Victorian ladies to watching sports from be a fun time. APRIL SHOWERS BRING the sidelines. Enjoy an entertaining ex- HAY HOISTING MAY HERBS AND FLOWERS ample of a “very Victorian” croquet game COMPOSTING Ardenwood Interpretive Staff Ardenwood Sara Witt played by our elegant volunteers. GARDEN CHEF’S 2:30-3pm, Sun, May 9, 30, Jun 13, 20 12:30-1:30pm, Sat, May 15 Ardenwood Melissa Fowlks Make rope with our antique machine, then HERB BUTTER IS THE BEST! Come to Ardenwood where we’ll read Ardenwood Gina Bacigalupi noon-1pm, Sat, May 1 see how lots of rope plus a few pulleys a story about nature. Afterwards you’ll Spring is here! Join us in the heirloom make hoisting hay bales into the barn loft 1-2pm, Sun, May 23 have the choice to plant your own herb or Bring your muscles as we shake up heavy vegetable garden to discover the secrets a cinch. flower and watch it grow all summer long. of composting. We’ll also make a tasty whipping cream to make fresh farm butter. concoction using fresh vegetables! Meet KIDS AND LAMBS COOL CRISP KITES Let’s gather some herbs to add extra flavor in the Kitchen Garden. Ardenwood Christina Garcia Ardenwood Melissa Fowlks before we taste our creation on bread. 10:30-11:30am, Sun, May 9 1:30-2:30pm, Sat, May 15 Our young sheep and goats are the new- The weather’s warming up, what a great est arrivals on our farm. Learn to tell their 7 = Register at www.ebparksonline.org = Disabled accessible program = Parking fee may be charged = Financial assistance is available PAINTING THE PARK THURSDAY MORNING Register online: www.ebparksonline.org PLANT SALE or by phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2, then 3 Black Diamond Mines Outdoor Ed 10-11:30am, Sun, May 9 #24470 If the Regional Parks Botanic Garden is Literally! We’ll gather various minerals open and it is not pouring rain, the volun- and elements from our surroundings and teers usually sell plants Thursday mornings CORN MOSAIC MAGIC HAY HARVESTING turn them into colorful, nature-inspired between 9-11 a.m.at the potting shed (the Ardenwood Christina Garcia Ardenwood Interpretive Staff art. If you provide your imagination, we’ll Juniper Lodge) through the end of the year. 2-3pm, Sun, May 23 1pm, Sun, Jun 6, 13, 20, 27 provide the paper, brushes, and other sup- Info: www.nativeplants.org Select colorful pieces of Indian corn to Join in the fun of an old-fashioned hay plies. 5+yrs. or 510-544-3169. place in your own unique design. Make an harvest. Pitch the freshly mown hay into Registration is required. intricate pattern or something simple— the wagon, and then help us build a giant Fee: $3 THE SPRING COLOR PALETTE you’re the artist! hay stack. Learn the difference between hay Botanic Garden Andie Thrams and straw as we bring in this year’s crop. THE OLD FASHIONED 10am-4 pm. Sat, May 1 SUPERBLY STAINED GLASS WIN- CEMETERY Mixing colors is one of the joys of mak- DOWS GOT MILK? NOT WITHOUT Black Diamond Mines Bob Kanagaki ing art. We will study color and create Ardenwood Melissa Fowlks THOSE DAIRY COWS! 10am-noon, Sat, May 15 a beautiful color wheel and a series of noon-1pm, Sat, May 29 Ardenwood Heather McLelland Like any cultural artifact, cemeteries go spring color studies. Gain the tools to ac- Want to give your windows a bit more 11am-noon, Sat, Jun19 through trends and fashions. View a nine- curately mix colors, deepen awareness of pizazz? Come join us as we make beautiful Milk helps you grow up big and strong! teenth century burial ground with a mod- how colors interact and create mood. No handcrafted faux glass window art! Meet Come to the farm and celebrate National ern eye as we stroll Rose Hill Cemetery. experience necessary. at the Granary. Dairy Month! Learn cool dairy cow facts Reg. required: www.nativeplants.org/ and make an awesome craft to take home! THE PITTSBURG MINE TRAIL events.html or [email protected] or 510- WIGGLY PIGGLIES OMNIBUS BARNYARD PICTIONARY 528-0526 Ardenwood Heather McLelland Black Diamond Mines Bob Kanagaki Fee: $75 Friends members/$85 nonmembers 1-2pm, Sat, May 29 Ardenwood William Kang 10am-noon, Sat, May 22 #24319 Our intelligent swine are simply divine! 1-2pm, Sat Jun 19 Get the complete story on a trail that Have you ever played Pictionary? Have you Come to the farm and meet our piglets. blends the best of Black Diamond’s natural MINE TOURS They’ll play as we give em’ a bath. Watch ever played Barnyard Pictionary? Come and cultural history. We’ll take a digital out for the splash zone! test your artistic and guessing skills as we overview of its flora, fauna, and cultural draw farm animals, tractors, and other farm features and then view some of them as HAZEL-ATLAS GORGEOUS GOATS related items. SILICA-SAND MINE TOUR Ardenwood Christina Garcia we hike. Black Diamond Mines 11am-noon, Sun, May 30, Jun 20 FATHER’S DAY ICE CREAM Registration is required. Interpretive Staff Lend a hand grooming Laila, Heidi and Inga, Ardenwood SLEUTHING ANIMAL SIGNS! Various times, weekends our lovely lady goats. Meet their kids and Interpretive Staff & Docents Black Diamond Mines Kevin Damstra Explore the underground through a learn all about these gentle farm friends. 2-3pm, Sun, Jun 20 10am-12:30pm, Sat, Jun 12 guided tour; learn its history, geol- What better way to celebrate Dad’s Day? Become an animal detective! We will FARM JOKES AND RIDDLES Fresh ingredients and lots of kid cranking ogy, and the methods used to mine FOR KIDS search out clues to discover which animals the sandstone. Ninety-minutes, power will put salt and ice to work to cre- live here, what they do when we’re not Ardenwood William Kang advanced reservation tours are of- ate today’s delicious holiday treat. looking, and even craft a clue to take home! noon-1pm, Sun, May 30 fered 11am, 1pm, and 2pm, weekends Come find answers to why the chicken ROPE AND RHYMES FATHER’S DAY MINE March through November. A 10am crossed the road. Be ready to tickle your Ardenwood Sara Witt tour is available to groups of ten or 2-3pm, Sun, Jun 27 OPEN HOUSE more on weekends (not available funny bone as we sit down and share farm Black Diamond Mine Interpretive Staff Jump into the fun as we crank out some for on-line registration.) First-come jokes and riddles. Meet at the Granary. Noon-4:30pm, Sun, Jun 20 cool new skipping ropes on our old- tours are offered at noon and 3 Celebrate the fathers of the mining days BONE DIGGIN’ FOSSILS fashioned machine. Learn some traditional p.m. 7+yrs. as you explore nearly 1,000 feet of the Ardenwood Melissa Fowlks jump rope jingles and practice the double- Fee: $3 Hazel-Atlas mine at a reduced price and 1-2pm, Sun, May 30 dutch. Let’s get our hands dirty as we replicate at your own pace! We’ll have self-guided SIDNEY FLAT fossils with recycled coffee grounds. Make tours for those 7 or older, and a special VISITOR CENTER your own unique designs and add some BLACK DIAMOND underground room for younger kids. 7+yrs. Black Diamond Mines shells for decoration. Meet in the Farmyard. All Black Diamond programs (unless other- Fee: $1 Interpretive Staff wise noted) meet at the parking lot at the SUNSET IN THE HILLS 10am-4:30pm weekends BACKYARD CHICKEN KEEPING south end of Somersville Road in Antioch. View artifacts and photographs or Black Diamond Mines Kevin Damstra Ardenwood Christina Garcia For information call (510) 544-2750, or say hello to our friendly resident 7:30-10pm, Sat, Jun 26 #24357 2-3pm, Sun, May 30 email [email protected]. snakes. Tickets for the first-come, Enjoy the last rays of sun and the rising Meet the farm’s hens and find out what first-served Hazel-Atlas mine tours full moon, on this hearty hike over the it takes to keep your own small flock of TIME TRAVELING TREKKERS may be purchased here. Arrive at windswept hills to discover the wonders chickens. Soon you’ll be enjoying your own Black Diamond Mines Kevin Damstra least one-hour before tour time to of this quiet landscape. This three-mile fresh eggs every morning. 9am-noon, Sat, May 1 sign up. 7+yrs. Walk back in time from today’s park to the hike will summit one of our highest ridges. BOUNTIFUL BUBBLES late 19th-century coal field during this 2 and Registration is required. MEMORIAL DAY Ardenwood Heather McLelland one-half mile moderately strenuous hike. MINE TOURS noon-1pm, Sat, Jun 5 BOTANIC GARDEN Black Diamond Mines On a hot summer day what’s better than PROSPECT TUNNEL PICNIC Interpretive Staff playing in water? Playing with bubbles! Black Diamond Mines Bob Kanagaki DOCENT-GUIDED Noon-4:30pm, Mon, May 31 Come to the farm and let’s see what kind 9am-noon, Sat, May 8 #24251 GARDEN TOURS Today, tours through the Hazel-Atlas We’ll carpool to the eastern reaches of of bubble trouble we can get into. Botanic Garden silica sand mine will be offered on Black Diamond to take a short trip under- 2pm Saturdays; 11am and 2pm Sundays a first-come, first-served basis at FARM CHORES FOR KIDS ground, see some late spring bloomers, and Learn about California native plants on noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Pur- Ardenwood Interpretive Staff enjoy an outdoor lunch at the Star Mine free, docent-guided tours at the beauti- chase tickets in the visitor center 11am-noon, Sun, Jun 6, 13, 27 Group Camp. Bring your own lunch and ful, naturalistic, 10-acre Regional Parks located at the park headquarters. Young farmers are invited to help with the beverages. Rain cancels. Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park. Participants must be age 7 or older; morning chores. We’ll shell and grind corn, Registration is required. check the hen house for eggs, and give the The garden is located at Wildcat Canyon parent participation required. animals a morning snack. Road and South Park Drive in Tilden Re- Fee: $3 gional Park. Info: www.nativeplants.org or 510-544-3169.

8 Info–Ardenwood: (510) 544-2797; Black Diamond: (510) 544-2750; Botanic Garden: (510) 544-3169; Coyote Hills: (510) 544-3220; Crab Cove: (510) 544-3187; Middle Harbor: (510) 272-4802; Sunol: (510) 544-3249; Tilden Nature Area: (510) 544-2233 WATERCOLORS IN THE FIELD COYOTE HILLS Botanic Garden Andie Thrams Register online: www.ebparksonline.org The Coyote Hills Visitor Center is open 10am-4 pm, Sun, May 2 or by phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2, then 3 Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Spring flora will be our inspiration for Possum’s Pocket Nature Store has books, a lively sampling of painting approaches American Indian items, nature games, T- that dance between controlled and wilder NATURE BYTES shirts and many other items for sale. For techniques. Experiment with different FOR BUSY FAMILIES BUTTERFLY additional information call (510) 544-3220, brushes, watercolor techniques, painting Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison AND BIRD FESTIVAL or email [email protected]. one-stroke leaves and petals, layering to 2-3pm, Sat, May 15, 1-2pm, Sat, May 22, Coyote Hills Dino Labiste build complexity; and painting with sticks. MEMORIAL DAY OPEN HOUSE Jun 5, 12, 19 10am-3:30pm, Sun, Jun13 An understanding of color mixing, such as Coyote Hills Interpretive Staff Get to know the natural world around Join us for the 11th Annual But- the techniques taught in the May 1 class, 11-3pm, Mon May, 31 you! Stories, games, and hands-on activi- terfly & Bird Festival, dedicated to is recommended. Family fun abounds: Great biking, hiking, ties suitable for all ages communicate fun increasing the numbers and species Reg. required: www.nativeplants.org/ picnicking and wildlife galore. Butterflies, facts! Each class covers a different topic, of butterflies and birds in Bay Area events.html or [email protected] or 510- hummingbirds, hawks, lizards and in the so be sure to drop in and check us out! landscapes. The festival offers a day 528-0526 Visitor Center two turtles and snakes. May 15: Butterflies. May 22: Birds. June of adventure and learning that allows Fee: $75 Friends members/$85 nonmembers Ongoing crafts. 5: Marsh Life. June 12: Flowers. June 19: you to get close to nature’s flying Animal Tracking. critters. Learn how to bring your BOTANIZING CALIFORNIA: DO BUTTERFLIES AND BEES backyard to life by creating wildlife MOUNT VISION AT POINT REPTILES WITH STYLES friendly habitats! Enjoy garden tours, HAVE KNEES? Coyote Hills Aaron Gonzales REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE Coyote Hills Nancy Krebs family hands-on activities, educa- 11am-noon, Sun, May 16, Jun 27 Glenn Keator 10:30am-12:30pm, Sat, May 8, #24238 tional speakers, slide presentations Get up-close and personal with reptiles. 10am-3:30pm, Sun, May 16 Sllooowly we will creep up to observe and music. Discover the unique qualities of these Inverness Ridge’s Mount Vision is aptly butterflies and bees absorbed with feeding. slithery, scaly friends, and why they’re so named for its stunning views of Point Reyes Look–proboscis, pollen basket, compound Peninsula. Explore Bishop pine forests, beneficial for our environment. eyes, WOW! Cascades of colorful flow- June 6 at Coyote Hills: Gather tule, then coastal scrub, and streamside vegetation. ers provide nutritious nectar and pollen. ANIMAL DEFENSES see a slideshow about California tule boats. Our semi-strenuous loop hike of 5 to 6 Magnifiers, microscopes, models, and a Coyote Hills Aaron Gonzales June 27 at Quarry Lakes: We’ll build a three- miles will take us down into Muddy Hollow take-home craft will aid in exploration of 1:30-2:30pm, Sun, May 16, Jun 27 person tule boat and launch it for a paddle near Limantour Beach and back up again to marvelous metamorphosis and amazing How does a squirrel defend itself? Join us around the lake. Participation in gathering Inverness Ridge. anatomy. 6-10 yrs. to find out about the amazing strategies tule is required. 12+yrs. Reg. required: www.nativeplants.org/ Registration is required. our slithery, flying, and warm-blooded Registration is required. events.html or [email protected] or 510- animal friends use to protect themselves 528-0526 FOCUS ON WILDLIFE: from predators. SKILLS OF THE PAST: A PHOTO EXHIBIT Fee: $35 Friends members/$45 nonmembers OBSIDIAN ARROWHEADS 10:30am-noon, Sun, May 9, OHLONE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Coyote Hills Dino Labiste WINGED VISITORS IN YOUR Beverly Ortiz & Friends GARDEN SANCTUARY 3-5pm, Sun, Jun 6 #24213 The best of Coyote Hills wildlife photo- Coyote Hills Beverly Ortiz Experience firsthand the skill of turning a Botanic Garden Charlotte Torgovitsky graphs will be exhibited, and shown on & Mike Bonillas, Mutsun Ohlone volcanic rock into a functional Stone Age 9:30am-12:30pm, Sat, Jun 5 Powerpoint. The photographers will be 10:30am-noon; 1-4pm, Sun, May 23, 30 cutting tool. Learn the basic principles behind Learn about the creatures in your garden present to share their techniques and Find out how Ohlone peoples balanced the ability to flake off obsidian chips predict- sanctuary. We’ll take a slide show tour of equipment. Refreshments served. human needs with that of the land through ably. Try hands-on knapping activities with birds and butterflies, and learn about each demonstrations of cultural skills past to hammer stones, antlers, and copper tools. species and the associations these crea- LENS ON WILDLIFE: present. Make a miniature tule boat for a Experienced flintknappers will assist. 18+yrs. tures have developed with certain plants. TIPS AND TRICKS $2 donation. Registration is required. Take home a milkweed plant to provide Coyote Hills Beverly Ortiz food for monarch caterpillars. 1-2:30 pm, Sun, May 9 NECTAR GARDEN OPEN HOUSE INTRODUCTION TO OHLONE Reg. required: www.nativeplants.org/events. Join experienced photographers in our Coyote Hills Naturalist Staff & CULTURE html or [email protected] or 510-528-0526 nectar garden to learn tips and tricks for Gardener Dan Clark Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison Fee: $30 Friends members/$35 nonmembers “capturing” stunning photos of birds and 1-3pm Sun May 23 11am-12:30pm, Sat, June 12 butterflies. Bring your camera and focus Gain ideas and inspiration to create a home Could you live without grocery and hard- INTRODUCTION TO BOTANICAL your own lens on wildlife! or neighborhood nectar garden! Gardener DRAWING FOR KIDS ware stores? Ancestors of present day Dan will share strategies for beginner’s suc- Ohlones did and thrived. Find out how Botanic Garden COYOTE CUBS cess. Butterflies and hummingbirds abound. and practice string making, their games, Gretchen McCondochie Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison Bring a camera to capture images. and discover the types of tools used. 7+yrs. 10am-noon, Sat, Jun 19 10-11:30am, Tue, May 11 #24195 In this 2-hour workshop for children age 10-11:30am, Tue, Jun 22 #24196 OPEN HOUSE 8-12, we will look at shapes, colors, and Encourage your child’s “wild” side and join Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison textures in the garden and make draw- the fun! We use games, stories and crafts Noon-4pm, Sat, May 29 KNAP-IN to learn about the natural world around Are Monarch butterfly caterpillars poison- ings of what we see. This is the first step Coyote Hills Ortiz/Parkison, us. These programs change monthly and ous? Learn the answer to this question toward creating botanical illustrations. & Knappers are designed for your active pre-schooler. and others as we explore the Bird and Drawing materials and sketch pads pro- 10am-3pm, Sat, May 1, Sun, May 2 May 11: Butterflies. June 22: Animal Track- Butterfly Garden and the Visitor Center vided. This is the first in a series of classes Join experienced stone tool makers ing. 3-5yrs using scavenger hunts and a sensory table for kids at the garden. during this informal, weekend op- Registration is required. with artifacts. Reg. required: www.nativeplants.org/ portunity to learn about the meth- Fee: $6/child (non-res. $8) events.html or [email protected] or 510- BIRD WALK GAWK ods used locally and worldwide to 528-0526 SHUTTERBUGS Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison transform chert, obsidian and other Fee: $10 for children of Friends mem- Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison 8-11am, Sat, June 5 stones into spear points, arrow- bers/$15 nonmembers 10am-noon, Sat, May 15 #24197 The Bay Area bursts with bird life! New heads, and drills. The ancient skill of Learn to photograph bugs and other and experienced birders alike join us as we stone tool making is the focus of this natural wonders: The nectar garden will discover patterns of behavior, migration, “knap-in.” Young children may watch. be our muse. Bring your digital camera and habitat. 8+yrs. Anyone 13 years or older may give (no experience necessary) and join pho- “knapping” a try. Bring leather gloves tographer Don Jedlovec. (Display a photo LEARN TO CONSTRUCT and protective eye wear if you want in the Visitor Center.) 10-15yrs A TULE BOAT to test your knack for knapping. Registration is required. Coyote Hills/Quarry Lakes Dino Labiste 9am-2pm, Sun, Jun 6 & 9:30am-3:30pm, Sun, Jun 27 #24214 9 = Register at www.ebparksonline.org = Disabled accessible program = Parking fee may be charged = Financial assistance is available pipefish–just to name a few of our amazing ORIGAMI WHALE HATS Register online: www.ebparksonline.org animals–while they eat. Like a dive in the Crab Cove Sara Fetterly or by phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2, then 3 Bay without getting wet! 1-2pm, Sun, May 23 Turn a simple piece of paper in to a fancy SEASIDE PICTURE FRAMES blue whale. It’s not as hard as it sounds. CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY lithic tribe. Discover our world through Crab Cove Sara Fetterly As we work we will learn five fascinating IN THE STONE AGE a new language, learn to use Stone Age 1- 2pm, Sat, May 1 and Sun, May 9 whale facts. Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison tools, create fire and feast on meat (hot Learn about the Bay, and then build a beau- 10am-2pm, Sun, Jun 20 #24216 dogs) and grain (buns). Parent participation tiful picture frame from materials similar FAMILY FUN Travel back in time as we explore the lives required. 7+yrs. to those in the park and at the shore. A MEMORIAL DAY of hunters and gatherers. Bond as a Paleo- Registration is required. perfect present for mom on Mother’s Day. Crab Cove Interpretive Staff Fee: $10 (non-resident $12) CONCERTS AT THE COVE 10am-4pm, Mon, May 31 Drop in for a day of fun with family na- Crab Cove Interpretive Staff PANORAMIC BAY-VIEW HIKE ture activities: 10am low-tide walk, then CRAB COVE Coyote Hills Dino Labiste 5:30-7:30pm, Fri, May 14 & Jun 11 throughout the day: snake meet and greet, 3-5pm, Sun, Jun 20 #24217 Celebrate Crab Cove’s 30th and the Re- WEEKDAY FUN nature crafts and videos, fish feeding while Enjoy an energetic 2-mile, round trip hike gional Park District’s 75th anniversary while Join us for programs designed for you watch, pond walk and sandy beach as we traverse the ridge of our hills. Marvel you start your weekend with free music and you and your children. We’ll play exploration. games, explore nature, sing songs, at the panoramic view and learn about the family fun as the sun sets over San Francisco and do a craft related to the theme San Francisco Bay, the salt ponds and the Bay. Visitor Center stays open later with NATURE BY PARACHUTE of the day! surrounding marshes. Maybe glimpse a activities on our deck. Bring your blanket or Crab Cove Sara Fetterly soaring hawk or even a watchful Golden lawn chair and a picnic dinner, or purchase 1-2pm, Sun, Jun 6 SEA SIBLINGS Eagle. 9+yrs. local food and beverages here. Sponsored Explore nature in a whole new way, with Crab Cove Interpretive Staff Registration is required. by the West Alameda Business Association parachute play! Working together, we will 10-11am, Tue, May 11 #24322, Jun and East Bay Regional Park District. May make a giant jellyfish dance and send a blue- 15 #24325, 29 #24323 RECYCLED T-SHIRT YARN 14: Classical music for spring. June 11: Pop bird flying. Meet on the Visitor Center lawn. Spend an hour with your preschool- Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison music for listening and dancing. er and their younger sibling for an 11am-3pm, Sat, Jun 26 #24218 CHILDREN’S STORYTIME introduction to outdoor fun. May Turn that closet full of old tee-shirts into NATIVE PLANT GARDENING AND EXPLORATION 11: Sharks! June 15: Amazing Am- fabulous accessories! We’ll take those Crab Cove Michael Charnofsky Crab Cove Michael Charnofsky phibians. June 29: Pond Pals. 1-5 yrs. shirts, turn them into yarn, dye them, and 3- 5pm, Sat, May 15 and June 12 9-10:30am, Sat, Jun 12 Registration is required. knit or crochet them into accessories you’ll Spend an afternoon pruning, “preening” Watch amazing animals like ducklings, lady- Fee: $4 be proud to wear or give as gifts. 14+yrs. and planting around the Visitor Center, bugs, and crabs in the mudflat, rocky shore Registration is required. helping to convert our landscape into a and pond. Enjoy stories and songs about SEA SQUIRTS Fee: $10 (non-res. $12) Bay/wildlife friendly garden filled with Cali- 10-11:30am, Tue, May 25 #24351, animals before and after our exploration fornia native plants. Refreshments served, adventure. 3-7 yrs. and Jun 22 #24355 tools provided. 8+yrs. Share a morning of shoreline fun with CRAB COVE RETURN OF THE TERNS your pre-school age child. Snack Crab Cove Visitor Center hours are CRAZY CRABS Crab Cove Interpretive Staff included. May 25: Sharks! June 22: Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Center’s gift Crab Cove Sara Fetterly 11am #24402, noon #24403, 1pm #24404, Amazing Amphibians. 3-5 yrs. shop has books, t-shirts, and other nature- 1-2pm, Sun, May 16 Sat, Jun 19 Registration is required. related items for sale. For information Come learn fascinating facts about crabs of Journey to the proposed Alameda Wildlife Fee: $6 ($8 non-res.) about naturalist programs or other activi- the Bay. Watch as we transform one lucky Refuge (usually closed to the public) to ties, call (510) 544-3187, or email ccove@ ESTUARY EXPLORERS participant from a mammal to a crab, and view a nesting site teeming with several ebparks.org. do a very crabby craft. 3:30-5pm, Tue, May 25 #24368, hundred pairs of endangered California Jun 22 #24369 CATCH OF THE DAY least terns and their chicks. A wildlife School-age kids like exploring nature, Crab Cove Interpretive Staff biologist will be aboard our bus “blind” to playing outdoors, and learning more 2-3pm, Saturdays & Sundays, May & Jun independently–no parents required. Drop by for fun activities to help you learn Join us for this afterschool program! about the Bay, its wildlife, and local history. Snack included. May 25: Sharks! June The aquariums, beach, and pond await you, MIDDLE HARBOR 22: Amazing Amphibians. 6-8 yrs. with a new topic each week. Visit our newest shoreline park, located at the north end of 7th Street in Oakland. Registration is required. For information about programs or the park, call (510) 272-4802. Fee: $6 (non-res. $8) FISH FEEDING TIME Crab Cove Interpretive Staff BIRDING ON THE BAY THE PULLMAN PORTERS OF 3-3:30pm, Sat, May 1, 22, Jun 5, 26. Sun, Middle Harbor Tara Reinertson WEST OAKLAND 9am-10:30am, Sat, May 1, 29 Middle Harbor May 9, 16, 23, June 6, 13, 20, 27 Spring has sprung and birds are arriving 11:30am-12:30pm, Sat, May 15 Learn about crabs, flounder, perch, and ANNUAL SAND CASTLE in their breeding plumage! Observe Learn about West Oakland’s rich Afri- AND SCULPTURE the red-billed Caspian tern in all its can American cultural heritage as we CONTEST splendor, spot an avocet’s nest along take a walk back in time. Who were the 9am-1pm, Sat, Jun 19 CONCERTS AT THE COVE the shore and hear the ringing of red- “Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters” Crab Cove Interpretive Staff winged blackbirds. and how did they achieve their revered Create a unique work of art or Crab Cove Interpretive Staff status? admire others’ creations. Registra- 5:30-7:30pm, Fri, May 14 & Jun 11 DUNE RESTORATION tion for this FREE program begins Celebrate Crab Cove’s 30th and the Middle Harbor Tara Reinertson ART BY NATURE at 9am, viewing and judging at noon, Regional Park District’s 75th anniver- 2-4pm, Sat, May 1, 29 Middle Harbor Tara Reinertson and the award presentation is at sary while you start your weekend Have some fun while helping remove in- 2-4pm, Sat, May 15 1pm. Categories include castles and with free music and family fun as the vasive species! Learn about the unique Express yourself with paints and medi- sculptures by youth, families, and sun sets over San Francisco Bay. The native dune plants that live on the edge ums from the earth. We will capture the adults. The event is co-sponsored Visitor Center stays open later with of the Bay. Gloves and snacks provided. wild skyscape of the San Francisco Bay by the Bay View Women’s Club, East activities on our deck. Bring your blan- and learn what art and science have in FISH PRINTS BY THE BAY common. Supplies provided. Bay Regional Park District, and Al- ket or lawn chair and a picnic dinner, Middle Harbor Tara Reinertson ameda Recreation & Parks. Stop by or purchase local food and beverages 1-2:30pm, Sat, May 8 our information table to learn about here. Sponsored by the West Alameda Bring a T-shirt and learn about the many our Bay and other opportunities to Business Association and East Bay Re- types of fish and SHARKS that live in explore it! gional Park District. May 14: Classical the Bay. Go home with a colorful fish music for spring. June 11: Pop music T-shirt and new fun fishy facts to share. for listening and dancing. 10 Info–Ardenwood: (510) 544-2797; Black Diamond: (510) 544-2750; Botanic Garden: (510) 544-3169; Coyote Hills: (510) 544-3220; Crab Cove: (510) 544-3187; Middle Harbor: (510) 272-4802; Sunol: (510) 544-3249; Tilden Nature Area: (510) 544-2233 interpret behavior. Learn about their long The 27th ANNUAL RATTLE- journey and fascinating behavior in a free SNAKE RENDEZVOUS Register online: www.ebparksonline.org or by phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2, then 3 slide program before or after your bus trip. Sunol Cat Taylor & Anthony Fisher At 2:30 pm join a naturalist to watch these 9am Sat, May 29-2pm, Mon, May 31 #24360 amazing acrobats hunt at Crab Cove. 8+yrs. Travel back in time and join our intrepid Fee: $6 ($8 non-res.) band of primitives for a weekend of Stone TILDEN NATURE AREA THE TRUTH ABOUT BEES Registration is required. Age living skills. Aside from modern sleeping The Environmental Education Center is Tilden Nature Area James Wilson 2:30-4 pm, Sat, May 22 TURTLE TALK gear and clothing, we will attempt to experi- open Tue-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Little ence as closely as possible the rigors and sat- Farm is open daily. For info call (510) 544- Come to the farm classroom and learn what Crab Cove Sara Fetterly isfactions of village life in the ooooolllldddd 2233, or email [email protected]. all the buzz is about. We’ll meet some local 1:30-2pm, Sun, June 20 and 27 ways. Fire-starting, flint-knapping, spears, bees and discover our connection with Meet Esmerelda our three-toed box turtle. arrows, cordage, open-fire cooking, music, MAYDAY CELEBRATION domesticated honeybees. Honey provided! Count the scales upon her back, and then tracking, beads, and much more! 9+yrs. Tilden Nature Area James Wilson see her “race” to get a snack! MEMORIAL DAY OPEN HOUSE! Registration is required. 2-4pm, Sat, May 1 Celebrate May first with maypoles, bubbles, Tilden Nature Area Fee: $90 Adult/$45 Child Bethany Facendini & Interpretive Staff SUNOL (non-res. $102/$51) and crafts for the whole family. On green pastures, we will meet our sheep and goats, Noon-3:30pm, Mon, May 31 All programs meet at the Sunol Visitor Join the holiday fun naturally as we create Center unless otherwise noted. For Visitor ATLATL AND DART and pet our feathered and furry friends. MAKING WORKSHOP art from recycled materials (noon-2:00), Center hours and information, call (510) meet some reptiles (1-2), explore the but- Sunol Anthony Fisher ARTISTS ON THE FARM 544-3249, or email [email protected]. terfly garden (2-3), and play nature games 9am-2pm, Sun, Jun 13 #24381 Tilden Nature Area Courtney Glettner (2:30-3:30). BIRDING FROM A CLIFF Before the bow and arrow, this hunting 2:30- 3:30pm, Sun, May 2 Calling artists of all ages to enjoy the farm Sunol Anthony Fisher system put meat on the ancestors’ “table.” TODDLERS AND FRIENDS! 11am-3pm, Sun, May 2 Learn the local history of the dart-thrower for an afternoon of springtime art. We’ll draw, color, and sketch our interpretations Tilden Nature Area Linda Yemoto A strenuous hike to the top, where we eat and make your own. CAUTION: sharp 10:30-11:30am, Sun, Jun 6 lunch and bird over the edge. It is a three tools used! 12+yrs. of happenings around the barnyard. Sup- plies provided. Here’s a chance for little ones and their and one-half-mile round trip. 8+yrs. Registration is required. grown-up friends to explore the mead- Fee: $30 (non-res. $34) VALLEY NATURE RIDE REPTILE RENDEZVOUS ows, ponds, and trails in the Nature Area. Sunol Interpretive Staff DAD’S DAY MINI HIKE Tilden Nature Area Interpretive Staff Especially for 2-3 year olds. 10-10:45am, Sun, May 23#24315, Jun 6 # Sunol Katie Colbert 2-3pm, Sun, May 9 24316, 13 #24317 10:30am-12:30pm, Sun, Jun 20 Learn about the reptiles that call the na- Enjoy an introduction to the cultural and Celebrate Father’s Day with a ¾ mile long ture area home. Meet a few up close and natural history of Sunol Regional Wilder- hike that is juuuuust right for wee kids and personal! KIDS’ PROGRAMS AT ness during a horseback ride. 6+yrs. their dads and moms. Bring a snack. CHICKY CHICKENS TILDEN NATURE AREA Registration is required. DADDY CREEK BUGS Tilden Nature Area James Wilson Fee: $25 (non-res. $29) 2-3pm, Sat, May 15 TILDEN TOTS! Sunol Katie Colbert Tilden Nature Area 2-4pm, Sun, Jun 20 Let’s welcome our newest fuzzy-feathered friends to the barnyard. We’ll visit, feed, and Linda Yemoto & Bethany Facendini Male giant waterbugs wear eggs on their backs. 10-11:30am, Wed, May 5 #24248 & Bring your dad and mom to explore Alameda pet our poultry pals, and learn a little about what makes them peep and cluck. Tue, Jun 29 #24249 Creek in search of these buggy wonders. Join an outdoor, nature adventure WONDEROUS program for 3-4 year olds, each WILDFLOWERS! accompanied by an adult (grand- Tilden Nature Area Morgan Evans parents welcome!) Sorry, no siblings 2-3pm, Sun, May 16 please. In May we’ll explore our Come familiarize yourself with some of natural sense-abilities; in June we’ll the wildflowers that grow right here in explore the local ponds. Tilden Park. Watch a slideshow followed Registration is required. by Q&A to help prepare you for your own Fee: $6 (non-res. $8) field study. TILDEN EXPLORERS! Tilden Nature Area Linda Yemoto 3:15-4:45, Thu, Jun 3 #24326; ARTIST EXHIBITION – Tue, Jun 29 #24327 RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY Join an after-school nature adventure Tilden Nature Area for 5-7 year olds, who may be ac- 10am-4:30pm,Tue-Sun, May 4- Jun 30 companied by an adult. No younger Students from Richmond’s Riverside siblings please. This month we’ll learn Elementary School present Wild- about aquatic insects. cat Creek-inspired artwork. Anita Registration is required. Miller’s 3rd graders share images in- Fee: $6 (non-res. $8) formed by their park visits and from going to school next to the creek. TILDEN MINI RANGERS Tilden Nature Area James Wilson Handmade arrows. Photo by Anthony Fisher. Tule basket. Photo by Anthony Fisher. MEET THE ARTISTS 3:30-5:30pm, Wed, May 5 #24253, RECEPTION– Jun 2 #24254 ARROW MAKING TULE BASKET RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY Do you like hiking, conservation, WORKSHOP WORKSHOP Tilden Nature Area Interp. Staff and nature-based activities? This Sunol Anthony Fisher Sunol Anthony Fisher 2-4pm, Sat, Jun 5 after-school program is for you! It’s 9am-2pm, Sun, May 16 #24356 9am-2pm, Sun, Jun 6 #24377 Join Riverside Elementary School’s designed for kids 8-12 years old, Use plant shoots, feathers, deer sinew, Twine a unique basket from this ver- Room 12 students as they share unaccompanied by parents. Dress to and natural pigments to create a beau- satile wetland plant that has been an their artwork on display at the EEC. ramble and get dirty; bring a snack. tifully rustic arrow. Arrow types and important resource in California Indian Play with clay, try your hand with Registration is required. materials of native Californians will culture for millennia. 12+yrs. paints, and enjoy light refreshments. Fee: $6 (non-res. $8) be discussed. Obsidian arrow point Registration is required. provided. 12+yrs. Fee: $20 (non-res. $22) Registration is required. Fee: $30 (non-res. $34) 11 = Register at www.ebparksonline.org = Disabled accessible program = Parking fee may be charged = Financial assistance is available a soda can) on May 22, and a shoe box information, call (510) 544-3187. May 9: Register online: www.ebparksonline.org or similar on May 29. If you can’t, come Redwood Park (Redwood Bowl Staging or by phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2, then 3 anyway, we’ll have some extras! Area) –Beautiful canyons and magnificent Registration is required. vistas will delight you on this moderate yet hilly two and two-thirds mile loop. A SUSHI BASICS WORKSHOP SECRETS OF SIBLEY HIKE great way to spend Mother’s Day! May 16: Sibley Volcanic Preserve Sara Fetterly ADVANCED TILDEN Tilden Nature Area Linda Yemoto Leona Canyon (Canyon Oaks trailhead) 10am-Noon, Sat, May 1 11:30am-2:30pm, Sun, Jun 13 #24444 Leona Trail–This moderate hike brings us to LITTLE FARM CAMP Mazes, quarries, and beautiful wildflowers Learn the natural and cultural history of Merritt College and back. Native American Tilden Nature Area are just some of the things we will encoun- this ancient cuisine as you prepare and plant uses are highlighted along this scenic James Wilson ter on this moderate two and one-half mile taste seven basic types of sushi. Learn how path. May 23: Middle Harbor Shoreline Park 10am-4pm, Jul 5-9 #23559 hike through Sibley. Meet at the Skyline to roll, stuff and form sushi all in a fun, (Middle Harbor Road parking area)–Spec- For the more advanced little farmer, Blvd. Staging Area. we present a new, garden-fresh, delicious atmosphere. Parent participation tacular city views can be observed from this hands-on camp offering in-depth required for children 8-10 years. THURSDAY BIRDING jewel of a park nestled alongside Oakland’s experiences in animal husbandry, Registration is required. EAST COUNTY bustling port. Middle Harbor Naturalist agriculture, and food production. Fee: Adult $35/Senior $30/Child $25 (8-12 Various Parks Mike Moran Tara Reinertson will join us to discuss No prerequisites; just a love and yrs) (Non-res: $39/$34/$29) 9-11am, Thu, May 6 #24399, Jun 10 #24400 the history and habitats of this wonderful park. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this hike. passion for that old-time, country FRONDIFEROUS FERNS! Spring’s feathered magic flits, flies, swims, farm lifestyle. 12-15 yrs June 6: Huckleberry Trail (Huckleberry Tilden Nature Area Morgan Evans and soars! Explore two lovely sections of Registration is required. Staging Area on Skyline Blvd.)–Explore the 2-3pm, Sun, Jun 20 Eastern Contra Costa County on these Fee: $250 (non-res. $270) fowl forays. May 5: Marsh Creek–Cypress extraordinary plant diversity unique to this Come learn about these ancient pteri- botanic reserve on this moderate two and TILDEN dophytes! Discover how they reproduce, Road Staging Area . June 10: Big Break– one-third mile hike. Sorry, no dogs allowed LITTLE FARM CAMP where they like to live, and how to use Big Break partially accessible. on this hike. June 13: Crab Cove (Meet at Registration is required. Tilden Nature Area keys to identify the ones that grow here the Crab Cove visitor center)–Join Super- James Wilson in Tilden Park. SUNDAY STROLLS vising Naturalist Sharol Nelson-Embry on a 10am-4pm, Jul 12-16 #23560, ROCK’N ROLL AT Various Parks Sara Fetterly beautiful walk along the Alameda shoreline from Crab Cove to Elsie Roemer Bird Jul 26-30 #23561, Aug 2-6 #23562, WILDCAT CREEK! 10am-noon, Sun, May 9, 16, 23, Jun 6, 13, Aug 9-13 #23563 Sanctuary and back. Approximately four Tilden Nature Area 20, 27 Experience the old-time, country easy miles. June 20: Redwood Regional 10-11:30am, Sun, Jun 27 Wake up and walk into nature. Each week farm lifestyle during a week of farm Park (Canyon Meadow Staging Area)–Walk Young nature explorers and their parents we will explore a different park and the camp fun! We’ll learn about caring alongside a shady creek and learn about are invited to join us as we learn about natural wonders within. Hikes range from for farm animals, harvesting, cooking, stream ecology on this beautiful four-mile rocks. We’ll explore a river bed, gather two to five miles. Great for families. Dogs getting dirty, and having fun! 8-11yrs hike. A wonderful hike to do with your Dad! stones, and learn to identify them. welcome on most hikes. See www.ebparks. Registration is required. org/parks for maps and directions. For June 27: Anthony Chabot (Anthony Chabot Fee: $250 (non-res. $270) Limit one Day Use Parking Area)–Walk to the lake and week of registration per child. OTHER PARKS back on this scenic four and eight-tenths (1-888-327-2757) option 2, 3 mile hike. Some steep hills. LAKE DEL VALLE WEDNESDAY WALKS SCENIC BOAT TOUR Various Locations Garcia/ WOMEN ON Del Valle nterpretive Staff Reinertson COMMON GROUND LITTLE FARM OPEN HOUSE 1-2:30pm, Sats & Suns in May & June 9:30am, Wed, May 5, 19, 26, Jun 2, Locations vary Katie Colbert Tilden Nature Area Linda Yemoto There’s no better way to enjoy Del Valle 16, 23 10am-2:30pm, Sun, May 9 #24413, Las 1-3pm, Sun, Jun 6 than being out on the lake. Join our inter- Explore a new East Bay Regional Trampas, 7-9:30pm, Sun, Jun 27 #24414, Come and meet the bunnies, goats, chick- pretive student aides on a boat tour to the Park every week with our friendly Morgan Territory ens and other critters that inhabit our dam. During the presentation learn about walking group. Discover the natural This is a series of naturalist-led programs little farm. You can bring fresh lettuce or the lake, the wildlife, the history, and the and human history of our beautiful for women who love the outdoors but celery if you like. many activities available here. Bring a jacket, parklands and improve your health whose concern for personal safety keeps sunscreen, and binoculars. Purchase tickets on a fast-paced hike. Hikers of all them from enjoying their own parks. For a LITTLE FARM GOAT HIKE ages and abilities are welcome. complete schedule contact (510) 544-3243, Tilden Nature Area James Wilson at the east-side concession beginning at Wear sturdy footwear, bring water or [email protected]. May 9: Las Tram- 1:30-3pm, Sat, Jun 12 6 a.m.; age 13 and up/$5; age 1-12 and and dress for the weather. Parking pas: Up And Down Hike–Steep at times Everyone needs exercise! Come on a Seniors/$3; under 1 year/free if in parent’s fees may apply. For more informa- (but worth it!) this four-mile hike takes us short hike with the Little Farm goats as we arms. All children under 13 (including tion, please call (510)544-3282 or to both lush mini-canyons and windswept explore the historic connections between infants) and all non-swimming adults will email [email protected]. May grassy hills. Registration is required. June humans and their ungulate friends. be required to wear a provided flotation device. Programs may be cancelled if there 5–Del Valle: Meet at the Eastshore 27: Morgan Territory: Sunset Behind Mt. are five or fewer participants. Info: (510) marina for this six and one-half-mile Diablo–Celebrate the solstice, the stars, 544-3249. strenuous Trails Challenge hike. May and the cultural history of this park on a TEEN ECO ACTION WEEK! 19–Oyster Bay: Enjoy great views leisurely, mostly flat, two-mile hike along Various Parks Bethany Facendini HIKE AROUND LAKE CHABOT and waterfowl on an easy three-mile a charming trail. Registration is required. 10-4pm, Jun 21-25 #24459, Jul 5-9 Lake Chabot Trail Gail stroll along the shore of the bay. May #24460 9am-2pm, Sat, May 1 26–Brushy Peak: A moderate to MONDAY BIRDING Meet other teens making a differ- It may look easy, but hiking around Lake strenuous four and one-quarter-mile Various parks Anthony Fisher ence in the environment! Here is Chabot is longer than you think. Explore loop hike around this east county 9-11:30am, Mon, May 10, 17 your opportunity to gain valuable its history and importance on this nine- landmark. June 2–Briones: Meet at Easy birding walks of about 2 miles, mostly experience and earn community mile hike. Bring, sack lunch, and water Bear Creek Staging Area for a five- flat terrain. May 10: Sunol, Green Barn. service credit through a week of fun- hiking shoes. 10+yrs. mile strenuous hike with Naturalist May 17: Garin, leftside lot. filled activities, restoration projects, Tara Reinertson. June 16–Mission MYTHS AND CRAFTS OF OUR Peak: Meet at Ohlone College Park- LAST “OLD GROWTH” and career exploration. Discover REDWOOD HIKE how YOU benefit from protecting NIGHT SKY ing Lot “P” for a rather strenuous Big Break Mike Moran four and one-half- mile Trails Chal- Leona Canyon, Michael Charnofsky our environment. Stipends and 10am-noon, Sat, May 15 #24570 transportation available. Call (510) 10-11:30am, Sat, May 1 #24371, 15 #24378, lenge hike. June 23–Coyote Hills: 22 #24380, & 29 #24382 Hike a moderate five miles along Cross through two watersheds with vary- 544-2233 for an application. ing terrain and diverse plant communities 13-16yrs. Stipend received upon Star gazing season is here! Let’s share some the edge of the hills to the adjacent fascinating Greek and Roman myths de- wildlife refuge. June 30–Don Cas- on this moderate six-mile hike through completion of service: $100. Leona Canyon Preserve and Oakland’s Registration is required. scribing the heavens, then make a celestial tro: Journey to Five Canyons Open craft to learn about our night sky and take Space on a strenuous six and one- Leona Heights Park. Observe from a dis- home! If you can, please bring a clean can third-mile hike. tance the one “old growth” East Bay red- of any size with the bottom still on it (not 12 Info–Ardenwood: (510) 544-2797; Black Diamond: (510) 544-2750; Botanic Garden: (510) 544-3169; Coyote Hills: (510) 544-3220; Crab Cove: (510) 544-3187; Middle Harbor: (510) 272-4802; Sunol: (510) 544-3249; Tilden Nature Area: (510) 544-2233 wood still standing. Meet at Canyon Oaks be accompanied by an adult. Non-campers Drive trailhead. Bring a trail lunch. 10+yrs. welcome. Please park by the campground Register online: www.ebparksonline.org Registration is required. store. Info: (510) 544-3249. or by phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2, then 3 HISTORY–WE’RE FULL OF IT CANINE CAPERS–DOG WALK Antioch Historical Society Staff Various Parks Kristina Parkison in nature study, history, fitness, and fun 10am-4pm, Sat., May 15 9-11am, Sat, May 22 (Pleasanton Ridge) are invited to join this series of monthly Join us at the Antioch Historical Society #24239, Sat, Jun 19, (Garin) #24240 excursions exploring the Regional Parks. Museum as we celebrate International Make new friends, enjoy a nature walk and In May we’ll explore the hills of Wildcat Museum Day and National Preservation explore some of the finest open space Canyon, from Alvarado staging area; in Month. Participate in hands-on activities with your best four-legged friend along! June we’ll visit Miller/Knox. Info (510) for both kids and adults, view displays, Homemade snacks provided for good (and 544-2233. 55+yrs. and obtain information from various or- spirited) dogs! 8+yrs. THURSDAY BIRDING: ganizations. Registration is required. RAPTOR BASELINE DEL VALLE DAYLIGHT TO DARKNESS Various Parks Mike Moran CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS HIKING ADVENTURE 9-11:30am, Thu, May 27 #24410, Jun 24 Del Valle Interpretive Staff Chabot Space and Science Center #24411 8-9pm, Sat, May 15, 22 Michael Charnofsky The morning (eastern) side of Mount 8:30-9:30pm, Fri, May 28, Jun 4, 11, 18, 25, 5-10 pm, Sat, May 22 #24571 Diablo hosts a magnificent array of birds Sat, May 29, Jun 5, 19, 26 Ponder and observe how animals are of prey: hawks, falcons, eagles. Help us 9-10:15pm Sat, Jun 12 adapted to different light conditions on a document their variety and numbers in Join us for an evening of fun by the camp- moderately strenuous 5-mile hike through this fun, social citizen research project. fire. We may play games, sing songs, tell Redwood Park. After a sunset trail dinner, No experience necessary–we’ll teach you stories, watch a slide show or a movie or a CSSC educator will point out features how to identify these birds. We’ll meet at even take a short night hike as we learn of the moon, three planets, and constella- a different park on the last Thursday of about the plants, animals, stars or other tions. Hike back to CSSC by moonlight for each month. Join in for one or all. May A great blue heron at Tilden’s Jewel Lake. Photo by special surprise topics. Children should telescope viewing. 10+yrs. 27–Round Valley, staging area. June 24–Big Alex Chiappetta. Registration is required. Break Regional Trail, Jordan Lane TUESDAYS FOR THE BIRDS Registration is required. Various Parks Bethany Facendini TUESDAY TWILIGHTS EAST COUNTY BIKE RIDE 7-9:30 am, Tue, May 4, 11, 18, 25; Marsh Creek Reg. Trail Outdoor Ed SHOOTING THE LIGHT Various Parks Fisher/Colbert/ Jun 8, 29 9am-Noon, Sun, May 23 Round Valley Kevin Damstra Zuckermann, Outdoor Ed Share your enthusiasm for bird life Bring your own bike for a guided nature- 8-11:30am, Sat, May 29 #24421 6:30-9pm, Tue, Jun 1 Garin on a tranquil walk through various ride along the banks of beautiful Marsh Grab your “point and shoot” or SLR cam- 6:30-9:30pm, Tue, Jun 8 Sunol Bay Area parklands! All levels of bird- Creek to the shores of the San Joaquin era and search for the perfect shot as we 7-9pm, Tue, Jun 15 Point Pinole ing experience welcome. Call (510) River and back. Helmets required for explore the natural and cultural history of 7-9pm, Tue, Jun 29 Briones 544-2233 for specific meeting loca- minors. Meet at Creekside in Brentwood. this valley nestled in the eastern foothills Enjoy the regional parks at sunset tions. Bring water, sunscreen, and of Mount Diablo. 6+yrs. with the family. These naturalist- binoculars or scopes. May 4: Temes- OVER-THE-HILLS-GANG Registration is required. guided walks vary in difficulty Various Parks Dave Zuckermann cal Regional Recreation Area. May and are usually not suitable for 10am-12:30pm, Tue, May 25; Jun 8 TEENS TOUCH THE EARTH 11: Eastshore State Park–Berkeley organized groups. For a complete Hikers 55 years and older interested North Richmond, Breuner Marsh Meadow. May 18: Briones Regional schedule, contact (510) 544-3243, Bethany Facendini Park–Briones Road. May 25: EB- or [email protected]. June 9am-noon, Sat, May 29 MUD–Valle Vista Staging Area. June 1: Garin, with Naturalist Anthony VASCO CAVES Have fun meeting other teens who care 8: Tilden Regional Park–Inspiration Fisher–Descend into Dry Creek’s REGIONAL PRESERVE TOUR about the environment while earning com- Point. June 29: Martinez Regional riparian woodland, then rise to the Vasco Caves Mike Moran munity service credit. Make a difference by Shoreline. Info: (510) 544-2233. grassy ridges. Let your senses spar- 9am-2pm, Sun, May 2 #24391, 30 taking action to clean-up shoreline debris. kle! Meet at the Red Barn. Info: (510) #24398, Sat, May 8 #24392, 22 Be prepared for a tire tug tournament! 544-3244. June 8: Sunol, with Natu- #24393 13-19yrs. in Antioch to gather resources about all of ralist Katie Colbert: Creekview At Behold Vasco’s spectacular rock your East Bay Regional Parks. Check the Dusk–Follow Alameda Creek uphill outcrops, vernal pools-seasonal TRAILS CHALLENGE– Contra Costa Fair website for hours and and down dale to the beautiful pools home of endangered amphibians BRIONES WILDFLOWERS additional information. www.contracosta- and jumbled boulders of Little Yo- and fairy shrimp. This is habitat Briones Facendini/Evans fair.org. More information (510) 544-2750. semite. Bring dinner and water. Meet for eagles and various nesting and 10am-3:30 pm, Sun, May 30 at the Old Green Barn. Info: (510) migrating raptors hunting bountiful Join us for a strenuous seven+ mile loop TRAILS CHALLENGE: 544-3243. June 15: Point Pinole, prey in robust restored grasslands. hike celebrating spring wildflowers. We’ll with Naturalist Dave Zuckermann: explore the park’s rolling hills and shady DIABLO FOOTHILLS Archaeological sites contain Indian Diablo Foothills Kevin Damstra Stories On The Land–As shadows canyons. Wear sturdy shoes, bring lunch rock art, part of a complex reaching 8am-noon, Sat, Jun 5 #24428 lengthen and the sun dips into the and plenty of water. Meet at the Bear back nearly 10,000 years. 10+yrs. Explore the rocky crags, rolling hills, and bay, we’ll walk the quiet woods and Creek staging area. Info (510) 544-2233 Registration is required. soaring raptors of the Mount Diablo shoreline. Discover the “explosive” Fee: $30 (non-res. $34) foothills on this five-mile hike over varied and peaceful past of this unique park CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS terrain. Our route will follow the 2010 on a flat, easy-paced walk. Meet in FULL MOON Chabot Campground Amphitheater ‘Moderate’ Trails Challenge hike and will the parking lot. Info: (510) 544-2233. AT VASCO CAVES Interpretive Staff involve some steep sections of trail. 8+yrs. June 29: Briones, with Outdoor Ed: Vasco Caves Kevin Damstra 8-9pm, Sun, May 30, Sat, Jun 5, 12, 19, 26 Registration is required. Briones Sunset–We’ll hike at a mod- 5:30-10pm, Thu, May 27 #24417 FREE! Join us for after-dark fun! Learn about the parks and nature around you erate pace to catch sunset views of The sun’s last rays and the rising WEBELOS NATURALISTS Mt. Diablo, explore open grasslands full moon will illuminate the many through games, songs, slides, and stories around the campfire. Dress warmly and Martinez Shoreline: Outdoor Ed and woodlands, and finish up at an natural and cultural wonders of the 10am-12:30pm, Sun, Jun 6 #24442 a-maze-ing spot in the park. 2.5 Vasco Caves as we hike 2-3 moder- bring marshmallows for roasting. We’ll have a new topic each week. Even if you’re not Hey scouts! Earn your badge at a place miles, 400+ft elevation gains. Bring ate miles. The Preserve is accessible where nature rules! We’ll play games, water and sturdy shoes. Meet at the through guided tours by District- camping, you’re welcome to join us for the program! Info: (510) 544-3187. explore wacky wetlands, and learn about Alhambra Creek Staging Area. Info: provided bus transportation stag- ways to protect the planet during this (510) 544-2768. ing from Round Valley Regional CONTRA COSTA COUNTY FAIR hands-on, eco groovy adventure! Parent Preserve staging area. 10+yrs. Antioch Fair Grounds participation required. 7-12yrs Registration is required. Times vary, Thu-Sun, Jun 3-6 Registration is required. Fee: $30 (non-res. $34) Join us at the Contra Costa County Fair 13 = Register at www.ebparksonline.org = Disabled accessible program = Parking fee may be charged = Financial assistance is available Patrol, Companion Dog Patrol, Hiking Patrol, Register online: www.ebparksonline.org and Mounted Patrol–Heather Marlais at or by phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2, then 3 (510) 690-6580. GARDEN VOLUNTEERS WALKIN’ IN PRIDE! EXOTIC MARTINEZ Various parks Pellarin/Mueller Middle Harbor Martinez Shoreline, wharf parking area Dates and times vary Facendini/Willis/Reinertson Interpretive Staff Quarry Lakes: This program in Fremont 6-8:30pm, Wed, Jun 9 10am-noon, Sat, Jun 19 #24469 needs volunteers to help with planting and Celebrate gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender Martinez is home to revelers who have garden maintenance. Featured plantings pride month on a “family” walk! Enjoy the spanned the globe. Meet some chloro- include California native plants and a rose garden and a rare fruit grove. Help weed Antique farm equipment at Round Valley. Photo by spirit of community, nature’s wonders, tales phyllous travelers as we stroll through Marc Crumpler. from the past, and one and one-half miles of the marsh. and prune in the plant beds, assist the gar- bayside views. Bring layered clothing, water, Registration is required. deners in planting and help with general COOL WALKS and a snack to share. (Sorry, dogs aren’t garden care. Dates and times vary–please IN HOT PARKS allowed at this park.) Info (510) 544-2233. SUMMER DELTA call for more information: (510) 795-4895. Various Parks Mike Moran LUNCH CRUISE Garin/Dry Creek: Help weed and prune in 8:30am-noon, Sat, Jun 5 #24434, 12 NATURE’S AFTERNOON Delta: Pittsburg Marina Mike Moran the plant beds, assist the gardners in plant- #24435, and 26 #24436 Contra Loma Kevin Damstra 10:30am-2pm, Sat, Jun 19 #24468 ing, and help with general garden care. Info: Hike before the heat! June 5: 1-3pm, Fri, Jun 11, 18, 25 Ply the serene waters of California’s (510) 582-2206. Big Break–stroll a flat, paved trail Join us Friday afternoons as we discover Delta along the lower Sacramento and through willow thickets and tule the natural world of Contra Loma. Each San Joaquin rivers. We’ll board the beauti- PARK/TRAIL GUIDES marshes. June 12: Round Val- week we will explore a different aspect of ful, double-decked Island Serenade, enjoy a Various Parks Lori Gray ley–Hike oak woodland, with eagles the park through games, crafts, and eco- hearty lunch (included!), and explore the Guides are needed to assist the visually above and summer’s gold all around. adventures. June 11: Predators and their fascinating nature and lore of this corner impaired in hiking on Regional Parks trails. June 26: Marsh Creek–Enjoy wide Prey. June 18: The Reservoir’s Hidden of California’s inland coast. 10+yrs. On-going training provided by Bay Area open vistas and peek in on the creek Treasures. June 25: What Lies Beneath: Registration is required. Outreach Recreation Program (B.O.R.P.). on this flat paved trail. the Fish of Contra Loma. 7+yrs. Fee: $44 (non-res. $50) For upcoming dates, contact (510) 849- Registration is required. Info: (510) 544-2750. 4663 or www.borp.org. EARTHQUAKES & WATER SUMMER’S GOLD Lake Temescal Michael Charnofsky WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERS: BREEDING BIRD BIOLOGISTS WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERS: Round Valley Outdoor Ed 10:30am-noon, Sat, June 26 FOREST OF THE FUTURE 8-11am, Sun, Jun 13 The cultural and natural history of the lake Location to be announced Doc Quack Coyote Hills Doc Quack Golden sunshine, golden hills, golden eagles, is intricately tied to the Hayward Fault. On Times, dates to be announced 5:30pm-7:30pm, Fri, May 21 golden views. We’ll seek out the treasures a walk around the lake, we will explore Here is your opportunity to get “nose to During this fun-filled opportunity you’ll dis- of the season on this hearty and hilly four- the faulty evidence beneath us. Meet on beak” with birds, while “conduckting” real cover the “nutty wildlife truths” about oak mile hike. Meet at the main parking lot. Info: the lawn near the north entrance. Info: fieldwork, during the early morning hours trees, and help the world breathe easier (510) 544-2750 . 8+yrs. (510) 544-3187. to help manage our feathered friends. We will be using the area search method de- by watering and caring for trees. Dinner COAST ALIVE! veloped by PRBO Conservation Science to sandwiches will be provided. Each tree SIX-DAY INSTITUTE estimate breeding bird densities at various helper will receive a “Forest of the Future” patch. Space is limited to current Wildlife Various Parks sites in the East Bay Hills in support of the 9am-5pm, Sun- Fri, July 11-16 #24184 Wildfire Hazard Reduction & Resource Volunteers. Parent participation required. OUTDOOR Interpretive Staff Management Plan. By participating, you’ll Registration is required.: (510) 544-2319. DISCOVERIES Upper elementary and middle school earn your “Breeding Bird Biologists” patch. teachers: learn about the geology and Space is limited to current Wildlife Volun- Sunol Colbert/Fisher ecology of the San Francisco Bay Region teers. Parent participation is required. 10-11:30am, Thu, 25TH BAY AREA in the field. Meet at Tilden, and then visit Registration is required.: (510) 544-2319 May 6 #24333, May 13 #24616, May various East Bay Regional Parks to wade STORYTELLING 20 #24334, May 27 #24337, into wetlands and explore sandy beaches DUNE RESTORATION FESTIVAL Jun 3 #24336, Jun 10 #24335, Jun and upland habitats with expert naturalists. Middle Harbor Tara Reinertson 17 #24349 Over six days, you’ll complete an outdoor 2-4pm, Sat, May 1 & 29 Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Children 3-5 years and a parent are experiment and learn to integrate math Have some fun while helping remove Area, El Sobrante invited to make wild discoveries. Info: and language arts with science. Get cur- invasive species! Learn about the unique 9am-7:30pm, Sat, May 22 and Sun, (510) 544-3249. riculum with over 30 standards-based ac- native dune plants that live on the edge of May 23 May 6: Ants, And Wasps, And Bees, tivities and priority trips for your students. the Bay. Gloves and snacks provided. Info: At our 25th gala festival, six profes- Oh My!–There’s lots of these amaz- Stipends offered by California Institute for (510) 272-4802. sional tellers will delight you with ing beasties–let’s get to know them Biodiversity. College credit available via a folktales, personal tales, music and better (safely)! May 20: Bubbles– WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERS: more. Ben Haggarty from Great separate payment on the first day of class. LEAST TERN COLONY Blow bubbles, chase bubbles, enjoy Info: www.eurekaseries.org. Britain is known for his riveting solo their swirling rainbows. Make a spe- Fee: $65 ($71 non-res.) MONITORS performances; Kealoha from Hawaii cial painting with bubbles. May 27: Hayward Shoreline Doc Quack mesmerizes audiences with his slam Registration is required. Holey Birds–Tree holes make cozy 10am-noon, Sun. May 2 poetry; Connie Regan-Blake from bird homes. Visit some and see! June Here is your opportunity to become a North Carolina engages you with 3: Mini-Monsters of the Moat–We’ll VOLUNTEER “Birding-Peeping-Tom” by peering into her southern charm; Diane Ferlatte grab dipnets and stalk the creek for the family life of terns. You will be helping from Oakland carries you with the water striders, giant water bugs and PUBLIC SAFETY VOLUNTEER to record data about their nest distribu- rhythm of her voice; Syd Lieberman their friends….er…. food. June 10: OPPORTUNITIES tion, chronology and reproductive success from Illinois brings history vividly to Dragons And Damsels–Nope, it’s These on-going volunteer programs as- using the Type 2 monitoring method. In life; Willy Claflin and his sidekick May- not a fairytale. Dragonflies and dam- sist District staff in the delivery of es- this method, surveys are conducted from nard Moose will have you in stitches. selflies are super-interesting real-life sential services, which include: educating a vehicle approximately 25m (75ft.) from All Festival fee: $80 adult; 62+yrs. insects that we can learn about! June trail users about trail safety; assisting the the island at various times of day, with the $60; special anniversary price 25 17: Tree Celebration–Today we cel- helicopter unit with rescues; supplement- majority of the surveys conducted from years and younger $40. Single-day ebrate trees. We will thank them for ing police in patrol activities and incident 0700 to 1700 hours, seven days a week. A and Individual Event tickets and their gifts of shade, oxygen and more! response. Certifications and/or training Cabela’s professional 60mm (2.4 in) spot- family prices available. Visit www. Registration is required. are required for some programs. For more ting scope on a car window mount will be bayareastorytelling.org for special Fee: $6 (non-res. $8) information, contact the following: Flight available. Space is limited to current Wildlife offers, or call (510) 869-4969 for Medics–Officer Jackley at (510) 544-3014; Volunteers. Parent participation required. information. Trail Safety Patrol Groups including Bicycle Registration is required.: (510) 544-2319 14 Info–Ardenwood: (510) 544-2797; Black Diamond: (510) 544-2750; Botanic Garden: (510) 544-3169; Coyote Hills: (510) 544-3220; Crab Cove: (510) 544-3187; Middle Harbor: (510) 272-4802; Sunol: (510) 544-3249; Tilden Nature Area: (510) 544-2233 SWIM FACILITIES REGISTRATION INFORMATION LAKE ANZA Tilden Regional Park NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED–Many programs do not require reg- FEES: Fees must be paid in full at the time of registration. They may be paid Berkeley, CA 94708 (510) 843-2137 istration. Simply join the instructor at the location indicated in the program by pre-printed check, money order, VISA, Mastercard or in cash for walk-in registration. Non-resident fees apply to anyone living outside of Alameda CASTLE ROCK description. Call the phone number listed in the program descriptions if 1700 Castle Rock Road you need further information. or Contra Costa counties. Parking or park entrance fees may be charged Walnut Creek, CA 94598 IN-PARK REGISTRATION–For programs requiring registration at depending on program time and location. Ardenwood entrance fees vary 1-888-327-2757, option 3, park sites, call the number indicated in the description. Information will be depending on the event or activity. Confirm all fees when registering for a ext. 4518 provided when you call. program. Many programs have fee assistance funds available for low-income CONTRA LOMA CENTRAL REGISTRATION–The course codes for programs that individuals and families. For information call the registration phone num- 1200 Frederickson Lane require central registration are printed next to course dates throughout bers listed at the bottom of the previous column. Antioch, CA 94509 this directory. Please refer to the instructions below for registration proce- CHECK ACCEPTANCE: Pre-printed checks are accepted for mail-in 1-888-327-2757, option 3, registration in the Central Reservations Office until two weeks before the ext. 4518 dures for mail-in, walk-in, phone, or fax registration. ON-LINE: go to www.ebparksonline.org for Centrally regis- program takes place. Make checks payable to EBRPD. Programs registered CULL CANYON in the parks will accept checks up until the day of the program. Returned 18627 Cull Canyon Road tered programs. Castro Valley, CA 94552 MAIL-IN: Complete the registration form below and mail checks will be charged an additional $15 Returned Check charge. 1-888-327-2757, option 3, with your payment (pre-printed check or fill in the credit card CREDIT CARDS: ext. 4523 info on the mail-in form) to: East Bay Regional Park District, VISA and Mastercard are accepted for all fee programs except those that DEL VALLE Reservations Dept., P.O. Box 5381, Oakland, CA 94605-0381. are registered at a park. Call the phone number in program description for 7000 Del Valle Road WALK-IN: Come to the District Headquarters between info. Livermore, CA 94550 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. We are located 1-888-327-2757, option 3, at 2950 Peralta Oaks Court in Oakland, next door to the CANCELLATION POLICY: ext. 4524 Dunsmuir House and south of the Oakland Zoo off I-580. REFUNDS/TRANSFERS: Refunds or transfers will be processed for pro- DON CASTRO See map below. grams canceled because registration is below the minimum enrollment at 22400 Woodroe Ave. Hayward, CA 94541 BY FAX: Complete the registration form on the back cover the cutoff date, or if a program is canceled due to inclement weather or in- 1-888-327-2757, option 3, and fax it to (510) 635-5502. Include all the necessary credit structor illness. Please allow up to three weeks for receipt of refund. If you ext. 4527 FAX card information and sign to approve the charge. would prefer to transfer into another program or class and there is space QUARRY LAKES BY PHONE: Phone registration requires a VISA or available, your refund may be applied to the fee for that program or class. 2100 Isherwood Way Mastercard. The Reservations Office is open between 8:30 IF YOU MUST CANCEL: For a full refund or credit toward another Fremont, CA 94535 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8:30 a.m. program, you must call in your cancellation at least seven days prior 1-888-327-2757, option 3, and 4 p.m. on Fridays (closed weekends and holidays). Call to the class or program. Failure to notify the Reservations Office at least ext. 4552 1-888-EBPARKS (327-2757) and select option 2, then 3. seven days in advance of the program date will result in forfeiture of ROBERTS POOL TDD: (510) 633-0460. program fees. 10570 Skyline Blvd. Oakland, CA 94619 (510) 482-6028 SHADOW CLIFFS 2500 Stanley Blvd. Pleasanton, CA 94566 1-888-327-2757, option 3, May-June 2010 Mail-in Registration Register Online: www.ebparks.org/webreg ext. 4557 LAKE TEMESCAL To reach the East Bay Regional Park District Make checks payable to: EBRPD 6502 Broadway Terrace Central Registrations office: Attention: Reservations Oakland, CA 94610 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, or use 1-888-327-2757, option 3, From south or east of Oakland on I-580 P.O. Box 5381 ext. 4561 West, take the MacArthur/Foothill exit in Oakland, CA 94605-0381 MasterCard VISA FAX (510) 635-5502 VISITOR CENTERS San Leandro. Bear right onto Foothill; turn ARDENWOOD right on 106th Ave. and right again onto Name (parent or guardian if under 18) 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Peralta Oaks Drive. Follow it to the end. Fremont, CA 94555-3645 From Oakland or north or west of Oakland Mail or FAX Address (510) 544-2797 on I-580 East, take the 106th Ave. exit in Amount $ BLACK DIAMOND MINES Oakland. Take the first three left turns; this Expiration date 5175 Somersville Road will put you on 106th Ave. From 106th, turn City Zip Antioch, CA 94509 right onto Peralta Oaks Drive and follow it ( ) ( ) (510) 544-2750 to the end. Day phone Night phone Authorized signature BOTANIC GARDEN Tilden Regional Park email address Berkeley, CA 94708 (510) 544-3169 COYOTE HILLS Participant’s Name Birthdate Class Title Code Date Fee 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd. Month/Day/Yr First Choice Fremont, CA 94555-3502 (510) 544-3220 Second Choice

CRAB COVE First Choice VISITOR CENTER 1252 McKay Avenue Second Choice Alameda, CA 94501-7805 (510) 544-3187 Day Camp Scholarship Fund—provides subsidized day camp experiences for inner-city youth. Optional) $1 DEL VALLE Subscribe to this publication (Regional in Nature) (Optional) $5 7000 Del Valle Road Submit additional registrations on an attached sheet Livermore, CA 94550 Total $ (510) 544-3249 GARIN Signature required______Date______1320 Garin Avenue Parent or guardian if under 18 Hayward, CA 94544-6822 (510) 544-3220 Please check here if you are disabled and in need of special accomodations SUNOL-OHLONE P.O. Box 82 (on Geary Road) How did you hear about our programs? TV Newspaper Visitor Center Radio Other Sunol, CA 94586 (510) 544-3249 TILDEN NATURE AREA Environmental Education Center (EEC) at Tilden Regional Park Berkeley, CA 94708 (510) 544-2233

You are invited to...

Diamond in the Rough

Celebrating the East Bay Regional Park District’s 75th Anniversary and the 40th Anniversary 2010 Photo Contest & Exhibition of the Regional Parks Foundation Share your best photographs taken in the East Bay Regional Parks! Saturday, May 22, 2010 Enter April 1 - May 31 via our Flickr Temescal Regional photography group online. Recreation Area, Oakland Winning photographs will appear in Diablo Magazine and Oakland Magazine, 5 to 9 pm and in an exhibition to be announced. Taste of the East Bay – Details online at www.ebparks.org appetizers, wine, dinner, silent and live auctions, and music Sponsored by:

Tickets: $250 each, or you can help support the Regional Parks by becoming an event sponsor at the $15,000, $10,000, $5,000, or $2,500 levels. Information: (510) 544-2003 or [email protected]

Please join these generous sponsors East Bay in supporting this event: Regional Park District 2950 Peralta Oaks Court Oakland, CA 94605-0381 www.ebparks.org Signature Sponsor

Comcast Kaiser Foundation Tesoro Golden Fremont Bank Health Plan Eagle Refinery Foundation Oliver DeSilva, Inc. PG&E

AAA Northern CA, Jones Hall, A Professional Rosemary Cameron NV & UT Law Corporation & David Perper Catalyst Financial Planning Kajon Systems RBC Capital Markets & Investment Management Kelling, Northcross Corporation RINA accountancy & Nobriga corporation Cal State University East Bay Meyers Nave Roisman Henel LLP Carla Bryant, CPA Morrison Foerster Save Mt. Diablo & Patrick Z. Riley, J.D. Mudpuppy’s Point Isabel Shell Oil Products US ConocoPhillips Muir Heritage Land Trust SRI Consulting East Bay Municipal June Nye-Nebel Utility District US Bank Chris & Margaret O’Brien Heritage Bank Wendel, Rosen, Black of Commerce Union Bank & Dean, LLP Integrity Business Solutions Mountain Hardwear Montrail Proceeds raised from this event will help support the Regional Parks Foundation’s Campership Program, providing camping scholarships to low-income, at-risk, and disabled youth. The Regional Parks Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit. Tax ID #23-7011877.