ActivityRegional in Nature Guide

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2020

Check Our Website for Information on Reopenings - Camping, Boating, and Fishing. Digital Learning During COVID-19. See page 2.

inside • COVID-19 Community Survey, page 2 • Coastal Cleanup from Home, page 10 • Be Fire Safe in the Parks, page 4 • Fishing Trivia, page 11 • Maize Maze and Corn Delights, page 6 • Managing Campfi res Safely, page 13 Plan for a New Park Approved. See page 3. • Turkey Vultures, page 8 • Biologist and Botanist Studies, page 14 Contents A message from Message from the GM ...... 2 Continuing Our Mission general manager COVID-19 ...... 2 IN COVID TIMES robert e. doyle Wildfi re Awareness ...... 4-5 Ardenwood ...... 6 Continuing Remaining Open During Denouncing Racism and Big Break ...... 7 Our Mission in COVID-19: Affi rming the Right to Feel Safe Black Diamond ...... 8 COVID Times: Most Regional Parks have remained and Welcome in Regional Parks: COVID-19 has open for outdoor recreation, with On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, the Park Coyote Hills ...... 9 challenged parks a limited few closed because their District Board approved a resolution throughout the primary functions, such as picnicking denouncing racism and reiterating the Crab Cove ...... 10 nation. While and swimming, are prohibited by local District’s commitment to ensuring Del Valle ...... 11 many businesses health agencies. During COVID-19, safe and welcoming outdoor spaces and government over 99 percent of the Park District’s for Black, Indigenous, and People of Mobile Education ...... 12 agencies have closed or slowed down 125,000 acres of parklands, 55 miles Color, free of racism, discrimination, Outdoor Recreation ...... 13 operations, parks have been busier of shoreline, and 1,300 miles of and threat of violence. than ever. recreational trails remain accessible Parks are Sunol ...... 14 The Park District has met this for walking, hiking, biking, and essential to our Tilden ...... 15 challenge and continued its mission horseback riding. quality of life and and vision of providing open space, our physical and Volunteer Program ...... 16 parks, trails, safe and healthful mental health. recreation, environmental Rest assured education, and opportunities that during for the East Bay’s growing and these challenging diverse community to experience Digital Learning: times, we remain nature close to home. During COVID-19, the Park District’s focused and committed to the naturalists, who typically provide District’s mission and vision. programs at visitor centers or in the You can help keep parks open and ebparks.org parks, have been bringing their classes safe by wearing a mask around others, and activities to audiences online following all park rules, and packing through virtual and digital platforms, out your trash. Please do your part General Information including virtual park tours, creature to help keep yourself, others, 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327- 2757 feature videos, and fi eld study videos. and our staff safe. Camping and Picnic Reservations ...... 1-888-EBPARKS Naturalist and Recreation COVID-19 COVID-19 Programs ...... 1-888-EBPARKS Park and Community Survey TRS Relay Service ...... 7-1-1 Park and Trail Updates We Need Your Feedback! EBRPD Board of Directors Elizabeth Echols ...... Ward 1 The Park District's parks and trails have seen an unprecedented surge During COVID-19, the Park District Dee Rosario ...... Ward 2 in visitation during COVID-19. Access to the outdoors has proven to be has kept parks open as much as Dennis Waespi ...... Ward 3 highly important for the mental and physical health of East Bay residents. possible for outdoor recreation – Ellen Corbett (President) ...... Ward 4 A scientifi c survey of Alameda and Contra Costa county residents recently an essential activity expressly Ayn Wieskamp ...... Ward 5 permitted by state and local health Beverly Lane ...... Ward 6 conducted by the Park District showed that many believe that Regional Parks Colin Coff ey ...... Ward 7 are an essential service. Ninety-six percent agreed that keeping Regional orders. For many, parks have been Robert E. Doyle ...... General Manager Parks and trails open during the pandemic is important. vital to maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health. The Park District is now conducting an online survey to gather public Visit ebparks.org for map feedback on park usage and challenges during the pandemic, and priorities The Park District is developing downloads, activity and event for the Park District after the pandemic. plans to reopen additional facilities. information, and much more! For up-to-date information on Share your views and thoughts by participating TODAY! park status and reopenings, visit Visit ebparks.org/COVID-19Survey to fi ll out the survey. ebparks.org/COVID-19. Land Use Plan Approved for New Regional Park in Diablo Valley Amazing Manzanita

Just as diversity is important in the human n July 7, 2020, the Park District Board of community, it also matters in the plant community. ODirectors unanimously approved the fi nal In , one plant that thrives in diverse land use plan and environmental analysis for a environments is the manzanita, which can be found new 2,540-plus-acre Regional Park at the former in sandy beaches, hillsides, clay soils, rocky soils, Concord Naval Weapons Station. The Park District and even mountainous areas. received possession of 2,216 acres in July 2019, with While exploring your East Bay Regional Parks, an additional 327 acres transferring at a later date. you may have been intrigued by this tree/shrub’s Approval of the land use plan is the culmination of appearance, most noticeable for its unusually red, decades of community advocacy and partnership twisty bark that is smooth to the touch. between the Park District, U.S. Navy, National Park Service, City of Concord, and Save Mount Diablo. The plan provides for public access, preserves natural habitat, and honors the unique natural and human history of the land. The fi nal plan also utilizes existing developed buildings and areas to the greatest extent Planned visitor facilities and public access possible, protecting nearly 95 percent of the land improvements include a joint visitor center with permanently as open space and natural habitat. the National Park Service highlighting the history of the Diablo Valley and the Port Chicago Public access is expected to come fi rst to the explosion, miles of trails for hiking, biking southern portions of the new park south and viewing, and park staging areas. of Bailey Road.

Bald Eagles Thriving in Regional Parks In April, a Park District wildlife biologist observed that three bald eagle nesting pairs had successfully produced a total of four eaglets. The nesting pairs at Del Valle and Ardenwood produced one fl edgling each, and the pair produced two fl edglings (a male and a female). By late May, the eaglets were If you happen to be hiking during the hot summer about 50-60 percent of adult size, and all took their fi rst fl ights season, take a moment to relax under a manzanita by early July. Access to the areas around the nests is restricted and feel its red bark. You will notice it is smooth to protect the birds from disturbance, but visitors may use and cool to the touch. binoculars and scopes and view the nests from a distance. The bark is the secret to the manzanita's survival, as it peels off to protect itself from fungus and parasites. It is also protected by tannins in its leaves that, when eaten, leave the mouth dry, and taste bitter and unappealing. Manzanita has an interesting history in California. Native peoples used this plant for many purposes, including harvesting its berries to make a delicious cider-like tea. Harvesting berries in the parks is prohibited today, but if you harvest manzanita berries at home, you

Eagle photos: Daniel L. Riensche may fi nd that they taste slightly like a sweet and tart green apple. After all, the name manzanita Ardenwood nesting pair (left to right): translates to “little apple” in Spanish. father, chick, and mother. 3 Wildfi re Protection EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Be Fire Safe in Regional Parks

s summer gradually turns into fall, East Park visitors can provide critical help in preventing of the fi re, its size, direction in which it is burning, ABay Regional Parks and other public wildlands wildfi res by being alert and following some easy, and whether any structures are threatened. Of are entering the most dangerous time of the year – common-sense, every-day fi re-safe rules: course, your own personal safety is paramount the September-October peak fi re season. 1 All smoking is prohibited in the Regional Parks. and takes precedent over detailed reporting, This is because the heat of summer has dried out This includes pipes, cigars, and cigarettes. so leave the area immediately if the fi re is near. the vegetation, and the rains of winter have not yet 2 Vapor devices that release gas, particles Fire prevention should extend to your home arrived. Add to this the seasonal hot, dry Diablo or vapors into the air (“vaping”) are also as well, especially if you live in a neighborhood winds blowing from the east, and there’s potential prohibited, except for any USDA-approved next to open space. The CAL FIRE website, for disastrous wildfi res. medication. readyforwildfi re.com, has lots of information on It’s sad but true that many wildfi res originate with 3 Gasoline-powered generators are prohibited. wildfi re preparedness and an evacuation checklist. people, intentionally or otherwise. Fireworks are 4 Do not drive or park your vehicle on dry grass The idea is to create a defensible space to slow a frequent culprit. areas. The heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage the spread of fi re and enable fi refi ghters to make The Park District Fire Department is prepared exhaust system can ignite a wildfi re. Low- a stand. So the fi rst 30 feet from your home should for fi re season. The department has 16 full-time hanging chains that drag and create sparks can be “lean, clean and green,” devoid of dead plants, fi refi ghters and another 34 fully trained on-call do the same. grass, weeds and overgrown brush. From 30 to 100 staff who are available when needed. 5 When COVID-19-related restrictions are lifted, feet out, your property should have short-mowed do not light an open outdoor fi re on park grass, and spacing between grass, shrubs and trees. Additionally, District fi refi ghters and police property, except in park equipment designed have mutual aid agreements with the California In the event of fi re, the three top tips are: for that purpose, such as barbecue stands Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL • Obey all evacuation orders and fi re pits. On extreme fi re days, no open FIRE), the California Offi ce of Emergency Services, fi res or barbecues of any kind are allowed. • Leave immediately if you feel threatened and every fi re department within Alameda and Contra Costa counties. 6 Be sure that all burning fuel such as wood • Avoid blocking access for fi re engines or charcoal is completely extinguished, then and emergency personnel. Fire headquarters are at Station 1 in Tilden dispose of it in the concrete ash receptacles Regional Park near Berkeley. Seven other stations In the best circumstances, all these precautions designed for that purpose. Do not discard will prove unnecessary. But the old proverb is true: throughout the District are staff ed as circumstances coals in regular garbage cans or refuse bins. demand. All have engines and other equipment in an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. place. During the fi re season, District fi refi ghters If you see a fi re while hiking or riding in the With these measures in mind, we can all hope for and park rangers are always on the alert Regional Parks, report it immediately by calling a safe, enjoyable and fi re-free fall, while being well for potential fi res. 9-1-1. If possible, tell the dispatcher the location prepared for any emergencies that may occur.

4 Be alert and follow fi re-safe rules. Regional Park District fi refi ghters perform annual maintenance on weather stations. Wildfi re Protection EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Wildfi re Protection Legislative Update

esponsible for management of some 125,000 department’s jurisdiction that is in a high fi re Racres of parklands and open space, the East Bay hazard zone. This would likely include District is strongly committed Regional Park, Mount Diablo State Park, Fire Danger Rules to wildfi re prevention and safety. and Marsh Creek State Park. With the new pattern of hot, dry weather conditions • Assembly Bill 3074 (Friedman D-Glendale), “Very High” Fire Danger Rules resulting in longer and more intense fi re seasons, Wildfi re Ember Resistant Zones. The bill would • Once COVID-19-related restrictions additional funding is necessary to prepare for strengthen California’s defensible space laws, adding are lifted, barbecues and campfi res are potentially catastrophic fi res. a requirement for a fi ve-foot “ember-resistant only permitted in designated day-use zone” around homes in high fi re risk areas. Park District staff is in constant contact with state picnic areas, campgrounds, or developed and national representatives who are introducing bills • Assembly Bill 3164 (Friedman D-Glendale), recreational areas. to secure funding for this purpose. Here are some of Wildland Urban Interface Wildfi re Risk Model. • Gas-fueled camp stoves are permitted, the eff orts in progress: This bill would require CAL FIRE, in consultation but with conditions. with an advisory group, to develop a wildfi re risk model to identify areas with the highest risk to property and health. This would help communities prioritize the use of wildfi re hazard mitigation funds. • H.R. 6546 (Neguse, D-Colorado), Wildfi re and Community Health Response Act of 2020. This bill would require the Departments of Agriculture and Interior to submit a report to Congress about their eff orts to mitigate wildfi re risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Senator Kamala Harris and Representative • Senate Bill 3684 (Wyden, D-Oregon), 21st Jared Huff man have introduced Senate Bill Century Conservation Corps for Our Health “Extreme” Fire Danger Rules 2882 and H.R. 5091 – the Wildfi re Defense and Our Jobs Act. The bill would provide billions Act. It would expand a grant program within the of dollars in funding for a variety of programs • No open fi res, campfi res, or barbecues Federal Emergency Management Agency, setting addressing the impacts of COVID-19 on health, of any type are allowed. aside $1 billion each year for better infrastructure, the economy, and wildland fi refi ghting. The • ONLY gas-fueled stoves are allowed. and land use and evacuation route planning in fi re- legislation supports funding and employment prone communities. opportunities for wildfi re hazard mitigation. Park Closures • Assembly Bill 2076 (Bigelow R-O’Neals), the State Parks' Wildfi re Prevention Strategy, On rare occasions, Regional Parks may close would require California’s Director of Parks and under two circumstances: Recreation to develop and implement a wildfi re • The Fire Department has limited prevention strategy for all property under the resources to fi ght a fi re. • The National Weather Service declares a Red Flag Warning, signifying a likelihood of severe lightning storms or hot, dry winds from the east (“Diablo Winds”). For up-to-date information on fi re danger and rules, visit ebparks.org/fi rewarninginfo, or call (510) 881-1833. Regional Park District fi refi ghters mopping up a wildland fi re. 5 Every year, Ardenwood's corn crop supports educational programs about farming, while Maize Maze Ardenwood also providing yummy food for Start HISTORIC FARM humans and animals.

CORN orn is pollinated by the wind, but many other common DELIGHTS Ccrops need insects in order to make the fruits or veggies we from Around like to eat. A healthy farm or garden has a good balance of bugs, the World but sometimes one kind will become a pest and do damage to the plants. Such appears to be the case of the cucumber beetle, given this wanted ad: orn stalks are a Cfamiliar sight at farms all over thethe world. At Ardenwood,Ar wewe primarily growgro two Colombia and typestyp - Venezuela: popcornpo and arepas – thick IndianInd corn, cornmeal fl atbreads or “maize.” stuff ed before baking FromFro its or frying originsori in West Africa: banku – Mexico,Me maize fermented white corn made cultivationcul into a paste and eaten with soups hashas spread to and stews manyma corners of the world, and this starchy East and South Africa: ugali, cornco has become a staple food for nshima, pap – cornmeal pudding made manyma people, and a special treat for into balls served with stews others.ot Maize is usually processed into India and Pakistan: Makki di roti cornmealco or corn fl our before cooking – fl at cornbread often eaten with andan can be made into a variety of curried greens in Punjab deliciousd dishes. China: wotou – steamed corn buns BelowB are just some of the mouth- common in the north, corn congee wateringw international uses of maize. (porridge) USA: cornbread, grits, cornfl akes Philippines: binaki (pintos) – Mexico: tamales, enchiladas, chips a sweet, tamale-like corn cake with salsa wrapped in leaves and steamed El Salvador: pupusas – fi lled Southern and Eastern Europe: cornmeal fl atbreads now common Polenta, mamaliga – thick cornmeal throughout Central America pudding

Do you have a favorite maize-based dish? We’d love to hear about it! Send your recipe to us at [email protected]

6 See ebparks.org/rin for upcoming programs. Big Break REGIONAL SHORELINE A Slough by Any Other Name Heading out along the trail leading to the Delta Prior to the park’s development in the early 2000s, plants. We counted Discovery Experience (DDX) for some fi shing on this slough was unrecognizable, narrowed and instead on the processes the pier, birding, kayaking, biking or just hanging hidden by invasive Himalayan blackberries (great now in place to do out with friends and family, folks often stop to look for berry cobbler, not for wildlife). the “landscaping.” at “the pond.” Turtles sun-bathe along the edge. Park construction had impacts we needed to Did it work? Well, although not proof positive, the Herons stand statue-still waiting for a fi sh lunch to mitigate by improving Delta habitat. Since 97 very fi rst day water fl owed into the “pond,” a couple swim within reach. An otter, two, three, now four percent of Delta wetlands have been reclaimed for of American white pelicans paid a quick visit. Soon may roll through the water on their way to the farming and development since 1850, that seemed sprouts and shoots of tules, cattails and willows shore to disappear into the reeds. like the perfect habitat to target. (all wetland plants) followed. “The pond” is really part of a slough, or water way. We removed the blackberries, widened the Today it’s hard to imagine this thriving wetland’s This horseshoe-shaped slough connects to the slough with a gradual slope (now "The Pond”) and improbable history. Though small when compared waters of Big Break near the kayak launch and along unclogged parts of “the horseshoe” to allow the with hundreds of square miles of lost historical the Levee Top Trail. That’s right, the DDX tides to enrich this new freshwater wetland. As a wetlands, this project provides great promise for is an island! “passive” restoration project, we did not plant any habitat restoration projects throughout the Delta.

“The Pond” under construction in July 2010. “The Pond” today.

Take a Walk on the Wild(er) Side

ig Break Regional Shoreline is Once you leave the pavement look Remember, lowering your voice and behind, Ba beautifully developed park. With for animal tracks, especially after rain. keeping your distance as you pass and the Delta Map, pier, kayak launch, and River otters, raccoons, foxes, beavers, barn owl and bat boxes improves their perhaps paved paths, there is a lot to enjoy in coyotes, and even a bobcat have left chances of success! even a relatively small area. We also have their footprints here. See how many A slight rise signals you have reached a view of the distant Sierra Nevada a wilder side: side trails they’ve made going this way “the levee.” Notice any trails down mountains, you are surrounded by The Levee Top Trail. and that through the grass. into the water? Orange-y scat (poop), Delta wetlands. This 1/3-mile single-track trail accesses The edges of wetlands are often fl attened grass or odd patches of The trail carries you to the paved Big wonderful habitat, so please keep pets identifi ed by the plants growing there, moist dirt along the way? All signs you Break Regional Trail. Head left for a and bikes away to help protect wildlife even when the ground is dry. This are sharing river otter habitat! quick look from the bridge, or turn and ensure plenty of room for hikers. trail separates perennial, freshwater You’ll soon lose sight of the Visitor right to go back to the parking lot. wetlands of willows, tules, cattails, Center and neighborhood homes Though the Levee Top Trail is only You’ll fi nd the trailhead along the road and Yerba mansa, from seasonal to the pier, just 100 yards past the behind some trees. With tule marshes 1/3-mile, it transports you to a pickleweed marshes fed by rains in front of you and a willow thicket diff erent world. pond on the right. and tides. See ebparks.org/rin for upcoming programs. 7 Black Diamond Mines REGIONAL PRESERVE

Traveling Companions • Turkey Vultures

hen going for a walk in the park, we often traverse narrow trails Wup canyons or along ridgelines alone, and like it that way. But, of course, Tell Us Your Story we are never really alone in nature. There are the plants we pass along the way, at #MyBlackDiamondMines wrens and sparrows talking among themselves in the bushes, and in almost any park, on almost any day, silvery-dark, broad-winged birds circling above and We all have stories that connect us to our public lands: eff ortlessly cruising the ridgelines. If you spend time outside in personal stories, family stories, and stories that are still the Bay Area, you may already know the turkey vulture being created. The staff at Black Diamond Mines want (Latin name Cathartes aura; Spanish zopilote to hear about how you and your family connect to cabecirrojo, aura cabecirroja, jote). this park we all love. Share your Black Diamond Mines story on social media during September and October for a Cathartes means “purifi er,” and they are free giveaway! Share a trail scavengers, carrion-eaters, dining on dead selfi e or photo of yourself things – sometimes rotting, putrid carcasses. With their powerful digestive in the park and use hashtag juices and strong immune systems, “vultures can eat an animal that has died #MyBlackDiamondMines from anthrax or cholera. They will not contract botulism, rabies, or salmonella from carcasses...” (Teresa Ely: “Project Zopilote” Golden Gate National Parks

Photo: Cali Godley to enter your name in a raffl e to win some Black Conservancy.) They have a tremendously keen sense of smell that leads them Diamond Mines swag. to even tiny meals like mice. Of course, there is much more to turkey vultures than their essential role as How to Win… decomposers, as cleansers of the environment. They soar superbly, riding air currents for hours without fl apping, conserving energy for days sometimes, until 1. Take a photo of yourself they fi nd their next food. Outside of breeding season, they often gather in large at Black Diamond Mines groups to roost, and travel together. Look for their beautiful courtship fl ights Regional Preserve and displays as pairs bond in late winter and early spring. 2. Your photo must show Katie Fallon writes in her ode to this fascinating, perhaps endearing being: that you are on the trail in the background “A turkey vulture is a perfect creature... On six-foot wings it fl oats above (as seen in the photo our daily lives, waiting for the to the left). inevitable moment that will come to each of us, 3. Post photo on to every living thing... your social media Waits and wanders on platform with its great wing sails... #MyBlackDiamondMines Watching a soaring 4. Have fun! turkey vulture is like meditation.” We will notify the From Vulture: The winner(s) by November 4 Private Life of an at noon and share their Unloved Bird photo on our page! Part of the joy of Note: To enter the raffl e, taking a walk in a park is discovering all picture posts must have something new, but familiar events, like settings set as public so we the passage of a turkey vulture, make can see your photos. the park feel like home.

8 See ebparks.org/rin for upcoming programs. Coyote Hills REGIONAL PARK

Preparing and Cooking Acorn THE OLD AND NEW WAY

Acorn is a traditional food, lovingly prepared and eaten by Native Californians, including Ohlone, Bay Miwok and Northern Valley Yokut people here in the East Bay since time immemorial. Here is a step-by-step guide to prepare and cook acorn using old and new ways:

1. Crack the acorn shell with a hammer stone while it sits on a fl at cracking stone. Peel the shell off and don’t let any acorn meat fall on to the ground; if it does, return it to the land.

2. Winnow the red skin off with a winnowing basket while outdoors, to let the breeze take away the skin. Remove the rest of the skin with a sharp paring knife, making sure to get inside the folds.

3. Pound the acorn meat into a fi ne fl our using a pestle and mortar.

4. Sift the big pieces out with a sifting basket or modern kitchen sifter. Continue pounding until you have a fi ne, soft acorn fl our.New way: use a coff ee grinder to turn acorn meat into a fi ne fl our, intermittently pulsing the grinder.

5. Leach the tannic acid out by laying the fl our out on a cheesecloth evenly, then gently running water over it for half an hour. Old way: put redwood or incense cedar leaves above the fl our to evenly distribute the water and add fl avor.

6. Dry the leached acorn fl our in the air for two days, while fl u ffi ng it with a fork to increase the surface area for drying.

7. Cook acorn with water in a water-tight basket with a hot stone (basalt or soapstone) from the fi re. New way: cook in a pot over the stovetop, letting it boil to a simmer for 15 minutes.

Let the acorn sit and cool, then enjoy with your friends and family! Coyote Hills naturalists and Ohlone people today prepare, cook and share acorn during the Gathering of Ohlone Peoples, which normally happens on the fi rst Sunday in October. NOTE: Please remember, collecting is not allowed in the Regional Parks.

See ebparks.org/rin for upcoming programs. 9 Crab Cove VISITOR CENTER AND AQUARIUM

Symbolic Fencing Helps Threatened Snowy Plovers very year threatened Snowy Plovers return to causes the plovers to become less fi t and able Crown Beach to feed and rest along the shore. to withstand the pressure of raising young in EOnce these tiny shorebirds have arrived, the spring. Fencing is put up to keep people usually between September and October, the out and keep the birds from constantly fl ying District installs fencing to alert park visitors and and burning calories. protect the birds. The special fencing is considered Dogs are not allowed on the beach. They can be “symbolic,” since the birds don’t always stay within walked on leash on the pathway along Shoreline the actual fence boundaries. Drive or taken to nearby Washington Dog Park. Snowy Plovers feed on invertebrates in the In the spring, usually between March and April, the seaweed and along the shore, fattening up for the Snowy Plovers depart for quieter nesting beaches Photo: Daniel L. Riensche Daniel Photo: winter. Disturbance burns their fuel reserves and and the temporary fencing will be removed.

Fall Cleaning: Keep Shorelines Clean From Home!

September brings a whole lot of fun to our parks: one-day volunteer eff ort to 2. Put a rubber band around your thumb bird migrations, the fall equinox, and best of all, clean up our oceans and has and twist it. Coastal Cleanup Day. While this year’s event will be encouraged over 12 million 3.3 Place the other end of the rubber asking people to Clean the Shore from your own people to volunteer and band around your pinkie. Front Door, you can still feel connected to our prevent 220 million pounds 4.4 Make sure the rubber band is across shorelines with this great info and fun activities! of trash from escaping into the back of your hand. Coastal Cleanup Day was started by the Ocean our waterways. 5. You are now an entangled version of Conservancy over 30 years ago with the goal to We need oceans to be trash- your favorite ocean animal. collect and document marine debris, or ocean trash free because they provide us withwith 6.6. TryTry to escape without using your (learn more on the the food we eat, the air we breathe,h otheroth hand, rubbing your hand against last page). It grew to and they are home to 15 percent of our something, or biting. be the world’s largest, planet’s species. 7. How does this make you feel? Are you still able to fl y or swim? Can you catch food? Unfortunately, trash is everywhere: eight million metric tons of plastic fl ow into the ocean every Look for a yummy jellyfi sh – year (that’s the equivalent of one dump truck full or is it a plastic bag? of plastic every minute, every 1. Imagine that you are a hungry sea turtle who hour, every day going into the wants to eat jellyfi sh for dinner. ocean) and plastic does not 2. Fill a big jar with water. break down. The consequences 3. Add a piece of transparent plastic bag. are bad... many animals get 4. Close the jar with a lid. entangled, hurt and some 5. Move the jar slowly. even eat plastic trash 6. Compare what you see with the picture and get sick. (to the left) of a jelly fi sh. 7. Would it be easy to confuse the plastic bag and Here are two activities you the jellyfi sh if you were swimming under water? can do at home to learn about ocean trash... This year, we need to avoid our usual big Coastal Cleanup gatherings so we invite you to join the Entangle yourself – with a cleanup festivities and stay safe by getting your fall rubber band: cleaning on, right in your own neighborhood—pick 1. Imagine that your hand is your up trash before it reaches the coast. To learn more, favorite ocean animal. check out coastal.ca.gov. Thank you and have fun! 10 See ebparks.org/rin for upcoming programs. Del Valle REGIONAL PARK Fishing Trivia! How well do you know your Del Valle fi sh facts? Do you fancy yourself an angler? How many of these answers do you know?! (Answers below) 1. In 2019, the heaviest fi sh caught at Del Valle was a Have a Backyard Campfi re striped bass. How many striped bass were caught that were 20 pounds or more? How much do 1. Bundle up – You’ll need a hat, sweatshirt or jacket, pants, thick socks, you think the heaviest one weighed? and cozy shoes. 2. How many trout does the East Bay Regional 2. Set up a tent – To really feel like you’re camping at the lake, set up your tent Park District allow anglers to keep each day? with cozy blankets and pillows. Don’t forget a fl ashlight! 3. The Park District regularly restocks which 3. Build a fi re – No fi re pit, no problem. Make a circle with rocks, add sticks to

two species of fi sh in ? the center, cut out red, orange, and yellow paper to look like fl ames. Feel the 3. Rainbow trout and channel catfi sh. catfi channel and trout Rainbow 3. warmth of your family and friends around you.

the heaviest was 30 lbs. 2. Up to fi ve fi sh sh fi ve fi to Up 2. lbs. 30 was heaviest the 4. Food over the fi re – 1. Four fi sh were 20+ lbs. and and lbs. 20+ were sh fi Four 1.

Answers: Can you poke a stick in it and cook it? Wrap it

in foil and let it bake? If CJHandyPhoto: you don’t have an open Before the Lake fl ame to cook with, you can use a BBQ grill. Before construction of the dam was completed in 1968, there was no lake at Del Valle. Instead, 5. Enjoy s’mores – a seasonal creek called the Arroyo Valle winded You’ll need its way through the valley. This creek still fl ows graham crackers, through the campground into the lake today. marshmallows, and chocolate. Indoor s’mores are ready in 3-5 minutes in the oven at 400 degrees F. 6. Sing songs, play games, and tell stories – The options are limitless as you recount memories and sing together.

This campfi re favorite is done as a sing-song chant that repeats over and over. The real fun comes from adding new actions after each time through! A Roosta Sha Arroyo Valle, circa 1950. Photo courtesy of Livermore Heritage Guild (Done in a sing song chant, no melody)

THE CHORUS: A roosta sha, a roosta sha, a roosta sha sha-hey A roosta sha, a roosta sha, a roosta sha sha-hey

LEADER MOTIONS AND SAYS: Thumbs up! ALL MIRROR THE MOTION THEN CHANT THE CHORUS LEADER WILL INTRODUCE THE NEXT MOTION i.e., Thumbs up, Knees Together, Elbows Back, Chin Up, Bottom Back, Tongue Out Match the hills in this recent picture with Repeat the chant while adding each motion until you are doing all of them the one from the 1950s. How has the scene at the same time. See if you can think of more funny actions to add! changed since then? See ebparks.org/rin for upcoming programs. 11 BLACK DIAM Mobile Education ON Take the undergroundD M tour at Black Diamond Mines.IN Exit the mine at the portal ES START TILDEN REGIONALilden Regional PARKou Park! on the board by moving two spaces ahead! HERE Spot an otter at T Do not move until someone passes y (or two turns), so you can show them the otter. PARKS CHALLENGE BREAK REGIONAL IG SHOR B ELIN Board Game and Kayak in the Delta E at Big Break Regional Shoreline. Coloring Page Take the water shortcut to Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. How to Play: 1. Each player must fi nd a small object to use as a place marker on the game page. Pebbles or dried leaves will work but BRIONES R EGIONAL return all found objects back PARK A cow is on the trail. to nature! POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE Hang in there partner and 2. Use a die, or six pennies. wait for it to mosey along. Players take turns dropping Lose your next turn. the objects to see how many spaces to move. If you use JUDGE JOHN pennies, count only the heads SUTTER REGIONAL as one move each. SHORELINE 3. Follow the directions on the You bike across the Bay Bridge from spaces you land on (not every D space will have instructions). EL VALLE Judge John Sutter Regional Soar like Shoreline. Follow the 4. The fi rst player to complete an eagle at bridge shortcut to the Parks Challenge wins! Del Valle Regional Park move ahead across the hills backwards two spaces. to Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline. H BEAC TE REIN COYOTE HILLS STA HA L RDT D SS IA REDWOO E R RN Visit Coyote Hills Regional Park’s O Find a crab under Spot a banana slug at Reinhardt Redwood Regional 1 mi. DE Butterfly and Bird Garden. M IL E a rock. It pinches you. Park. Move back one space for its one foot! W Follow a hummingbird M Move back two spaces. L N NA and move ahead one space. W IO O EG R R C L SUNO Wander off trail at Sunol Regional Wildernessgo back and three get a spaces.little lost – NE ELI HOR M L S LK JR. REGIONA Do a beach cleanup at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline. You visit the bunnies Swim ahead three spaces. at Ardenwood Historic Farm. FINISH Hop forward one space.

12 See ebparks.org/rin for upcoming programs. Outdoor Recreation

START Help the bucket of water fi nd Manage Fire Responsibly! it’s way to safely Managing fi re safely is a key extinguish principle of the Leave No Trace the program, which the Outdoor campfi re! Recreation Unit practices diligently. When people think of camping, they invariably think of having a campfi re. What would camping be without tales told around the fi re and END s’mores for dessert? However, with wildfi re season and camping season coinciding in California, exercising extra caution around this activity is crucial to limiting the spread of fi res in our already stressed out system. Here are some pro-tips to facilitate a safe and responsible campfi re experience: • Provide adult supervision for young people when having a campfi re. Talk to your children about the dangers of fi res. Create boundaries with designated play spaces for children well away from the campfi re. • Resist the urge to bring wood from home on your camping trip. Buy it where you burn it! Moving fi rewood can spread invasive species. And always get the necessary permits if required. • NEVER leave a fi re unattended! • Store wood and other fuel sources away from fi re.

Campfi res need • Think twice before starting a fi re on a windy day! your undivided • Always use an existing fi re ring, never create your own attention to keep (unless in case of an emergency). everyone safe, • Thoroughly including our extinguish all fi res. frontline workers Utilize the drown like Akin Lee, who and stir method. risk their lives to Eighty percent keep all of us out of child camp fi re of harm’s way. injuries are due to day-old embers not extinguished properly! Drown Stir Feel

See ebparks.org/rin for upcoming programs. 13

See ebparks.org/rin for upcoming programs. upcoming for ebparks.org/rin See 14

in the Bay Area during springtime in Sunol. in springtime during Area Bay the in

You’ll fi nd one of the best displays of native wildfl owers owers wildfl native of displays best the of one nd fi You’ll Answers: 1. Six, 2a. Mouse-eared bat, Myotis sp. 2b. 195; 3. Ardenwood Historic Farm and Cull

the park – like the prairie mallow fl ower pictured here. here. pictured ower fl mallow prairie the like – park the Canyon Regional Recreation Area both had three; 4. False, bats are mammals but they are more

native wildfl owers in in owers wildfl native closely related to humans than to mice and rats.rats. has on the soils and and soils the on has

ects it it ects aff the showed

Michele Hammond Michele

Park District Botanist Botanist District Park

Study Study conducted by by conducted

Air Pollution Pollution Air An An

and Doug Bell. Doug and

David Riensche Riensche David

Wildlife Biologists Biologists Wildlife

in other parks. The study was done by Park District District Park by done was study The parks. other in

how we can continue to successfully protect these turtles turtles these protect successfully to continue can we how

us to understand understand to us

of study allows allows study of

at Sunol. This type type This Sunol. at

healthy population population healthy

found it has a a has it found

of special concern), concern), special of

turtle (a species species (a turtle

western pond pond western

Habitat of the the of

Pattern and and Pattern

Movement Movement

Study of of Study A A

Biologist Steve Bobzien. Steve Biologist

Bonus: True or False – Bats are fl ying rodents. ying fl are Bats – False or True Bonus: from the results. the from

4. being installed. The study was done by Wildlife Wildlife by done was study The installed. being

identifi ed by genus or species were excluded excluded were species or genus by ed identifi

erent kinds of bats found? bats of kinds erent diff carnivores. The study is ongoing with more cameras cameras more with ongoing is study The carnivores.

location and species. Bats that could not be be not could that Bats species. and location

found. Which park had the second most most second the had park Which found. that remote areas of the parks are an oasis for these these for oasis an are parks the of areas remote that

in the East Bay Regional Park District by by District Park Regional Bay East the in

erent kinds of bats bats of kinds erent diff most the had Sunol the lives of some elusive animals, and it has shown us us shown has it and animals, elusive some of lives the 3.

This graph shows the number of bats present present bats of number the shows graph This

Areas. So far the study has given us a glimpse into into glimpse a us given has study the far So Areas.

How many were there? were many How

b.

a three-year period in the Sunol and Wilderness Ohlone and Sunol the in period three-year a

for humans – like eating tons of insects! of tons eating like – humans for

Which species at Sunol were seen the most? the seen were Sunol at species Which

a. 2

Remote Camera Carnivore Study Study Carnivore Camera Remote was done over done was A doing because they do so many great things things great many so do they because doing

found at Sunol? at found

out there. It’s important to know how they’re they’re how know to important It’s there. out

erent species of bats were were bats of species erent diff many How

1. night, you may never see a bat, but they are are they but bat, a see never may you night,

District Study Study District Unless you’re in the park late in the day or at at or day the in late park the in you’re Unless to answer the following questions: following the answer to

and Abundance in the East Bay Regional Park Park Regional Bay East the in Abundance and to understand more about their populations. populations. their about more understand to

Bat Distribution Distribution Bat Park District biologists often count animals animals count often biologists District Park below from the from below Use the graph the Use

Data Detective Data

• Use Your Bat Detection Skills! Detection Bat Your Use •

to explore from home and record what you fi nd on your next visit. next your on nd fi you what record and home from explore to to

a wild place that is great for research and refl ection. Use these pages pages these Use ection. refl and research for great is that place wild a w a

With miles of trails connecting several open space parks, Sunol truly is is truly Sunol parks, space open several connecting trails of miles With W

Studies Sunol Biologist & Botanist Botanist & Biologist

REGIONAL PRESERVE REGIONAL Sunol Wilderness Sunol Tilden NATURE AREA

What’s Growing in the Kid’s Garden?

Leafy green chard is on the menu for today! With a lovely earthy fl avor, chard is a colorful vegetable with dark green leaves and crunchy stalks that can be red, yellow or white. A great way to eat chard is in a frittata, an Italian egg-based dish that’s like a quiche except without a dough crust. Simple Chard Frittata  2 tsp. granulated onion  WORD SEARCH: 1 bunch chard  1 tsp. powdered garlic  6 eggs  2 Tbsp. olive oil  ¾ cup milk  Salt Things at  1 cup grated Monterey jack cheese  Pepperpp  4 oz. chèvre (French goat cheese)heese) P Y P A A B V Y L D N I D T W R P A D O G W O O D E R E A I Step 1: Preheat oven to 350° andd grease an 88-inch-inch pie dish E L I W E B Z T R W A S L R L Step 2: In a medium sized bowl crackrack 6 eggs and mixmix T I M B L U R E E G G T Y K L with ¾ cup milk. Season withwith pepperpepper T U U O Z L T I O R Y A S C O and mix in grated Montereyrey jack O K J A K A I N D U G E X A W cheese and set aside R H X R W L F P T G L E D P B Step 3: Rehydrate granulated R M S D K L L S S T E N M E T onion and powdered V X K W Y U N F R O G L N I U garlic together by mixing U X M A U P I U B V K C A F L them together in a small N G S L I A T T A C H H P K E bowl with 2 Tbsp. water U Q O K K O P A L O Q G X W E and set aside V J P Y M V E N B P W V I N D Step 4: Wash chard and separatee E Z Y Y Q D T W H M H U D I X stems from leaves S K C U D T W D O B Q E Q K X Step 5: Thinly slice stems and roughugh chop leaves so they are aboutbout BENCH DUCKS SPILLWAY 1-inch rectangles BOARDWALK EGRET TULE Step 6: Heat a skillet with olive oiloil andand sauté BRIDGE FROG TURTLES chard stems till they becomeome palepale in CATTAILS LAKE WATER color (about 8 minutes). AddAddapinchofsaltandpeppe a pinch of salt and pepperr DOGWOOD OTTER WILLOW and the rehydrated onion and garlic DRAGONFLY PACKRAT Step 7: Add the chopped chard leaves and cook until wilted and no water is in the pan Step 8: Spread the cooked chard mixture into the greased pie dish Step 9: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the chard Step 10: Top the frittata as much as you like with spoonfuls of chèvre Step 11:

Photo: Marty Lycan Bake for about 40 minutes or until the center of the frittata is set

See ebparks.org/rin for upcoming programs. 15 Volunteer PROGRAM

2950 Peralta Oaks Court Oakland, CA 94605-0381 ebparks.org Clean-Up the Shore From Your Own Front Door

eptember is Coastal Clean-up Month, and this year we are going to Sclean the shores starting from our own front doors! Because of COVID-19, we are all staying home more and a big Coastal Clean-up event is simply not safe this year. However, if we start the clean-up in our own neighborhoods, trash won’t travel through storm drains, creeks, and rivers to become marine pollution. Let’s help clean the shores by cleaning up our neighborhoods and local areas fi rst!

What is Marine Debris? Marine debris is any trash or litter that ends up in a marine environment. Most of it is plastic that doesn’t breakdown and is especially harmful to marine life. Marine debris is everywhere—it’s a global pollution problem that impacts people and wildlife alike. While many people think fi shing and shipping industries create the most ocean pollution, 80 percent of • Get Reusable Items to Avoid Single Use Materials marine debris is Water bottles, straws, utensils, and shopping bags are all available reusable from land-based items. Make a “kit” you keep with you to avoid throwing away more trash— sources—like pick ones you like best! litter dropped • Avoid Micro-Plastics by people, Micro-plastics are very small pieces of plastic that pollute the environment. industrial They are not a specifi c kind of plastic, but rather fragments so small they discharges, pass through water treatment plant fi ltration systems. Some personal and garbage care products use tiny microbeads management (ill- or small bits of plastic as fi tting trash can exfoliates—look for plastic listed lids, etc., etc.) in the ingredients (words including polypropylene or polyethylene). Another way to avoid micro-plastics is to choose natural over synthetic • Use/Buy Less Stuff fi bers when buying clothing. If you Think carefully about your purchases. do have synthetic materials, try to Consider borrowing items, buying wash them less often or by hand things used, or looking for items with instead of using a washing machine. less packaging. Avoid plastics when Have fun and remember, safety fi rst. possible, and look for products made Thank you for your eff orts to make from sustainable materials. our community shine! For more info and ideas, visit our partners at the California Coastal Commission Volunteers at Martin Luther King Jr. (coastal.ca.gov).

Photo: Cali Godley Cali Photo: Regional Shoreline participate Everyone can participate in Coastal Cleanup. in Coastal Cleanup by cleaning up at home. 16