August Ranger Programs

Explore upcoming programs featuring activities led by

LARPD Ranger staff at Sycamore Grove Park!

Night Hike with a Ranger

Saturday, August 10th | 7:30 – 9:30 pm Sycamore Grove Park | Nature Area

Ranger Gilbert will lead an after-hours walk to learn about nocturnal animals and their adaptations. We’ll walk one mile at a very relaxed pace. REGISTER

Tarantulas

Saturday, August 10th | 11 – 12 pm

Sycamore Grove | Wetmore Entrance

Join Ranger Vickie for a presentation to learn more about these unique arachnids. Also, meet our tarantula, Peaches! Face your fears, increase your knowledge, and grow to appreciate the role tarantulas play in ecosystems. REGISTER

Snakes of Sycamore Grove

Saturday, August 31st | 2 pm

Sycamore Grove Park | Picnic Area

Join Ranger Vickie as we explore the snakes of Sycamore Grove. We will have a short talk and an introduction to one of our animal ambassador snakes. REGISTER

The History of the "Dog Days" of Summer

by Ranger Vickie Eggert

Uncover the origins of the "Dog Days" of summer. Learn how ancient Egypt, the star Sirius, and myths from Greece and Rome connect to this hot and humid season. Discover why Sirius, the brightest star, still captivates us today.

September Ranger Programs

Let's Talk Bears

Sept 7th | 6-7 pm

Sycamore Grove Park | Wetmore Entrance

Join Ranger Seth for a fun, family-friendly talk about bears from around the world. We will learn about all the different species of bears, including the largest extinct bear species. Opportunity to make a bear craft after the talk. REGISTER

Tooth Time In The Natural World

Sept 15th | 2-3 pm

Sycamore Grove Park, Picnic Area

Join Ranger Doug as we talk about all the crazy teeth the natural world has to offer us. We will discuss what we can learn about different animals just from the kinds of teeth they have, and the amazing impact evolution has on tooth design. REGISTER

September Birds 

Sept 28th | 2 - 3:30 pm  

Sycamore Grove Park, Arroyo Entrance

Join Ranger Vickie as we go through the park looking for birds. This beginner-level bird walk will be short and easy for all. Bring binoculars and water, and let's check out what birds are migrating through. REGISTER 

Applefest at Ravenswood

Sunday, August 25th

12 - 4 pm

Ravenswood Historic Site

2467 Arroyo Road

Enjoy an afternoon at the Ravenswood Historic Site, exploring the heirloom apple orchard and tasting unique apple varieties!

Activities include:

• Pressing fresh apple cider
• Making "apple slinkies"
• Playing old-fashioned games
• Docent-led tours of the historic estate
• Apple crafts

Feel free to bring a picnic and cool off in the shade at Ravenswood.

Summer Nature Camp

Summer Nature Camp at Sycamore Grove Park is in full swing. It offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and educational activities.

There are still a few openings for the last session in August, so don't miss this chance to immerse your kids in nature, learning, and fun this summer.

LARPD & Livermore Public Library Events

Campfire Storytime for Teens

Thursday, Aug 1st, 8-10 pm | Sycamore Grove Park | Wetmore Entrance

Students in grades 7-12 are invited to join LARPD rangers at the Sycamore Grove Park Amphitheater, sit by a crackling campfire, and enjoy s’mores while listening to scary stories in the dark. Participants will get a chance to share their chilling tales, too!

MORE INFO

Park After Dark - UV Hike For Adults

Fri, Aug 17th, 8-9:30 pm | Holdener Park We’ll explore biofluorescence, bioluminescence, and nighttime pollinators during this special UV night hike. This will be a slow 1.5-2 mile hike up into the hills. We will have UV flashlights to borrow, but please feel free to bring your own if you have one. We should have a near full moon to walk under; you are welcome to bring flashlights and headlamps, but we will limit their use as we walk out.

MORE INFO

Welcome to LARPD, Justin

Welcome to the LARPD Open Space Team, Justin! We are excited to introduce Justin Emery, our new Natural Resource Technician, who will be stationed at Sycamore Grove Park.

Justin graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection. When he's not working, you'll find him training for triathlons, rock climbing, or painting. Justin is passionate about resource conservation and is eager to work with the diverse ecology throughout the district. Be sure to say hi if you see him out on the trails!

Independence Day Dash 2024

The inaugural LARPD Independence Day Dash 5K and Free Kids' Fun Run were held at Sycamore Grove Park on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Thanks to everyone who joined us! We can't wait for next year!

Sycamore Grove Trail Update

The Chevron project has been completed, and all trails impacted by the work have been reopened.