Discover the upcoming Ranger Programs provided by LARPD Ranger Staff, offering a variety of activities! | |
Equinox Night Hike
Saturday, Mar 16th | 7 - 8:30 pm
Join Ranger Mae and a sky full of stars as we hike through the park after dark! We will explore the grove after hours, identifying constellations and preparing for the Spring Equinox. REGISTER
Snakes
Sunday, Mar 17th | 5 pm - 6 pm
Explore the vibrant world of Snakes with Ranger Lauren. REGISTER
Spring Egg-Stravaganza
Saturday, Mar 30th | 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm
Join the Rangers at Sycamore Grove Park for a Springtime eggstravaganza!
We will learn all about egg-cellent adaptive eggs! Five different start times for egg hunts, a look at some of our local bird nesting habits and egg specimens, and some egg-citing eggs-periments! REGISTER
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Bloom of the Sakura by Ranger Mae | |
As the Spring season unfolds in the Bay Area, I eagerly await Sakura's enchanting yet momentary bloom, the cherry blossom. This familiar flower is internationally recognized as a vibrant symbol of optimism and delicacy, and it is often used in many lavish treats. With origins rooted in Japan and neighboring countries, the cherry blossom tree and other varieties flourish throughout multiple parts of the world, especially here in California. | |
Social Media Account Update & Giveaway | |
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OPEN-SPACE SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS ARE MOVING!
FACEBOOK USERS:
@sycamore-grove-park content is moving to @livermorelarpd
INSTAGRAM USERS:
@livermoreopenspace content is moving to @larpd_livermore
All Open Space content can now be found on our main district account to bring you even more information about all things LARPD on Facebook and Instagram!
This consolidation allows us to be more engaged, provide richer content, and serve you better from one central source.
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GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT!
As an added incentive to join us on the main district page, we're giving 10 lucky followers a Sycamore Grove Annual Parking Pass over the next two weeks!
To be entered, you must "like" and "follow" our Facebook or Instagram accounts.
Mark your calendar for Monday, 3/4, and Monday, 3/11,
for the winning announcement!
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Upcoming Open Space Programs & Events | |
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Brushy Peak Adventure
3/16 & 4/20 9 am - 3 pm
Explore the magical parkland known as Brushy Peak Regional Preserve. This strenuous hike covers approximately 4 miles over dirt and rocky trails with an elevation gain of 800+ feet. The hike includes an exploration of unique sandstone rock formations, introduction to the Native Ohlone, Bay Miwok and Delta Yokuts cultures associated with the site, and opportunity to view the plants and animals that live or visit this area. REGISTER
Earth Day Celebration at Sycamore Grove Park
4/20 | 10 am - 2 pm | Free
There is no Planet B… so it's best we take good care of this one! This Earth Day, celebrate at Sycamore Grove Park while taking action to help protect our planet. We’ll have drop-in crafts and activities for kids and adults, guided hikes in the park, and volunteer projects to better our local ecosystems directly. REGISTER
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Spring Break Nature Camp
4/1 to 4/5 | 9 am - 3 pm | Ages 7-10
Calling all nature lovers! Join us at Spring Nature Camp during one of Sycamore Grove Park's most beautiful and fun times of the year. See birds building nests, hunt for ladybugs in the grass, and stop to smell the wildflowers, all while learning about the natural world through age-appropriate programs and activities. REGISTER
Spring Break Counselor In Training
4/1 to 4/5 | 9 am - 3 pm | Ages 13-15
Go beyond nature camp with the Counselor in Training program! This 1-week program designed for young teens will allow CITs to develop leadership skills and get a behind-the-scenes look at the recreation and outdoor industry, all while having fun and bonding with their peers. REGISTER
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Ranger Riddles: Sycamore Simon | |
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Sycamore Simon is our honorary Ground Squirrel Park Ranger at Sycamore Grove!
As one of the Rangers, Simon helps keep the park safe, clean, and fun for all the guests and wildlife.
Simon has also been given the task of protecting the Golden Acorn.
Every month, Simon likes to hide the Golden Acorn in a new location around the park and will leave clues to its location for any visitors who enjoy a challenge.
Check for a new riddle each month from Sycamore Simon and see if you can complete the challenge!
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Previous Golden Acorn Winners: | |
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What a fun surprise during a ride through the park.
Good job, Ryane, Ryan, and Sawyer!
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As stated by themselves, the golden girls found the golden acorn!
Thanks for participating, Lindsey and Abby!
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Another great find on a sunny walk through the gardens.
Nice work, Rose and Karen!
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LARPD Partner Programs & Event | |
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EBRPD Day by the water
Saturday, 3/23
10 am to 3 pm
Del Valle Regional Park @ the Arroyo Mocho Picnic Area
In observation of World Water Day, check out LARPD Rangers booth, and stop by the Del Valle Visitor Center for fun activities and games.
By practicing water conservation and learning about how water benefits us and wildlife, we can value water properly and safeguard it for the future. MORE INFO
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Wildflowers of the Arroyo Hike with EBRPD
Sunday, 4/7 | 8:30 am to 1 pm | Free
Join LARPD and EBRPD Rangers for a hike spanning our two connected parks, searching for any and all wildflowers in bloom! REGISTER
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Nature Storytime in Sycamore Grove Park
Saturday, 3/23 |2 pm | Free
Join the Livermore Library and LARPD rangers for a short nature walk before settling in for story time! MORE INFO
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Great Blue Herons
Saturday, April 6th | 2 -3:30 pm
Join Ranger Vickie as we learn about the Great Blue Heron. We will be able to see a few heron-related things and, after a short talk, take a walk up to their rookery and see where they nest. REGISTER
Wildflower Bioblitz
Sunday, April 14th | 1 -3 pm
Join Ranger Christine in a bio blitz to see what's blooming this Spring. This hike will be a little more than 3 miles, with some hills up to Cattail Pond. Participants are encouraged to download SEEK and INatrualist apps to upload their observations. REGISTER
Cherry Blossom Arts & Crafts
Saturday, April 27th | 2 -3 pm
Join Ranger Mae as we hear cool stories and facts about the area's beautiful Sakura flower and other related flora. We will do a step-by-step arts & crafts activity together. All supplies will be provided. Get ready to create some vibrant artistic masterpieces! REGISTER
Wildflower Seed Bombs
Sunday, April 28th | 4-5 pm
Make a seed bomb for your backyard featuring all California native wildflowers.
Join Ranger Lauren in the Native Garden to learn about California native flora, create your mix of wildflower seeds, and see how your garden grows. REGISTER
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In the Wake of the Flood by Interpreter Eric | |
In my recent articles about our Western Sycamore trees (Platanus racemosa), I've often lamented the absence of new saplings sprouting from fallen seeds, painting a somewhat bleak picture for the future of these iconic trees that make our park unique. I am thrilled to report that this past year has proved me wrong! Immediately after the 2023 flood waters receded, the newly excavated creek banks seemed lifeless; however, hidden amongst the gravel and debris were the promises of life yet to come. | | |
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Rangers in Action
The park rangers have continuously worked throughout the storm season to clear trails and provide our visitors with a safe and pleasant open space.
We try to be on top of our game when clearing out fallen trees, but if you notice any recent debris from the weather changes, please reach out to us, and we will be happy to remove it from the area. Thank you, Rangers!
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Picture This
The Sycamore Grove Park photo contest "Picture This" was bird themed and winners are displayed at the Wetmore Road park entrance.
The next theme will be Macro Photography; pictures must be taken at Sycamore Grove Park. Photo credit: Karen Parkinson
Send your pictures to natureprograms@larpd.org
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Flora in Bloom
at Sycamore Grove Park
Ranger Jay took this amazing photo of the almond blossoms in the orchard near the intersection of the Winery Loop trail and the paved path.
Be sure to enjoy this stunning flora in bloom as they are vibrant yet momentary.
Have you captured a picture worth sharing? We'd love to share it!
Send your pictures to natureprograms@larpd.org
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Hi y'all,
Thank you to all participants of our newest feature: the Ranger Riddles! We enjoy receiving so many fun pictures taken within the park as you continue to explore and find the hidden Golden Acorn.
We are glad to see your creativity and excitement towards this fun interactive game.
Great job, everyone!
Also, I'd like to point out that my goal to improve park cleanliness and safety for wildlife has noticeably been achieved so far, and I have you all to thank...
The Open Space team feels incredibly grateful to have this opportunity to work in such a beautiful outdoor environment, and our loyal park visitors bring an additional element of fun and kindness into the grove.
We appreciate you all for continuing to provide a positive space to explore nature and connect to our community.
Thanks for reading!
With gratitude,
Mae Bailey
LARPD Park Ranger
Editor of the Valley Wilds
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