eNews: What's Happening in Your Regional Parks

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July 2023

NEWS & FEATURES

Park District Support of State's 30x30 Initiative

A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA B. LANDRETH

Hope you are enjoying your summer in the Regional Parks.

The East Bay Regional Park District is proud to participate in California’s 30x30 Initiative, a call to action to protect what remains of the state’s natural world, including its rich biodiversity, ecological systems, and iconic landscapes. The 30x30 Initiative aims to conserve 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. Currently, only an estimated 24 percent of California’s lands and 16 percent of its coastal waters are considered conserved, according to the state initiative.

As the 12th largest conservation land management agency in California, the East Bay Regional Park District is a model for land preservation in the state, acquiring land, protecting and restoring biodiversity, adapting to climate change, and providing balanced recreational access, including equitable access for underserved communities.

Learn how we are helping to lead the charge on supporting the California 30x30 Initiative.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Press Conference

On June 28, 2023, the Park District participated in a press conference with Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Pacific Southwest Regional Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Martha Guzman, where the EPA announced $52 million in funding for 24 projects in the Bay Area to help protect and restore wetlands and water quality, build climate change resilience, and increase environmental benefits. The projects funded include $1.2 million for the District's Ferry Point Pier Removal project at Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline. The project is expected to begin in the fall.

Summer Safety Tips

With summer activities underway in Regional Parks, it's important to be mindful of both heat and water safety precautions you can take.

Be Heat Smart in Parks

When temperatures rise, visitors should take extra precautions when spending time outdoors. During excessive heat warnings, remember these tips:

• Seek out shady places and avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day (10am-7pm).

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

• Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat's effects on your body.

• Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing. Protect your face and neck with a wide-brim hat.

• Never leave infants, children, elderly or infirm individuals, or animals unattended in a parked car, even if in the shade.

• Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them, as water from streams or ponds is not always available or safe to drink. Consider keeping them home on the hottest days. Staying Safe in Extreme Heat.

Stay Safe In, On, and Around Water Remember to be extra cautious around open water with these tips:

• Swim in areas with a lifeguard on duty.

• Keep a close eye on your children. Drowning can occur quickly and silently, even in a foot of water. Children 12 years old and under are not permitted in the swimming area unless accompanied by a responsible, actively supervising individual 16 years old or older.

• DO NOT drink alcohol if you plan on swimming or boating.

• Obey all rules and posted signs.

• If you are unsure of your swimming abilities, wear a life jacket. Regional Park swim facilities have free loaner life jackets available. Boaters should always wear a life jacket. Water Safety in Regional Parks.

Rattlesnake Awareness and Safety Tips

With summer heat warming up the region, snakes may become more visible along some East Bay Regional Park trails. Learn about rattlesnakes in their natural habitat, safety tips, and what to do if you see a rattlesnake on the trails. More info.

IN THE PARKS

Tyler Ranch Staging Area Now Open at Pleasanton Ridge

The new Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Sunol is officially open for visitors. New amenities include 78 parking spaces, equestrian staging, restrooms, water fountains, and a small family picnic area.

The staging area opens up access to 2,500 acres of open space and more than 18 miles of trails at the southern end of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. With the addition of this area, Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park now comprises 9,090 acres of parkland for your enjoyment. More info.

New Indigenous Peoples' Basket Exhibit at Coyote Hills

To celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous People, an updated exhibit showcasing the exquisite artistry of Indigenous basketry has been unveiled at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. This exhibit features baskets from the Wukchumni, Yowlumne, and Tachi people of California's Central Valley, woven by different generations of the same Indigenous family. More info.

Fuels Crew Begins New Project in El Sobrante

The Park District Fire Department is undertaking a fuels reduction project in the El Sobrante hills. This proactive measure has been designed to enhance fire safety in the community, particularly for homes in close proximity to our parklands. More info on Fuels Management.

Newly hatched chicks: California least tern (left) and western snowy plover (right)

Shoreline Parks Provide Protected Nesting Areas for Threatened Birds

Threatened and endangered shorebird species face challenges during nesting season due to habitat loss, pollution, and predation. Efforts to provide protected nesting areas in our shoreline parks are showing favorable results.

This year, Hayward Regional Shoreline's wildlife volunteer-built bird sanctuary known as "Tern Town" boasts the second largest endangered California least tern colony in the northern part of the species range, with 140 nesting pairs - the highest density anywhere.

Tern Town in the Hayward Regional Shoreline provides protected breeding areas for thousands of migratory and other shorebirds. Learn more about becoming a Wildlife Volunteer.

Eaglets Take Flight at Lake Chabot

In late June, two three-month-old eaglets flew independently (fledged) from their Lake Chabot nesting site. Fledging marks their first major step toward independence, although they will continue to rely upon their parents for food and other care for up to six weeks. Prior to taking flight on June 28, the eaglets were seen practicing short takeoffs and landings on and around the nest, gaining strength, and improving their agility and landing ability, a practice known as "branching". This is the eighth year in a row that this pair of bald eagles have successfully produced offspring at Lake Chabot.

IN THE COMMUNITY

National Night Out at Lake Chabot: August 1, 2023

On Tuesday, August 1st from 4-7 pm, join Park District public safety officers, firefighters, and lifeguards at the District's first National Night Out event at Lake Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley. This event is part of a community-building campaign to promote police-community partnerships. Visitors can enjoy some fun, hands-on activities:

• Talk with First Responders

• Meet the Police Horses

• See Fire Trucks

• Visit the Peace Pole

• Photo Booth, Kid Activities, Live DJ

• Hot Dogs & Refreshments

• Free Parking

New Bay Adventure Camp Sessions at Crown Beach

The Bay Adventure Camp at Crown Beach in Alameda, run by Park District Lifeguard Services staff and geared for youth between the ages of 8 and 12, promotes fitness, self-esteem, and teamwork in a fun outdoor environment. Campers learn about water safety, practice boating skills, improve swimming skills, and play traditional camp games during this dynamic, inclusive one-week program. Sessions run through August 18. Register for Bay Adventure Camp.

Send a Kid to Camp with Foundation Camperships

Your donations to the Regional Parks Foundation are an investment in youth. The Foundation's flagship "Campership" program offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the Regional Parks for underserved youth who otherwise would not be able to attend camp during the summer or participate in outdoor environmental education during the academic school year. Learn more and support Youth Development.

Round Valley Walk & Talk with Asm. Tim Grayson

Community members enjoyed a Walk and Talk event with Assemblymember Tim Grayson in June at Round Valley Regional Preserve in Brentwood. A naturalist-guided hike included information about the natural and cultural resources found at Round Valley, and Asm. Grayson met with constituents to give an update on happenings in Sacramento. Government and Legislative Affairs Programs.

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

Otter Festival at Big Break: July 20-23

Join us at the Big Break Visitor Center in Oakley to learn more about one of the Delta's most charismatic mammals at the Otter Festival. Play like otters in our hands-on stream tables, get creative with thematic crafts and test out your otter athletic skills. Otter Festival info.

Campfire Programs at Dumbarton Quarry Campground

From Birds of the Bay to Animal Celebrities, the campfire programs at Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay in Fremont have something for everyone to enjoy - especially s'mores! No need to be camping on site, the programs are drop-in. (Parking fees apply. Wheelchair accessible.) Upcoming campfire programs.

Bat Watch Wednesdays in Sunol

Drop by the Sunol Visitor Center on select Wednesdays in July and August from 7:30-9:00 pm and discover the wonderful world of local bats. Help count the number of bats we see while learning about the important role they play as pollinators, seed dispersers, and cash crop protectors. More info.

Delta Agriculture Festival at Big Break: July 27-30

The Delta is one of the most productive farming regions in the United States. Come discover some of the agricultural history in the Delta region during Big Break's four-day Agriculture Festival. Events include a plant swap, seed crafts, and agricultural tours. More info.