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November 2023

NEWS & FEATURES

Enjoy Nature on Green Friday, a FREE Park Day

A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA B. LANDRETH

Thanksgiving is a special holiday when friends and family gather to enjoy each other's company and often a great meal. It's also a perfect time to plan an adventure in the Regional Parks the day after Thanksgiving, known as Green Friday. Green Friday at the Park District provides healthy and fun ways to enjoy the day after Thanksgiving in nature.

Celebrate Green Friday, November 24, with a FREE Park Day in the Regional Parks. All entrance activity fees will be waived on this day, including parking, dogs, horses, boat launching, and fishing, as well as entrance to Ardenwood Historic Farm. However, the fee waiver does not include state fees for fishing licenses and watercraft inspections or concessions, such as the Tilden Merry-Go-Round and Redwood Valley Railway steam train.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy Green Friday! Enjoy your East Bay Regional Parks.

See Green Friday Activities in Regional Parks

Leading the Way on Wildfire Protection

Groundbreaking, Environmentally Friendly Tool to Reduce Wildfire Risks

The Park District is using innovative solutions to reduce wildfire danger and protect the community. In a first-of-its-kind, large-scale (365 acres) fuels reduction project at Anthony Chabot Regional Park in the East Bay Hills, the District's Fire Department is using a climate-friendly carbonator to dispose of vegetation, resulting in biochar - essentially elemental carbon - that has other beneficial uses. See the feature article.

November is Native American Heritage Month

November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time for us to honor and celebrate the past, present, and future of the vibrant Indigenous communities that have called the land now known as the East Bay home since time immemorial. In November and throughout the year, the East Bay Regional Park District recognizes enduring Indigenous traditions and Native Peoples’ role as the original stewards of this region's ecosystems. More info

Park District Announces

New Equity Officer

After a nationwide search, the East Bay Regional Park District has announced the appointment of José G. González as its new Equity Officer to lead diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at the public agency. More info

Commitment to State 30x30 Conservation Initiative Recognized by CNRA Secretary Crowfoot

In recognition of the Park District’s continued contributions toward meeting the state’s 30x30 conservation initiative goals, California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot has reappointed Park District Deputy General Manager Dr. Ana M. Alvarez to serve a second term on California’s 30x30 Partnership Coordinating Committee to support the work. More info

Check out the November-December Regional in Nature Activity Guide

Enjoy the latest issue of Regional in Nature, packed with seasonal programs and activities in the parks, features on wildfire protection, monarch butterflies, the Pacific Flyway, and much more! View Regional in Nature Activity Guide

IN THE PARKS

South Park Drive Closed for Annual Newt Migration

South Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park is closed to all motor vehicle traffic through March 31, 2024, to protect migrating and breeding newts. Visitors are welcome to use the road during the closure for walking, cycling, and dog-walking. Please keep dogs away from the newts as they are poisonous to pets. Cyclists are asked to proceed slowly and avoid newts crossing the road. More info

Roberts Pool Update

Parkgoers were treated to a special preview showcase of the newly renovated Roberts Pool at Roberts Regional Recreation Area in Oakland on September 30th and October 1st. Visitors enjoyed free popsicles and swimming. The community admired the upgraded facility, including increased pool capacity, a new public changing room building, and much more. Roberts Pool will reopen for the swim season in 2024.

Tyler Ranch Staging Area Opening Celebration - Sunday, December 3

Join us on December 3rd at 11:00 a.m. for the Grand Opening of the Tyler Ranch Staging Area. It provides pedestrians, equestrians, and bikers access to more than 2,800 acres of new open space in the Tyler Ranch and Robertson Ranch properties, now part of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. The event will take place, weather permitting. Visit ebparks.org for details to come.

Participate in a Barn Owl Service Project at Del Valle: Saturday, Nov. 18

Have you ever wondered what a barn owl eats? Come learn about owls and check out what they have left behind as we prep the barn owl boxes for next year's inhabitants.

Join us on Saturday, November 18th, from 1-4 p.m. Registration required. More info

Investigate Mysterious Monarchs at Ardenwood

For many years, Ardenwood Historic Farm’s eucalyptus groves have been the site of a rare and exciting natural phenomenon – the annual gathering of monarch butterflies. Typically, from late October to February, a few hundred to several thousand monarchs form dense clusters in the trees and, on sunny afternoons, fly around looking for nectar. With recent dramatic variations in winter temperatures combined with extended drought and habitat loss, it has become challenging to predict whether the monarchs would return to Ardenwood. Find out more about the mysterious monarchs at Ardenwood’s naturalist-led monarch programs.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Park District Honored with Conservation Champion Award from Civicorps

Park District board members, leaders and staff attended Civicorps' 40th anniversary event on November 2nd. The nonprofit organization recognized the District with a "Conservation Champion" award.

The Park District partners with Civicorps to assist young adults from the local community, typically ages 18 to 25, who may be facing challenges and barriers in life. Participants rotate through assignments at the Park District to gain hands-on experience and career training.

Program participants are currently working with Park Operations and the small trails crew on trail grading projects, retaining walls, culvert repair, riparian zone restoration, and vegetation fuels management to reduce wildfire risk. The District's partnership with Civicorps supports at-risk youth in providing public service that benefits their own communities.

Walk and Talk Event with Assembly Member Alex Lee at Ardenwood

On October 29th, members of the community joined Park District Board President Dennis Waespi and Director Olivia Sanwong for a beautiful morning Walk and Talk event with Assembly Member Alex Lee at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. Visitors spent the morning enjoying a naturalist-led tour learning about Ardenwood’s rich and diverse history.

Plant Sales at Regional Parks Botanic Garden

Weekly and first-Saturday plant sales have resumed at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park. Plants and seeds are sold at the potting shed on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seeds can also be purchased at the Visitor Center. More info

Become 1-in-a-Million to Support Regional Parks

Join a community of thousands of donors raising money to support Regional Parks and provide environmental stewardship and lifechanging experiences in nature. Enrolling in the Regional Parks Foundation’s 1-in-a-Million Sustainer’s Circle helps the Foundation raise $1 million annually to fund vital initiatives. More info

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

Free Holiday and Weekend Tours at the Botanic Garden

Enjoy special seasonal activities and events this month at the Botanic Garden. Free weekend and holiday docent-led tours will be offered Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center, 10-person max, rain cancels.

Visit the Regional Parks Botanic Garden website for more info about special events, classes, docent training, and Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden e-newsletter.