regional in nature

Regional in Nature

Activity GuideJanuary - February 2011

East Bay Regional Park District

www.ebparks.org

Inside:Introduction to Golf • page 4

Fun for the Kids at Ardenwood • page 5

Monarchs at Ardenwood • page 6

See Black Diamond in Ansel Adams’ Footsteps • page 7

Make a California Indian Basket • page 8

Kids’ Programs at Crab Cove and TNA • page 9

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A Free Program!

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“Park District Naturalists in Bay Nature Magazine” Page 3 inside.

EBRPD Board of DirectorsWhitney Dotson........................Ward 1John Sutter ..................................Ward 2Carol Severin ..............................Ward 3Douglas Siden .............................Ward 4 Ayn Wieskamp ...........................Ward 5Beverly Lane ...............................Ward 6Ted Radke ....................................Ward 7Robert E. Doyle ...... General Manager

Contents

Recreation .......................................4

Boating & Fishing ...........................4

Ardenwood .................................5-6

Black Diamond ...............................7

Botanic Garden ..............................8

Coyote Hills ................................7-8

Crab Cove ...................................8-9

Sunol .............................................8-9

Tilden Nature Area .......................9

Other Regional Parks ............. 9-12

Volunteer Programs ........10-11, 14

Park District Awarded Green Transportation Grant ................. 13

Hiking Adventures With“4WheelBob” ............................... 14

Regional Parks Police EarnCALEA Accreditation ................ 14

Registration & Fees .....................15

Visitor Centers/Swim Areas ...................................15

General Information / Free Brochure ..............1-888-EBPARKSCamping & Picnic Reservations ...... ................................1-888-EBPARKSNaturalist & RecreationPrograms ..............1-888-EBPARKSTDD ...........................510-633-0460Website ..............www.ebparks.org

Visit www.ebparks.org for map downloads, activity and event information, and much more!

General Manager Pat O’Brien Announces Retirement

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The East Bay Regional Park District will begin taking registrations for its 2011 Trails Challenge on January 18. This is the 18th year for this self-guided hiking program which encourages people to get outside and explore the many parks and trails in the East Bay. Last year, over 5,000 hikers, walkers, and cyclists signed up. Thanks to

a continued partnership with Kaiser Permanente, this year’s Trails Challenge is free and includes an online hiking booklet and T-shirt. All registration must be done online at www.ebparks.org. Look for the Trails Challenge logo. Details are also on the back of this activity guide. Happy trails!

The 2011 Trails Challenge Kick Off

A Free Program

Pat O’Brien, the East Bay Regional Park District’s General Manager since 1988, will retire from his post at the end of 2010.

“With regret our board has received notice of the impending retirement of our longtime General Manager, Pat O’Brien,” said Doug Siden, President of the Park District’s Board of Directors. “Under his outstanding leadership over 22 years, O’Brien has made EBRPD the nation’s premier park agency.”

“Pat’s leadership and hands-on involvement with the Board of Directors has resulted in signifi cant benefi ts for the residents of the East Bay area and beyond,” said Siden. “Adding 38,000 acres of parklands for the public to access and enjoy, for example, is one of many accomplishments that make governing this agency so rewarding,” said Siden. “Pat surely will be missed.”

In a statement, the outgoing general manager said, “I am very appreciative of the Board of Direc-tors, our staff, and the citizens of the East Bay, and the various organizations that have partnered with us over time to accomplish acquisitions, development, restorations and incredible public programs.”

O’Brien’s retirement on December 31 comes after years of unprecedented accomplishments during his 22-year tenure, including:

• Passage of Measure WW, a $500 million bond–the largest park bond ever ratifi ed in the nation to fund the next generation of open space and

parkland development in the East Bay;• Expansion of the agency from

66,000 acres in 1988 to over 104,000 acres today–an achievement that distinguishes the Park District as the largest local park and recreation agency in the United States;

• Dramatically increased public access to parklands by expanding from 48 to 65 parks, adding over 100 miles of regional trails, and increasing the scope and range of recreational and educational programs and services;

• Developed many partnerships and collaborations with non-profi ts, universities and community colleges, and other public agencies, which has resulting in the development of large-scale capital projects such as Camp Arroyo, the youth camp and environmental education center near Livermore, and the Tidewater Aquatic Center at Martin Luther King, Jr., Regional Shoreline in Oakland and the Delta Science Center at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley – both slated to open next year;

• Incorporated the greater Livermore Area into the Park District, expanding it to fully encompass Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

O’Brien’s has been honored with numerous awards and other recognition nationally, including being honored in 2009 as a “Legend in the Field” by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.

O’Brien, 70, will leave behind a lasting legacy of preservation for generations. “As you might imagine,” he says, “this is not an easy decision

for me as I am so committed to the Regional Park District, its mission, the Board, and the incredible staff who work to accomplish what other agencies cannot even contemplate.”

Prior to joining the Park District in 1988, O’Brien was general manager of Southgate Recreation and Park District in Sacramento, California. He served as Southgate’s superintendent of recreation from 1974-1980. He got his start in parks and recreation as a lifeguard.

He holds a master’s degree in linguistic philosophy and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy with a minor in recreation administration from San Francisco State University.

O’Brien is an avid water sports enthusiast. He is looking forward to staying actively involved in state and federal legislative issues and plans to travel with his wife Diana and spend more time enjoying his three grandchildren.

ARE PROUD PARTNERS IN 2011 WITH THE MUTUAL GOAL

OF PROMOTING HEALTH AND FITNESS.

AND

Find Your FitnessAre you bored with your current exercise program? It may be because you haven’t found the right exercise for you. Figuring out what motivates you and fi nding the right exercise to match is the key!

Take a moment to fi gure out which activities suit you, then go for it! Weight Management – aerobic activities like walking, jogging, swimming, biking, and aerobic classes burn the most calories. Weightlifting is good too. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. In Tune with Your Body – try yoga, swimming, dance, and martial arts as they use the whole body. Improving or Maintaining Health – Exercise regularly, aim for 30 to 60 minutes a day. Relieve Stress – Try relaxing activities like tai chi or yoga. Repetitive exercises such as running, lap swimming, rowing, or skating work, too. Being Social – Start or join a walking or jogging club or commit to a series of classes where you get to know other participants. Achieving New Goals – Think outside the box to try something completely new, like fencing or windsurfi ng. Or try something you never thought you could do, like running a marathon, mountain climbing, or distance swimming.

Now that you’ve picked an exercise that matches your motivation, the next step is to get out there and get moving!

KAISER PERMANENTE IS A MAJOR SPONSOR OF THE PARK DISTRICT’S 2011 TRAILS CHALLENGE. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GETTING IN SHAPE AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, VISIT WWW.KP.ORG (YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MEMBER OF KAISER TO RECEIVE INFORMATION).

Health Matters


The late fall rains do more than green up our parks, they also awaken one of our more famous salamanders: The California newt. Looking like a small brown lizard, newts are actually amphibians–they don’t have scales! They rest all summer in preparation for the slow and steady journey to the breeding ponds or streams every winter.

The California newt, essentially the mascot of Tilden Nature Area in Tilden Regional Park, enjoys some personal protection for its annual migration. Based on staff research in partnership with UC Berkeley, the Park District closes South Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park during the rainy season. The Stewardship department supports this closure and recognizes the importance of wildlife corridors to maintain healthy populations. Aware of worldwide decline of amphibian populations, the Park District has been conducting long-term amphibian studies within our parks. Amphibian and wildlife reports are available on our website at www.ebparks.org/stewardship/wildlife.

Many hikers enjoy the closed road and may be rewarded with a glimpse of a newt determinedly hiking in damp weather. The newts are protected from being eaten by the poison in their skin and can afford to be slow. Unfortunately the toxins don’t help them against vehicles. Before the annual road closures, hundreds of newts were killed daily.

If you want to learn more about the California newt and what happens when they all get together in those full ponds, join a naturalist-led newt program this winter (see pages 9 and 10). You’ll be amazed at how romantic life can be for a newt living in the safety of our parks.

Look Out for NewtsBy Jessica Sheppard, Resource Analyst

The East Bay Regional Park District offers a variety of seasonal full-time and part-time jobs, including lifeguards and recreation leaders. These positions are ideal for students and those who enjoy working outdoors. The District also offers two training programs for student aides to work year-round at the visitor centers or at Public Safety. For more information, contact the Human Resources Division, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605, phone (510)544-2154, or go to www.ebparks.org.

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Park District Naturalists in Bay Nature Magazine

In its January-March 2011 issue, Bay Nature magazine will showcase the remarkable work of East Bay Regional Park District staff naturalists, who help thousands of kids and adults connect with nature every year. Bay Nature’s tenth anniversary issue will also feature the winners of its “People in Nature” photo contest and a series of essays from prominent local writers. Check it all out at baynature.org.

A Park District naturalist leads a program exploring

the Bay at Crab Cove.

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Info–Ardenwood: (510) 544-2797; Black Diamond: (510) 544-2750; Botanic Garden: (510) 544-3169; Coyote Hills: (510) 544-3220; Crab Cove: (510) 544-3187; Sunol: (510) 544-3249; Tilden Nature Area: (510) 544-2233

Register online: www.ebparksonline.org or by phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2, then 3

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PRACTICE HIKE WITH POLES Black Diamond Jayah Faye Paley1-4pm, Sat, Feb 19 #25904If you’ve taken any poles for hiking class, you know the benefi ts and basics. This is your chance to practice and refi ne your skills on the trail. We’ll enjoy beautiful scenery and work on techniques to more completely enjoy your outdoor adven-tures. Top quality poles provided. 18+yrs.Registration is required.Fee: $20 (non-res. $22)

PET FIRST AID/CPR Lake Chabot Peter Pay9am-1pm, Sat, Feb 26 #25806Learn how to save a pet’s life during an emergency, minimize a pet’s trauma after injury and safely transport an injured pet to the veterinary clinic. This program concentrates on basic fi rst aid, includ-ing wounds, fractures, chocking, cardiac emergency and snake bites. Booklet and certifi cate available for purchase during class.12+yrs. Registration is required.Fee: $45 (non-res. $51)

WILDERNESS TRIPS

Join Park Naturalist and Recreation staff for fun & exciting wilderness trips in your local Regional Parks. Learn about your natural environ-ment, and backpacking skills with other likeminded people. Trips are available for all levels of hikers, loaner gear available (while sup-plies last), and trips vary in theme to meet a variety of interests. Participants are expected to be in good physical condition. For more information call (510) 544-2558. Watch future issues for Wilderness Trips opportunities.

BEGINNING BICYCLEMLK Shoreline Recreation Staff1-3PM, Sat, Jan 15 & Jan 22Outdoor exercise for all ages! Join Recreation staff on an easy (4.5 mile) bike ride along the Bay Trail at MLK Regional Shoreline. Pedal along for fantastic views of San Leandro Bay and local wildlife, and all with ocean breeze through your hair! Bring a snack, water bottle, and sense of adventure! Limited supply of loaner bikes and helmets available. Dress accordingly. Meet at the Tidewater Boating Center at Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline. Call 510-544-2559 for more infor-mation. Rain cancels.

RECREATIONFITNESS FOR THE TRAIL AND FOR LIFE Kennedy Grove Jayah Faye Paley9:45am-12:15pm, Sat, Feb 12 #25900If you want to achieve or maintain endur-ance, balance and strength, this fun class will show you ways to gently work fi tness into your life. Having a sustainable founda-tion can make a huge difference in your quality of life and your ability to enjoy the outdoors. 18+yrs.Registration is required.Fee: $20 (non-res. $22)

POLES FOR MOBILITY, BALANCE & WALKING Kennedy Grove Jayah Faye Paley1-4:15pm, Sat, Feb 12 #25901Learn how to use poles to achieve, maintain, and even regain mobility. Feel Taller! Learn vital skills for walking. Im-prove gait, posture, endurance, function, and strength. Easy-to-learn techniques and gentle excercises help you navigate everyday obstacles and continue to enjoy the outdoors. Top-quality poles provided. 18+yrs.Registration is required.Fee: $35 (non-res. $39)

USING POLES FOR HIKING AND WALKING Black Diamond Jayah Faye Paley9:30am-12:30pm, Sat, Feb 19 #25903POWER with poles! Using your whole body while hiking feels GOOD. Learn vital skills to reduce knee stress, improve en-durance, strength, posture, and balance. Learn which poles suit you best and how to use core muscles to help preserve your joints. Top quality poles provided. 18+yrs.Registration is required.Fee: $35 (non-res. $39)

GOLF–INTRODUCTION Tilden Golf Course Amer.Golf Corp10:30am-noon, Sat, Jan 29 #258571-2:30pm, Sun, Feb 27 #25859Learn pre-shot and full-swing fun-damentals, and become familiar with terminology/equipment. Golf balls and loaner clubs are provided. Participants will receive a free $20 range card for use at the driving range and $20 off a future class at the golf course. 14+yrs.Registration is required.Fee: $50 (non-res. $56)

KAYAKING FOR FOLKS 50+ Lake Chabot Current AdventuresNoon-3pm, Sat, Jan 15 #25825Learn kayaking skills with your peers at a pace that is right for you. Learn paddling techniques, equipment se-lection, and safety guidelines in calm waters. Then practice what you have learned touring the lake in a single kayak (double kayaks available upon request). 50+yrs.Registration is required.Fee: $60 50-61yrs/$55 62+yrs. (non-res. $66/$61)

KAYAKING – EXPLORING ARROWHEAD MARSH MLK Shoreline Current AdventuresNoon-3:30pm, Sat, Feb 5 #25832A trip from the new EBRPD facility into the nearby San Leandro Bay and Arrowhead Marsh. Wildlife including

resident and migratory birds, as well as exploration of the unique surround-ings and paddling opportunities for this uncrowded jewel for paddlers. Parent participation is required for kids age 8-17. 8+yrsRegistration is required.Fee $65 (non-res. $73)

DISCOVER KAYAKING Lake Chabot Current Adventures11am-3:30pm, Sat, Feb 19 #25818Get in-depth instruction for paddling from certif ied instructors. Learn equipment selection and basic paddling techniques while touring the lake in a single kayak (double kayaks available upon request). You’ll have lots of time to practice as we explore the lake. 5+yrs. Parent participation is required for ages 5-13 years.Registration is required.Fee: $65 (non-res. $72)

INTRO TO FLY-FISHING –Fish 1st! Lake Anza Fish First!10am-4pm: Sun, Jan 9 #25897Sun, Feb 13 #25898This exciting and informative day is geared toward the beginning angler. Spend three hours at Lake Anza practicing casting with a certifi ed fl y-casting instructor. Then enjoy two-1/2 hours of classroom instruc-tion where you will be introduced to knots, fl y selection, reading the water, and more. Registration is required.Fee: $60 (non-res. $66)

FISHING – INTRODUCTION Del Valle, Contra Loma Outdoor Recreation Staff8-10am, Sat, Jan 22 #25781, Del Valle; 8-10am, Sat, Feb 19 #25803, Contra LomaThis class is perfect for anyone interested in getting started with the sport of fi shing. Participants will learn the basics including knot tying and rigging, gear and bait selection, and casting techniques. A California State Fishing License is required for participants 16yrs+. Gear provided. Parent participation is required for ages 5-15 years. 5+yrsRegistration is required.Fee: $19 (non-res. $21)

FISHING

BOATING / KAYAKING

Lake Chabot Marina. Photo by John Krzesinski.

= Disabled accessible program = Parking fee may be charged= Register at www.ebparksonline.org


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ARDENWOODArdenwood is open Tues. - Sun. from 10am-4pm. House tours are available by reservation only (call 510-791-4196). Food service, blacksmithing demonstra-tions and train rides will return in April. Admission fees apply. For program and fee information, call (510) 544-2797, [email protected] or www.ebparks.org.

BALMS & SALVES Ardenwood Trent Pearce2-3pm, Sun, Feb 6With cold weather comes cracked hands and chapped lips. Learn how to make your own lip balm and hand salve using all natural ingredients, and take home your fi nished product.

COUNTING SHEEP Ardenwood Christina Garcia1:30-3pm, Sat, Feb 12, 26We’ll start with a yarn about wool before visiting our fl eeciest friends. Along the way we’ll learn about these wooly won-ders and prepare a special snack for the farm’s fl ock. Meet at the Granary.

STORIES BY THE STOVE Ardenwood Interpretive Staff11am-noon, Sun, Feb 13Cozy up to the old wood-burning stove while we read some favorite farm stories and even meet a character or two! Meet at the Granary.

OLD-FASHIONED SOAP Ardenwood Melissa Fowlks & Sara Witt1-3pm, Sat, Feb 19Join us as we mix up a batch of old fash-ioned soap. Don’t buy your next bar at the store! Take a recipe and make your own.

COWBOY COFFEE Ardenwood Trent Pearce11am-noon, Sun, Feb 20There’s one sure-fi re way to start a chilly morning: a hot cup of coffee. Learn how coffee was made on the farm before the drip machine, and sample the results.

VALENTINE TUSSIE MUSSIES Ardenwood Sara Witt12:30-2pm, Sun, Feb13Victorians assigned meanings to fl owers and sent messages via “tussie-mussies.” Select a few signifi cant blooms and create your own “nosegay with a message” for your Valentine.

FABULOUS FUNGI Ardenwood Trent Pearce2-3pm, Sun, Feb 13Mushrooms are mysterious and majestic! Learn to identify the wild mushrooms of the nearest grocery store, then take a short stroll to see if any are sprouting on the farm.

KIDS CHALLENGE

The 2011 Kids Challenge program is based on the California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, which recommends a fundamental list of experiences that every child would benefi t from before entering high school. This program is self-paced and challenges youth to complete 5 of the 10 activities listed in the Bill of Rights. Some activities require parent participation and/or addi-tional fees. Register to receive the guide booklet and a special prize to help you get started (1 per child, while supplies last). A commemora-tive patch and EBRPD Frisbee will be sent after completing the chal-lenge (1 per child, while supplies last). Registration is required: call 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757) option 2, 3 during business hours.Course code: 25907

A program of EBRPD in partnership with . . .

TRAILS CHALLENGE

Thousands of people like you have participated in this program, last year over 10,000 people! The program challenges participants to complete 5 of the featured trails in the guide booklet by December 1. The booklet features trails for all levels of fi tness and all types of trail users as well as a variety of tips for new trail users. We are encouraging participants to go “green” by using the downloadable version of the booklet and printing only what you need; hard copies are available for $5. With registration you will re-ceive instructions on how to access and download the guide booklet as well as other program materials, and a FREE organic T-shirt (while supplies last). A commemorative pin will be sent once you complete the challenge, pins will be mailed in the Fall (while supplies last). Kaiser Permanente is a major sponsor of this program. Registration begins January 18. Registration is required: visit www.ebparks.org & click on the “Features” section to get started. No phone registrations.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,MR. LINCOLN! Ardenwood Sara Witt12:30-1:30pm, Sat, Feb 12Come out to help us celebrate Honest Abe on his 202nd birthday! Learn about Mr. Lincoln. Make your own stovepipe hat and enjoy our 16th president’s favorite dessert: apple pie.

FOR THE KIDS AT THE FARM

MEET THE BUNNIES Ardenwood Interpretive Staff 11:30am-noon, Sat, Feb 19Come meet the farm rabbits. Learn why they have big ears, their favorite food and how they communicate. See if you can fi nd the softest part of a bunny. Meet in the Farmyard.

FARM CHORES FOR KIDS Ardenwood Christina Garcia11am-noon, Sat, Feb 26There’s lots of work to do on the farm. Help grind corn, gather eggs, and feed the farm critters as we do our daily farm chores. Meet at the Granary.

FIXIN’ FEED Ardenwood Interpretive Staff1-2pm, Sun, Feb 27Learn all about the many types of corn as you work with old equipment in the barn. Even the little ones can lend a hand cracking corn for the animals. Meet at the Granary.

ANIMAL FEEDING Ardenwood Interpretive Staff 3pm, Thursdays through Sundays, Jan-FebSlop the hogs, check for eggs, and bring hay to the livestock. Learn all the animals’ favorite foods as we help tuck them in for the evening. Meet at the Chicken Coop.

TODDLER TIME–WINTER EDITION Ardenwood Ira Bletz11-11:30am, Tue, Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15Put on your rain boots and bring the tiny tots out for an exciting, and maybe wet, morning at the farm. Each day we’ll meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun. Meet at the Granary. Jan. 11: Goats. Jan. 18 : Chickens. Jan. 25: Sheep. Feb. 1: Rabbits. Feb. 8: Goats. Feb. 15: Sheep.

Bring your toddler to Ardenwood to meet and feed sheep, goats, rabbits, and other cute, furry, kid-friendly creatures. The historic farm in Fremont offers many activities especially for kids, including Farm Chrores and Fixin’ Feed (see below), Monarchs for Kids (see description on page 6), and springtime programs in March and April such as Farmyard Storytime and others. Photo by Amy Kwok.

= Kids Challenge program



TEAS YOU’VE NEVER TASTED Ardenwood Melissa FowlksNoon-1pm, Sun, Feb 20So you’ve had tea, or have you? Come out and try some old-fashioned refresh-ments that you may not have had before. Discover more about the world’s 2nd most-popular drink!

BUILD A BIRD BOX Ardenwood Trent Pearce2-3pm, Sun Feb 20Give a bird a new home for International Nest Box Week! We’ll discuss different

nest box designs for different birds, then assemble some for the birds here on the farm.

SONGS OF THE FARM & FIELD Ardenwood Trent Pearce11am-noon, Sun, Feb 27Gather round the wood stove and help sing traditional songs of work and play. Bring an instrument if you’d like to play along–we’ll provide a songbook.

ELECTRIC POTATOES Ardenwood Trent Pearce2-3pm, Sun, Feb 27For this “shocking” experiment, we’ll attempt to squeeze electric-ity out of a common potato. Then we’ll try to get a charge from other farmyard fruits and veggies.

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FAN LANGUAGE Ardenwood Melissa Fowlks12:30-1:30pm, Sun, Feb 6Fans can speak! It wasn’t always proper for Victorians to make their intentions known. Proper ladies used a fan to send messages of interest and attraction. Learn the ladylike art of fan language and create your own paper fan.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Ardenwood Trent Pearce & Christina Garcia10:30-11:30am, Sun, Feb 611am-noon, Sat, Feb 12Beyond the fi elds, fences, and corrals live the wilder residents of the farm. Come on an exploratory walk as we search for untamed creatures that also call the park home.

A view across the fi elds of Ardenwood Historic Farm. Photo by Kameshwar Eranki.

MONARCHS AT ARDENWOOD

butterfly during a 20-minute slide show. Learn about the incredible journey these tiny animals make each year and the increasing threats to their survival. Afterwards, take a short hike to look for overwintering monarchs in Ardenwood’s eucalyptus forest. Meet at the Granary.

MONARCHS FOR KIDS Ardenwood Interpretive Staff11am-12:30pm, Sat, Jan 8, 22, and Sun, Jan 16 & 30Young children will enjoy an interactive puppet show all about monarch eggs, caterpillars, chrysalides, and butter-fl ies. Then they’ll take a short hike to see these amazing insects in action. Meet at the Granary. (3-6 yrs.)

FAREWELL TO MONARCHS DAY Ardenwood Christina Garcia11am-3pm, Sat, Feb 5Learn about the migration and life cycle of our winter resident butterfl ies through slide and puppet shows for all ages. Then make a fl uttery monarch wand and fl y it out to the monarch grove to say goodbye to the butterfl ies until next year. Meet in the Farmyard.

NEW YEAR’S DAY BUTTERFLY WALKS Ardenwood Christina Garcia11:30am and 1:30pm, Sat, Jan 1Start the year off right with an inspir-ing visit to a monarch butterfl y over-wintering site. Discover the amazing migration of these tiny creatures and how they survive the long cold season in our eucalyptus trees. We’ll use spot-ting scopes to see these magnifi cent creatures up close and personal. Meet at the Granary.

MONARCH BUTTERFLY WALKS Ardenwood Interpretive Staff1:30pm, Every Sat and Sun in January Tour Ardenwood’s monarch over-wintering site on an easy stroll of less than one mile. Search for clusters of butterfl ies hanging from eucalyptus branches and learn about the mysteri-ous migration of these majestic insects. Meet at the Granary.

MEET THE MONARCHS Ardenwood Christina Garcia & Trent Pearce11am-noon, Sat, Jan 15, 29, and Sun, Jan 2, 9, 23Discover the life cycle of the monarch

Photo by William LaCrosse



FAMILY NATURE HOUR Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison2-3pm, Sat, Jan 8, 29, Feb 5, 26 and 10-11am, Sat, Feb 19Get to know the natural world around you! Stories, games, and activities suitable for all ages communicate fun facts. Drop in and check us out. Parent participation is required. Jan. 8 : Claws, Paws, and Camoufl age. Jan. 29: Muskrat Ramble. Feb. 5: Birds. Feb. 19: Animal Tracking. Feb. 26: Reptiles and Amphibians.

WELSH SWEETHEARTS Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison/Jan Southworth12:30-3:30pm, Sat, Jan 22 #25706Rediscover the joys of this ancient craft–turning wheat into love tokens–a wonderful Valentine’s gift ! Learn the

tips and tricks needed to turn stalks of wheat into perfect holiday gifts. Enjoy tea and treats while creating handmade gifts for loved ones. Parent participation is required. 10+yrsRegistration is required.Fee: $15 (non-res. $17); Seniors: $15 (non-res Seniors $17)

COMPOSTING: GETTING DOWN AND DIRTY Coyote Hills Jamie Lease11am-noon, Sat, Feb 12 #25813Learn the ins and outs of turning food

COYOTE HILLSThe Coyote Hills Visitor Center is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Possum’s Pocket Nature Store has books, American Indian items, nature games, T-shirts and many other items for sale. For additional information call (510) 544-3220, or email [email protected].

NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison12-3pm, Sat, Jan 1 #25766New Year’s Day is for renewal–hike with us to explore the park, see birds and wildlife and rejoice in the beauty nature has to offer! Plus, it never hurts to get a little exercise–probably on your list of resolutions! 10+yrsRegistration is required.

scraps into rich soil with the help of a few friendly worms and interesting insects. Your garden will thank you! 10+yrsRegistration is required.

AMAZING ANIMALS Coyote Hills Jamie Lease2-3pm, Sat, Feb 12 What are antlers made of? How can look-ing at teeth help you fi gure out what an animal eats? Find out these answers and more. Visit our Discovery Table!

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RESOLUTION HIKE Black Diamond Eddie Willis9:30am-noon, Sun, Jan 9Begin a fresh new year with a challeng-ing three mile hike through chaparral, oaks, and mist-laden hilltops. We’ll also peek into the preserve’s past and discuss its potential future. 8+yrs

HAZEL-ATLAS HISTORY HIKE Black Diamond Eddie Willis9:30am-noon, Sun, Jan 23From seaside to hillside to tabletop, this area’s rocks have been on a jour-ney. Discover the region’s ancient and modern roots as we journey two miles above and peer into the hills. 8+yrs

IT’S A BLAST! Black Diamond Kevin Damstra10am-12:30pm, Sat, Feb 12Dug with dynamite, hollowed out by hand; join us for a short explorative hike and hands on activities to dis-cover how miners over the last 100 years excavated these hills. 5+yrs

SHOOTING THE LIGHT Black Diamond Kevin Damstra8:30am-12:30pm. Sat, Feb 19 #25780Few photographers epitomize land-scape photography like Ansel Adams. Join us as we celebrate his birthday (one day early) by following in his footsteps through Rose Hill Cemetery and beyond, discovering the wonders he shot in 1957. 6+yrsRegistration is required.

All Black Diamond programs (unless otherwise noted) meet at the parking lot at the south end of Somersville Road in Antioch. For information call (510) 544-2750, or email [email protected].

BLACK DIAMOND

Hike Black Diamond with Naturalist Eddie Willis. See “Resolution Hike,” above. Photo by Eddie Willis.

SUN RISING ACROSS THE MARSH Coyote Hills Beverly Ortiz & Friends6:30-9am, Sun, Jan 2 Take great photographs of Coyote Hills wildlife, while learning about the adaptations that make each one suited to marshland life. We’ll caravan and walk to some very beautiful places. 10+yrs

SENSATIONAL SUNSET PHOTOGRAPHY Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison/Don Jedlovec4:30-6:30pm, Sat, Jan 29 #25701Hike to photograph the sunset with amazing views of the marsh and Bay and learn of these special habitats! This landscape photography workshop features photographer Don Jedlovec. Please bring a camera and tripod. 12+yrs Registration is required.

Coyote Hills marshland. Photo by Jerry Ting.

FOUND BEAUTY: A PHOTO EXHIBITION Coyote Hills Beverly Ortiz/Chris Cochems10:30-noon, Sun, Feb 20Take a journey of found beauty to every branch and hideaway in Coyote Hills. This exhibition and slide show features extraordinary photographs by Chris Cochems with naturalist nar-rative. Refreshments served. 10+yrs

FINDING BEAUTY:A PHOTO WORKSHOP Coyote Hills Bevery Ortiz1-3pm, Sun, Feb 20Learn to “capture” on camera the beauty of our nectar garden as we identify nectar-loving species and the plants they rely upon. Photographer Chris Cochems shares his eye for detail. 10+yrs




CRAB COVECrab Cove Visitor Center hours are Wed.-Fri. noon-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Center’s gift shop has books, t-shirts, and other nature-related items for sale. For information about naturalist programs or other activities, call (510) 544-3187, or email [email protected]. The Visitor Center will be closed Friday-Saturday, Dec. 24-25, and Friday-Saturday, Dec. 31-Jan. 1.

FISH FEEDING TIME Crab Cove Interpretive Staff3-3:30pm, all Sundays in Jan and Feb“Dive” into the Bay and learn about its wildlife! Get close to crabs, fl ounder, perch, and pipefi sh–just to name a few of our amazing animals–while they eat.

SUNOLAll programs meet at the Sunol Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. For Visitor Center hours and information, call (510) 544-3249, or email [email protected].

VALLEY NATURE RIDE Sunol Interpretive Staff10-10:45am, Sun, Jan 2 #25768, Feb 20 #25769Enjoy an introduction to the cultural and natural history of Sunol Regional Wilder-

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MEWUK-STYLE COILED BASKETRY Coyote Hills Beverly Ortiz10am-4pm, Sun, Jan 9, 16, 23 #25702Experience the intricacy and ingenuity of Central California Indian basketry. Gain an understanding of a thousands-of-years-old relationship between people and place as you learn to harvest willow and sedge growing along an oak-studded, streamside woodland. You’ll be guided through the process of cur-ing, sizing and trimming those materials, along with redbud, before using these plants to create a small, coiled basket with Sierra Mewuk techniques. 18+yrsRegistration is required. Fee: $120 adult, $100 seniors(non-res. $132/$112)

OHLONE BASKETRY BASICS

Coyote Hills Beverly Ortiz/Carol Bachmann10-11:30am, Sun, Jan 30We’ll share the plants, techniques, functions and cultural context of the recently-restored art of Ohlone bas-ketry. Find out about the challenges involved in keeping this ancestral skill alive. 10+yrs

WILLOW BASKETRY Quarry Lakes Beverly Ortiz12:30-4pm, Sun, Jan 30 #25704Learn to twine a basket with gray willow shoots while you enjoy the tranquility and calm of wintertime Quarry Lakes. You’ll fi nd out how to prune willow so next year’s growth is healthier, stronger, and more fl exible than if you left the plants alone. 18+yrsRegistration is required.Fee: $15 adult, $13 Senior (non-res. $17/$15)

BASKETRY BASICS!! Tilden Nature Area Gail Broesder10am-4pm, Sun, Feb 6 #25862Experience the variety of California Indi-an basketry styles, then get “hands-on.” Learn to make your own small storage basket from whole-shoot willow–using no tools but your hands. 15+yrsRegistration is required.Fee: $15 (non-res. $17)

TWINED WILLOWBASKET WORKSHOP Sunol Anthony Fisher9am-2pm, Sun, Feb 27 #25812While many California Indian baskets are highly detailed and exquisitely made, some carrying and trap baskets are quickly and expediently twined from whole shoot willow and maintain a rustic elegance. Twine a small basket to take home. 12+yearsRegistration is required.Fee: $10 (non-res. $12)

BASKETRY

OHLONE VILLAGE SITE WALK Coyote Hills Beverly Ortiz10am-noon, Sun, Jan 2 Journey through more than 2,000 years of human history on this walk to an ancient Tuibun Ohlone village site. We’ll discuss Ohlone cultures past to present. 7+yrs

VILLAGE SITE OPEN HOUSE Coyote Hills Kristina Parkison10am-noon, 1-3pm, Sat, Jan 15Stroll through the vibrant marsh out to a 2,400-year-old Tuibun Ohlone village site. Tour the structures, learn some games, and discover Ohlone culture, past and present!

VILLAGE SITE CARETAKING Coyote Hills Beverly Ortiz10am-noon, & 1-3pm, Sun, Feb 13After winter’s onslaught, join us at the entrance booth at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. to caretake a more than 2,000-year-old Tuibun Ohlone village site. We’ll repair the structures and remove debris. Refreshments provided. 12+yrs

OHLONE VILLAGE SITE OPEN HOUSE Coyote Hills Beverly Ortiz10am-noon; 1-4pm, Sun, Feb 27Walk 1/2-mile to a more than

2,000-year-old Tuibun Ohlone vil-lage site where you’ll be introduced to Ohlone cultures past to present. Cultural demonstrations will be shared. Disabled accessible by prior arrangement: (510) 544-3220.

Coyote Hills volunteers perform a variety of tasks to make tule boats and to repair and maintain the Ohlone village. Photo by Dino Labiste.

OHLONE VILLAGE

DOCENT-GUIDED GARDEN TOURSBotanic Garden2pm Saturdays, 11am and 2pm SundaysLearn about California native plants on free, docent-guided tours at the beautiful, naturalistic, 10-acre Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park. The garden is located on Wildcat Canyon Road at South Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park (South Park Drive is closed No-vember through March). Info: www.nativeplants.org or (510) 544-3169.

BOTANIC GARDEN

Winding path at Regional Parks Botanic Garden. Photo by Ted Hamiter.

THURSDAY MORNING PLANT SALEPlease note that there are no Thursday morning plant sale events from Janu-ary through mid-April. Volunteers are gearing up for the annual plant sale on Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Please mark your calendars. Info: www.nativeplants.orgor (510) 544-3169.For more information on classes and activities offered through the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, see www.nativeplants.org.

ness during a horseback ride. 6+yrsRegistration is required.Fee: $25 (non-res. $29)

CATCH OF THE DAY Crab Cove Interpretive Staff2-3pm, Saturdays & Sundays, Jan & Feb Drop by for fun activities to help you learn about the Bay, its wildlife, and local history. The aquariums, beach, and pond await you, with a new topic each week. Note: Visitor Center closed Sat-urday, Jan. 1.



FEBRUARY HOLIDAYS HIKE Sunol Katie Colbert10am-1:30pm, Sat Feb 12Did the groundhog see his Valentine? Did Lincoln cast a log shadow? Find out on a three-mile, up-and-down-hill hike in search of newts and other things named after politicians.

TILDEN NATURE AREAThe Environmental Education Center is open Tue-Sun 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Little Farm is open daily. For info call (510) 544-2233, or email [email protected].

NATIVE AMERICAN LIFESTYLES Tilden Nature Area Gail Broesder10am-noon, Sun, Jan 9The Ohlone Indians lived along lower Wild-cat Creek for thousands of years before it became a park. Discover some of their ways on this easy walk through the Nature Area. No organized groups please. 7+yrs

RETURN OF THE NATURE THEATER Tilden Nature Area Morgan Evans & Sasha Clark2:30-3:30 pm, Sun, Jan 16 “Wintertime at Little Farm”–an indoor puppet show that’s fun for the whole fam-ily. Hear a story about life on our farm, and all the jobs of a farmer.

KIDS GARDEN WORK PARTY Tilden Nature Area Courtney Glettner1:30-3pm, Sat, Jan 22Take advantage of our mild winters in Berkeley by gardening. Come help plant seeds, harvest greens, and tend to our productive and nutritious winter garden. Dress to get dirty!

AMAZING ADAPTATIONS! Tilden Nature Area Gail Broesder10-11:30am, Sun, Jan 23What are the survival strategies of re-gional fl ora and fauna? Make observations and conclusions about why living things look and behave as they do.

DR. SEUSS KNOWS BESTTilden Nature Area Elaine Chang & Sasha Clark3-4 pm, Sun, Jan 30Come join us for story hour with the bountiful tales of the wonderful Dr. Seuss. Help us spread his message by planting some seeds and taking some home.

FABULOUS FUNGUS Tilden Nature Area Morgan Evans2-3:30 pm, Sun, Feb 13 Come discover the fabulous world of fungi! We’ll learn distinguishing traits of the major groups and discover what types grow right here among us in Tilden.

OTHER PARKSCANINE CAPERS–DOG WALK Various Parks Kristina Parkison9am-noon, Sat, Jan 8 (Sunol) #258419-11am, Sat, Feb 26 (Quarry Lakes) #25842Make new friends and enjoy a nature walk by exploring some of the fi nest open space with your best four-legged friend! Homemade snacks provided for good (and spirited) dogs! Rain cancels. Trails can be steep. At Sunol, meet at Visitor Center. At Quarry Lakes, meet at the Isherwood Staging area. 8+yrsRegistration is required

Join us for programs designed for you and your children. We’ll play games, explore nature, sing songs, and do a craft related to the theme of the day!

SEA SQUIRTS Crab Cove Sara Fetterly10:15-11:30 Tues Jan 4 #25814, 18 #25816, Feb 1#25817, 15 #25815Share a morning of shoreline fun with your pre-school age child. Ages 3-5 years. Jan. 4 : Whale’s Tales. Jan. 18: Creatures of the Mud. Feb. 1: Slime. Feb. 15: Things that Fly.Fee: $5 (non-res. $7)Registration is required.

ESTUARY EXPLORERS Crab Cove Sara Fetterly3:45-5pm, Tue, Jan 4 #25828, 18 #25827, Feb 1 #25829, 15 #25830 School-age kids like exploring na-ture, playing outdoors, and learning more independently - no parents required. Join us for this afternoon program! Ages: 6-8 years. Jan. 4: Whale’s Tales. Jan. 18: Creatures of the Mud. Feb. 1: Slime. Feb. 15: Things that Fly.Registration is required.Fee: $5 (non-res. $7)

CRAB COVEWEEKDAY FUN

WONDERFUL WORLD OF COMPOST Tilden Nature Area Courtney Glettner2-3pm, Sat, Feb 19Do you know where the warmest place in the garden is? Let’s marvel at the compost bin and learn about the creatures that help nourish the garden.

HAPPY NEWT YEAR Tilden Nature Area Gail Broesder10am-12:30pm, Sun, Feb 20 It’s that time again, when winter rains turn young newts’ thoughts toward romance. We’ll hike in search of these wanderers. Bring water & sack lunch, plan for mud.

LIVE WITH LESTER THE LITTER BUG Tilden Nature Area Courtney Glettner & Morgan Evans2-3 pm, Sun, Feb 27Join us for a puppet show and learn the tale of this rascally character. Discover some ways that you can help protect the environment.

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TILDEN TOTS! Tilden Nature Area Bethany Facendini10-11:30am, Thu, Jan 6 #25741; Feb 17 #25742Join an outdoor, nature adventure program for 3-4 year olds, each accompanied by an adult (grand-parents welcome!). No younger siblings please. Jan. 6 : “Animal Homes;” Feb. 17: “Life Under Logs.”Registration is required.Fee: $6 (non-res. $8)

TILDEN EXPLORERS! Tilden Nature Area James Wilson3:15-4:45pm, Tue, Jan 18 #25746; Feb 15 #25747Join an after-school nature adven-ture for 5-7 year olds, who may be accompanied by an adult. Jan. 18: we’ll investigate animal homes. Feb. 15: we’ll search for amphibians. No younger siblings please.Registration is required.Fee: $6 (non-res. $8)

TILDEN MINI-RANGERS Tilden Nature Area James Wilson3:30-5:30pm, Wed, Jan 19 #25744; Feb 16 #25745Do you like hiking, conservation, and nature-based activities? This after-school program is for you! It’s designed for kids 8-13 years old, unaccompanied by parents. Dress to ramble and get dirty; bring a snack. Registration is required.Fee: $6 (non-res. $8)

KIDS’ PROGRAMS ATTILDEN NATURE AREA

Above: newt. Photo by Kevin Fox.Below: Bird’s nest fungus in Sunol. Photo by Katie Colbert.

OUTDOORDISCOVERIES

Sunol Katie Colbert 10-11:30am, Thu, Jan 6 #25797, Jan 20 #25798, Feb 17 #2580010am-noon, Feb 3 #25799Children 3-5 years and a parent are invited to make wild discoveries. Jan. 6: Rain, Rain, Come Today So We Can All Go Out To Play! Make a rain catcher, too, and see what’s sprouting in the wilderness. Jan. 20 : Newts Have Boots, or at least waterproof toes. We’ll learn about amphibians today. Feb. 3: Vernal Pool Lunch Hike: We’ll look for teeny tiny creatures in this special pond. Note special time. Feb. 17: Where Is Fun Gus? In the mush room of course! We’ll look for toad stools and other slimy furniture and learn how fungi help us out!Registration is required.Fee: $6 (non-res. $8)




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SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST? Various Parks Bethany Facendini2:30-4:30pm, Sat, Jan 8, 22No, it’s the survival of compassion. Come learn about some of the endangered and threatened species of the Bay Area, and how we can help them thrive again. Heavy rain cancels. Topics and locations: Jan. 8: Burrowing owls and California Sea-blite at Eastshore State Park, Berkeley Meadow.Jan. 22 : Salt marsh harvest mice and California clapper rails at Richmond Bay Trail’s “Landfi ll Loop.”

NATURAL TALENT–PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITContra Costa County Historical SocietyReception: 1-4pm, Jan 16Exhibit: 9am-4 pm, Jan 16-Apr 30Meet the winners and fi nalists of the 2010 East Bay Regional Park District Photo Contest, and see their photographs. For an online preview, see www.ebparks.org/photocontest2010. The gallery is located at 610 Main Street, Martinez, California 94553. Gallery hours are Tuesdays-Thurs-days, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and third Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

BIG BREAK IS OPEN Big Break Mike Moran10am-noon, Sat, Jan 22 #25810Join us for an exciting winter exploration of beautiful Delta wetlands and a stroll around the brand new Delta Discovery Experi-ence, an outdoor interpretive and recre-ation facility anchored by a 1,200-square-foot scale model of the Delta.Registration is required.

TAKING THE NEW TRAIL TO BIG BREAK Big Break Mike Moran10am-1pm, Sat, Jan 29 #25831A still new year on a new trail to a brand new shoreline experience? Let’s go! Along rich Delta wetlands we stroll to the Delta Discovery Experience (a scale replica of our California Delta) and back again. Three fl at, paved miles round trip.Registration is required.

SEARCHIN’ FOR SHROOMS Briones Eddie Willis10am-noon, Sun, Jan 30Grow an appreciation for the slimy, moldy, rotten world of mushrooms as we hike hillside and creekside looking for the fungus all among us. No collecting or identifying edible species. Meet at the Alhambra Creek Staging Area off Reliez Valley Road in Martinez. For information, call (510) 544-2750, option 0. 8+yrs

WINTER DISCOVERY Contra Loma Kevin Damstra10am-12:30pm, Sat, Feb 5 #25843Discover the natural wonders of this winter season as we stroll the gravel path around Contra Loma Reservoir. 5+yrsRegistration is required.

PINE CREEK CROSSINGS Diablo Foothills Eddie Willis9:30am-noon, Sun, Feb 6The best way to appreciate the wet season is to get into it! We’ll stroll over one mile along (and in) the creek looking for fi sh, fl owers, frogs, and other soggy delights. Meet at the Castle Rock staging area. For information call (510) 544-2750, option 0.

TENDING NATURE Quarry Lakes Beverly Ortiz10-noon, Sun Feb 6Find out about methods used by local Ohlones to tend nature, then apply those methods and help us increase the health, size and habitat potential of a lakeside willow patch. Meet at the Ensenada picnic area parking lot. 12+yrs. For Information call(510) 544-3220.

LAKESIDE MEANDER Quarry Lakes Beverly Ortiz1-3pm, Sun, Feb 6Encounter the nature and history of Quarry Lakes on this pleasant walk along lakeside trails. We’ll share “fun facts” about local plants, animals, and historic events. Dogs on leash welcome. Meet at the Ensenada picnic area parking lot. 9+yrs. For Information call (510) 544-3220.

AMPHIBIOUS AMBLE Briones Eddie Willis10am-noon, Sun, Feb 13Walk as the newts do through mucky grass-lands to some of their favorite breeding grounds. We’ll look for all types (and stages) of amphibians during this 1.5-mile trek. Meet at the Briones Road staging off Alhambra Valley Road in Martinez. For information, call (510) 544-2750, option 0. 6+yrs

NIFTY NEWTS Garin/Dry Creek Kristina Parkison1:30-3pm, Sat, Feb 19 #25853What’s poisonous, slimy, but cute as can be and often confused for a reptile when it’s not? It’s the California newt headed toward a pond near you! Join us for a chance to fi nd this animal jewel.Registration is required.

DIABLO FOOTHILLS DISCOVERY Diablo Foothills Kevin Damstra8am-noon, Sat. Feb 26 #25848Lace up the boots and cinch up the gaitors for this tromp up, down, and around the foothills of Mount Diablo. This seven-mile hike will bring us through the mud to dis-cover winter’s wonders in these hidden hills. 10+yrsRegistration is required.

VOLUNTEERGARDEN VOLUNTEERSVarious parks Pellarin/MuellerDates and times varyQuarry Lakes: This program in Fremont needs volunteers to help with planting and garden maintenance. Featured plant-ings include California native plants and plantings in a rose garden and rare fruit grove. Help weed and prune in the plant beds, assist the gardeners in planting, and help with general garden care. Dates and times vary–please call for more informa-tion: (510) 795-4895. Garin/Dry Creek: Help weed and prune in the plant beds, assist the gardners in planting, and help with general garden care. Information: (510) 582-2206.

PARK/TRAIL GUIDESVarious Parks Lori GrayGuides are needed to assist the visually impaired in hiking on Regional Parks trails. On-going training provided by Bay Area Outreach Recreation Program (B.O.R.P.). For upcoming dates, contact (510) 849-4663 or www.borp.org.

YOUTH PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS Crab Cove Sara Fetterly3:30-5:30pm Tue, Jan 11Calling all Middle and High School students! Looking for a fun way to earn those com-munity service hours? Help teach kids about nature! Crab Cove naturalists are looking for motivated volunteers to help with their Estuary Explorers afterschool program. Interested volunteers must be able to work one Tuesday per month from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and attend a Jan. 11 training. For information or to register, call (510)544-3182.

FOR SENIORS

THE OVER-THE-HILLS-GANG!Various parks Dave Zuckermann10am-12:30pm, Tue, Jan 25, Feb 15Hikers 55 years and older interested in nature study, history, fi tness, and fun are invited to join this series of monthly excursions exploring the Regional Parks. Jan. 25: we’ll visit Briones to see breeding newts (meet at the end of Briones Road). Feb. 15: we’ll explore dynamite history at Point Pinole. For information call (510) 544-2233. 55+yrs

A view of San Pablo Bay and Mt. Tamalpais, from Point Pinole Regional Shoreline’s Marsh Trail adjacent to Whittell Marsh. Tilden Nature Area Supervising Naturalist Dave Zuckermann will lead an Over-The-Hills-Gang hike at Point Pinole on Feb. 5. Participants will see historical artifacts such as the black powder press located off the Marsh Trail.

WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERS–QUAIL RANGERSContra Loma Doc Quack9:30am-noon, Sat, Feb 19 #25819Join in some family fun as we im-prove the Contra Loma’s habitat for the State bird. Each participant will receive a Covey Conservation” patch for planting and creating a safe place for quail to eat, rest, and nest. Parent participation is required.Registration is required: (510) 544-2319



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FRENCH BROOM REMOVAL/RESTORATION PROJECTRedwood Di Rosario9am-1pm, Sat, Feb 59:30am-1pm, Sun, Feb 13Volunteers are needed to help restore beautiful Redwood Regional Park from French broom displacment of the native plants. We provide the tools. Saturday, Feb. 5: Meet at 9 a.m. at the Skyline Gate staging area (8500 Skyline Boulevard

in Oakland) in Redwood Regional Park for a French broom pull along the East Ridge Trail. Sunday, Feb. 13: Meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Wayside overfl ow lot in Redwood Regional Park inside Redwood Gate at 7867 Redwood Road in Oakland for exotic plant removal and restora-tion projects in the Redwood Canyon. For information call 1-888-327-2757, op-tion 3, ext. 4553.

TUESDAYS FOR THE BIRDS Various Parks Bethany Facendini7:30-9:30am, Tue, Jan 4, 11, 18; Feb 1, 8, 15, 22Share your enthusiasm for bird life on a tranquil walk through various Bay Area parklands! All levels of birding experi-ence welcome. Call (510) 544-2233 for specifi c meeting locations. Bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars or scopes. Rain cancels. Jan. 4: Hayward Regional Shoreline, Winton Ave. Jan. 11: Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, Alvarado. Jan. 18: Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline, Shoreline Center. Feb. 1: Eastshore State Park, Berkeley Meadow. Feb. 8: Tilden Regional Park, Vollmer Peak. Feb. 15: Lake Mer-ritt, Rotary Nature Center. Feb. 22: San Pablo Regional Shoreline, Pinole Shores.

FLYWAY FORAY Miller/Knox Bethany Facendini2-4:30pm, Sat, Jan 15Witness miraculous winged-wonders migrating along the Pacific Flyway. On this two-mile walk, discover why thousands of shorebirds and water-fowl overwinter on San Francisco Bay. Heavy rain cancels. For information call (510) 544-2233.

WINTER WATER BIRDING Waterbird Regional Preserve Eddie Willis8:30-10am, Sun, Jan 16 #25802The Bay Area is a great pit stop along the Pacific Flyway. Find out who’s swooping in for a visit as we gawk at a restored wetland and its fowl inhabit-ants. Warm beverages provided. Bring your own binoculars. Meet in the parking lot.Registration is required.

BIRDINGTHURSDAY BIRDING RAPTOR BASELINE Big Break, Marsh Creek Mike Moran9-11:30am, Thu, Jan 27 #25821; Thu, Feb 24 #25826The morning (eastern) side of Mount Diablo hosts a magnifi cent array of birds of prey: hawks, falcons, eagles. Help us document their variety and numbers in this fun, social citizen research project . No experience necessary–we’ll teach you how to identify these birds. We’ll meet at a different park on the last Thursday of each month. Join in for one or all. Jan. 27: Big Break. Feb. 24: Marsh Creek. 10+yrsRegistration is required.

BIRD WALK Garin/Dry Creek Kristina Parkison8-11am, Sat, Feb 5The Bay Area bursts with bird life! New and experienced birders alike join us as we discover patterns of behavior, migration, and habitat. Meet at the Visitor Center Barn. For information call (510) 544-3220. 8+yrs

BIRDS OF BRUSHY PEAK Brushy Peak Anthony Fisher8am-noon, Sun, Feb 20A leisurely 4+ mile hike with hills. Soar-ing raptors and beautiful vistas are your reward. Can be very cold and windy! For info: (510) 544-3244.

MONDAY BIRDING Sunol Anthony Fisher9-11:30am, Mon, Feb 28Easy birding walk of approximately two miles. Some hills, but mostly fl at terrain. Meet at the Green Barn. For information, call (510) 544-3249.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR“DAY OF SEVICE”

PG&E volunteers clean up the shoreline at Martin Luther King, Jr., Regional Shoreline on Earth Day 2009. You can do your part by volunteering for the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service cleanup at the shoreline park on January 17. Photo by Richard Langs.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR “DAY OF SERVICE”–MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SHORELINE Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline Staff8:30am-noon, Mon, Jan 17 #25908The Park District will be celebrating its Third Annual “Day of Service” that con-tinues Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s vision to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer together to the beloved community. Volunteers will assist staff in restoration work and invasive plant removal in order to support and care for wildlife and their natural habitats. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and closed-toed shoes. Please also bring your own water bottle. Heavy rain cancels. Registration is required: you may register groups up to 25 people online or by calling 1-888-EBPARKS, (1-888-327-2757), option 2, 3.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR “DAY OF SERVICE”–RICHMOND SHORELINERichmond Shoreline, Shimada Park Staff9am-noon, Mon, Jan 17Show your community YOU care–help clean up the Richmond Shoreline! Join the East Bay Regional Park District, The Watershed Project, and Richmond Shoreline Citizen Response in our efforts to beautify the Richmond Shoreline through trash pick-up, invasive plant removal, and more! Free refreshments will be served. Tools and gloves will be provided, but please bring your own if you have them, especially loppers for removing fennel. Please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information call (510) 544-3257.




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Dublin Hills Regional Preserve. Photo by Joel C. Schantz.

Regional Parks naturalists offer up-close interpre-tations of various creatures on Vasco Caves Regional Preserve tours. The namesake blue-belly of this male western fence lizard is shown off when it does push-ups to attract females during mating season. The yellow markings on the ventral sides of the legs helps to identify these lizards, which are a major cog in food webs, as they are eaten by snakes, raptors, shrikes, etc. The lizard itself eats a variety of invertebrates like ticks, fl ies, spiders, and even scorpions.

VASCO CAVES REGIONAL PRESERVE TOUR Vasco Caves Mike Moran9am-2pm, Sat, Feb 26 #25849Behold Vasco’s spectacular rock outcrops, vernal pools–seasonal home of endangered amphibians and fairy shrimp. This is habitat for eagles and various nesting and migrating raptors hunting bountiful prey in robust restored grasslands. Archaeological sites contain Indian rock art, part of a complex reaching back nearly 10,000 years. This Pre-serve is accessible through guided tours only, staging from Round Valley Regional Preserve aboard District-provided bus transporta-tion. 10+yrsRegistration is required.Fee: $30 (non-res. $34)

Various Locations Christina GarciaWalks begin at 9:30 amExplore a new Regional Park with our friendly walking group. Discover the natural and human history of our beautiful parklands and improve your health on a fast-paced hike. Hikers of all ages and abilities are welcome. Wear sturdy footwear, bring water and dress for the weather. Heavy rain cancels.Jan. 5–Tilden: Start the year off right with your choice of distanc-es–up to 8 miles up and back the on paved Nimitz Way. Meet at Inspiration Point. Jan. 12–Coyote Hills: Circle the hills on the paved, 3.5-mile trail. Meet at the Visitor Center. Jan. 26–Ardenwood: Ex-plore the remnants of this estate on a leisurely 2.5-mile walk. Meet at the Train Station. Feb. 9–Martin Luther King Shoreline: An easy 4.5 miles along the shore of San Leandro Bay. Meet at the Observation Tower. Feb. 23–Lake Chabot: A moderate 4 miles to the dam and back. Meet at the Marina.Info: (510)544-3282 or email [email protected]. Flyer with com-plete directions is available on the hiking page at www.ebparks.org.

WEDNESDAY WALKS

Garin’s Jordan Pond lies along Dry Creek. Photo by Deane Little.

Locations vary Katie Colbert10:30am-2pm, Sat, Jan 29 #258229am-2:30pm, Sat, Feb 26 # 25823This is a series of naturalist-led pro-grams for women who love the out-doors but whose concern for personal safety keeps them from enjoying their own parks. For a complete schedule contact (510) 544-3243, or [email protected]. Jan. 29: Dublin Hills–

Emerald Lunch Hike: Rainfall paints the hills brilliant green in this gem of a new park. We’ll fi nd out why on a four-mile ridgeline hike. Feb. 26: Las Trampas–Early Morning Early Spring Lunch Hike: Shake off the winter blues on a fi ve-mile hike full of early spring views! Lots of uphill.Registration is required.

WOMEN ON COMMON GROUND

Various Parks Sara Fetterly10am-noon, Sundays in Jan. & Feb.Wake up and walk into nature. Each week we will explore a differ-ent park and the natural wonders within. Hikes range from two to fi ve miles. Great for families. Dogs welcome on most hikes. See www.ebparks.org/parks for maps and directions. For information, call: (510) 544-3187. Jan. 2: Lake Chabot–Wildlife abounds on this beautiful lake. As we follow the east shore to the bridge and back,

we will search for signs of the many animals that call this park home. An easy, three -mi le walk . Meet at the marina store. Jan. 9: Oyster Bay Regional Shore-line–Learn the his-tory of Oyster Bay as we hike an easy three miles along the scenic San Fran-cisco Bay Trail. Jan.

16: Anthony Chabot (Bort Meadow Staging Area), Brandon/ Grass Valley loop–We will follow the stream on this easy, three-mile walk through sunny meadows and shady groves of alders. Jan. 23: Roberts Regional Recreation Area (lower parking lot), Graham/Dunn/West Ridge loop–Beautiful can-yon views await you on this moderate, 3.8-mile hike. Meet in the lower park-ing lot. Jan. 30 : Redwood Regional Park (Skyline Gate Staging Area), East Ridge/Prince/Stream Trail loop–Enjoy the music of the creek as we walk this

SUNDAY STROLLSgorgeous canyon from rim to red-woods and back. Moderate, three-mile loop. Feb. 6: Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline (Arrowhead Marsh Staging Area), Arrowhead Marsh/San Leandro Creek Trail–See a winter wonderland brimming with birds. If we are lucky we may catch sight of the elusive and endangered California clapper rail on this fl at and easy 2.3-mile walk. Dogs must be leashed. Feb. 13 : Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve–Love is in the air (and in the ponds) at Sibley. On this hike we will search for amorous salamanders, weave our way through mazes, and enjoy scenic views of Mt. Diablo. Moderate 2.6-mile walk. Feb. 20 : Leona Canyon (Canyon Oaks trailhead), Leona Trail–This moder-ate hike brings us to Merritt College and back. Native American plant uses are highlighted along this scenic path. Feb. 27: Redwood Regional Park (Big Bear Gate Staging Area), Stream/Star Flower/French/Mill Trail loop–Majes-tic redwoods and magnifi cent madro-nes will delight us on this moderate, 4.25-mile trail.

Sunday strollers with Naturalist Sara Fetterly (in dark green sweatshirt) at Sibley Vocanic Regional Preserve.



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East Bay Green Transportation InitiativePark District awarded Green Transportation Grant

The Department of Transportation awarded the East Bay Regional Park District a $10 million grant through the federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recov-ery program. The funds will be used to link various bike trails throughout the East Bay to create a network of over 200 miles of paved trail for commuting and recreation purposes.

The projected renovations should take about 10 to 15 years to complete and include seven projects described below. The Park District was one of only a handful of agencies in California to receive grant money. Brief project descriptions are listed here. For more information see www.ebparks.org.

Project #1: San Francisco Bay Trail: Hercules Intermodal Center Connections. 2.5-mile gap closure and bridge construction project. This proj-ect will complete two critical linkages in the San Francisco Bay Trail to the east and west of the Hercules Intermodal Transit Center. Completion of this project

will extend the benefi ts of tran-sit-oriented de-velopment to the surrounding communit ies . Project # 2 : San Francis-co Bay Trail:

Martinez Intermodal Station to Crockett 2.7-mile gap closure project. The Martinez Intermodal Station to Crockett segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail will provide direct access to Amtrak, the Capitol Corridor commuter rail service and regional bus service for the residents of Port Costa and Crockett, as well as providing improved connectivity to the intermodal station for Martinez residents. Completion of this project will reduce the commute distance for bicyclists from Crockett to Martinez by seven miles, and provide a safe alternative to the existing narrow, high-speed roadways connecting the two communities.

Project #3: San Francisco Bay Trail: Gilman to Buchanan. One-mile gap closure project. This segment of the EBGTI will close a critical gap in the Bay Trail. The one-mile Gilman to Buchanan Bay Trail project closes the only gap in the trail between Richmond and Emeryville, creating a continuous 10-mile bicycle and pedestrian corridor along the shoreline.

Project #4: San Francisco Bay Trail: Union City/Dumbarton Bridge Link.4.3-mile gap closure project. Closing the three-mile gap in the Bay Trail between the Dumbarton Bridge and Union City will com-plete the twenty-mile corridor between the bridge and Oakland. The segment will provide commuters and other users with connections to transit, including BART and bus services, educational institutions including Chabot College, and direct access to major employers in Hayward, Union City, San Leandro and Oakland. This segment will also serve as the primary access to the South Bay Salt Pond resto-

ration project.and pedestrian facility, and will provide non-m o t o r i z e d access to the “new urban-ism” develop-ment planned for the Bay’s Treasure I s -land.

Project #5: East Bay Greenway: Oakland Coliseum BART to 105th Ave. Two-mile gap closure project. The project is located in an area where over 25 percent of the predomi-nately low-income, minority resi-dents live in poverty, and have the highest rates of asthma, diabetes and heart disease in the county. The project will result in a well-lighted, landscaped bicycle and pedestrian path connecting to the BART sta-tion, AC Transit bus service and local schools. The Coliseum/Oak-land Airport BART station is a key commuting hub for approximately 8,000 employees (about one-third in cargo-related, working-class jobs) who work at the airport.

Project #6: Iron Horse Trail–TriValley Transit Connector. 1.7-mile gap closure and interstate highway undercrossing project. Located primarily within an abandoned rail corridor, the Iron Horse Trail attracts over a million

users per year along the 30 miles completed to date. The TriValley Transit connector project (6B) will extend the trail from the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station through the adjacent Hacienda Business Park and planned transit-oriented development project. This project will complete the Iron Horse Trail between the communities of Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore. A companion project, the Alamo

Canal Trail Undercrossing at Interstate 580 (6A), will link Pleasanton’s Cen-tennial Trail with Dublin’s Alamo Canal Trail, providing improved connectivity to local libraries, sports fi elds and city services.

Project #7: Mokelumne Trail: Highway 4 Bypass Overcrossing.0.5-mile highway overcrossing bridge. TIGER II funding will allow construction of the Mokelumne Trail overcrossing of the Highway 4 Bypass to move forward, eliminating the existing two-mile detour for bicyclists and pedestrians and putting contractors and their employees back to work in this economically disadvantaged community.

The Iron Horse Trail/Treat Boulevard overcrossing in Walnut Creek, opened in June 2010, improved the trail as a commute alternative and improved access to the Walnut Creek BART station for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Many of the projects to be funded by the Green Transportation Initiative will expand access to BART stations and bring biking to BART closer to reality for many people.




14

PUBLIC SAFETY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESThese on-going volunteer programs assist District staff in the delivery of essential services, which include: educating trail users about trail safety; assisting the helicop-ter unit with rescues; supplementing police in patrol activities and incident response. Certifi cations and/or training are required for some programs. For more informa-tion, contact the following: Trail Safety Patrol Groups including Bicycle Patrol, Com-panion Dog Patrol, Hiking Patrol, and Mounted Patrol–contact Heather Marlais at (510) 690-6580. Flight Paramedics (ALS)–contact Offi cer Jackley at (510) 544-3014.

Shop for T-shirts and more on the Park District’s Online Store

www.CafePress.com/ebrpd

All of the Park District’s proceeds go to the Regional Parks Foundation

to fund Camperships for low-income kids to go to camp.

The internationally recognized Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforce-ment Agencies (CALEA) awarded the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department with an offi cial accreditation, which makes the department one of only 12 CALEA-accredited agencies in California. The CALEA accredita-tion programs involve a comprehensive review of a law enforcement agency’s organization, management, operations, and administration. Participation in the CALEA accreditation program is voluntary, but completion provides a law enforcement agency with a nationally recognized award of excellence and professional achievement. To receive accreditation, the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department participated in an intense three-year process, complying with over 400 primary and nearly 1,200 overall standards set forth by the commission. These standards touched on every facet of the department from administrative to operational services.

Regional Parks Police Department R E C E I V E S N AT I O N A L R E CO G N I T I O N

CALEA Accreditation Ceremony, 2010, Las Vegas, Nevada. From left: CALEA Executive Director Sylvester Daughtry Jr.; Professional Standards Sergeant Lance Brede; Administrative Analyst Nancy Morehead; General Manager Pat O’Brien; Accreditation Manager Lieutenant Wayne Morimoto; Police Chief Tim Anderson; CALEA Chair Louis Dekmar.

Bob Coomber, a lifelong Bay Area resident currently living in Livermore, is a local hiking celebrity and motivational speaker who partners with the East Bay Regional Park District to encourage hiking in the Regional Parks. Each month Coomber writes about two of his favorite hikes in the Regional Parks, one hike geared toward entry-level hikers, or those looking for fl at, mostly paved trails, and the other focusing on a longer and more challenging hike. See www.ebparks.org/bobcoomber for his hike descriptions.

Coomber, known as 4WheelBob, acquired juvenile diabetes in his early 20s, and became disabled after long struggles with its complications. After multiple leg, ankle, and knee fractures, Coomber fi nally took his doctor’s advice and began life in a wheelchair.

Wheelchairs may seem confi ning, but to Coomber the chair was simply another challenge. A lifelong hiker, Coomber soon began experimenting with easy outdoors excursions. Several broken chairs later, one thing led to another and he became a staple of local newspaper and local and national television shows as that guy in a wheelchair who doesn’t believe in limits.

Hiking Adventures with Bob “4WheelBob” Coomber

Coomber was inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame in January 2007. He was one of only 27 Americans to receive the President’s Council on Physical Fitness Community Leadership Award in 2008.

On August 24, 2007, Coomber became the fi rst person in a wheelchair to summit White Mountain, California’s third-highest peak at 14,246 feet. He is also the fi rst person in a chair to summit three local favorites, Mt. Diablo and its companion, North Peak, as well as Mission Peak in Fremont.

Coomber plans to summit Africa’s highest peak, 19,340-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro, and to be the fi rst unassisted wheelchair user to make the journey. The trip will also serve to distribute 200 wheelchairs in Arusha, Tanzania, in partnership with The Wheelchair Foundation of Danville.

An inspiring motivational speaker, Coomber is popular with everyone from schoolchildren to senior hikers. He loves to inspire others to reach for their goals, no matter the obstacles. Coomber has been married to wife Gina for 14 years. They spend way too much time fi nding new trails to explore all over California and the West.



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SWIM FACILITIESLAKE ANZATilden Regional ParkBerkeley, CA 94708(510) 843-2137CASTLE ROCK1700 Castle Rock RoadWalnut Creek, CA 945981-888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4518CONTRA LOMA1200 Frederickson LaneAntioch, CA 945091-888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4518CULL CANYON18627 Cull Canyon RoadCastro Valley, CA 945521-888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4523DEL VALLE 7000 Del Valle RoadLivermore, CA 945501-888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4524DON CASTRO22400 Woodroe Ave.Hayward, CA 945411-888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4527QUARRY LAKES2100 Isherwood WayFremont, CA 945351-888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4552ROBERTS POOL10570 Skyline Blvd.Oakland, CA 94619(510) 482-6028SHADOW CLIFFS2500 Stanley Blvd.Pleasanton, CA 945661-888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4557LAKE TEMESCAL6502 Broadway TerraceOakland, CA 946101-888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4561

VISITOR CENTERSARDENWOOD 34600 Ardenwood Blvd.Fremont, CA 94555-3645(510) 544-2797BLACK DIAMOND MINES5175 Somersville RoadAntioch, CA 94509(510) 544-2750BOTANIC GARDENTilden Regional ParkBerkeley, CA 94708(510) 544-3169COYOTE HILLS8000 Patterson Ranch Rd.Fremont, CA 94555-3502(510) 544-3220CRAB COVE VISITOR CENTER1252 McKay AvenueAlameda, CA 94501-7805(510) 544-3187DEL VALLE7000 Del Valle RoadLivermore, CA 94550(510) 544-3249GARIN1320 Garin AvenueHayward, CA 94544-6822(510) 544-3220SUNOL-OHLONEP.O. Box 82 (on Geary Road)Sunol, CA 94586(510) 544-3249TILDEN NATURE AREAEnvironmental EducationCenter (EEC) at Tilden Regional ParkBerkeley, CA 94708(510) 544-2233

To reach the Central Registrations offi ce:

From south or east of Oakland on I-580 West, take the MacArthur/Foothill exit in San Leandro. Bear right onto Foothill; turn right on 106th Ave. and right again onto Peralta Oaks Drive. Follow it to the end. From Oakland or north or west of Oakland on I-580 East, take the 106th Ave. exit in Oakland. Take the fi rst three left turns; this will put you on 106th Ave. From 106th, turn right onto Peralta Oaks Drive and follow it to the end.

FEES: Fees must be paid in full at the time of registration. They may be paid by pre-printed check, money order, VISA, Mastercard or in cash for walk-in registration. Non-resident fees apply to anyone living outside of Alameda or Contra Costa counties. Parking or park entrance fees may be charged depending on program time and location. Ardenwood entrance fees vary depending on the event or activity. Confi rm all fees when registering for a program. Many programs have fee assistance funds available for low-income individuals and families. For information call the registration phone num-bers listed at the bottom of the previous column.CHECK ACCEPTANCE: Pre-printed checks are accepted for mail-in registration in the Central Reservations Offi ce until two weeks before the program takes place. Make checks payable to EBRPD. Programs registered in the parks will accept checks up until the day of the program. Returned checks will be charged an additional $15 Returned Check charge.CREDIT CARDS:

VISA and Mastercard are accepted for all fee programs except those that are registered at a park. Call the phone number in program description for info.

CANCELLATION POLICY:REFUNDS/TRANSFERS: Refunds or transfers will be processed for pro-grams canceled because registration is below the minimum enrollment at the cutoff date, or if a program is canceled due to inclement weather or in-structor illness. Please allow up to three weeks for receipt of refund. If you would prefer to transfer into another program or class and there is space available, your refund may be applied to the fee for that program or class.IF YOU MUST CANCEL: For a full refund or credit toward another program, you must call in your cancellation at least seven days prior to the class or program. Failure to notify the Reservations Offi ce at least seven days in advance of the program date will result in forfeiture of program fees.

REGISTRATION INFORMATIONNO Registration is required.–Many programs do not require registra-tion. Simply join the instructor at the location indicated in the program description. Call the phone number listed in the program descriptions if you need further information.IN-PARK REGISTRATION–For programs requiring registration at park sites, call the number indicated in the description. Information will be provided when you call.CENTRAL REGISTRATION–The course codes for programs that require central registration are printed next to course dates throughout this directory. Please refer to the instructions below for registration proce-dures for online, mail-in, walk-in, or phone registration.

ON-LINE: go to www.ebparksonline.org for Centrally regis-tered programs.MAIL-IN: Complete the registration form below and mail with your payment (pre-printed check with the mail-in form) to: East Bay Regional Park District, Reservations Dept., P.O. Box 5381, Oakland, CA 94605-0381.WALK-IN: Come to the District Headquarters between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. We are located at 2950 Peralta Oaks Court in Oakland, next door to the Dunsmuir House and south of the Oakland Zoo off I-580. See map below.BY PHONE: Phone registration requires a VISA or Mastercard. The Reservations Offi ce is open between 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Fridays (closed weekends and holidays). Call 1-888-EBPARKS (327-2757) and select option 2, then 3. TDD: (510) 633-0460.

Signature required ___________________________________________________Date _____________________Parent or guardian if under 18

Name (parent or guardian if under 18)

Address

City Zip

Day phone Night phone

Submit additional registrations on an attached sheet

Participant’s Name Birthdate Class Title Code Date Fee

Total

Month/Day/Yr

Second Choice

Second Choice

TV Newspaper Visitor Center RadioHow did you hear about our programs? Other

( ) ( )

January-February 2011 Mail-in Registration Register Online: www.ebparks.org/webreg

Please check here if you are disabled and in need of special accomodations

East Bay Regional Park DistrictAttention: Reservations2950 Peralta Oaks Court, P.O. Box 5381Oakland, CA 94605-0381

First Choice

First Choice

Day Camp Scholarship Fund—provides subsidized day camp experiences for inner-city youth. Optional)Subscribe to this publication (Regional in Nature) (Optional)

$1

Make checks payable to: EBRPD

$5

email address

Clip

and

Mail

$



Don’t miss our Wedding Fairs at the Brazilian Room

Tuesdays: February 15 and 224 to 8 p.m.: Meet our caterers and vendors

Rental facilities for weddings, reunions, retreats, and business meetings in four beautiful park locations:

• Brazilian Room, Tilden Regional Park

• Lake Temescal Beach House, Temescal Regional Recreation Area

• Shoreline Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline

• Fern Cottage, Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area

For more information: 510-544-3164 or www.brazilianroom.org

2950 Peralta Oaks CourtOakland, CA 94605-0381www.ebparks.org


Sign-up for this popular self-guided hiking program and enjoy your Regional Parks at the same time! This self-paced program is a great way to stay active and keep up with your fi tness goals. Best of all – it is on your schedule, when it is convenient for you. Thanks to a partnership with Kaiser Permanente, Trails Challenge is FREE again this year to both new and returning participants.

Beginning mid-January, register online at www.ebparks.org under the TRAILS CHALLENGE logo or visit the Regional Parks Foundation’s website directly at www.RegionalParksFoundation.org and follow the link. Once registered, you can download from your home computer the complete 2011 Guidebook, and sign-up for your free, 100% organic cotton T-shirt while supplies last. (T-shirts are limited to two per household). Each Guidebook includes detailed descriptions of this year’s 20 featured trails that comprise some of the East Bay’s most popular hiking, biking, and equestrian destinations.

MembershipMake the most of your Trails Challenge experience and become a Member of the East Bay Regional Park District. The Membership Program is a wonderful way to frequent your favorite Regional Parks and save money on parking and dog fees while participating in the Trails Challenge. Explore the benefi ts of Membership and fi nd out how you can save time and money throughout the year. To learn more, visit our website at www.RegionalParksFoundation.org.

A Free Program

regional in nature

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