Climate Change and Parks
A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA B. LANDRETH
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One of the greatest challenges for the Park District is addressing the effects of global climate change, including shoreline and marsh erosion, water quality issues, and increasing wildfire risks. The District is working daily to meet these challenges to ensure our parklands remain accessible to the public and can continue to serve as habitat for wildlife.
Some of the Park District’s efforts to adapt to changing climate conditions can be seen at the Hayward Marsh Natural Habitat Restoration Project, where work is being done to reduce shoreline flooding and marsh erosion in an area that provides critical habitat for the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse and California clapper rail.
To address the effects of climate change and prolonged drought conditions, our staff takes measures to ensure water conditions are safe for swimmers and that precious water is conserved. Some of those measures include regular testing for the presence of blue-green algae and using drought-resistant landscaping.
Protecting parks and our park neighbors from catastrophic wildfire is our most pressing climate change challenge. Some of the approaches we use to minimize the risk of wildfire include maintaining a robust, professional fire department, reducing flammable vegetation, and re-establishing native, drought-tolerant plant varieties in areas where trees and brush are removed.
Adapting to climate change and maintaining safe parks and habitat, now and into the future, are a critical focus for the Park District.
See you in your Regional Parks.
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Vegetation Map and Landscape Database Project |
The Park District has embarked on a project to develop a fine-scale vegetation map and topographic landscape database of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Accurate vegetation and topographic maps are critical tools used to analyze or monitor the impact of human decisions and natural disasters across the counties over time. The results will be added to databases used for Bay Area and region-wide decision making for managing and monitoring each county’s fire and flood hazards, critical habitats, land use change, carbon stocks and climate resiliency. Above: A team of ecologists from the Park District, Nomad Ecology, and the California Native Plant Society practice vegetation sampling protocols in a stand of coyote brush scrub in Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Photo by Mark Bibbo, CNPS
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Update on Swim Facilities |
School may be starting soon for some families, but summer fun continues at Park District swim facilities! Below are a few access updates for certain swim facilities that have changed over the season. Before heading to any Park District swim facility, verify open or closed status and check open hours on our Swimming webpage.
Contra Loma - Alternate Location: Although Contra Loma swim lagoon is closed for the season due to required maintenance and safety repairs, the Park District has partnered with the Ambrose Recreation and Park District to provide alternative swim access and programming at Ambrose Aquatic Center in Pittsburg through September 5, 2022. More Info.
Quarry Lakes - Reopened: Horseshoe Lake/Niles Swim Beach has reopened to swimmers after an earlier water quality closure. More Info.
Del Valle, West Beach - Closure: Closed due to water quality issues. The East Beach remains open to swimmers. More Info.
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As part of invasive mussel prevention grant funding from the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, the Park District is conducting a short survey on quagga and zebra mussel prevention in Regional Park lakes and reservoirs. Invasive Dreissenid Mussels, commonly known as quagga and zebra mussels, can quickly contaminate waterways and rapidly spread via watercraft, trailer, or equipment from infected waters. How much do you know about the quagga freshwater mussel issues? Take the Survey.
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Thurgood Marshall
Regional Park Update
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In April 2022, the East Bay Regional Park District officially received ownership of 2,216 acres of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station, which is part of the planned Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50. The Park District previously held constructive possession of the property, allowing access for naturalist-led public access programs. The land transfer represents the largest ever public conveyance through the National Park Service.
Thurgood Marshall Regional Park is also set to receive $3 million from the 2022-2023 California state budget thanks to the leadership of Assembly Member Tim Grayson for construction of the park’s first public access, a new staging area off south Bailey Road in Concord. The Park District plans to open the new staging area in 2024.
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Public Invited to Review Draft McKay Master Plan |
The Park District has been working on a Master Plan for 3.89 acres of new parkland along McKay Avenue at Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda. The project includes a conceptual plan for expanded recreation at the shoreline and design responses to anticipated sea-level rise. Community members provided initial input on project priorities and detailed feedback on draft concepts in the summer of 2021. Based on this feedback, a Draft McKay Master Plan has been developed. The public is invited to share their thoughts on the new park improvements, pathways and trails, and adaptation strategies for sea-level rise in an online survey. Take the Survey. |
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Help Protect the Surrounding Watersheds |
Alameda and Contra Costa counties are home to a vast array of watersheds which are vital to the surrounding ecosystems. Watersheds not only provide habitats for wildlife, they hold ecosystems together. They are also imperative to the protection of several threatened amphibians, including yellow-legged frogs, red-legged frogs, and tiger salamanders. You can support and protect watersheds and the wildlife that call them home in some of the following ways:
- Avoid swimming in protected habitats like Alameda Creek in Sunol.
- Pack out trash and waste, especially plastics.
- Conserve water by repairing water leaks, taking shorter showers, etc.
- Grow native plants around your home to hold soil in place.
- Dispose of chemical waste properly by thoroughly reading the label.
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Many Regional Parks and Trails provide ideal places for your favorite four-legged family members to enjoy fresh air, exercise and exploring nature. During the highest temps of the season, it’s especially important to keep your pets safe while recreating on the trails. Help you and your dog have fun during the summer heat with a few simple precautions:
- Provide plenty of fresh, clean water. Many trailheads and visitor centers have water fountains or filling stations available to refill your bowl.
- Try to walk in the morning and evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
- Don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Consider protective paw covers if you plan to be out during high temperatures.
- Be mindful of where dogs are allowed to swim in the water, for their own safety and to protect the habitat they are visiting.
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Walk and Talk with DeSaulnier Highlights Past and Future at Thurgood Marshall – Home of the Port Chicago 50 |
On the heels of the July 15, 2022 announcement by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier that he had successfully passed a measure in the House of Representatives to exonerate the Port Chicago 50, the Park District hosted Rep. DeSaulnier and members of the public on August 13 for a walk and talk hike at the site of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. Park District Board President Colin Coffey opened the program, which was followed by a short walking tour led by Park District interpretive staff. The walk provided an opportunity to hear about federal exoneration efforts of the wrongly accused sailors, history of the site, and future plans for public access. |
Thinking about a Career in Parks? |
Enroll in the fall semester of Merritt College’s Natural History and Sustainability Program! Merritt offers a Certificate of Achievement program in Conservation and Resource Management which equips students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to tackle major environmental challenges of today, offering interdisciplinary career and transfer driven courses. More Info. |
Strolling with Swalwell at Lake Chabot on an Early Morning Walk & Talk |
U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell was joined by Park District staff and several dozen community members on Saturday, August 6 for a Walk and Talk event at Lake Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley. During the walk, a Park District naturalist shared information about the park’s ecology and history, and members of the public were able to ask Representative Swalwell questions as they strolled along the two-mile scenic trail. |
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Support the Regional Parks Foundation: Become a Member of the 1-in-a-Million Sustainers Circle |
Join together with a circle of donors helping to raise $1 million annually, funding vital initiatives to preserve open space and wildlife corridors, protect the Park District's 55 miles of shorelines, restore wetlands, expand the robust trail network for increased access to nature, and increase environmental education initiatives and immersive camps for kids. More Info.
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DeSaulnier and Staff Visit Big Break for Delta Overview |
On Tuesday, August 2, U.S. Representative Mark DeSaulnier’s Washington DC and District staff participated in a half-day bus tour with Contra Costa Water District to discuss the California Delta and be introduced to some of the larger Delta interests, stakeholders and issues. The Park District hosted the last stop at Big Break Regional Shoreline to discuss the park and its unique location along the Delta. Board President Coffey and Park District staff provided an overview of programming, the Delta Atlas and an informational discussion at the Delta map. The 11th Congressional District will encompass more of the Delta region come January 2023 when redistricting of district lines is implemented. |
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Connecting Parks to People |
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