eNews: What's Happening in Your Regional Parks

October 2022

NEWS & FEATURES

Marking the Clean Water Act's 50^th Anniversary

A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA B. LANDRETH

On September 16, the Park District celebrated the Clean Water Act's 50th Anniversary at Dotson Family Marsh in north Richmond along with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), CalEPA, local officials, and Park District staff and board members.

The anniversary of the Clean Water Act reminds us of where we have come from and highlights the progress we have made in protecting our shorelines, rivers, and lakes from pollution. The Clean Water Act is something to be celebrated as we continue our efforts to protect the environment and work towards addressing climate change.

The Park District’s Dotson Family Marsh is a prime example of how we can address the challenges of our changing climate and the effects of sea-level rise, including shoreline erosion and flooding. Projects like Dotson Family Marsh are more important than ever as we face the increasing impacts of climate change.

Watch the Video.

See you in your Regional Parks.

Working Together, We Can Improve Wildfire Safety

Wildfire safety continues to be one of the Park District’s top priorities. Our year-round efforts include removing flammable vegetation, maintaining 50 professionally trained full-time and on-call firefighters, maintaining specialized wildland firefighting equipment, and monitoring fire weather conditions. Wildfire safety is especially important in the late fall when the heat of summer has dried out vegetation, and hot, dry Diablo winds come in from the east, creating potentially dangerous fire conditions.

We must remain vigilant! Make sure you are aware of fire warnings and follow all fire safety rules and guidelines, including creating defensible space around your property. Let’s work together to prevent wildfires from becoming large disasters. More Info.

Park District and Save Mount Diablo Partner on Purchase Option for 768-Acre Finley Road Ranch

On September 6, the Park District and Save Mount Diablo partnered on a purchase option for the 768-Acre Finley Road Ranch, one of the largest remaining unprotected open space landscapes adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park. The property includes a potential site for a Park District staging area that would significantly enhance public access to the state park’s Riggs Canyon area and western Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. More Info.

Now Open: Experience the Renovated Sunol Visitor Center

Come experience the newly renovated and expanded Sunol Visitor Center, with new interactive and bilingual exhibits about the Sunol Wilderness and trails, the 28-mile Ohlone Wilderness Trail, the Ohlone People, the area’s ranching history, and the wildlife research being done in the area. There is also a kids discovery zone with microscopes and new live animal enclosures. The visitor center reopened on September 28 at a special event with esteemed speakers, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and special activities for visitors. Video.

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Big Break's Visitor Center at the Delta: Sunday, Oct. 16 from 10am-2pm

Commemorate 10 amazing years of Delta-related programs, nature learning, and exploration at the Big Break Visitor Center at the Delta with fun and educational activities on the patio. Join us from 10am-2pm with a special program at 11am followed by cake! Experience both old and new with original exhibits and behind-the-scenes documents on display. More Info.

An Egg-straordinary Tale: Snowy Plover Rescue & Reunion

On August 25, a rescue effort came full circle when a fledgling western snowy plover was released by East Bay Regional Park District and San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory (SFBBO) biologists at Hayward Regional Shoreline. Back on July 12, SFBBO biologists were monitoring a western snowy plover nest in a salt pond near Hayward Regional Shoreline. Due to the king tide occurring that day, the unusually high tide was overtopping the levee and flooding the pond where a female plover was incubating eggs in her nest. With fewer than 3000 breeding adults remaining in California, the western snowy plover is federally listed as threatened and as a California state species of special concern, which requires agencies such as the Park District to protect them from harm. The eggs were collected from the nest and taken to the Ohlone Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The sole surviving chick was then transferred to International Bird Rescue until it was ready for release and could safely return to Hayward Regional Shoreline.

Successful 2022 Coastal Cleanup Day Nets Over Five Tons of Trash

The 38th Annual Coastal Cleanup held on September 17 was a phenomenal success! This event exemplifies what an army of volunteers can achieve in a focused one-day effort. Here is a snapshot of the day's haul from 15 volunteer stations in 10 regional parks and shorelines:

• Total Number of Volunteers: 1,285

• Estimated lbs. of trash: 10,268

• Estimated lbs. of recycling: 260

• Miles of shoreline cleaned: 23.75

• Amount of fun had: Immeasurable

Planning, Trails, and GIS Department Honored with APA Award of Excellence for Innovation in Green Community Planning

The San Francisco Bay Trail Risk Assessment and Adaptation Prioritization Plan (RAAPP) received the American Planning Association Northern California Chapter’s (APACA) Award of Excellence for Innovation in Green Community Planning. The RAAPP identifies shoreline vulnerabilities and helps guide the District in prioritizing nature-based adaptation projects, benefitting the region in multiple ways. More Info: SF Bay Trail RAAPP (arcgis.com)

2021 Integrated Pest Management Annual Report Available Online

How is the Park District managing harmful blue-green algal blooms, creating new habitat for monarchs, and tackling a tenacious exotic Chilean street tree that is creating a fire hazard in the parks? Learn more about the methods and adaptive management used to prevent the introduction and spread of pests in Regional Parks and support healthy ecosystems that benefit the vitality of wildlife and the quality of park experiences for our visitors. 2021 Integrated Pest Management Report.

IN THE PARKS

Community Preview of Pleasanton Ridge's New Tyler Ranch Staging Area

September 13 marked a special community open house at the newly-constructed Tyler Ranch Staging Area. Nearby neighbors got a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-open staging area, which will provide new access for activities such as hiking, bicycling and horseback riding on more than 18 miles of trails within over 2,500 acres of open space in the southern end of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. Visitors will also enjoy amenities such as ample parking, equestrian staging and trailer parking, restrooms, and a small family picnic area. The Tyler Ranch staging area is expected to open later this year.

UN International Day of Peace Celebration

The Park District celebrated its fifth annual UN International Day of Peace with180+ attendees at Lake Chabot Regional Park on September 17, 2022. The event was made special with inspiring peace messages from students at the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center and other local schools, including Zoe Dorado from Castro Valley High who is the Youth Poet Laureate of Alameda County. Zoe read her profound poem “We Breathe.” Other activities included singing, group sharing, and reflections on the 2022 theme - End Racism. Build Peace, and a peace walk alongside Lake Chabot.

Olmsted 200: A Birthday Celebration at Tilden EEC

On September 30, a special Olmsted 200 event at Tilden's Environmental Education Center celebrated the 200th birthday of Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. and his legacy that included his son, Olmsted Jr., who developed a plan in the 1930s that became the founding document for the Park District. Olmsted’s vision of Parks for All People continues to inspire us today - the idea that everyone, regardless of economic circumstance, deserves access to parks.

At this unique heritage event, guests enjoyed strolling through history exhibits, and hearing presentations. In attendance were all three granddaughters of Olmsted Jr. and their extended family, current and incoming board members, community historians, President and CEO of Save the Redwoods League Sam Hodder, and former EBRPD General Manager Bob Doyle, who currently serves on the Advisory Committee for the National Association of Olmsted Parks. Video.

A Cool Tip to Enjoying Parks

It may be no surprise that one of the most serene and peaceful times to visit Regional Parks is on weekday mornings when crowds are small and parking is plentiful. However, according to park rangers, visiting on cool or foggy days is another secret to enjoying quiet time in nature. Cooler weather can mean fewer people in parks, making certain park activities more enjoyable, as long as visitors are prepared with layered clothing. Cooler weather allows hikers and bikers to comfortably peel off layers of clothing, which is especially nice during and after challenging uphill rides and hikes. So the next time you see the temperatures dip or overcast skies, instead of bundling up inside, head to your Regional Parks for some quality quiet time in nature.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Gathering of Ohlone Peoples Virtual Event

The annual Gathering of the Ohlone Peoples took place on Sunday, October 2 as a virtual presentation and celebration. Ohlone Peoples knowledge of natural resources and land management skills enabled them to thrive as the First Peoples who have been here since time immemorial and who are still here today. During the presentation, Ohlone Peoples from several tribes shared stories about their culture, history, traditions, and discussed current-day activities and involvements. Video.

Fall Garden Maintenance Workshop at Crown Beach: Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10am to Noon

Join staff from the Park District and EBMUD to learn about fall garden maintenance at Crown Memorial State Beach's water-wise habitat garden. Apply techniques demonstrated in your home garden and learn more about the drought and EBMUD's new super rebates. Register for Workshop.

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

Sunol Heritage Festival: Saturday, Oct. 15, 10am-2pm

Celebrate the diverse heritage of the Sunol wilderness at this fun free festival for all ages! History comes alive with games, activities, and music throughout the day. Enjoy a welcome by members of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, live music by the Polka Cowboys, and a special performance of "Life of Juana Briones", which talks about life in Alta California. Food will not be available, so bring a picnic to enjoy in the park. The event is free; parking is $5. More Info.

Spiders and Bats and Owls, Oh My!

October is the perfect month to highlight the creepy, crawly, and winged night critters that call the regional parks their home. Here is a selection of activities to enjoy:

• Family Nature Fun Hour - Owls, Owls, Everywhere - Sat, Oct. 15 and Sun, Oct. 16, 1:30-2:30pm, Crab Cove

• Autumn Arachnids - Live Online! - Sat, Oct. 15, 3-4:30pm, Tilden Instagram and Facebook