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Explore the magical parkland known as Brushy Peak
Regional Preserve with LARPD!
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Brushy Peak Adventure Hike
November 9th
11 am - 2 pm
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Experience the beauty of Brushy Peak on a shorter adventure! This hike covers approximately 2 miles with a gentle elevation gain of around 200 feet, wrapping up an hour earlier than the hike to the Summit. Discover the rock formations while delving into fascinating topics along the way.
It’s the perfect option for those looking for a more relaxed exploration!
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Brushy Peak Summit Hike
November 16th
11 am - 3 pm
Hike to the top of the peak and experience a beautiful panoramic view of the Tri-Valley. Join us for a challenging hike covering approximately four miles of dirt and rocky trails, with an elevation gain of over 800 feet!
Explore stunning sandstone rock formations while learning about the Native Ohlone, Bay Miwok, and Delta Yokuts cultures. Look for diverse plants and animals that inhabit this area.
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Explore upcoming programs featuring activities led by
LARPD Rangers at Sycamore Grove Park!
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Acorn Woodpeckers
November 2nd, 2-3 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Ranger Station Picnic Area
Join Ranger Vickie as we talk about the acorn woodpecker, learn how they store thousands of acorns to live in the area and learn about their fascinating social lives. Open to all ages and free. REGISTER
Knot Tying
November 9th, 12-1 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Ranger Station Picnic Area
Join Ranger Seth to learn how to tie important knots for camping, emergencies, or daily use. Once you've practiced tying these knots, you can take them home to be reminded of how they are made, and, who knows, you might get TIED up in a new hobby! REGISTER
Animal Tracks
November 10th, 2-3 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Arroyo Entrance
Ranger Doug will introduce you to animal tracks you might see in the park. After the talk, we’ll take an easy walk through the park to practice identifying the amazing markers that our animal friends leave behind. REGISTER
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December 14th
2-4 pm
Sycamore Grove Park
Ranger Station Picnic Area
Grab your silliest holiday hat and join Ranger Eric for the 29th annual hunt for the fabled Yule Log! Prepare for the hunt with games, merriment, and tales of ancient Yule celebrations. Then we'll be off on an old-fashioned hunt for that elusive log.
Afterward, we'll gather around the fire with warm wassail and treats to make our own Yule logs to take home.
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December 21st
5-7:30 pm
Sycamore Grove Park
Ranger Station Picnic Area
Get ready for a festive holiday carnival in the park with Santa’s helpers and LARPD Rangers!
Enjoy midway games, face painting, arts and crafts, and tasty treats. Dress warmly for the weather; remember, a registered adult must accompany participants under 18.
Bring your holiday spirit for a day of fun!
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Fall Colors of Sycamore Grove
by Interpretive Ranger Eric Whiteside
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Explore the subtle beauty of fall at Sycamore Grove Park! From the fiery reds of Poison Oak to vibrant lichens on bare trees and colorful migrating birds, there’s more autumn color than meets the eye. Discover the hidden hues of the season in this captivating story! | |
2025 Sycamore Grove Parking Passes | |
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Parking Pass Presale
11/30 - 12/1
7 am to 5:30 pm
Sycamore Grove Park Wetmore Entrance
Stop by the Wetmore Entrance to purchase your 2025 Annual Parking Pass!
- Livermore Resident: $60 | Non-Resident: $70
- Senior Livermore Resident (60+): $45 | Senior Non-Resident: $55
Can't make the pre-sale? Passes will be available starting 12/2 from Park Rangers, the Ranger Station, or the Robert Livermore Community Center.
Passes are valid through 12/31/2025 and prorated if purchased after January, with fees reduced quarterly.
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LARPD Foundation Membership Includes a 2025 Sycamore Grove Parking Pass
All LARPD Foundation Memberships include a 2025 Sycamore Grove Parking pass. The funds support many wonderful programs, including scholarships for swim lessons, camps, and recreation classes.
Next Membership Event: Ranger-led Hike on Sunday, November 10 at 8:30 am.
Find out more about the Foundation membership here: LARPD FOUNDATION
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Ranger Riddles: Sycamore Simon | | |
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Sycamore Simon is the honorary Ground Squirrel Park Ranger at Sycamore Grove!
Each month, Sycamore Simon hides the Golden Acorn in a new location around the park. Check for a new riddle each month from Sycamore Simon and see if you can complete the challenge!
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Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities | |
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Open Space Volunteer Day
November 16th, 9 am-12 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Arroyo Entrance
Natural Resource Technician Justin will help prepare a future planting site near Cliff Swallow Bridge for baby Sycamore trees! This month, volunteers will help move materials and weeds from a nature area in the park so that planting can begin in December. VOLUNTEER
Native Garden Work Day
December 6th, 10 am-12 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Wetmore Entrance
Meet at the Wetmore Entrance to help nurture our beloved native plants and beautify our park! VOLUNTEER
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Sycamore Scares at Ravenswood
| October brought some spine-tingling fun to the Ravenswood Historic Site. The LARPD rangers, with help from some awesome volunteers, led two nights of haunted tours loaded with frightful fun and laughter! More than 200 people attended this annual event and got their scare on. | |
LARPD Community Partner Upcoming Events | |
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Día de los Muertos Community Celebration
November 2nd, 12-3 pm
Rincon Library
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with an Aztec dance performance, ballet folklórico, crafts for kids, and a Catrina/Calaca contest and parade. You are welcome to bring offerings and pictures of departed loved ones to place on the community altar. Free for all ages. MORE INFO
The True Western Sycamore w/Ranger Eric
November 17th, 2 pm
Civic Center Library Storytime Room
Sycamore trees line many streets in Livermore, but these are garden-variety impostors. You can find our true native sycamore, the Western Sycamore (Platanus Racemosa), at Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore. Ranger Eric will discuss the wonders of the Western Sycamore and outline some of the troubles facing these beautiful trees. MORE INFO
Livermore Public Library Family Campfire
November 23rd, 4:30 pm
Sycamore Grove Park Ranger Station Picnic Area
Cozy up to the fire with a warm drink and enjoy a fun evening of songs, snacks, and stories. This free event is open to everyone. Please dress for the weather and bring a blanket to stay nice and warm. MORE INFO
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October Highlights in Open Space | |
Ranger Explorers found scorpions in the dark at their recent overnight camping experience! | |
Ranger Eric dissects acorns with Sycamore Science Campers looking for weevil larvae. | |
Meet Candace, Open Space Naturalist | |
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LARPD welcomes Open Space Naturalist Candace Rho to the Team.
Candace, born in Honolulu, has lived in Livermore since 2004. In May, she graduated with an Environmental Studies degree from CSU East Bay and re-enrolled at Las Positas College while working as an Interpretive Student Aide at Lake Del Valle.
"I am excited to give back to the community and land I was raised in. I cannot wait to facilitate environmental education and interpretation, stewardship, and collaboration."
Please say hello to Candace if you see her around the District!
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The Fascinating History of Livermore-Amador Valley
by Ranger Gilbert
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Explore the rich history of the Livermore-Amador Valley with Ranger Gilbert, from its Ohlone roots to its rise as California's wine country. Discover how the valley's heritage—shaped by Indigenous culture, Spanish missions, and American expansion—continues to influence its vibrant community today. | |
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Holiday Ornament Making
December 7th, 12- 2 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Ranger Station Picnic Area
Join Ranger Rudy as we get creative with holiday ornament-making for the tree! The event is free, and all materials will be provided. REGISTER FOR FREE
Ungulates, Deer, and Elk Around the World
December 15th, 2- 3 pm
Sycamore Grove Park, Arroyo Entrance
This "reindeer season," Ranger Doug will introduce you to the fascinating world of ungulates from around the globe and in our own park. Get up close to deer fur, antlers, and hooves in this hands-on experience! REGISTER FOR FREE
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