Your monthly EBRPD news & updates
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Park District Urges Full Reinstatement of Historic Land and Water Conservation Fund
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For over 54 years, the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided funding for the conservation of natural, historical, and cultural resources with no dependence on taxpayers. Land and Water Conservation Funds have been provided through royalty fees paid by energy companies drilling for oil and gas offshore of the United States. However, the Land and Water Conservation Fund expired on September 30, 2018.
Since its expiration in September, $100 million has been collected and diverted from investment in outdoor recreation and natural resources. The Park District supports full, permanent reinstatement of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
To lose this funding source for outdoor recreation and natural resources would be one of the greatest conservation tragedies of our lifetime.
Land and Water Conservation Fund projects in our area include increased public access at Bay Point Regional Shoreline, increased public access at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, new parklands at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, trail enhancement at Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline, improvement of the Skyline National Recreation Trail at Redwood Regional Park, campground improvements at Anthony Chabot Regional Park, safe water access for visitors at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, visitor center enhancements at Del Valle Regional Park, and visitor improvements at Temescal Regional Recreation Area.
National, state, regional, and local parks are experiencing unprecedented growth in popularity while at the same time facing aging and deteriorating infrastructure. More funding is needed, not less.
Congress needs to act now to ensure this historical landmark deal continues to provide benefits for generations to come.
Robert E. Doyle
General Manager
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Park District's Measure FF Passes with over 85% Support
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On November 6 voters in western Alameda and Contra Costa counties overwhelmingly passed Measure FF with 85.6% of the vote. Measure FF needed 66.6% to pass.
The Park District thanks voters for approval of Measure FF and appreciates the thousands of residents in the community that participated in the election.
Measure FF provides funding for regional park services in western Alameda and Contra Costa counties, including wildfire protection, public safety, public access, trails, visitor use facilities, and the restoration of natural habitat, urban creeks, and shorelines. Wildfire protection was the top spending priority of Measure FF.
Measure FF was a $1/month ($12/year) parcel tax extension measure. Measure FF was on the ballot in the communities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, Piedmont, Richmond, and San Pablo.
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2018 Trails Challenge Wrap Up
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There's still time to finish your Trails Challenge! Get your trails log in to be on the list of 2018 finishers and receive you commemorative pin (
Trails Log Form). Supplies are limited, so get your trails log in as soon as possible. To complete Trails Challenge, you must hike five of the listed trails – or 26.2 miles of trails.
For those that have already finished their Trails Challenge - Congratulations! Also, look out for the new 2019 Trails Challenge in January! Guidebooks will be available for download at
www.ebparks.org. Beginning January 1-3, printed guidebooks and T-shirts will be available at participating visitor centers while supplies last.
Learn More
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Each year, mushrooms come out after the first fall rains, which we had November 20. Mushrooms can look beautiful – but some of them contain dangerous toxins. The Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) and Western Destroying Angel (Amanita ocreata) are two of the world’s most toxic mushrooms, and both can be found in East Bay Regional Parks during the rainy season.
Both the Death Cap and Western Destroying Angel can be lethal to both humans and pets if consumed. The Park District urges the public to be safe and be knowledgeable about toxic mushrooms, and to keep a close watch on their dogs during the winter months.
Also, collecting mushrooms in East Bay Regional Parks is not allowed.
Learn More
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Regional Parks General Manger Robert Doyle Awarded Prestigious Pugsley Medal
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On September 26, 2018, Robert E. Doyle, East Bay Regional Park District’s General Manager, received the 2018 Honorable Cornelius Amory Pugsley Award medal. Selected by the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration, the award honors champions of parks and conservation. It is the most prestigious award given for work toward the promotion and development of public parks, recreation, and conservation in the United States.
Doyle’s career with the Park District began as a park ranger. He moved up the ranks through Planning & Design, and eventually served as Assistant General Manager for Land Acquisition and Planning for 21 years. Both positions resulted in major improvements for EBRPD, including a first of its kind Regional Trails Master Plan, and the greatest expansion of park and trails in the District’s history.
Learn More
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As of Sunday, Dec. 2 2018, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has lifted it's ban on outdoor burning in the State Responsibility Areas within Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties and the western portions of Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, which includes East Bay Regional Parks. All other fire rules and restrictions remain in effect. Park users must continue to abide by all posted or announced fire safety rules.
Learn More
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Monarch butterflies overwinter in dense clusters – look for them in the eucalyptus groves at Ardenwood Historic Farm.
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Ladybugs overwinter in deep shady canyons in large masses – watch for their annual appearance at Redwood Regional Park.
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#1 Holiday Gift Idea for Park Lovers:
Regional Parks Membership
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A membership to the East Bay Regional Parks Foundation is a great holiday gift idea. Membership comes with unlimited day-use parking, an annual dog pass, free swimming during swim season, and camping discounts.
Learn More
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About Us
The
Regional Parks Foundation
was established in 1969 to support the East Bay Regional Park District by providing broader public access. Membership offers a convenient way for users to have frequent access to over 120,000 acres that make up your Regional Parks.
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Before you head to your favorite park or trail, take a moment to check conditions by visiting
www.ebparks.org/closure
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Updated daily.
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Christmas at the Carousel
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A beloved East Bay family tradition continues this year with the annual Christmas at the Carousel at Tilden Regional Park. Meet Santa and his elves, enjoy hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies, see the unique and festive holiday decorations, and visit the Candy Shop for a treat.
Times:
4-8:30pm, Mon-Fri, Nov 26-Dec 14
2-8:30pm, Mon-Fri, Dec 17-21
Noon-8:30pm, Sat&Sun, Until Dec 23
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Christmas at the Patterson House
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Celebrate a Victorian-style Christmas at a beautifully restored Queen Anne mansion. Enjoy live music, refreshments, Victorian-style holiday ornaments, and more than 20 decorated Christmas trees.
Tours (included in park admission):
Sat&Sun, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, and 15-16.
Holiday Open House:
Fri., Dec. 7, 5-8:45 p.m., $7 in advance, $8 at the door, 12 yrs & under FREE.
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Love Parks? Think about a Career at East Bay Regional Parks
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Explore careers in your East Bay Regional Parks! Currently hiring: Building/Grounds Aide, Fuels Reduction Coordinator, Interpretive Student Aide, and Police Officer.
Learn More
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Saturday, Dec. 15, 1:30-2:30pm, Victorian Winter Holiday Decorations, Ardenwood
Discover even more fun!
Search online
by park, date, or other keywords. Or you can browse through a PDF of our bi-monthly activity guide,
Regional in Nature
.
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