December Ranger Programs

Explore upcoming programs featuring activities led by

LARPD Rangers at Sycamore Grove Park!

Holiday Ornament Making

December 7, 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 15, 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

Wreath Making

December 22, 12-2 pm

Sycamore Grove Park, Wetmore Rd Entrance (1051 Wetmore Rd.)

Join Ranger Jay to make holiday wreaths out of natural materials! Come make a beautiful decoration to display this holiday season. This event is free, and all materials needed will be provided. REGISTER FOR FREE

The Great Yule

Log Hunt

Sat, December 14, 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.

WAITLIST

Ho Ho Holiday

Carnival

Sat, December 21, 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.

Please park in the Arroyo Road lot.

Mistletoe: Traditions and Ecological Impacts

by Ranger Jay Manning

When you hear the word mistletoe, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Christmas time and the tradition of “kissing under the mistletoe”.

Where did this tradition come from and what is the impact of mistletoe in California? The significance of mistletoe stems from how the plant grows.

Read Full Story

LARPD and Livermore Library Collaboration Brings Permanent Story Walk to Sycamore Grove Park

Visitors to Sycamore Grove Park can now enjoy a permanent Story Walk

installation along the Magpie Nature Loop as part of a collaboration between the LARPD and the Livermore Public Library.

The installation blends the joys of

reading with the beauty of nature, offering an interactive outdoor experience for families, children, and park-goers of all ages.

Stories are updated seasonally and currently features Acorn Was A Little Wild.

Read Full Story

2025 Sycamore Grove Parking Passes

Parking Pass Presale

11/30 - 12/1

7 am to 5:30 pm

Sycamore Grove Park Wetmore Entrance

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 quarterly.

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.

Find out more about the Foundation membership here: LARPD FOUNDATION

Parking Pass Info

Coyotes in Open Space

Photo by Kinnon Ernst

Sycamore Grove Park is home to a healthy population of coyotes. While visiting the park, it is possible you will see coyotes. We encourage visitors to understand their nature to better coexist with coyotes in the park and surrounding environment.

You can learn more about coyotes including what to expect when you see a coyote at Sycamore Grove and how to recreate in a coyote habitat at the button below.

What To Know About Coyotes

Sycamore Grove Photography Permits

A few reminders regarding Photo Permits

Permits are required for all commercial photographers and anyone using the park for portrait sessions. This helps limit the number of photographers, ensures safety for visitors and wildlife, and ensures compliance with park rules.

Submit permit applications 48 business hours in advance, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at registration@larpd.org. Applications submitted on Friday may not be approved for weekend sessions.

The photo permit costs $50 in advance (includes 2 parking passes) or $100 on-site. Display the parking pass on your dashboard. Carry the permit at all times to show if requested by a ranger.

Photo Permit Info

Ranger Riddles: Sycamore Simon

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!

View December Ranger Riddle

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Native Garden Work Day

December 6, 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

Ho Ho Holiday Carnival

December 21, 1-5 pm and/or 5-9 pm

Sycamore Grove Park, Arroyo Rd entrance

We are seeking volunteers to help set up, run the carnival games, and help clean up the event. There will be games, face painting, and holiday snacks. VOLUNTEER

View Volunteer Opportunities

LARPD Community Partner Upcoming Events

Fungus Among Us (for kids & families)

Friday, January 17th, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Rincon Library

Not quite a plant, not quite an animal… found in the ground, in the air, in our food, and in YOU & ME! Join a ranger at the library to have some fun with fungus through hands-on exploration and experiments.

Fall Highlights in Open Space

Thank you September Coastal Clean Up Volunteers!

Open Space Rangers and staff hike to the peak at Brushy Peak Summit

Ranger Eric exploring nature by the creek with Sycamore Science Campers.

Sycamore Science Campers get a close look at Sycamore leaves in the park.

Open Space Winter/Spring Programs

JANUARY RANGER PROGRAMS

Sycamore Grove Stroll

January 4, 3 - 4 pm

Sycamore Grove Park, Wetmore Road Entrance (1051 Wetmore Rd)

Join Ranger Seth for a leisurely stroll in Sycamore Grove Park. He will guide an easy 1.5-mile hike on a flat trail. Learn some interesting facts about our wildlife and plant life along the way. All ages are welcome.

Cancelled if Rain. REGISTER FOR FREE

Birds of Prey

January 11, 11 am – 12:30 pm

Sycamore Grove Park, Wetmore Road Entrance (1051 Wetmore Rd)

Join Ranger Rudy to discuss the various birds of prey found in Sycamore Grove! Weather permitting, we will hike through the park and see if we can spot some of these birds of prey. This hike will be an easy hike along both a paved trail and uneven terrain. The hike should be about 3 miles in total. Bringing binoculars is highly encouraged. All ages are welcome. REGISTER FOR FREE

Nature Journaling

January 18, 10 - 11 am

Sycamore Grove Park, Ranger Station Picnic Area (5035 Arroyo Road)

Ranger Vickie will explore nature by using a journal or paper and whatever else you want...pen, pencil, paint, crayon...Limited supplies will be available, but we encourage you to bring your own. All ages and abilities are welcome. Cancelled if raining. REGISTER FOR FREE

Mushroom Madness

January 20, 10 am – 1 pm

Sycamore Grove Park, Reservable Picnic Area (5035 Arroyo Road)

Join LARPD Rangers and the Bay Area Mycological Society for the return of our annual SGP mushroom hunt! We will crawl under trees, wander through meadows, and look at rotting logs to see how many fungi we can find. Please remember that you may take lots of photos, but mushrooms may NOT be removed from the park! This event will happen rain or shine. REGISTER FOR FREE

New Year, New Me Hike!

January 25, 11 am – 12:30 pm

Sycamore Grove Park, Wetmore Entrance (1051 Wetmore Road)

Come out to Sycamore Grove and join Ranger Gilbert on a fresh New Year's hike through the park. Please bring comfortable hiking shoes and water! Let’s kick off the year surrounded by nature and good company. REGISTER

PRIME TIME

Adult & 50+ Programs, Pop-Up Trips, Socials, Classes and Events

DISTRICT NEWS

LARPD News, Events, and Updates

REC GAZETTE

Recreation Programs, Camps, Classes and Special Events