Discover the upcoming Ranger Programs provided by LARPD Ranger Staff, offering a variety of activities! | |
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Snakes
Saturday, Dec 2nd
2 pm
Sycamore Grove Park
5035 Arroyo Road
Learn about some of Sycamore Grove Park's local serpents.
After the talk, we will have a live snake to look at and a craft to take home.
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Winter Constellation Hike
Sunday, Dec 3rd
6 pm
Sycamore Grove Park
Nature Area Entrance
Join Ranger Mae for a night hike to stargaze and hear mythical tales and historical significance of the winter constellations.
Bring flashlights if we spot any nocturnal creatures along the way.
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HO HO HO
Holiday Carnival
Saturday, Dec 9th
4 - 8 pm
Sycamore Grove Park
5049 Arroyo Road
Join Ranger Seth and some of Santa’s helpers for a holiday carnival in the park.
Midway games, face painting, crafts, and holiday treats!
Be sure to dress for the weather. Under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
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The Great Yule
Log Hunt
Saturday, Dec 16th
2 - 4 pm
Sycamore Grove Park
5035 Arroyo Rd
Grab your silliest holiday hat and join Ranger Eric for the 29th annual hunt for the fabled Yule Log!
We'll 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.
After the hunt, we'll gather around the fire with warm wassail and treats to make our own Yule logs.
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Ornament Making
Saturday, Dec 23rd
12 pm
Sycamore Grove Park
1051 Wetmore Road
Drop by the Native Garden at the Wetmore Entrance to make your own personal wooden cookie ornament to take home.
All supplies will be provided, all you need to do is decorate to your heart's content!
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The Elusive Ringtail Cat by Ranger Seth | |
The ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) is a fantastic animal to admire, yet many people have never even heard of it, and even fewer have been seen in person. This mammal is highly elusive and is rarely seen by common hikers. Most of the reported sightings are by chance in semi-remote areas. | |
Ringtails are on the smaller side, weighing between 1 to 2 pounds, standing about 6 inches tall at the shoulder and 12 inches long in body length.
The name "ringtail" comes from their 12 to 17-inch-long tail, with black and white striped rings of fur, similar to a raccoon.
They have many nicknames, such as Miners Cats, Ringtail Raccoon, and most commonly, the Ringtail Cats.
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Sycamore Grove Park Winter Operating Hours | | |
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Sycamore Grove Park Hours continue to adjust as the seasons change and the days get shorter.
Sycamore Grove Park
Open Daily*
7 am to 5:30 pm
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Volunteer at Sycamore Grove Park | |
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Every 3rd Saturday of the month, join LARPD for a volunteer work day at Sycamore Grove Park.
Projects include removing invasive plants, litter pick-ups, and trail maintenance.
Volunteers help maintain the park as a beautiful and healthy place for visitors and wildlife.
Upcoming Dates:
Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb 17
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Bird Walk
Saturday, Jan 6th
9 am
Sycamore Grove Park
5049 Arroyo Road
Meet Ranger Vickie for a short, easy stroll through Sycamore Grove to look for birds.
Some binoculars will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.
All ages and abilities are welcome to attend.
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Bobcats!
Sunday, Jan 7th
2 pm
Sycamore Grove Park
Ranger Station 5035 Arroyo Road
Join Ranger Mae to learn all about bobcats—our small yet valiant bay lynx in the park.
We will pet real bobcat fur, learn how they differ from other wildcats, and figure out how to spot their footprint tracks in the dirt.
Why do you think it’s called a bobcat anyway?
Let’s find out together…
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The Search For Garfunkel
Saturday, Jan 13th
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Sycamore Grove Park - 1051 Wetmore Road
Something has been scurrying around Sycamore Grove Park, causing mischief and leaving visitors with little gifts.
Help Ranger Seth solve this mystery. The search will be a short hike in the park, looking for clues.
This is perfect for families and children ages four and older.
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Mushroom Madness
Sunday, Jan 14th
10 am
Sycamore Grove Park - Ranger Station 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 many photos, but mushrooms may NOT be removed from the park!
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Squirrels!
Sunday, Jan 21st
10 am
Sycamore Grove Park
5049 Arroyo Rd
Come join Ranger Danny on national squirrel appreciation day to learn about why we should appreciate these critters and how to identify some of them.
We will take a hike along the creek to try and find some squirrels and see what importance they have to our ecosystem!
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Nature Crafts
Saturday, Jan 27th
3 - 4 pm
Sycamore Grove Park
1051 Wetmore Road
Drop by the Native Garden and see Ranger Lauren for a hands-on nature-inspired crafting opportunity.
All supplies will be provided!
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Sycamore Grove Park 2024 Parking Passes | |
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Officially On Sale 12/1/23
2024 Parking Passes will be available beginning 12/1 at Sycamore Grove and RLCC at 4444 East Ave.
Invest in an Annual Pass for Sycamore Grove Park and experience savings and convenience!
Parking Passes are versatile hang-tags used in multiple vehicles, making your park visits hassle-free and economical.
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Chickadee by Ranger Vickie | |
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A common winter sound in the park, the familiar “chick-a-dee-dee-dee," is a sure giveaway that there is a bird called a chickadee nearby.
The chickadee’s common name comes from the sound of their call.
Ever wonder how you can spot a chickadee bird? Let’s find out...
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A typical winter sound in the park, the familiar "chick-a-dee-dee-dee," is a sure giveaway that a bird called a chickadee is nearby. The chickadee's common name comes from the sound of their call. How can you spot a chickadee bird? Let's find out.
Although chickadee birds may be noisy, watching them in the treetops can sometimes be challenging. Usually heard before they are seen, these busy birds never sit still, especially when they see a camera or a pair of binoculars. They follow typical bird protocol and promptly fly out of lens sight as soon as they are seen. Lucky for those of us who want to watch them, they tend to be curious and will usually come back if you are quiet enough.
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Sycamore Grove Field Trip with the
Livermore Public Library
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Saturday, December 2, 2023
11-3 pm
Scyacmore Grove Park
1051 Wetmore Road
STORYTIME FOR KIDS
RANGER-LED ACTIVITIES
SNACKS AND DRINKS
NATURE CRAFTS
Registration is required for FREE bus transportation as space is limited.
Sponsored by LARPD Foundation Friends of Livemore Public Library.
Please call (925) 373-5500 or www.library.livermoreca.gov
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Winter/Spring Registration Begins 12/6 | |
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Find your favorite Open Space programs in the Winter/Spring Recreation Guide! Ranger Explorers, Brushy Peak Adventures, Sycamore Sprouts, Ranger-led Programs, Sycamore Science Camp, Junior Rangers, and more!
Available to view on 12/1!
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Hi y'all,
As this year comes to an end, I'd like to reflect on some of my favorite aspects of being a Park Ranger here at our beloved Sycamore Grove Park...
- Meeting all the positive and kind families who visit!
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Holding our adorable pet snakes! YAY!
- Observing the almond blossom trees bloom in the spring.
- Learning how to operate power tools.
- Encountering bobcats, coyotes, and cottontail bunnies on the trails.
- Challenging my strength and endurance with trail maintenance.
- Participating in exciting programs and holiday events!
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Admiring the park at sunrise and sunset... what, am I "crepuscular" or something?!
- Facing my fear of holding our pet tarantula.
- Working with a hilarious and uplifting Open Space team.
Thanks for reading.
From all of our park staff, we'd like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year celebration! Be safe, and stay grateful for the little things. I'll write to you again next year!
With gratitude,
Mae Bailey
LARPD Park Ranger
Editor of the Valley Wilds
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