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End of Year Reflections and Warm Wishes
A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA LANDRETH
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With the community's support, the East Bay Regional Park District is proud of accomplishments in 2023, including work in fuels management, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience.
December is a time to gather together and make special memories with family and friends. Visit our parks where there are lots of warm and wonderful seasonal programs and activities to enjoy this month (see Featured Activities below). Winter walks in the Regional Parks can also provide a calm and peaceful environment and a break from the busyness of the holiday season.
We look forward to sharing lots of exciting and wonderful plans for 2024, our milestone 90th anniversary year.
Happy holidays from all of us at the Park District! Enjoy your East Bay Regional Parks.
| Tyler Ranch Staging Area Celebrates Grand Opening | The Park District celebrated the completion of the new Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Sunol on Sunday, December 3rd, with a Grand Opening event. Speakers, including General Manager Sabrina Landreth, Board President Dennis Waespi, Board Member Olivia Sanwong, and Pleasanton Mayor Karla Brown, described the area's history and highlighted its new amenities and benefits to the community. The new staging area provides pedestrians, equestrians, and bikers access to more than 2,800 acres of new open space in the Tyler Ranch and Robertson Ranch properties, now part of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. More info. | |
Park District Names U.S. Representative Mark DeSaulnier 2023 Radke Championing Advocacy Award Recipient | The East Bay Regional Park District and the Regional Parks Foundation recognized U.S. Representative Mark DeSaulnier on December 8, 2023, with the 2023 Radke Championing Advocacy Award at a ceremony along the Iron Horse Trail in Walnut Creek. U.S. Representative DeSaulnier has been a long-time supporter and avid user of Park District parks and trails. More info. | District Budget & Board Meetings | December is budget season for the Park District. The proposed 2024 District Budget provides a transparent and balanced plan for funding park improvement projects and day-to-day operations of parks, park planning, environmental stewardship, wildlife management, public safety, and educational and recreational programs and services. The proposed budget was presented to the Board of Directors on December 5 and will be presented to the Board for approval at their December 19 board meeting. View the proposed 2024 budget. | Now Hiring New Lifeguards for Summer 2024 | Does working outdoors in one of the East Bay Regional Park District's swim facilities and serving your community sound like a great summer job? Apply now to join the Park District's lifeguard team for the summer 2024 season! Lifeguards are part of the EBRPD Fire Department and selected candidates will receive 10 days paid training in the District's Lifeguard Academy. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older as of April 20th, 2024. More info. | |
Wintering Ladybugs at Reinhardt Redwood | |
The annual winter clustering of ladybugs at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park in the Oakland hills is underway! Ladybugs, more formally called ladybird beetles, cluster together in trailside shrubs during cold winter weather, then disperse in the springtime. You can see them in many parks and open spaces, but one of their favorite gathering places is the intersection of Reinhardt Redwood's Stream and Prince trails.
Where would you go if you were a hibernating ladybird beetle? Learn more about this special winter occurrence at a naturalist-led hike at Reinhardt Redwood's Canyon Meadow Staging Area on December 9 at 10:30am - Ladybug, Ladybug Where Do You Go?
| Big Break: Join the Great Winter Bird Count, Dec. 14 from 9am to Noon | Join Big Break naturalists on Thursday, December 14th, from 9am to noon for a special holiday tradition, the Great Winter Bird Count. View the many migrating shorebirds on their journey through the Delta. Binoculars will be provided. More info. | |
Briones: Lafayette Ridge Staging Area Closure | The Lafayette Ridge Staging Area will be closed beginning December 20, 2023, through April 2024 for accessibility improvements, including restroom upgrades, a new drinking fountain and water bottle filling station, and improved disabled access parking. Access to trails will be impacted. We look forward to sharing the improved staging area with the community in spring 2024. | |
Volunteer Activities in Regional Parks | The Park District extends a heartfelt thank you to its volunteers. Park District volunteers are a vital resource, connecting people in the community and organizations throughout the region to the Regional Parks. There are many opportunities for you, your family, or your school or civic group to get involved. Learn more about our volunteer programs or sign up here for current volunteer projects in the parks. | |
Support Your Parks and Get the Latest Foundation News | Donations and membership in the Regional Parks Foundation are impactful ways to support the East Bay Regional Park District’s universal access, environmental stewardship, and educational and recreational programs. Learn how contributions from more than 12,000 members and supporters help to increase access to nature and promote the stewardship of our parklands. Learn how to support the Foundation and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest Foundation news. | |
December Fun in the Regional Parks | |
There are always fun things to do in the Regional Parks, come rain or shine, or even snow! Head out to the parks to enjoy some of the Park District's special winter programs this month. Note: some programs require registration or include a fee.
Ojos De Dios, Ardenwood
Saturday, Dec. 9, 1:30-2:30pm
Wreath Making at the Lake, Del Valle
Sunday, Dec. 10, 12:30-2:30pm
Santa Lucia Celebration, Ardenwood
Sunday, Dec. 10, 1:30-2:30pm
Winter Bird Count, Thurgood Marshall
Saturday, Dec. 16, 8-11am
Winter Water Birding, Del Valle
Saturday, Dec. 16, 9-10:30am
Winter Chaparral Hike, Black Diamond Mines
Sunday, Dec. 17, 10am-Noon
Community Campfire: Winter Birds, Big Break
Sunday, Dec. 17, 4-5:30pm
Winter Solstice Walk, Big Break
Thursday, Dec. 21, 2-3pm
Holiday Zumba, virtual/online
Thursday, Dec. 21, 5-6pm
Winter Nature Craft, Black Diamond Mines
Saturday, Dec. 23, 10-11:30am
The Yule Goat, Ardenwood
Saturday, Dec. 23, 11:30am-Noon
Nature Journaling Workshop: Winter Tidings, virtual/online
Saturday, Dec. 30, 2-3pm
Winter Water Birding, Del Valle
Sunday, Dec. 31, 9-10:30am
Last Hike of the Year, Contra Loma
Sunday, Dec. 31, 10am-Noon
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Holiday Traditions at Ardenwood | |
Christmas at the Patterson House
Celebrate a turn of the 20th century holiday at a beautifully restored Queen Anne mansion. Purchase tickets in advance online or at the door, as space allows.
Holiday Open House
Sunday, Dec. 10, 4:30-7:30pm
Celebrate a turn of the 20th century holiday at a beautifully restored Queen Anne mansion. Enjoy live music and refreshments. Register online or at the door, as space allows.
| Winter Wonderland at Tilden’s Merry-go-Round | Experience a beloved East Bay holiday tradition at the historic Tilden Park Merry-go-round! Ride the carousel, visit with Santa or Olaf, view the lights and decorations, and enjoy holiday treats. More Info | Ring in the New Year with the Park District | Discover new year traditions from around the world, or join a new year hike to celebrate the coming year! New Year Hikes and Activities | |
Connecting Parks to People | | | | |
