Every Day is Earth Day for Park Staff
A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA B. LANDRETH
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The celebration of Earth Day began more than 50 years ago to bring attention to the need for environmentalism to counteract the negative effect humanity was having on the earth – polluted skies, dirty water and littered lands. While much has been done, the challenge of Earth Day remains.
Our climate crisis is real; the effects are present and accelerating – as we’ve experienced locally ourselves with extreme weather, drought, sea level rise and increasing wildfire risks.
Today, park staff carry on the work of Earth Day each and every day, stewarding parklands, protecting wildlife, restoring natural habitat, and providing balanced and responsible public access.
Join me this Earth Day in thanking our Park District staff for their dedication to protecting the environment and keeping it clean and safe for future generations.
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Celebrate Earth Day on April 23 |
This year, we celebrate Earth Day with numerous programs and multiple volunteer project opportunities throughout the Regional Parks on Saturday, April 23. Learn how you can continue the Earth Day tradition and honor those who had the passion and vision to create this special day over 50 years ago. Earth Day.
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Parks are Busy - Plan Ahead! |
Parks are popular and busy this time of year, with full parking lots and possible crowding.
TOP TIPS for enjoying the parks:
√ Try a less busy park or staging area
√ Visit at a less busy time
√ Don't park illegally
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In addition to Sunol's Wildflower Season weekend programs, which run through Sunday, May 1, native wildflowers can be admired throughout the Regional Parks. Some of the more prolific displays can be found at Black Diamond Mines (photo above), Morgan Territory, Briones, Coyote Hills, Del Valle, the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, and Vargas Plateau. Enjoy the bounty of this fleeting season while it lasts!
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Brickyard Cove in Berkeley is now open. This project represents one of many recent investments at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park along including Albany Beach, trail improvements along the Albany Neck, and a 1-mile SF Bay Trail extension behind Golden Gate Fields.
Brickyard Cove has new parking, bike racks, picnic tables, restrooms, water fountains, and walking paths. Don't miss the great views of the San Francisco Bay and skyline. More Info
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Tilden's South Park Drive Reopens |
South Park Drive in Tilden Park has re-opened to vehicle traffic and will remain open through October 31. The roadway on the southern end of Tilden Regional Park closes annually from November 1 through March 31 to protect migrating California newts who cross South Park Drive in great numbers during the rainier months. |
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An Iris Affaire at Dry Creek Garden: April 30 |
Join us Saturday, April 30 from 11 am to 1 pm at Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park for An Iris Affaire, a special viewing of the Iris Garden with American Iris Society Region's 14 members, and enjoy listening to live music between 11 am and 1 pm amongst the multitude of varieties of irises. Can't make the event? The Iris Garden is open to the public April 1 through May 31, Thursdays through Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Map to Dry Creek Staging Area.
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Jewel Lake Workshop #2: Thursday, April 21 |
Join Park District planners from 6:30-8pm on April 21 for the second Jewel Lake Study public workshop on Zoom. The workshop will present the project to the public including site history, the latest updates on conceptual plans aimed at meeting the project goals, and other work to-date completed for the Jewel Lake Study. There will be an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions, understand the process, review the conceptual plans, and the study overall. More Info or Register for Zoom Workshop
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American Horticultural Society Honors Bart O’Brien |
Congratulations to Regional Parks Botanic Garden Director Bart O’Brien, recipient of the American Horticultural Society’s highest honor, the Liberty Hyde Baily Award for 2022. Bart has been director of the Botanic Garden since 2013, and his career accomplishments range from plant exploration and horticultural research to plant introductions, conservation, public garden leadership, landscape design, book and article publication, and public speaking. More Info.
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Tim Grayson Walk & Talk
Saturday, April 23
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Join the Park District in welcoming Assembly Member Tim Grayson for a Walk and Talk Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 10am to Noon at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park - Home of the Port Chicago 50. Walk a 1-mile loop and discover the beauty and history of the future park. As a current landbank property, members of the public can only access the park on limited occasions. Located in east Concord, this path is paved but not always even. Registration is limited to the first 50 attendees and carpooling is encouraged. The meeting location and directions will be sent to attendees the week before the event. To register, email caroline.leidgen@asm.ca.gov.
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Ira Bletz Receives 2022 NAI Sierra Pacific Region Award |
Congratulations to Ira Bletz, 2022 NAI Sierra Pacific Region Award Winner - Master Interpretive Manager. Regional Interpretive and Recreation Services Manager Ira Bletz is a 35-year veteran of the Park District and exemplifies the skills, creativity and dedication of a true master interpretive manager. More Info.
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Earth Day Volunteering
Saturday, April 23rd
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There are many reasons to be grateful for our planet, and Earth Day is the perfect time to reflect and take action. Join us for in-person volunteer projects, such as trash and plastic pollution cleanup, invasive plant removal and tree planting, at multiple locations throughout the Regional Parks. More Info.
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Niles Canyon Stroll & Roll
Sunday, May 1
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The Niles Canyon Stroll and Roll event, organized by Alameda County, returns this year on Sunday, May 1st. During the event, Highway 84 (Niles Canyon Road) will be closed to vehicular traffic, giving people an opportunity to bike and walk safely through the canyon with their friends and family. More Info.
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Connecting Parks to People |
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