Commitment to Public Service
A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA B. LANDRETH
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This past Monday was my first day as the new General Manager of the East Bay Regional Park District. I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their trust in me to lead the District as their new General Manager. I am honored to join such a respected and historic public agency.
I am excited to bring a fresh perspective as the Park District’s first female General Manager, and plan to build upon the great work the District does to improve the quality of life for residents in the East Bay, while also fulfilling its social and environmental responsibilities.
I am a 5th generation East Bay native and grew up with a love and appreciation for our Regional Parks. I understand just how essential they are for physical and mental health, stress relief, and time with family and friends. For me, becoming General Manager of the Park District is about continuing my commitment to public service and improving life for the community that I care so deeply for.
I look forward to meeting visitors as the new General Manager and visiting all the Park District’s 73 Regional Parks.
See you in your Regional Parks.
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COVID-19 Update: Your Parks, Your Health |
Spring is in the air, which also means more visitors to the Regional Parks. Big crowds can be challenging during the pandemic. Many Regional Parks have seen visitation increase over 100 percent due to COVID-19!
Additionally, with updates to state and local health orders, some facilities have reopened, including Anthony Chabot campground, Del Valle campground, backpacking campgrounds, Ardenwood Historic Farm, Tilden's Little Farm, and the Regional Parks Botanic Garden – with indoor visitor centers to come.
To keep parks open and safe for everyone, please follow all park safety rules and social distancing guidelines, including:
- Wearing masks within 6 feet of others.
- Keeping a 6-foot distance from other park users.
- Being aware of high-touch points such as trail access gates, benches, etc.
- Use gloves or hand sanitizer.
- Keep dogs on leash as directed by signage.
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Celebrating Women’s History Month at the Park District |
Women's History Month celebrates the accomplishments and vital contributions of women in American history. The Park District’s recent appointment of the first female General Manager in its 87-year history is a significant milestone. Learn about other women who have contributed to the Park District’s success and history. More Info.
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Wildlife Protection and Predator Management Policy Reviewed by Board Natural & Cultural Resources Committee
Policy Update to be considered by full board at future board meeting
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On Thursday, February 25, 2021, the Board of Directors Natural & Cultural Resources Committee reviewed the Park District’s Wildlife Protection and Predator Management Policy related to Free-Roaming Cats and staff's recommended updates. The committee recommended that the updated policy be considered by the full Board of Directors at a future date. The policy update is supported by local municipal animal shelters staff who expressed appreciation for the Park District’s efforts. More Info.
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In The News / On the Air
Regional Parks Featured
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American Kestrel Update: Potential Nesting Pair Exploring Nest Boxes |
The Stewardship Department installed a special nest box in Coyote Hills to provide more nesting habitat for the local American Kestrels, whose numbers are in decline. Last month, a mating pair was seen exploring the box. If they make a nest there, we can look forward to three to seven eggs this spring, and the possibility of the same mated pair returning to the nesting site for multiple years. As with any of our nest boxes in the parks, please maintain a good distance from them so as to not interfere with the bird's nesting behavior. Pictured: female kestrel on left & center, male kestrel on right with blue wings. Photos by Steve Zamek. |
Together #WeAreEBRPD
Acting Assistant Fire Chief Khari Helae
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As a kid, watching a park ranger pull a log on an ATV was how 18-year Park District veteran Khari Helae first realized that there were real jobs in the parks. His journey to joining the Park District began years later when he was hired for his graphic design skills as a sign maker in the Creative Design Group. During the application process he discovered the Park District had a fire department where he could also use his Firefighter and EMT certifications, and he was hired concurrently as an on-call industrial firefighter. He continued his fire studies and eventually moved to a fulltime position in the fire department, becoming a Fire Captain in 2012 and Acting Assistant Fire Chief in March 2021. |
Leash Up Around Cattle
Be A #PupPro
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While cattle can sometimes seem like an inconvenience , they are vital to reducing fire fuels and maintaining healthy habitat. Cattle are not aggressive, but if aggravated – especially by off-leash dogs – they can respond with aggression. We need dog owners’ help to keep dogs and people safe when encountering grazing animals - leash up your dogs around cattle. More #PupPro Info. Photo of Bailey by Beverly Kumar @iartcalifornia.
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Brickyard Coming Soon to Berkeley Shoreline |
Shoreline access is coming to the Brickyard site in Berkeley with recreational amenities and habitat restoration. Improvements include a new staging area, parking, restrooms, water fountains, and substantial walking paths. The Brickyard is part of McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, which is operated by the Park District and is expected to open in late 2021. |
Dumbarton Quarry Campground by the Bay at Coyote Hills Coming Along
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The Park District’s first shoreline campground, Dumbarton Quarry Campground by the Bay at Coyote Hills, is expected to open this fall. The campground will have 63 camping spaces, 60 with full RV hook-ups available. Additional amenities will include a camp store, shower and washroom buildings, a playground and day use area, reservable picnic sites, and access to scenic trails in Coyote Hills and along the Fremont/Newark shoreline. The campground is expected to open in 2021 |
Wildlife Rebounding in Fire-Affected Parks |
The Park District is studying the impact of last year's wildfires on wildlife with motion sensor cameras capturing snapshots of wildlife in or near the burned areas. The images show various species of wildlife surviving and adapting as the areas recover. District biologists, ecologists and botanists anticipate that, because many of California’s ecosystems have evolved with fire, there will be benefits to plants and animals in the long run. More wildlife photos.
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SF Bay Trail: Lone Tree Point Bridge Installation |
A new bridge completing a 4-mile stretch of the SF Bay Trail from Lone Tree Point in Rodeo to Wilson Point in Pinole was installed in early March. The individual pieces were connected on-site with the two halves being joined together mid-air and lowered into place by two very large cranes. This trail will eventually connect to the future Hercules Intermodal Transit Station. When the final SF Bay Trail gap from Pt. Pinole to Wilson Point in Richmond is completed, this stretch of trail will run 30 miles from Rodeo to Oakland. The project is funded by voter approved Measure WW and AA, CA Coastal Conservancy Bay Trail, Transportation Fund for Clean Air, Urban Greening-Cap & Trade, and Contra Costa County Transportation Authority Measure J grant funds. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2021. |
Roddy Ranch Golf Course Public Access & Habitat Restoration Update |
The Park District was thrilled to hear all the great ideas the public provided at the March 11 public virtual meeting. Thank you to those of you who provided feedback.
The plan being developed for a new Regional Park at the former Roddy Ranch Golf Course in Antioch is focused on restoring habitat and providing passive recreation options, including walking, hiking, and picnicking, among others. The former golf course property will be a part of the larger 3,500-acre future Deer Valley Regional Park.
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Take advantage of the magnificent spring weather and head out to the parks for the 2021 Trails Challenge! A Guidebook and more information on individual hikes can be found at ebparks.org/tc, or download the AllTrails app to your phone and add the 2021 Trails Challenge to your lists. Get out into nature with friends and family and tag your photos #ebrpd #trailschallege2021. More Info.
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"During COVID-19, it was a huge blessing that Regional Trails were open for walking." ~Virgie Newman, GirlTrek Volunteer Organizer
GirlTrek is a national nonprofit wellness movement founded in 2010. In November of 2020, the GirlTrek Movement reached one million Black women who pledged to commit to lace up at least for 30 minutes five days a week. www.Girltrek.org
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The Western Monarch Mystery Challenge |
The migratory western monarch has declined precipitately in recent years, with the total number counted in 2020 down to 1,914, dropping by more than 90 percent from the previous year. Researchers and scientists invite the community to participate in the “Western Monarch Mystery Challenge” and record sightings of western monarchs outside of overwintering groves to help inform conservation efforts for the plummeting western monarch population. Upload your photos and be entered to win a variety of prizes when you report a sighting! The Western Monarch Count is a community science program through the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. The Western Monarch Mystery Challenge campaign runs through Earth Day, April 22. More Info.
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Due to COVID-19, activities and events are taking place with social distancing measures in place. Some programs are virtual and use Zoom or Facebook Live or YouTube Premiere, some are drop-in and have staff roving in the park to provide socially distanced info to visitors, and some are self-guided for family groups to enjoy independently. Parks and Visitor Centers schedule some activities through their social media pages. Please plan ahead, check to be sure the park is open, and register or download info, depending on the activity’s guidance.
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Virtual Wildflower Season in Sunol |
Join Sunol naturalists for a Virtual Wildflower Season from March 26 through April 30. Virtual events take place on the Sunol Facebook page.
Starting April 3, Seed Starter Kits will be available Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm outside of the Visitor Center, while supplies last.
Other activities planned during the Virtual Wildlife Season include Motivational Mondays (highlighting trails to go see wildflowers in Sunol and Las Trampas), Wildflower Wednesdays (highlighting individual species of flowers), and starting March 26 Friday Wildflower videos. Visit Sunol Facebook.
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Free Virtual Wellness and Fitness Program |
The Regional Parks Foundation and the East Bay Regional Park District are offering free one-hour virtual fitness sessions led by fitness instructors. These classes are designed to help you stay healthy, active, and connected with the community. Upcoming classes include Improving Your Flexibility, Zumba, and Pan-African Dance.
Dance Movements
Building a Strong Immune System
- Sat, Mar 20, 10-11 am
- Thu, Mar 25, 5-6 pm
- Sat, Mar 27, 10-11 am
- Thu, Apr 1, 5-6 pm
- Sat, Apr 3, 10-11 am
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Connecting Parks to People |
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