The Year Ahead
A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA B. LANDRETH
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2022 brings new opportunities and renewed excitement, energy, and focus for the Park District.
We continue to move forward with important programs to connect people with nature and plans to expand public access, restore natural habitat, and maintain quality parks and visitor facilities. Key 2022 projects include opening the Brickyard shoreline staging area in Berkeley, renovating Roberts Pool in Oakland, and constructing the Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Sunol, an interpretive pavilion at Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton, and new trails at Pleasanton Ridge.
We also remain focused on reducing wildfire risks. The recently approved 2022 District Budget represents an unprecedented investment with increased funding for removal of flammable vegetation and dead and dying trees (see Budget item below).
I hope you enjoy the coming year and have many opportunities to explore your Regional Parks.
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Park District Launches New Website |
We recently launched a new District website with improved design, navigation, and accessibility. With the new tools, you can now search for parks and activities by zip code; use filters to narrow down your search results; and use the translator tool to view content in several languages. Visit and peruse www.ebparks.org. We welcome your feedback and suggestions.
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On December 21, 2021, our Board of Directors elected new board officers for 2022. Colin Coffey of Hercules will serve as president; Beverly Lane of Danville will serve as vice president; Dennis Waespi of Castro Valley will serve as treasurer; and Elizabeth Echols of Berkeley will serve as secretary. The additional Board members are Ayn Wieskamp of Livermore, Ellen Corbett of San Leandro, and Dee Rosario of Oakland. More Info
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Celebrate Black History Month |
Join us in celebrating Black History Month as we honor the wealth of African American history in the parks by sharing stories of black history through our archives and naturalist programs. The Park District is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and making our agency more welcoming and reflective of the communities we serve.
For this year’s celebration of Black History Month, we are offering special programs and resources throughout February. More Info
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2022 Budget Invests in Wildfire Protection |
On Tuesday, December 21, 2021, our Board of Directors unanimously approved the Park District 2022 Budget. The 2022 Budget is balanced and fiscally responsible, meets current and long-term service needs, and fulfills commitments to constituents, while also addressing increased park visitation during COVID-19 and ongoing wildfire risk.
The 2022 Budget adds funding for three additional fuels reduction crewmembers (15 total), an additional fuels reduction coordinator, and an additional ecological services coordinator focused on facilitating fuels reduction projects.
The 2022 Budget totals $290 million and covers operating, projects, and programs. More Info
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Reducing Wildfire Risks A Year-Round Effort |
It may be cold and wet, but we continue to monitor and reduce wildfire risks. In December, we hosted California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot and State Senator Nancy Skinner for a tour of two Regional Parks hit hard by Sudden Tree Die-Off. So far, we have identified 1,500 acres of tree die-off in parks – caused by the extreme drought and changing climate. Dead standing trees burn hotter and faster, and can cast embers far ahead of the original fire, igniting potentially dangerous new fires. |
Trails Challenge 2022 Shirts and Guidebooks Available |
Free Trails Challenge 2022 t-shirts and printed guidebooks are now available at Park District Visitor Centers while supplies last. You can download an electronic PDF copy of the guidebooks at www.ebparks.org/trails-challenge.
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In-Person Naturalist Programs Return to Regional Parks |
View our Calendar of Events for a variety of in-person programs, nature walks, environmental education, birdwatching, and more.
During the pandemic we expanded the “Parks to People” digital learning programs to connect people with nature online, including field study videos, virtual reality park experiences, games, and self-guided nature activities. Our digital learning programs have become very popular with teachers, students, and the public and will continue. More Info
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Managing Flammable Vegetation |
On February 1, the Park District Board of Directors authorized $2.9 million over the next four years for goat and sheep grazing in Regional Parks. Grazing animals play an important role in managing flammable vegetation to reduce wildfire risks. More Info
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King Tides Provide Glimpse Into Future |
In early January, we experienced the year's first King Tides, which occur when there is alignment of the gravitational pull between the sun, moon, and Earth. King Tides show in stark reality how the one-to-two foot rise in sea level expected during the next few decades will look along our shorelines. Our naturalists streamed two live events to share the future effects on the shorelines and how we are implementing plans for sea level rise and habitat and shoreline resiliency.
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Roberts Pool Closed for Renovation |
Roberts Pool at Roberts Regional Recreation Area will be closed from February 2022 through Spring 2023 for facility upgrades, renovation, and replacement. The 70-year-old pool facility is in need of a major overhaul. The project will improve safety, increase usable pool space for programming, and enhance disabled access. We are excited to provide yet another improvement for the community, and we appreciate your support and patience during the temporary closure. More Info
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Castle Rock of Mt. Diablo State Park Closed for Peregrine Falcon Nesting Season |
For the protection of the American peregrine falcon, the “Castle Rock” area of Mount Diablo State Park is closed to visitors annually from February 1st to July 31st. The area is adjacent to Diablo Hills Regional Park. Peregrine falcons are territorial and highly sensitive during nesting season. |
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Regional Park Foundation's Winter 2022 Compass Now Available
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The latest edition of the Regional Parks Foundation's Compass highlights the realities of drought conditions in East Bay Regional Parks, the benefits of spending time outdoors, and the Foundation’s latest capital campaign to help fund a major renovation of Tilden's Environmental Education Center.
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The Great Backyard Bird Count |
Join millions of people worldwide February 18-21, 2022 for the Great Backyard Bird Count! Watching birds is a safe and enjoyable activity anyone can do during the Covid pandemic, whether at home or in a Regional Park. Report your observations from a computer or download an app to your phone. If you are new to the Great Backyard Bird Count, download the free Merlin Bird ID app to participate. Experienced birders who have participated before can download the eBird app for reporting. Step outside this weekend to observe, count and enjoy birds and report your findings until midnight of Feb. 21.
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Sat, Feb 19, 10am-11:30am, It's Our Fault!, Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
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Connecting Parks to People |
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