How We Are Preparing for El Niño Storms | Weather forecasts are predicting significant wind and rain this winter season. The Park District has been hard at work preparing parklands for these anticipated storms by proactively clearing culverts and drains, preparing sandbags for use at park facilities, and reviewing safety protocols and emergency plans. Moderate rain doesn't need to deter you from enjoying a hike in nature – actually, it can be fun! But be prepared for conditions and tread carefully. We expect a longer and heavier rainy season this year, which might cause trail washouts and closures. Before heading to a Regional Park, visit our Storm Updates webpage for the latest information. | Native American Heritage Month | Join the Park District in celebrating Native American Heritage Month by honoring Indigenous history, cultures, and contemporary communities. In the Bay Area, Ohlone, Bay Miwok, Delta Yokut, and many other Native Peoples continue to live on these lands, sustaining distinct traditions, languages, and knowledge systems. Find programs that seek to celebrate the rich history and traditions of local tribes. | Bird Flu Detected at Crown Memorial State Beach | |
Canada geese at Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.
While the risk to humans is low, infected birds could be present throughout the East Bay. The Park District is monitoring the situation and reminds visitors to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets. Read more.
| Before the Fire: Bay Nature Wildfire Webinar | Park District Assistant Fire Chief Khari Helae recently appeared on Before the Fire, a Bay Nature panel discussion about fire career pathways and conservation. The panel focused on work and partnership with Civicorps, and also featured fire professionals from CAL FIRE and Civicorps. | Tidewater Day Use Area Groundbreaking Celebration | On Oct. 9, the Park District celebrated the groundbreaking of Tidewater Day Use Area, a $16.9 million, 7-acre expansion of Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline that will transform former industrial land along the Oakland Estuary into new parkland. More info. | Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail Celebrates 50th Anniversary | A sneak peek of 11 new interpretive panels highlighting the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail's history were part of a community celebration of the trail's 50th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Lafayette Community Center. The panels (which will be installed later this fall) were created in collaboration with the Town of Moraga, Love Lafayette, Lafayette Historical Society, Moraga Historical Society, Moraga Community Foundation, and Community Foundation of Lafayette. Learn more about the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail. | Head for the Trails Challenge Finish Line | There are just two more months to finish the 2026 Challenge. Complete any five of the featured trails or a total of 26.2 miles on any combination of Regional Park trails and submit your completed log by midnight Dec. 31 to earn your commemorative finisher pin (while supplies last). The challenge resets Jan. 1 with a new guidebook and a fresh set of trails to explore. Learn more. | | Community Survey: Contra Loma Aquatics & Recreation Planning | |
Help plan the future of Contra Loma Regional Park! The East Bay Regional Park District is asking the community to help plan what comes next at Contra Loma. We want to know which swim and aquatic features are most important to you, and what other recreational opportunities would improve your park experience and benefit the community. Take the survey by Nov. 30:
English: bit.ly/ContraLoma
Español: bit.ly/ContraLomaES
Questions? Email CLRecreation@ebparks.org or visit ebparks.org/contra-loma.
| Quarry Lakes 25th Anniversary Celebration: Nov 7 | Celebrate 25 years of Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area with a day of family-friendly fun on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10am to 2pm. Enjoy fishing games, guided walks, and a visit from the Mobile Fish Tank. Grab a bite from local food trucks, explore information booths from the Park District and community partners, and get an up-close look at a fire truck and patrol car. Meet at the Ensenada Pavilion Picnic Area. More info. | Walk & Talk at Lake Temescal with Alameda Co. Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas: Nov. 7 | On Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10am, the public is invited to join Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas and Park District Board Member Lynda Deschambault on a nature walk around Temescal Regional Recreation Area in Oakland. While enjoying the surrounding nature, listen to special presentations on water activities and the lake's ecological health. RSVP to govaffairs@ebparks.org. | Honoring Veterans on Nov. 11 | |
On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Park District honors veterans, service members, and retirees with free park entrance. The fee waiver includes free parking and entry to all East Bay Regional Parks, including Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. It does not include boat launch or inspection fees, fishing permits, or concessions, such as the Tilden Merry-Go-Round and Redwood Valley Railway steam train.
Additional benefits for veterans:
• All year long, the Park District honors the Distinguished Veteran Pass, which is administered by California State Parks. Veterans with a Distinguished Veteran Pass receive free day-use parking and free entry to Ardenwood Historic Farm, not including special events.
• The Regional Parks Foundation offers a discounted Special Access Membership for veterans.
Veterans Day Remembrance at Crown Beach
Did you know that Crab Cove was a maritime academy during WWII? Dirigibles flew, men practiced rowing, and what today is the Visitor Center then served as an infirmary. Honor veterans on Nov. 11 by taking a self-guided history walk around the park. Pick up a map at the Crab Cove Visitor Center. More info.
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Celebrate Green Friday — the day after Thanksgiving — with waived fees for parking, boat launching, fishing, and entry to Ardenwood Historic Farm; only state fishing licenses, watercraft inspections, and concession fees apply. Enjoy special Green Friday programs in the parks!
Green Friday Volunteer Events
Skip the Black Friday shopping crowds on Green Friday and give back to your Regional Parks by pitching in on park planting projects. Join us for Green Friday volunteer events at Quarry Lakes and Contra Loma and help staff provide habitat for wildlife, improve the health of our local ecosystems, and leave a legacy for all park visitors. Volunteer events run from 9am to noon. Registration is required.
• Contra Loma Regional Park, Antioch
• Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, Fremont
| How to Attend Public Meetings | |
The public is invited to participate in meetings of the Park District Board of Directors and its committees either in person, online via Zoom, or by submitting a public comment. Regular board meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, except for July recess, at 1pm. Join live Board meetings via Zoom at ebparks.zoom.us/j/93144294953.
Meeting locations may vary, with some meetings held at Park District Headquarters in Oakland and others at locations throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Find the schedule and agendas at ebparks.org/public-meetings.
Agendas include instructions for submitting public comments and are posted online at least three days in advance. For assistance, email clerkoftheboard@ebparks.org.
| | Tilden's South Park Drive Closed for Annual Newt Migration | South Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park is closed to all motor vehicle traffic from Nov. 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, to protect migrating and breeding newts. Visitors are welcome to use the road during the closure for walking, cycling, and dog walking. Please keep dogs away from the newts, as they are poisonous to pets. Cyclists are asked to proceed slowly and avoid newts crossing the road. More info. | Another Successful Breeding Season at Hayward Shoreline’s Tern Town | The 2026 breeding season was a remarkable success at Tern Town, a restored bird sanctuary at Hayward Regional Shoreline that provides critical habitat for several threatened and endangered bird species. This year, 120 breeding pairs of endangered California least terns produced an estimated 182 fledglings, making a significant contribution to statewide species recovery efforts. The sanctuary also celebrated successful nesting by western snowy plovers, black skimmers, and black oystercatchers, with more than 290 fledglings produced across all four species. The continued success of Tern Town highlights the importance of habitat restoration, ongoing conservation efforts, and the dedication of Park District staff, partner agencies, and volunteers who help protect these vulnerable bird populations. Learn more about the Park District's Wildlife Volunteer program. | | All Abilities Day at Ardenwood: Nov. 4 | At All Abilities Day at Ardenwood Historic Farm on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 10am to 1pm, explore the farm at your own pace and in your own way. This free inclusive program caters to all abilities, offering something for everyone. Stroll along flat, paved trails to visit farm animals, learn about crops, participate in crafts, tour the Patterson House, or enjoy a scenic train ride. American Sign Language interpreters will be on-site. More info. | Pitch in for Ridge Trail Service Day at Crockett Hills: Nov. 7 | The Park District is partnering with the Bay Area Ridge Trail and the Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay for a fun day of trail work at Crockett Hills Regional Park on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 8:30am to noon. Activities will include improving the tread and drainage on the Soaring Eagle Trail. Tools, instructions on proper tool use, and safety information will be provided. No experience necessary. For ages 10 and up. Register today. | Coast Live Oak's Golden Birthday Party at Coyote Hills: Nov. 29 | On Sunday, Nov. 29, from 2 to 3pm, celebrate the 50th anniversary of the planting of Coyote Hills’ beloved coast live oak tree. Learn about the natural history of oak trees and how they are important for people and wildlife. Celebrate this special occasion with cake at the Visitor Center. More info. | | Donate Food to District Fire Department's Thanksgiving Food Drive | |
The Park District's Fire Department is hosting its annual Thanksgiving food drive to help those in need in our community. All donations and proceeds go to the Alameda County Community Food Bank to provide East Bay residents with donated food items during the holiday season.
Look for food collection barrels at one of these locations to donate non-perishable food items through Nov. 17:
• Park District Headquarters
2950 Peralta Oaks Ct., Oakland (map)
• Park District Public Safety Headquarters
17930 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley (map)
• Tilden Park Golf Course
10 Golf Course Dr., Berkeley (map)
Note: Items most needed include canned fruits and vegetables, dry pasta, cereals, canned soups, and condiments.
No time to shop? Donate directly online at the Virtual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Every $1 donated provides two meals for someone in the community.
| | One Gift. A Million Moments. | A student visits a park for the first time. A teenager gains confidence by learning to swim. A protected redwood grove offers refuge for native wildlife. Your gift to the Regional Parks Foundation helps make these moments possible—and its impact reaches far beyond one person, one visit, or one park. Help raise $1 million through the Foundation’s annual campaign to protect precious habitats and connect more people to nature. Make your special year-end gift by December 31. Be One-in-a-Million. | | Historic Days at Ardenwood: Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays through Nov. 22 | Enjoy Ardenwood Historic Farm during November's Historic Days Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Ride a narrow-gauge train and tour the restored Patterson House Museum (through Nov. 15). On Sundays, join park staff in historic costume for period-appropriate programs and activities throughout the day. Every historic day ends with an animal feeding at 3pm. More info. | Weekend Nature Walks at Big Break | On Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 3pm, explore Big Break's seasonal changes in the ever-evolving Delta wetland habitat. Wear comfortable shoes to walk along the mostly flat, paved trails. Meet at the Visitor Center. More info. | Sunday Bay Bird Mornings at Crab Cove and Beyond | Join fellow nature lovers exploring the diversity of the bay's feathered friends on Sunday mornings from 8 to 10am at Crab Cove, Hayward Regional Shoreline, and Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary. Bring binoculars if you have them. High-quality binoculars will also be available at each outing for those wishing to borrow. Beginners are welcome. More info. | Black Diamond Mines Trails Challenge Hike: Nov. 1 | Trying to complete this year’s Trails Challenge but still haven’t made it to Black Diamond Mines? Join a guided hike through the rugged beauty of this park and cross one of the most adventurous and beautiful trails off your list. Hike through the challenging landscapes, and discover the park’s rich natural and cultural history. This 5.2-mile loop is one of the program's Challenging hikes. Expect uneven and unpaved terrain with 1,300 feet of elevation gain and sections of steep/very steep incline. Best for ages 12 and up. More info. | Return of the Wayne Roderick Lecture Series at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden: Nov. 7 | From November to March at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, visitors are invited to enjoy the Wayne Roderick Lectures, a free series of presentations on topics related to plants and natural history. Named in honor of its founder, a former director of the Botanic Garden, the Wayne Roderick Lectures take place on Saturdays from 10:30am to noon at the Visitor Center auditorium. More info. | | Tracks on the Trail at Sunol: Nov. 8 | Become a wildlife detective! Animals leave clues behind, like tracks and scat (animal poop). Join us on Sunday, November 8, from 10am to noon, to learn how to identify some animal tracks, then test your skills on a short trail hike. Meet at the Visitor Center More info.. | Geologic Walk at Coyote Hills:
Nov. 22 | If rocks could speak, then Coyote Hills would have a lot to say! Join us on Sunday, Nov. 22, from 10 to 11am, as we walk the edges and slopes of the hills, uncovering the natural history written in these rocks — and in the rocks that are no longer here. More info. | Lichen Palettes at Tilden:
Nov. 28 | Lichens are all around us – on trees, rocks, and even some buildings! But what exactly are they, and why do they matter? Join us for a walk on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 1 to 2pm, to find these wonders hidden in plain sight. Meet in front of the Tilden Nature Area Visitor Center. More info. | Barn Owl Service Project at Del Valle: Nov. 28 & 29 | Ever wondered what a barn owl eats? On Saturday, Nov. 28, and Sunday, Nov. 29, from 9am to 12:30pm, learn about owls and check out what they have left behind in the barn owl boxes as we prepare them for next year's inhabitants. Registration is required. More info. | | Connecting Parks to People | | | | |
