Wildflowers Abound in Regional Parks | |
Spring is a great time to get outdoors in the East Bay Regional Park District. Hillsides and meadows are bursting with life, vibrant colors, and one of spring’s greatest gifts on full display—wildflowers!
View hundreds of wildflower species at Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve, Ohlone Wilderness Regional Preserve, Briones Regional Park, and Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, among many others. Visit Wildflowers In Your Parks to learn more about wildflowers and where to see them.
On weekends from late March to early May, Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve hosts special wildflower season hikes and programs. Arrive early to sign up for programs at the Visitor Center, as space is limited. Visit the activity calendar for more information about the Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve Wildflower Season programs.
Other Regional Parks also offer naturalist-led wildflower-themed programs. Check out the activity calendar for a complete list of wildflower programs.
| Celebrate Women's History Month with the Park District | March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate and honor the accomplishments and contributions of the groundbreakers and trailblazers that have improved and advocated for parks, nature, and the environment. Learn more at one of the Women's History Month programs. | |
Enjoying your e-Bike? Great! Go easy on that throttle and help keep trails safe for everyone. Remember:
• Slow down: Max speed is 15 mph. Slow to 5 mph when passing others.
• Helmet on: Required for riders under 18 — smart for all.
• Stay on designated trails: Help protect wildlife and natural spaces.
• Know where e-bikes are allowed
- Class 1: Allowed where regular bikes are permitted
- Class 2: Limited to paved Regional Trails
- Class 3 & e-scooters: Not permitted
Let’s keep our trails safe and enjoyable for all.
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Now Hiring Lifeguards for the 2026 Swim Season
Applications Accepted through Mar. 23
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Does working outdoors in a Park District swim facility and serving the community sound like a great summer job?
Open-water lifeguards have the unique opportunity to protect lives in a variety of environments, including pools, lagoons, lakes, and the bay. Lifeguard Services provides high-quality lifeguards for recreational swimming, aquatic special events, and aquatic programs at 15 swimming areas. Apply now to be part of the East Bay Regional Parks lifeguard team for summer 2026!
Requirements:
• Must pass swim/physical test.
• Must be age 16 or older by Apr. 18.
• All applicants are required to complete a physical agility swim test, which is offered beginning mid-March.
• Paid training—Starting wage of $22.70.
Get details at eblifeguard.org/job.
| Community Outreach — Outdoor Program (CO-OP) | |
The Community Outreach-Outdoor Program (CO-OP) is a summer partnership with local non-profit organizations during July, August, and September. The program goal is to equip, educate, and empower partners to independently lead overnight recreation activities in their parks. Partners can choose between overnight car camping or an introductory backpacking trip. The Park District provides campsite reservations, buses, food, equipment, and recreation leaders to facilitate various activities (such as hiking, fishing, field games, and environmental education), as well as an information night for group leaders and participants.
Groups selected for the program must commit to recruiting participants, helping to plan activities, promoting trips, completing paperwork, and supervising campers. This program is supported by the Regional Parks Foundation and focuses on communities that face access, transportation, or other barriers to outdoor recreation.
Applications are due by Mar. 31. More info.
| | Black Diamond Mines Offering Weekend Coal Mine Experience | Beginning in the 1850s, people arrived from around the world to carve deep tunnels underground and mine coal, also known as “black diamond,” from the hills of what is now Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. During the self-paced Coal Mine Experience, participants learn how this rock was formed, extracted, and used to transform the land, people, and communities of the San Francisco Bay Area. At the end of the tour, visitors learn what it was like to work in the mines as the coal mine replica brings the miners' world to life. Ages 7 and up. Parent participation is required. Reserve your spot at the Coal Mine Experience. | Volunteer as a Garden Greeter in Tilden's Regional Parks Botanic Garden | Garden Greeters offer a warm welcome and helpful orientation to Botanic Garden visitors on weekends and holidays. Volunteer greeters hand out maps, offer general information, and provide games for children. The next Garden Greeter training will take place on Saturday, Mar. 28 and Saturday, Apr. 4, from 9 to 11am. Attending both dates is required. To learn more and to apply for the training, email greeter_coordinator@nativeplants.org. | | Plover Protection Zone at Crown Beach | During winter and early spring, visitors to Crown Beach may notice a roped-off area of beach known as the “plover protection zone,” a designated resource protection area for the federally protected western snowy plover in their overwintering habitat site. Every year since 2014, Park District staff and volunteers set up signs and temporary fencing meant to safeguard this species from people and dogs who may encounter them along the beach as they nestle down in the sand. Western snowy plovers typically arrive in mid-October and remain in the area until March or April. As many as 56 plovers have been recorded in the protection zone in recent years, up from the original six plovers recorded in 2014. The plover protection zone has also become a popular area for many other species of shorebirds, who have been seen gathering in great numbers during high tides. Please adhere to the rules to protect this threatened species. | Host Your Next Special Event at the Brazilian Room | |
Celebrated as one of the Bay Area’s premier event venues, the Brazilian Room in Tilden Regional Park is known for more than just beautiful weddings. It’s quickly becoming a sought-after destination for gatherings of all kinds.
Staff host themed open houses designed to spark inspiration and showcase how the space can be transformed for your own unique event. Guests can tour the facility and connect with approved caterers and preferred vendors. Visit the website activity calendar for details on upcoming open house events.
| | SUMMER CAMPS, SWIM LESSONS, AND YOUTH PROGRAMS – REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! | | Financial Aid “Camperships” Available - Apply Today! | The Regional Parks Foundation provides Camperships (financial aid) to qualifying youth for select summer programs. Families must reside in Alameda or Contra Costa counties. Completed application forms should be submitted at least 14 days prior to the start date of the program, but earlier submission is encouraged. An approved Campership must be on file before registering for programs. More info. | | |
Park’n It Day Camp is a traditional summer day camp program designed for kids ages 5-12 years old. Camp takes place Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm in various Regional Parks. Park’n It Day Camp features hands-on experiences under the care of our trained recreation leaders, lifeguards, and naturalists.
Campers learn about park ecology, play games, make art projects, go fishing, hike, swim, and enjoy field trips to other parks. Information and Application
| Seeking Teens to Become Leaders-in-Training | What is your teen doing this summer? As a Leader-in-Training (LIT), they would spend a whole week in the Regional Parks working with other teens to help lead Park'n It Day Camp for kids. During this action packed week, LITs work with a team of friends and gain valuable job skills, all while having fun in the great outdoors. Interested teens should apply to be interviewed by no later than Apr. 12. Mandatory training on May 16 in Fremont or May 17 in Oakland. This program is for youth ages 13-17. Information and Application | Have you considered teaching your child how to swim, increasing their ability and comfort level in a pool? Are you an adult who wants to learn to swim? Now is the time to sign up for the East Bay Regional Park District's summer swim lessons. The Park District's Swim Program offers inclusive programming with an American Red Cross course format for persons of all abilities. All instruction is conducted with emphasis on personal safety and fun. More Information & How to Register | | Summer Lifeguard Programs | |
Bay Adventure Camp (ages 8-12)
Bay Adventure Camp at Crown Beach is a dynamic, inclusive program that packs loads of excitement. Campers learn about water safety, practice boating skills, improve swimming skills, and play traditional camp games.
Junior Lifeguards (ages 8-12)
The Junior Lifeguard Program provides participants of all abilities with an introduction to water safety/rescue, first aid, and CPR in a fun and challenging environment. Participants enjoy a variety of beach and water activities designed to promote fitness, self-esteem, and teamwork.
Junior Lifeguard Aide (ages 13-15)
Junior Lifeguard Aide Program participants assist the Junior Lifeguard instructors during each of the eight-week training sessions between June and August. Responsibilities range from setting up activities, leading small groups, assisting Junior Lifeguards with rescues or skills, and much more.
Junior Lifeguard Cadets (ages 14-17)
The Junior Lifeguard Cadet program is geared toward preparing participants for the lifeguard academy and for those looking to become lifeguards. Participants age 15 and older will have the opportunity to earn certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, and AED. Cadets must apply, interview, and be accepted into the program. Class information and applications are available online, or email twaespi@ebparks.org to receive an application sooner.
| | Feeding Fish at the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove | On Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 3 to 3:30pm, the Visitor Center at Crab Cove offers the opportunity to watch crabs, fish, and other critters during their daily feeding. Learn about the creatures who live in the aquariums and what they eat. More info. | St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt at Del Valle: Mar. 15 | Drop in at the Del Valle Regional Park Visitor Center on Sunday, Mar. 15, from 11am to 3pm, to see if you can you find the treasure that the Leprechauns have hidden. Follow a collection of park clues inspired by locations nearby to help find your way to the St. Patrick’s Day treasure. Don’t forget to wear green! More info. | Spring Sunrise Saunter in Sunol: Mar. 21 | Rise before the sun to enjoy a Spring Sunrise Saunter in the Sunol Wilderness on Saturday, Mar. 21, from 6:45 to 9:30am. On this moderate hike through stunning landscapes, observe how light, sound and animal activity changes as the sun rises and the "night shift" comes to a close. Ages 10 and up. Reservations required. More info. | Signs of Spring Stroll at Big Break: Mar. 21 and 22 | Discover the vibrant signs of the season as we explore blooming wildflowers, budding trees, and the songs of migratory birds. Join Big Break naturalists on Saturday, Mar. 21, and Sunday, Mar. 22, from 2 to 3pm, for this family-friendly hike. Learn how plants and animals prepare for the warmer months, explore seasonal changes, and connect with the beauty of the outdoors. More info. | | Springtime Snakes at Black Diamond Mines: Mar. 22 | The weather is warming up and the snakes are beginning to venture out. On Sunday, Mar. 22, from 11 to 11:45am, meet one of Black Diamond Mines slithery animal ambassadors, weather permitting, to find out what snakes do in the springtime and what to do if you see them on the trail. Heavy rain cancels. More info. | Build a Beehouse at Ardenwood: Mar. 22 | Honeybees aren’t the only bees that need a safe place to call home. Join farm staff at Ardenwood Historic Farm on Sunday, Mar. 22, from 1:30 to 2:30pm, to learn why California’s solitary bees are so important to protect. Build a beehouse to place in your own backyard. More info. | Cafecito in Nature - Con Chirps y Chisme at Tilden: Mar. 28 | Start your morning with cafecito, birdsong, and a bit of neighborhood chisme from our feathered vecinos. Join staff at Tilden Nature Area on Saturday, Mar. 28, from 9 to 11am, and tune in to the forest’s friendly chatter, learning to recognize and appreciate birds by ear. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair. More info. | The Hills Are Alive at Coyote Hills: Mar. 28 | On Saturday, Mar. 28, from 10am to noon, explore the unique geology, plants, and wildlife at Coyote Hills Regional Park. Look for wildflowers and vibrant spring growth bringing new life to the hills. This 2-mile hike will involve some climbs to rewarding vistas. More info. | | Connecting Parks to People | | | | |
