Park District Acquires 4.5 Acres to Add to Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve | The Park District has completed the purchase of 4.5 acres of land from the City of Livermore to add to Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve in Livermore. Although the preserve is not presently open to the public, the newly acquired land could serve as a staging area and the first segment of a public trail if the Park District determines the preserve can be open for public access. More info. | Board Names Jonah Nicholas Assistant General Manager, Finance and Management Services / Chief Financial Officer | |
Bringing nearly 20 years of public-sector financial leadership experience, Mr. Nicholas oversees the Park District’s financial operations and helps support its mission of preserving open space and serving East Bay communities. More info.
| East Bay Stewardship Network Website Launch | |
The East Bay’s lands are connected. Stewardship should be, too. That’s the thinking behind the East Bay Stewardship Network—a coalition of 15 partners including land managers, special districts, nonprofits, and academic institutions working across 250,000+ acres of East Bay landscapes. The network connects stewardship practitioners around a common mission: to support thriving ecosystems and climate adaptability across the East Bay landscapes.
The new East Bay Stewardship Network website includes:
• Information about member organizations
• Collaborative stewardship projects
• Ways to get involved
• NatureCheck — the first regional ecological health assessment of its kind in the East Bay
Explore the East Bay Stewardship Network website to see how partners across the region are working together to care for the landscapes we all share. More info.
| Watch OpenRoad at East Bay Regional Parks: Rare Bees, Habitat Restoration, and Increasing Access to Nature | |
Park District staff and partners were featured on a recent episode of OpenRoad with Doug McConnell and Friends as the crew visits several Regional Parks to meet the staff and volunteers helping protect, restore, and expand access to East Bay Regional Parks.
In this episode, the OpenRoad crew joins Park District staff in a search for the rare Crotch’s bumblebee at Crown Beach and the Botanic Garden, then visit Carquinez Regional Shoreline to learn how the Park District is restoring land impacted by the 2022 Scenic Fire. They learn about a meadow restoration at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve and talk about the Park District’s work to increase access for underrepresented communities.
The episode re-airs on NBC on July 11 at 6:30pm, or, watch the episode online.
| | 2026 Trails Challenge Mid-Year Update | In 2025, 829 participants logged an impressive 28,807 miles across East Bay Regional Park District trails—can we top that this year? There’s still time to join the 2026 Trails Challenge. Just complete five featured trails from this year’s guidebook or log 26.2 miles by Dec. 31 on any combination of Park District trails. Finishers can earn participant pins and prizes while supplies last. Get details. | No Fireworks in Regional Parks | |
July is a month full of sunny days, warm nights, and plenty of time for outdoor activities. It’s also a time to be aware of fire dangers and park fire rules.
Fireworks are not allowed in East Bay Regional Parks. Fireworks pose a significant fire danger to the parklands and surrounding communities. Especially during the driest seasons, be aware of Red Flag Warnings, fire danger levels, and fire safety rules when visiting Regional Parks. More info.
| We’re waiving fees for anglers! Saturday, July 4, is a free fishing day in East Bay Regional Parks, as both state and Park District fishing fees/licenses are waived for all visitors. This is a great opportunity for those who want to try fishing for the first time! More info. | Save the Date - National Night Out at Lake Chabot: Aug. 4 | Come out to Lake Chabot for a fun and free National Night Out event. Connect with Park District police, fire, and lifeguard teams and discover how they work together to keep our Regional Parks safe and welcoming for everyone. Enjoy games, activities, snacks, and great company. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening. More info. | | Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Park District | |
Del Valle's Discovery Club - Independence Week, July 2 & 3, 9-11am: Discover the wild wonders of the park through hands-on family-friendly activities at the campground upper lawn at Del Valle in Livermore. Meet at the Campground Store. More info.
Old-Fashioned Independence Day Celebration at Ardenwood, July 4, 10am-4pm: Join us for a fun-filled community festival, 1900s-style at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. Admission fee applies. Purchase advance tickets.
Alameda 4th of July Parade at 10am: Enjoy Alameda’s hometown parade, one of the longest in the nation! Watch for our Mobile Visitor Center and cheer on the Crab Cove staff. Parade route information.
Independence Day at Black Diamond Mines, July 4, 10am-4pm: Stop by the underground Greathouse Visitor Center at Black Diamond Regional Preserve in Antioch to participate in a family-friendly craft and learn about mining history. For ages 7 and up, reserve a spot on the Coal Mine Experience and catch a glimpse of what it was like to be a coal miner from the 1850s through the early 1900s.
| Ardenwood Historic Wheat Harvest: July 12 | Explore the history of harvesting and processing wheat at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, and try threshing, winnowing, and grinding wheat berries into flour. Visit the country kitchen to enjoy freshly baked wheat treats or watch farmers demonstrate historic threshing machines that make harvesting wheat an easier task. Sunday, July 12, from 10:30am to 3pm. Admission fee applies. More info. | | Watercraft Rentals and Concessions Open at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area: June 27 | Board Bros will operate at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton on weekends from 8am to 5pm offering rentals including rowboats, pedal boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. The concession building will be open daily with prepackaged food, beverages, merchandise, and bait available for purchase. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 12-6pm; Friday-Sunday, 10am-7pm; closed on Mondays. Come enjoy a day on the water at Shadow Cliffs! | | Port Chicago Weekend: July 17-19 | Port Chicago Weekend is an annual public history initiative presented by the Port Chicago Alliance, bringing the Bay Area together to honor the Port Chicago sailors and their pivotal role in World War II and the Civil Rights Movement. Celebrate with commemorations, exhibits, ship tours, and other community events, including a special Port Chicago Alliance screening of the movie Mutiny on July 11 at Oakland Museum. 2026 Event Schedule. | | Save the Date for August Community Resource Fairs | |
Mark your calendar for the Park District's upcoming Parks and Community Resource Fairs in August. Learn what the Park District and the partnering community-based organizations can offer while enjoying food, music, and activities for all ages at this free event. Find out more about Regional Parks, community groups, job opportunities in the outdoors, and share your thoughts on the District Plan.
Visit the District Plan webpage for a full list of upcoming in-person and virtual events, as well as an online activity/questionnaire.
• Aug 1, 1-3pm. San Lorenzo Community Center.
• Aug 8, 10am-2pm. Tabling at a Health Fair hosted by Allen Temple Baptist Church, Oakland.
• Aug 29, 1-4pm. Tabling at a Health Fair hosted by the Newark Library.
| | S'mores, Stars, and Stories: Summer Campfire Programs | |
Campfire programs are a favorite summer tradition at the East Bay Regional Park District. These captivating programs feature stories, songs, and hands-on activities. Attendees also roast marshmallows and enjoy delicious s’mores. Bring a blanket, curiosity, and a sense of adventure. Each campfire program has a unique theme.
Enjoy unforgettable experiences under the stars in multiple locations:
• Big Break Regional Shoreline, Oakley
• Dumbarton Quarry Campground, Fremont
• Del Valle Campground, Livermore
• Anthony Chabot Family Campground, Castro Valley
• Learn more about Campfire Programs
| Bat Watch Wednesdays at Sunol | |
Beat the daytime heat and check out the night crew! Visit Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve in Sunol on Wednesdays, June 1, 8, 15, and 29 at 7:45pm for Bat Watch Wednesdays. Learn about these misunderstood and critically important mammals and watch as they emerge from their roost and take flight into the evening sky.
On Wednesday, July 22, at 7:45pm, Sunol will host a special ASL Night Exploration program that will also include bat viewing.
| Ruminant Ramble at Tilden Nature Area: July 5 | What is a ruminant and what do they do at the farm? Join the Little Farm staff at Tilden Nature Area in Berkeley on Sunday, July 5, from noon to 1pm, as they take the goats out to stretch their legs and see new sights. This short walk meets at the hay barn and will start and end at the Little Farm. More info. | Botanical Hot Spots Lectures at Regional Parks Botanic Garden: July 12, 19, & 26 | |
Northern California flora is among the most diverse in the world. Much of that diversity is found in well-defined hotspots. Guest speaker Dr. Glenn Keator offers a series of free presentations at the Tilden Regional Park's Botanic Garden in Berkeley on Sunday, July 12, 19, and 26, from 10am to 12pm. Lectures will focus on specific California hotspots and highlight the special plants found in those mountains, forests, meadows, rock outcrops, and wetlands. Meet at the Visitor Center. More info.
July lectures include:
• July 12: Smith River Watershed
• July 19: Cook and Green Pass
• July 26: Mount Eddy
| Wildlife and Delta Exploration Walk at Big Break: July 17 & 18 | Enjoy a refreshing morning walk at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley on Saturday and Sunday, July 17 and 18, from 9-10:30am. Learn about the incredible Delta habitat, explore its wildlife, and examine the flora of the park. More info. | | We All Scream for Ice Cream at Del Valle: July 19 | Did you know that there's a National Ice Cream Day? Head to the Visitor Center at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore on Sunday, July 19, from 1:30 to 3pm, to discover the history of ice cream, the many ways it can be made, and put your muscles to work to help make it. Try some of this freshly made ice cream as a sweet reward for the hard work. More info. | From Wheat to Flour at Ardenwood: July 19 | Explore the history of harvesting and processing wheat at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont on Sunday, July 19, from 1:30 to 2:30pm. Try your hand at threshing, winnowing, and grinding wheat berries into flour, then watch the farmers demonstrate historic threshing machines that make harvesting wheat an easier task. More info. | Making Music at the Garin Barn: July 19 | Head to the Red Barn Visitor Center at Garin Regional Park in Fremont on Saturday, July 19, from 1 to 2pm, to play some summer classics and California songs. Bring your own instruments and voices. Musicians of all skill levels and abilities are welcome. More info. | Community Art in the Park - Natural Dyeing at Crab Cove: July 24 & 25 | Get to know plants in a whole new way. Join this natural dyeing workshop at the Crab Cove Visitor Center at Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda on Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25, from 9 to 11:30am. Lean into the possibilities and benefits of natural dyeing and sustainable practices while expressing your creativity. This workshop is designed to be a two-day experience, although it is ok if you are only available for one day. Art supplies will be provided, and all artistic skill levels are welcome. Registration required. More info. | Moth Appreciation Hour at Coyote Hills: July 25 | In celebration of National Moth Week, join the naturalists at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont to learn about marvelous moths, from velvety-winged night fliers to masters of camouflage. Discover their incredible life cycles, diversity, and vital roles as pollinators and as food for other wildlife. Get to know the fascinating moths of the Bay Area and sharpen your identification skills. More info. | Summer Scavenger Hunt at Black Diamond Mines: July 26 | Search for signs of summer in this fun, self-guided scavenger hunt at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch on Saturday, July 26. Come by the program table anytime between 9:30 and 11am to get started. Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. More info. | | Connecting Parks to People | | | | |
