Alameda county: What's New in East Bay Regional Parks

View Newsletter as Webpage September 2025 NEWS FROM EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS When Leaves Fall, Fire Risks Rise A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA LANDRETH Fall is peak fire season, due to dried-out vegetation from summer heat and offshore Diablo winds that historically occur September through November. Please be aware of fire hazards, restrictions, and Red Flag Warnings. Wildfire safety remains one of the East Bay Regional Park District's top priorities. Fire Safety Tips • Follow all fire safety rules. • No smoking or vaping in parks. • No fireworks. • Report fire hazards and call 911 if you see an active fire. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/firerestrictions. Park District Completes 667-Acre Fuels Reduction Project in East Bay Hills For the past three years, the Park District has been working to thin and remove hazardous trees and brush on 667 acres at Anthony Chabot to reduce fire intensity and help prevent catastrophic wildfires. The groundbreaking effort — the first of its kind in California — included large-scale eucalyptus removal and use of a climate-friendly carbonizer to dispose of biomass. More info. Phase 2 District Plan Outreach Initial public survey results are available for review  The Park District is preparing its next District Plan, a long-term roadmap to guide the future of East Bay Regional Parks. Visit the District Plan website to view results from the initial public survey and to learn how you can continue to participate in the plan development. More info. New Online Exhibit: History of Los Charros at Contra Loma The Asociación de Charros Los Costeños de Brentwood, founded in 1973, brought la charrería — Mexico's national rodeo sport, recognized for its artistry, horsemanship, and cultural significance, to Contra Loma. Los Charros hosted charreadas that connected generations and reinforced a strong sense of cultural identity within the region. Discover the history celebrating Los Charros through archival photos and first-hand histories. Los Charros at Contra Loma: Rodeo Traditions and Community Life. State Assemblymember Lori Wilson Receives 2025 Radke Championing Advocacy Award On Sept. 25, the Park District honored State Assemblymember Lori Wilson with the 2025 Radke Championing Advocacy Award on the State Capitol lawn. The award recognizes Asm. Wilson's outstanding leadership in the California State Assembly advancing parks and the environment. She has championed policies supporting active transportation improvements and authored legislation benefiting the Park District. More info. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15 Celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries during Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Enjoy bilingual walks (Spanish/English) at Black Diamond Mines on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to uncover the history of the coal mines and surrounding communities. More info. Borel Future Agricultural Park Planning Underway At a community workshop event in September, three design concept alternatives for the future Borel Agricultural Park were released to the public. These design alternatives were created with input from the public and the Park District. Visit the project website to view the design concepts and provide feedback and comments. More info. IN THE PARKS All Abilities Day at Big Break: Oct. 7 Explore nature at your own pace and in your own way at Big Break's All Abilities Day on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free drop-in program is inclusive, offering something for people of all abilities. Travel along paved trails to visit stations to touch fur, listen to birds, draw wildlife, sit on benches to scan the water, or paint the view. American Sign Language and Spanish interpreters will be on site. More info. Tropic Like It's Hot Celebration at Tilden's Brazilian Room: Oct. 7 Whether you're planning a wedding, event, or just looking for a fun way to spend the day, the end-of-summer celebration and open house at Tilden's Brazilian Room on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. will be filled with tropical vibes and a taste of what makes this venue so special. Tour the beautiful Brazilian Room, explore photo-worthy garden views and scenic backdrops, and connect with the Brazilian Room's preferred vendors, approved caterers, and other event professionals. This free event is open to all – bring your friends, your questions, and your best aloha spirit. Advance registration is appreciated but not required. More info. Ardenwood Harvest Festival: Oct. 11-12 Enjoy old-time country fun at Ardenwood Historic Farm on Oct. 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Help harvest this year's crop of flint corn and popcorn for Ardenwood programs and animals. Outside the field, enjoy seasonal activities, cider pressing, old-time music, and historic crafts. Ride a narrow-gauge train and learn what late-nineteenth century life was like on a tour of the beautifully restored farmhouse. Bring a bag to take home harvested corn (one bag per person). Advance tickets are recommended and available for purchase online or by phone. Online ticket sales end on Friday, Oct. 10. Harvest Festival info. Sunol Heritage Festival: Oct. 18 Celebrate the diverse heritage of the Sunol Wilderness at the Sunol Heritage Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy live music, Ohlone storytelling, crafts, and traditions, and all kinds of old-timey ranch activities and games. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park! This is a free event with a $5 parking fee. More info. Wildcat Canyon Road Update  Contra Costa County has begun work on repairs to Wildcat Canyon Road in Tilden Regional Park, which was closed in 2023 due to storm damage and slope instability. The project is estimated to be complete in December 2025. More info. IN THE COMMUNITY Thank You for Making East Bay Shorelines and Waterways Shine! Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 20. The Park District held cleanups in 10 parks, including bayside beaches, shoreline trails, and inland lakes. The event saw nearly 1,800 participants cleaning up more than 9,000 pounds of trash and recycling! Twelve prizes were awarded to this year's new TRASHure Hunt winners, and dozens of prizes were awarded to participants who discovered the most unusual finds. The Park District is grateful to all the volunteers who came out to clean up and preserve East Bay shorelines and waterways during the annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. Wild Within Reach  Free Foundation Lunch and Learn Webinar Series Join the Regional Parks Foundation for two more webinars in October, part of a free virtual Lunch and Learn series featuring Park District biologists and environmental stewardship experts. The final two sessions focus on conservation management and watershed restoration. Learn about current projects, get inspired by stories from the field, and discover simple ways to get involved. Each seminar will offer ample opportunity for Q&A following the presentations. More info. FEATURED ACTIVITIES October Fun at Ardenwood Each year Ardenwood comes alive in October with the frightful Haunted Railroad and community pumpkin patch. Enjoy nighttime train rides through its haunted forest, which is spooky — not scary — and designed for children under 12. Registration required. More info. Ardenwood's Pumpkin Patch is operated by Dig Deep Farms, which also offers arts, crafts, and games. Pumpkin patch admission does not include admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm. More info. Making Music at Garin Barn: Oct. 12 Head to the Red Barn at Garin on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 2 to 3 p.m. for some fall classics and folk songs. Bring your own instruments, voices, and songs to share. Musicians of all skill levels and abilities are welcome. More info. Felted Pumpkins at Tilden Nature Area: Oct. 12 Join the Tilden Nature Area staff for a fun seasonal craft on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Create woolly felted pumpkins to decorate for fall! More info. Whooo Are You? Owl Edition at Coyote Hills: Oct. 18 Fly over to Coyote Hills Regional Park on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 3 to 4 p.m. and learn all about owls. Examine their feathers, skulls, eggs, and talons, then dissect a real owl pellet. Lucky visitors might even hear an owl call. Parking fees may apply. More info.