NEWS FROM EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS | | A Year of Nature and Community | | As the end of the year approaches, it is a good time to reflect on the critical role the East Bay Regional Park District plays in the community. Amid the East Bay's busy cities, heavy traffic, and constant digital connections, Regional Parks offer something essential: simple, restorative access to nature.
Over the past year, people of all ages and backgrounds have flocked to the parks for fresh air, exercise, education, and enjoyment. Programs led by naturalists and recreation staff helped visitors deepen their understanding of local ecosystems and how to protect them. Parkgoers developed new outdoor skills while enjoying adventures. Volunteers helped restore habitats, cleaned up trails, and supported public events. Thousands of schoolchildren explored nature — a first experience for many of them.
Time spent in nature is important — whether exploring a new trail, inviting a friend to join a naturalist-led program, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the birds, trees, and seasonal changes throughout the year.
Cheers to another year of spending time outdoors, staying curious, and appreciating nature in our Regional Parks. | Smooth Rolling: Re-Paving the Iron Horse Trail | | The Park District recently completed a resurfacing project that refreshed 10 miles of the beloved 32-mile Iron Horse Regional Trail, giving walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable ride. View a map of the refreshed areas.
Following the historic Southern Pacific Railroad corridor, the Iron Horse Trail connects Concord to Pleasanton, linking to parks, neighborhoods, schools, and transit along the way. Thanks to strong partnerships with local cities, this regional favorite continues to shine as both a scenic escape and a vital car-free commuting route for the East Bay. | | 2026 Wall Calendars Now Available | | Enjoy a year's worth of stunning views of East Bay Regional Parks in the 2026 Wall Calendar, available now at no cost while supplies last at Visitor Centers. Check the Visitor Centers webpage for current hours and locations.
There is also a limited supply at the reception desk at Park District Headquarters; 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland; Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Did you know? Regional Parks Foundation members receive a complimentary wall calendar by mail! Become a Foundation Member.
| 2025 Trails Challenge Finish Line Approaching | | Whether it's one last trail or just a few miles, now's the time to lace up, head out, and complete your 2025 Trails Challenge journey. Trail logs are due by Dec. 31.
Celebrate your achievement! Finishers receive a commemorative pin (while supplies last) and are automatically entered into a monthly prize drawing for AllTrails gear, bandanas, and Regional Parks Foundation memberships.
Participants who complete all 20 trails earn the exclusive All-20 Club patch, and age-based finisher patches include: Pathfinder (ages 0-9), Junior Trailblazer (ages 10-12), Trailblazer (ages 13-18), and Timeless Trekker (ages 65 and up). More info.
Pictured: William Gerardo, Timeless Trekkers Finisher | | Historical Holiday Tours at Ardenwood's Patterson House | | Celebrate a turn-of-the-20th-century holiday at a beautifully restored Queen Anne mansion. Interact with costumed docents on a tour of 14 rooms decorated with Victorian-style holiday ornaments. Tours are included with farm entrance ($4/adults; $3/seniors; $2/children ages 4-17; free/children age 3 and under). Friday-Sunday Tour Times: • Tot Tours (20 min) – 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. All ages, downstairs only, wheelchair accessible. • Full tours (45 min) – 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Ages 6 and over. Call (510) 791-4196 or email pattersonhouse@fremont.gov to request tour times or for more info. Reservations are recommended but not required. | Winter Wonderland at Tilden's Merry-Go-Round | Experience a beloved East Bay holiday tradition at the historic Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round! Ride the carousel, visit Santa or Olaf, view the lights and decorations, and enjoy holiday treats. For the winter 2025 schedule, visit Tilden Park Merry Go Round. | | | Bundle up and head to the Regional Parks to learn about the region's birdlife during the Park District's winter birding programs. Explore various habitats, learn bird-identification skills, and gain insights into the ecological roles of different bird species.
Pelican-Palooza at Del Valle: Saturdays and Sundays, 1:30-3 p.m. Observe large American white pelicans as they make the migratory journey to Lake Del Valle from breeding grounds in Canada. Bird Exploration at Shadow Cliffs: Saturday, Dec. 6, 9-11 a.m. Discover bird patterns of behavior, migration, and habitat along the lake at beautiful Shadow Cliffs.
Family Bird Search at Del Valle: Saturday, Dec. 6, 13, and 27, 10-11:30 a.m. Bring the family to the lake to search for birds, learn about their calls and diets, and maybe win a prize for finding the most!
East Contra Costa Winter Bird Walks: Sunday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Radke Martinez, and Saturday, Dec. 27, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Contra Loma. Birdwalk Along the Bay at Crown Beach: Friday, Dec. 12, 9-11 a.m. Meet at the Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary and discover some tips and tricks to help distinguish between the puzzling grays and browns of shorebirds.
Christmas Bird Count at Coyote Hills: Sunday, Dec. 14, 10-11:30 a.m. Join a nationwide bird survey, in partnership with the Ohlone Audubon Society, to witness and record winter bird populations.
The Beauty & Wonder of Birds at Ardenwood: Saturday, Dec. 20, 8-9:30 a.m. Stroll along the farm's woods, gardens, orchards, and fields to discover the variety of birds that visit and live at Ardenwood.
Bay Bird Mornings at Oyster Bay: Sunday, Dec. 28, 9-11 a.m. Get to know wintering birds along the water's edge at Oyster Bay. Registration required.
Benefits of Birding at Contra Loma: Sunday, Dec. 28, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Discover how birding can reduce stress, boost mood, and support movement and mindfulness.
| | Donations Spread Warmth and Kindness During Fire Department's Holiday Donation Drive | | Spread some joy during the season of giving! Join the Park District Fire Department's holiday donation drives, now through Dec. 16. Donations to One Warm Coat and Toys for Tots are being accepted in several locations throughout the Park District. More info.
| | A Million Reasons to Give! | From scenic hiking trails to inspiring nature programs for kids, the Regional Parks provide East Bay communities with opportunities to explore and connect with nature. Support and protect these unique open spaces and invest in vital programs for underserved communities with a One-in-a-Million gift to the Regional Parks Foundation. Donate online or call Foundation Donations at 510-544-2202. | | Weekend Tours at the Botanic Garden | Join the knowledgeable Regional Parks Botanic Garden docents for free guided tours on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center for an hour-long tour suitable for all ages. Drop-in; no registration required. Tours are limited to 10 people. The Botanic Garden is closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. More info. | Mysterious Monarchs Programs at Ardenwood | Migrating monarch butterflies have returned to the East Bay. Staff have begun monitoring the monarchs' overwintering habitat at Ardenwood, where these iconic butterflies spend the cooler months clustered high in the trees. Come experience this natural wonder up close—join guided programs and use spotting scopes to safely view the monarchs in their seasonal home. These events are perfect for anyone who wants a closer look without disturbing the butterflies. Scopes and binoculars will be available to lend, but feel free to bring your own. More info. | King Tide at Crab Cove: Dec. 6 | Stop by the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for King Tide at the Cove. Watch as the 7.8-foot-high king tide flows into the protected marine area. Participate in community science and take photos to help document this tidal event at the California King Tides Project. | Community Campfire at Big Break: Dec. 13 | Gather the family at Big Break Regional Shoreline on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for an evening in the park. Explore the wonders of the delta at the Community Campfire, and enjoy activities and a campfire with s'mores. | | Making Wreaths in Regional Parks | | Seasonal Wreaths at Tilden Nature Area, Dec. 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wreath Making at the Barn at Sunol, Dec. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration required.
Wreath Making at the Lake at Del Valle, Dec. 14, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Registration required. | | Winter Solstice Walks at Big Break Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 21, from 2 to 3 p.m. Experience the season at Big Break Regional Shoreline! Naturalists will take visitors for a guided walk along the trails and uncover the subtle signs of winter.
Winter Solstice Celebration at Coyote Hills
Sunday, Dec. 21, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Celebrate the longest night of the year with stories, music, hot drinks and s'mores by the fire, as well as nature observations at dusk and solstice nature crafts.
New Year's Eve Hike at Big Break
Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Ring in the new year with a refreshing morning hike along the Delta. During the guided walk through the wetlands and trails of Big Break, reflect on the past year and set intentions for the one ahead.
New Year's Eve Reflections at Del Valle Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Meet at East Ridge trailhead at the top of the hill for an easy-to-moderate stroll. Reflect on 2025, and watch the sun set (4:59pm) on the last day of the year. | American Sign Language Winter Walks at Black Diamond Mines: Dec. 21 | Join park staff and ASL interpreters on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the Winter American Sign Language Walks at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. During this 1-mile walk, a guide will use historic photos and maps and point out marks on the landscape to teach participants about the history of the coal mines and surrounding communities. | | Connecting Parks to People | | | | |
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