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Dive into fall fun and connect with nature in East Bay Regional Parks.
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Not your everyday park plans — catch 'em while you can!
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Pelican Palooza
Weekends in Nov & Dec, 1:30-3pm | Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore
Every winter, the American white pelican makes its journey to Lake Del Valle after traveling thousands of miles from its breeding grounds in Canada. Join a naturalist-led gathering to take a closer look through provided spotting scopes. Learn more.
Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Patterson House
Various Dec dates | Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont
Celebrate a turn-of-the-20th-century holiday at a beautifully restored Queen Anne mansion. Join costumed docents for a tour of 14 rooms decorated with Victorian-style holiday ornaments. Learn more.
Mysterious Monarchs
Nov 29 & Dec 5, 13, 19, 27, 1:30-2:30pm | Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont
Ardenwood’s eucalyptus grove is one of the historic overwintering sites used by monarch butterflies along the California coast. Stop by to observe these mysterious insects in residence this season. Before traveling, you may call to confirm they've arrived. Learn more.
Magnificent Manzanitas
Dec 18, 2-4pm | Sobrante Ridge Botanic Regional Preserve, Richmond
When most plants go dormant for the winter, manzanitas begin to light up the landscape with bright, fragrant blooms. This 2.6-mile hike visits a special population of manzanitas. Learn more.
ASL Coal Mine Experience
Dec 19 | Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, Antioch
An American Sign Language interpreter is available once a quarter to assist visitors in exploring the historic mining tunnel and exhibits. Interpretation is available at three time slots on this date. Space is limited. Ages 7 and up. Registration opens Dec. 1. Register here.
Christmas Bird Count
Dec 20, 11am-noon | Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont
Join this annual event held in partnership with the Ohlone Audubon Society and help record birds spotted at Coyote Hills. Birders of all experience levels are welcome to take part in this community science tradition and contribute to a better understanding of local bird populations. Learn more.
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Grab your binoculars and scan for feathered friends
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Bay Bird Mornings
Various dates in Nov & Dec, 8-10am | Various parks
Join birding walks at different parks around the East Bay to observe the region's avian diversity. Learn more.
Monday Birding Walks
Nov & Dec, 9am-noon | Various parks
Join guided birding walks each week to observe birds at different parks in the East Bay. Learn more.
The Early Birder Sees the Bird
Nov 15 & Dec 6, 8-9:30am | Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont
The park’s grasslands and marshes are paradise for resident and seasonal birds. Learn more.
Beginner Winter Birding
Dec 20, 9:30-11:30am | Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore
Del Valle’s lake provides an important stop along the Pacific Flyway, where many species of waterfowl pause during their long seasonal journeys south. We’ll learn the basics of birding on a short walk. Learn more.
Winter Bird Count
Dec 23, 8:30-11am | Thurgood Marshall Regional Park — Home of the Port Chicago 50, Concord
Space is limited on a field trip to this not-yet-opened park, where participants will learn about local bird species, record data, and submit findings to the National Audubon Society. Register here.
Winging It in Winter
Dec 30, 11am-1pm | Big Break Regional Shoreline, Oakley
Winter migration brings millions of birds to the Delta every year. Join the flock through play, bird-watching, crafts, and other fun. Learn more.
Find more at ebparks.org/birding.
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Staff offer education and insight while leading group hikes
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Wednesday Walks
New routes & new parks every week! Find hikes here.
Nature Walks
Weekends in Nov & Dec, 2-3pm | Big Break Regional Shoreline, Oakley
Observe the seasonal changes in the ever-evolving wetlands. Learn more.
Canine Capers
Nov 21 & Dec 12 | Various parks
Bring your furry friend (on leash) and join a group hike in the great outdoors. Ages 8 and up. Register here.
Wellness Walks
Nov 21 & Dec 19, 10am-noon | Richmond
Join recreation staff for a guided nature walk at Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline or Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Learn tips for safe hiking, then hit the trails at your own pace, with routes tailored to your comfort and ability. All experience levels welcome. Register here.
Green Friday Hike
Nov 27 | Various parks
Skip the shopping crowds and hit the trails! Trade Black Friday bargain hunting for fresh air, scenic views, and time in nature. Find hikes.
Fall in the Valley
Nov 28, 8:30am-12:30pm | Round Valley Regional Preserve, Brentwood
Observe changing flora and fauna during nature's transition from fall to winter. Best for ages 13 and up. Register here.
Woodland Wonders
Nov 28, 10am-noon | Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve, Sunol
Explore Sunol’s oak woodlands and discover the rich community of plants and animals that depend on these trees. Ages 8 and up. Learn more.
Thanksgiving Mindfulness Walk
Nov 29, 9-10:30am | Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, Antioch
On a short walk, participants are guided through different mindfulness prompts designed to inspire connection to nature. Learn more.
Fern Walk
Dec 13, 11am-noon | Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley
Take a guided nature walk to look for and study different types of ferns. Learn more.
Ladybug Walk
Dec 19, 10am-noon | Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
Ladybug season is here! Hit the trails to discover where these colorful beetles gather by the hundreds — sometimes thousands — to spend the winter. Learn more.
Find more at ebparks.org/hiking.
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Introductions to science and nature for youngsters
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Fish Feeding
Weekends in Nov & Dec, 3-3:30pm | Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda
Watch as staff feed the aquarium residents and learn about the Bay Area’s diverse ecosystems and ocean creatures. Learn more.
Good Night, Farm
Fri, Sat, & Sun in Nov & Dec, 3:30-4pm | Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley
Help the Little Farm staff feed the friendly residents their evening meal (food provided by staff only) and tuck them in for the night. Learn more.
Lakeside Littles
Nov 16 & Dec 21, 10-11am | Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, Pleasanton
This program offers themed activities to introduce kids to science and nature like exploring a trail, looking at bugs, discovering shadows, and more. Learn more.
Hikes for Tykes
Nov 17, Dec 1 & 15, 10:30-11:45am | Various parks
Guided walks of about a half mile introduce young kids to nature. Tools for exploration are provided. Find hikes.
Tilden Tots
Nov 18 & Dec 16, 10:30-11:30am | Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley
Meet farm animals and enjoy activities tailored to young families. Learn more.
Mini Miners
Dec 8, 10-11am | Black Diamond Regional Preserve, Antioch
Bring your little gems out for a morning on learning, playing, and enjoying the outdoors. Each month offers themed activities for preschoolers. In December, we're learning about animal adaptations for winter. Learn more.
Sea Squirts
Dec 8, 10:30-11:45am | Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda
This monthly program offers themed activities to introduce young kids to the outdoors through songs, games, and crafts. Our theme in December is Wonderful Weather. Register here.
Rainbow Walk
Dec 19, 10:30-11:30am | Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont
Young explorers are invited to pick a random paint color sample out of a bag and search for that hue in plants, rocks, sky, water, and animals. Learn more.
Rainy Day Science
Dec 28, 11am-1pm | Big Break Regional Shoreline, Oakley
Family-friendly science projects with ages 5-12 in mind are inspired by water and winter weather. Learn more.
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Creative endeavors with an outdoorsy twist
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Fall Felt Crafts
Nov 15, 18 & Dec 27 | Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont
Learn how felt is made from sheep's wool and make a seasonal craft to take home. Learn more.
Acorn Cakes
Nov 21, 1:30-2:30pm | Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by exploring the significance of acorns to the Ohlone Peoples. Taste acorn cakes and try an Ohlone children's game. Learn more.
Holiday Nature Stamp Carving
Dec 5, 10am-12pm | Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve, Sunol
Learn techniques to make your own park-themed stamps. All supplies provided. Decorate wrapping, tissue paper, holiday cards, and gift bags to take home along with your stamps. Ages 16 and up. Register here.
Costume Clothespin Dolls
Dec 13, 11:30am-12:30pm | Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont
Create and dress up your own darling doll. We’ll make them out of clothespins just the way it was done more than 100 years ago. Learn more.
Nature Journaling Along Alameda Creek
Dec 19, 1-3:30pm | Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve, Sunol
Follow Alameda Creek on an easy walk of about 1 mile, then settle in by the water for drawing demonstrations and time to sketch, watercolor, and journal. Ages 18 and up. Register here.
Weaving Together
Dec 27, 1-2pm | Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley
Get inspired by nature as we explore patterns and colors to create unique woven pieces. We will weave small tapestries on homemade cardboard looms using hand-spun wool from the Little Farm’s very own sheep. Learn more.
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Give back to your Regional Parks
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Green Friday Volunteering
Nov 27, 9am-noon | Antioch & Fremont
Skip the Black Friday shopping crowds and spend Green Friday giving back to your Regional Parks by pitching in on planting projects. Choose from Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch or Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area in Fremont. Participation slots are limited. Register here.
Barn Owl Box Service
Nov 28 & 29, 9am-12:30pm | Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore
Help prepare barn owl boxes for next year's residents by clearing out old nest debris. Ages 10 and up. Register here.
Winter Beach Cleanup
Dec 5, 1-2:30pm | Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda
Street runoff from winter storms cause debris and trash to appear on our shorelines. Join other community members in cleaning the beach to protect wildlife. Learn more.
Sand Dune Habitat Restoration
Jan 16 & Feb 20, 1-3:30pm | Encinal Beach, Alameda
Weed warriors are needed to help clean out this habitat and re-plant native species. Ages 8 and up. Register here.
Native Plant Gardening
Feb 13, 12:30-3:30pm | Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda
Help beautify the garden at the Visitor Center at Crab Cove. We'll be weeding, pruning, and planting. Ages 8 and up. Register here.
Find more opportunities at ebparks.org/volunteer.
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