NEWS FROM EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS | | | Celebrate Earth Day in Your Regional Parks A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA LANDRETH | | Earth Day is close to the Park District's heart and mission to preserve and protect our natural resources here in the East Bay. It is both a celebration of the natural environment we enjoy in Regional Parks and a reminder of our responsibility to take care of it. Join us in celebrating Earth Day 2025 by spending time in nature: enjoy a hike or ride, plan a picnic, or volunteer at one of the Park District's Earth Day cleanup events.
Volunteers are invited to join Park District staff at our Earth Day volunteer cleanup projects and this month's Earth Day activities taking place at several locations. We'd love to see you there.
Enjoy Earth Day in your Regional Parks! | Make a Difference—Be a Park Pro | | Welcoming more people into nature is at the heart of the Park District's mission, but with increased visitation comes a extra trail traffic, potential impacts to wildlife, and occasional conflicts.
Show your love for nature by being a thoughtful and respectful visitor.
How to Be a Park Pro: Respect the environment—stay on designated trails and don't create new trails. Respect wildlife—do not touch or feed animals. Keep nature clean—pack in and pack out trash or put it into a trash can. | Cashless Kiosk Pilot Program Extended at Roberts & Quarry Lakes | The Park District has extended its cashless fee collection pilot program at Roberts Regional Recreation Area and Quarry Lakes Regional Park through Dec. 31, 2025. During this period, parking fees at these locations will only be accepted via credit card—no cash payments. The pilot project aims to reduce visitor wait times and improve operational efficiency. The extension will allow the District to assess the program during the busy summer months. More info. | | Park District Board President and Concord Mayor Walk and Talk at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park | Join Park District Board President John Mercurio and Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer on Saturday, Apr. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon on a naturalist-led tour of Thurgood Marshall Regional Park–Home of the Port Chicago 50. Learn about the future Regional Park and the important history of Port Chicago. Registration required. RSVP by Apr. 5 at govaffairs@ebparks.org. | Park District Names State Senator Tim Grayson Recipient of Radke Championing Advocacy Award | State Sen. Tim Grayson was recognized with the 2024 Radke Championing Advocacy Award at a ceremony at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50, near the site of the proposed first public access location for the park in Concord. The award honors Grayson's previous work as a member of the California State Assembly where he championed policies to minimize wildfire risk and to expand park access. More info. | Regional in Nature Activity Guide Survey | | The Park District strives to ensure that park visitors know about, and participate in, all that is happening in Regional Parks. The Regional in Nature Activity Guide aims to deliver a broad range of activities, learning opportunities, and programs—hopefully something for everyone.
The Park District seeks your feedback. Take our survey to let us know what you value most about the Regional in Nature publication. The survey should only take five minutes to complete. Thank you for taking the time to provide your input! | | Botanic Garden Spring Plant Sale | The Regional Parks Botanic Garden's Spring Plant Sale of California native perennials and subshrubs (not woody trees and shrubs) is Saturday, Apr. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early shopping starts at 9 a.m. for members of the Friends of the Botanic Garden. More info. | Iris Garden Opening at Dry Creek Pioneer | Enjoy the splendor of the Iris Garden in bloom at Dry Creek Garden. Visitors are welcome in the Iris Garden Apr. 24 through May 17, Thursday–Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The garden boasts close to 2,000 varieties of irises. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day with the flowers, the birds, and the bees! Entry is free. Park at the Dry Creek Staging Area and follow directional signage to the Iris Garden entrance. Dogs are not allowed in the garden. The main part of Dry Creek Garden is closed due to ongoing repairs. More info. | | Join us Sunday, Apr. 27, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for a City Nature Challenge Bioblitz, a friendly competition among cities to make the most observations, find the most species, and engage the most people in the world of nature. Download the iNaturalist app and meet at the Coyote Hills Visitor Center with water, sun protection, and a fully charged mobile device or camera. Help find, photograph, and identify plants and animals while on a short hike. More info. | Where to See Wildflowers in Regional Parks | In the height of wildflower season, there are beautiful displays and varieties found in almost all East Bay Regional Parks. Some parks where we see them in abundance include Briones, Del Valle, Las Trampas, Pleasanton Ridge, and Black Diamond Mines. For a full list of where to see wildflowers in the Regional Parks, visit Wildflowers in Your Parks. | | SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS & PROGRAMS – REGISTRATION NOW OPEN | | | Park'n It Day Camp is a traditional summer day camp program designed for kids ages 5–12 years old. Camp takes place Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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 will 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 Regional Parks working with other teens to help lead Park'n It Day Camps 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 17 in Fremont or May 18 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 Park District's summer swim lessons. EBRPD'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. Information and registration | | 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. | Financial Aid Camperships Available | The Regional Parks Foundation provides Camperships (financial aid) to qualifying youth for select summer programs. Families must reside in Alameda or Contra Costa counties. Complete application packets should be submitted at least 14 days prior to the start date of the program, but earlier submission is encouraged. Programs will sell out quickly and a campership does not guarantee a space. An approved Campership must be on file before registering. More info. | | Cherry Blossom Celebration at the Brazilian Room | | Celebrate the beauty of spring at a spectacular Cherry Blossom Celebration at the Brazilian Room, set against the backdrop of the stunning heritage cherry trees. Enjoy one of the most breathtaking seasons of the year during this open house event at one of the Park District's most popular reservable event venues. Explore the historic venue and meet with approved caterers and preferred vendors for snacks, music, photo opportunities, and more!
Tuesday, Apr. 15, 4–8:30 p.m. Advanced registration is appreciated but not required. More info. | Free Outdoor Movie Night at Lake Chabot | | Spend an evening outdoors with your loved ones on Saturday, Apr. 5, at Lake Chabot. Enjoy a FREE showing of the hit movie Inside Out 2 (PG). Movie begins shortly after sunset (7:50 p.m.).
Arrive early to secure a good seat on the lawn. Bring a flashlight, warm clothes, and a blanket or chairs for sitting. No pets. Rain cancels. More info. | Sheep Shearing Day at Ardenwood | Join us for Sheep Shearing Day on Saturday, Apr. 12, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. See the farm's sheep get their annual haircut, try your hand at wool carding, and make your own wooly lamb to take home. Park admission fees apply. Parking is free. More info. | | Earth Day Activities in Regional Parks | | Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, Apr. 19, at one of these fun Earth Day–themed activities.
Earth Day Habitat Restoration: Coyote Hills Visitor Center, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Earth Day Art: Coyote Hills Nectar Garden, 1–3 p.m.
Sand Dune Restoration: Big Break Regional Shoreline, 10 a.m.–noon.
Sand Dune Habitat Restoration: Bay Trail at Encinal Beach in Alameda, 1–3:30 p.m. | | Felted Wool Eggs for Spring Saturday, Apr. 5 & 19, 3–4 p.m., Tilden Nature Area.
Egg-Cellent Eggs Saturday, Apr. 12, 10–11 a.m., Coyote Hills.
Wood Duck Box Monitoring Saturday, Apr. 19, 9–11:30 a.m., Del Valle.
Easter at the Lake Sunday, Apr. 20, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Del Valle.
Earthy Eggs Sunday, Apr. 20, 1–2 p.m., Ardenwood. | | Connecting Parks to People | | | | |
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