NEWS FROM EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS | | | Explore the East Bay's Best Views A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA LANDRETH | | Each year, the East Bay Regional Park District's Trails Challenge program provides a fun and rewarding way to experience the East Bay's awe-inspiring views, landscapes, and wildlife. Highlights this year include 360-degree vistas from Tilden's Vollmer Peak, peaceful valleys on Sunol's Canyon View Trail, sweeping views from Carquinez's Overlook Loop, rolling hills on Garin's Vista Peak Loop, tranquil waters at Contra Loma's Lake View Trail, and Mount Diablo panoramas from Morgan Territory's aptly named Lost Lens Cap Overlook.
Complete just five trails or a total of 26.2 miles to earn a commemorative pin (while supplies last).
This year's Trails Challenge offers new rewards, including monthly prize drawings, age-group finisher patches, and an exclusive All-20 Club patch for those who complete all 20 trails.
So, grab a guidebook, gather friends and family, and take in the views with Trails Challenge. 2025 Trails Challenge. | | As summer heats up, so do encounters with coyotes in East Bay Regional Parks. Coyotes are native to California and are active in both wild and urban areas—especially during warmer months.
Stay safe with these Coyote Safety Tips: • Avoid hiking alone • Keep kids and pets close; dogs on leash • Stay alert when walking, jogging, or biking • Stick to designated trails • Never feed wildlife
If you encounter a coyote, stay calm and leave the area slowly—don't run. More info. | Free Fishing Days: July 5 and Aug. 30 | We're waiving fees for anglers! Saturdays, July 5 and Aug. 30 are free fishing days 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. | 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. | Park District Participates in Live Fire Training at Shadow Cliffs | | The East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department, in collaboration with the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department and Alameda County Fire, participated in live fire training burns at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton in early June.
Live fire training provides invaluable opportunities for agencies to work together, coordinating resources and expanding knowledge for safer and more effective fire-suppression operations. | | Save the Date for National Night Out: Aug. 5 | Join the Park District's Public Safety Division for a fun, FREE evening at the third annual National Night Out at Lake Chabot. Meet Park District police, fire, and lifeguard personnel and learn how each team keeps Regional Parks safe and enjoyable for all. Games, activities, snacks, and socializing—a perfect way to spend a summer evening. Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. More info. | Act Now – District Plan Survey Closes July 31! | Provide feedback to help shape future plans for East Bay Regional Parks. Take the District Plan survey and help plan the future of our parks, together. The survey closes on July 31. More info. | Park District Accepting Photo Submissions for 2026 East Bay Regional Parks Wall Calendar | | Submit breathtaking, high-quality photos* capturing the best park views, landscapes, wildlife, plants, and people enjoying nature in the Regional Parks. Selected photos (and photographer) will be featured and shared with thousands across the region!
Photographers with selected photos receive a $100 honorarium, photo credit, and complimentary copies of the calendar.
*Required resolution and size is 300 ppi (600 preferred) and 11" wide x 8.5" high. The deadline to submit is July 15, 2025. Submit a Photo/Guidelines. | Trail Network Expansion at Sycamore Valley Open Space Regional Preserve | | On June 23, the Park District celebrated the expansion of the trail network at Sycamore Valley Open Space Regional Preserve in Danville, including 3.5 miles of new trails. The trails are part of the 381-acre Magee Preserve property, which was protected permanently by Danville voters in March 2020 through the passage of Measure Y. Save Mount Diablo was a long-time advocate for preserving the land and a major proponent of the ballot measure.
There will be a larger community celebration and hike on the property in the fall of 2025 following completion of additional features within the Magee Preserve development, including 2 miles of new trails. | | Ardenwood Historic Wheat Harvest Days: July 13, 20 and 27 | Discover the wonders of wheat! Explore the history of harvesting and processing wheat, 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. Sundays July 13, 20, and 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ardenwood admission fee applies. More info. | Family Fun Days at Tilden's Merry-Go-Round | | Looking for an unforgettable weekday adventure? Every Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of summer, head to Tilden Regional Park for Family Fun Days at the historic Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round!
Features at Family Fun Days include: • Parents/chaperones ride FREE with the purchase of a child's ticket • $2 hot dogs and lemonade – The perfect treat for a day at the park! • Creative art activities – Let little ones explore their imagination! • Classic lawn games – Enjoy cornhole, ring toss, and more! • Fun photo cut-outs – Capture the memories with themed backdrops!
Make it a picnic day, relax under the trees, and let the kids experience the magic of the carousel. More info. | | Celebrate Ardenwood Historic Farm's 40th Anniversary: July 27 | Join the Park District at Ardenwood Historic Farm on Sunday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in commemorating four decades of preserving history and bringing the past to life. Celebrate the farm's history and the partnerships that keep it thriving. The highlight of the day will be the historic wheat harvest, alongside booths and exhibits from the Archives Department, the city of Fremont, and the Society for the Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources (SPCRR) which runs the farm's iconic train. Don't miss out on this special milestone celebration! Ardenwood admission fee applies. More info. | 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. Of course, no campfire is complete without a sweet treat! Attendees also roast marshmallows and enjoy delicious s'mores. Bring a blanket, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.
Enjoy unforgettable experiences under the stars in multiple locations: Big Break Regional Shoreline, Dumbarton Quarry Campground, Del Valle Campground, and Anthony Chabot Family Campground. Each campfire program has a unique theme. More info. | | Walk and Talk Event with Supervisor Márquez at Coyote Hills: July 12 | Join Alameda County District 2 Supervisor Elisa Márquez on Saturday, July 12, from 9 to 11 a.m. for a naturalist-led walk at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. Enjoy a scenic stroll while discussing community issues. No registration required; free parking for attendees. More info. | Port Chicago Weekend: July 17-20 | Music, art, food, and educational activities commemorate Port Chicago Remembrance Day and honor the Port Chicago Sailors' World War II service and lasting impact on the civil rights movement. This series of events organized by the Port Chicago Alliance is held at locations across the Bay Area Thursday, July 17, through Sunday, July 20. Activities include Friday's guided walk at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50. Registration required; admission is limited. More info. | | 40th Anniversary of Park and Recreation Month Build Together, Play Together | | This month marks the 40th anniversary of National Recreation and Park Association's Park and Recreation Month. Park and recreation programs are essential to community health and well-being and help cultivate lifelong friendships, memories and family bonds that people hold dear decades later.
Each July, the Park District celebrates park and recreation professionals and how they improve the lives of tens of millions of people, making a lasting impact in communities across the country. This year's theme, "Build Together, Play Together," reminds us of the contributions of more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals— along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers —who maintain our country's parks. Much appreciation to the more than 1,200 East Bay Regional Park District staff members and the thousands of volunteers who help make the Regional Parks an East Bay treasure! | | Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Park District | | Del Valle Discovery Club - Independence Week Friday, July 4, from 9 to 11 a.m. Del Valle Regional Park, Campground Amphitheater, Livermore Discover the wild wonders of the park through hands-on family friendly activities. Park entry fees apply.
Ardenwood Independence Day Celebration Friday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont Join us for a fun-filled community festival, 1900-style! Ardenwood admission fees apply.
Alameda 4th of July Parade Friday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy Alameda's hometown parade, which is one of the longest in the nation! Watch for Mobile Visitor Center and Crab Cove staff dressed up as Bay Area animals. Free admission. Parade route.
July 4th Open House Friday, July 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove, Alameda Celebrate the beauty and diversity of the bay with family friendly activities and crafts. Free admission. | | Discover the world of nocturnal winged mammals that call East Bay Regional Parks home. Learn more about this important species in summer evening programs in locations across the Park District.
Dumbarton Quarry Campfire: Animal Superpowers, Dumbarton Quarry Campground, Fremont Saturday, July 5, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Bat Watch Wednesday! Sunol Visitor Center, Sunol Wednesdays, July 9 & 23, from 7:45 to 9:15 p.m.
Anthony Chabot Campfire: Bats of the Night, Anthony Chabot Campground, Castro Valley Saturday, July 12, from 8 to 9 p.m.
A Night with Bats, Sunol Visitor Center, Sunol Saturdays, July 13 & 27, from 7:45 to 9 p.m.
Night of the Bats, Del Valle East Swim Beach, Livermore Wednesday, July 16 and Thursdays, July 24 & 31, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Bats in the Evening, Reinhardt Redwood Piedmont Stables Staging Area, Oakland Thursday, July 17, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | | Common flower moth (Schinia pulchripennis), photo by Jerry Ting | July 19-27 is National Moth Week | | National Moth Week is a worldwide community science project that shines a spotlight on moths and biodiversity. Whether you're a seasoned lepidopterist or just curious about nighttime nature, Park District moth programs offer a unique opportunity to learn about moths in their local environments.
Moths at Night - Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley Saturday, July 19, from 8:30 to 10 p.m.
Lights, Moths, Action! - Garin, Hayward Sunday, July 20, from 8:30 to 10 p.m.
Lights, Moths, Action! - Radke Martinez Friday, July 25, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. | Anise swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon), photo by Lee Greengrass | July Butterfly Walks at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden: July 20 and 23 | Head to Tilden's Regional Parks Botanic Garden for July Butterfly Walks. Enjoy free guided walks around the Botanic Garden during peak butterfly spotting season. Sunday, July 20 and Wednesday, July 23, from 1 to 2 p.m. and 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Registration begins July 1. More info. | Hiking Poles: Skills and Techniques, Plus a Practice Hike: July 26 | | In this skill-developing program, hikers learn strategies for enhancing performance and confidence on the trail.
Uphill: Improve power, endurance, posture, upper body strength and spine function.
Downhill: Develop skills for feeling safer and preserving joints.
Practice Hike: Follow up the instructional session with expert training on a hike in Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Registration required. More info. | | Connecting Parks to People | | | | |
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