May is National Wildfire Awareness Month |
The month of May is National Wildfire Awareness Month, a time when the East Bay Regional Park District and other agencies come together to highlight the importance of preparing for the upcoming wildfire season. While the Park District works year-round to reduce wildfire risks, it’s everyone’s collective efforts and vigilance that can make the difference. Make sure to follow all safety rules in parks and maintain defensible space around your home. Wildfire Safety Tips. |
The Park District’s New Capital Improvement Project Dashboard is Now Live |
The Park District’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a plan for building new facilities and fixing, replacing, or upgrading existing parks and infrastructure.
It also includes early steps that help make these projects happen, like studies, long-term planning, and buying land.
Each year, the Park District’s Board of Directors reviews and approves this plan as part of the annual budget. Projects are selected for funding during that process and are planned out over the next five years.
Check the status of current projects on the CIP Project Dashboard, which is updated every few months. |
Intermittent Road and Trail Closures at Tilden Park |
The East Bay Regional Park District will be implementing several large fuels reduction projects in Tilden Regional Park between May and December 2026, which will impact roads and trails. These projects will reduce wildfire hazards by removing eucalyptus trees, heavy brush, and woody debris. Learn more. |
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Five More Regional Parks Have Transitioned to Cashless Fee Collection |
Just in time for the busy summer season, cashless fee collection has expanded to five additional parks. Visitors are encouraged to come prepared for cashless entry at Ardenwood, Cull Canyon, Don Castro, Castlerock Pool Complex, and Temescal, which will now feature credit card and tap-to-pay methods for a range of park user fees. Under the cashless model, all major credit cards and tap-to-pay (phone) methods will be accepted at kiosks for fees including parking, boating, swim entry, and daily fishing permits, where applicable. More info. |
Join Us for the First Parks & Community Resource Fair of the Summer |
The East Bay Regional Park District is kicking off a series of events designed to connect community members with park programs, services, and local organizations. Our first Parks & Community Resource Fair will be co-hosted by Civicorps in Oakland.
Learn about current Park District initiatives and projects, then explore a resource fair and networking mixer with parks staff and community partners. Enjoy food, music, and activities for all ages.
Parks & Community Resource Fair Saturday, May 9 1–3 PM Civicorps Headquarters, 101 Myrtle St, Oakland |
Dive into the 2026 Swim Season |
Summer fun is around the corner – the 2026 swim season is here! Park District swim facilities will operate on a standardized season this year, May 16–Sept. 27, with all locations aligned to the same overall timeframe. Visit the swimming webpage for links to each facility’s page with specific hours and days of operation.
There are two exceptions:
- Roberts Pool opening is delayed pending restroom repairs, now expected mid- to late June.
- Don Castro Swim Lagoon opening is delayed due to a killdeer nest discovered on-site. Killdeer are ground-nesting birds protected by state and federal law, and their nests cannot be moved or disturbed. Staff are actively monitoring the killdeer nest. A tentative opening is scheduled for June 6, but this will depend on the status of the nest. We’ll share updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience as we balance public access with wildlife protection.
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AANHPI Heritage Month Programs |
Celebrate traditions and learn new crafts during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Park District. Enjoy these special programs this month.
Egg-cellent Tea Eggs Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont Sunday, May 3, 11:30am-12:30pm
Gyotaku Fish Prints Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore Saturday, May 9 & 16, and Sunday, May 3 & 17, 1:30-3pm |
Day by the Water at Del Valle: May 2 |
Head to Del Valle Regional Park for a Day by the Water on Saturday, May 2, from 10am to 3pm. Enjoy activities and games, take a naturalist-led scenic lake tour, explore the Mobile Fish Exhibit, and practice your casting skills. Along the way, discover how water supports people and wildlife, and why taking care of it matters now and for the future. More info.
Day by the Water schedule:
- 11am - Sing-Along
- 11:30am - Fish Talk
- 12:30pm - Story Time
- 1:30pm - Fish Talk
- 2pm - Sing Along
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All Abilities Day at Ardenwood: May 13 |
Drop by and explore the farm at your own pace and in your own way on Wednesday, May 13, from 10am to 2pm. This inclusive program caters to all abilities, offering something for everyone. Stroll along paved trails to visit farm animals, learn about crops, do crafts, tour the Patterson House, or enjoy a scenic train ride. Hands-on experiences and American Sign Language interpreters will be on site. This event is free to the public. More info. |
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Enjoy Three Guided Trails Challenge Hikes in May |
Join Park District naturalists for guided 2026 Trails Challenge hikes and explore the history, plants, and wildlife of the unique parks and landscapes. Complete five of the 20 curated hikes to earn a 2026 Trails Challenge pin. Trails Challenge hikes vary from easy to challenging, ensuring there's a level for all trail users to enjoy.
Challenging Hike at Brushy Peak: Sunday, May 3, 9am-1:30pm (registration required)
Easy Hike at Ardenwood Historic Farm: Saturday, May 9, 1:30-2:30pm
Easy Hike at Don Castro: Sunday, May 24, 10-11am |
Ardenwood Rail Fair: Memorial Day Weekend |
Head to Ardenwood Historic Farm’s annual Rail Fair on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 23, to Monday, May 25, where train enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy train rides, model and live steam trains, historic railroad equipment on display, and live music. There will even be a full-size locomotive. The event runs daily from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are available for advance purchase (recommended). More info. |
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Thank You for a Successful Earth Day |
On April 25, more than 500 community members pitched in on Earth Day cleanup projects at various sites across the Park District. Individuals of all ages volunteered their time to help with invasive plant removal, trash removal, and park beautification projects to make East Bay Regional Parks more welcoming for all. Thanks to the hard work of the community and Park District staff, every project was a success! |
Sand Dune Habitat Restoration at Encinal Beach: May 23 |
Encinal Beach in Alameda has a beautiful sand dune habitat created with unique California native plants. On Saturday, May 23, from 1 to 3:30pm, volunteers are needed to pull invasive weeds to prevent them from taking over the dunes and to help pick up trash washed onto the beach. Tools will be provided. Students can earn community service hours. More info. |
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Celebrating Black Birders Week: May 24-30 |
Join the Park District in recognizing Black Birders Week, a weeklong program series that creates safe spaces for all visitors to enjoy Regional Parks. From Sunday, May 24 to Saturday, May 30, spend time with community and learn about the birds of the East Bay. All programs are free and coffee, snacks, binoculars, and birding books are provided. All are welcome. More info. |
Get Kids into Regional Parks |
The Regional Parks Foundation supports Park District programs that provide East Bay youth with opportunities to explore their parks, discover their strengths, and connect with each other and their communities. Every donation helps to ensure more young people—regardless of income or background—can experience all that Regional Parks have to offer. |
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Gather ’Round – Campfire Season is Here |
Starting in May, campfires crackle and gooey s'mores bring smiles to happy faces while evening stories and activities take place in campgrounds across the Park District. The free campfire programs continue all summer long, and you don't need to have an overnight camping reservation to attend.
Pastimes of the Past at Del Valle: Friday, May 22 & 29, 7-8:30pm
Anthony Chabot Campfire: Saturday, May 23 & 30, 8-9pm
Dumbarton Quarry Campfire: Saturday, May 23 & 30, 8-9pm
Night with a Naturalist at Del Valle: Saturday, May 23 & 30, 8-9pm |
Spend Mother's Day in Mother Nature: May 10 |
Treat mom to an outdoor excursion in the Regional Parks this warm and wonderful season. Take a stroll, have a picnic, or join one of the special Mother's Day programs below.
Mother's Day Birding at Tilden Nature Area, 9-10:30am
Mother's Day on the Farm at Ardenwood, 10am-3pm
Mother's Day Pine Nut Jewelry at Coyote Hills, 1-2pm
Mother's Day Family Hike at Del Valle, 1:30-3pm |
Turtle Trek at Sunol: May 10 |
Celebrate World Turtle Day (a little early) on May 10, from 9:30am to 1pm, on a scenic hike to Sunol's High Valley Pond. Once there, lucky hikers may catch sight of the western pond turtle, California's only native freshwater turtle. More info. |
G.O.A.T. at Tilden Nature Area: May 10 |
Are goats the greatest farm animals of all time? Meet at the Tilden Little Farm goat pen on Sunday, May 10, from 1 to 2pm, to meet the farm's charming goats and find out. Learn what makes them special and take them on a goat walk. |
California Bees at Coyote Hills: May 16 |
California is home to about 1,600 native bee species. Head to the Coyote Hills Visitor Center on Saturday, May 16, from 11am to noon, to find out how native bees play a vital role in our ecosystem and learn ways you can "bee" a hero and help pollinators. Play games to sharpen your insect identification skills and win a prize. More info. |
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Fish on the Beach - Grunion at Crab Cove: May 16 & 31 |
A silver fish dancing on the sand in the middle of the night? Yes, grunion have been seen on Crown Beach! Join one of the grunion programs this month to see if they show up this year.
Fish on the Beach - Grunion: Saturday, May 16, 6:30-8pm Join special guest Karen Martin from Pepperdine University and Crab Cove Naturalist Susan Ramos at the Visitor Center for an informative evening talk to find out more. Optional midnight walk along the beach to see if they have begun spawning this season.
Full Moon Grunion Search: Sunday, May 31, 11:45pm-1:45am (early the next day) Stay up late for an unforgettable experience! Don't miss the opportunity to witness this rare spawning sight. Registration required. |
Take a Break at the Lake – Blooms & Babies at Del Valle: May 22-25 |
Kick off the summer and enjoy the last signs of spring at the lake. Visit the Del Valle Visitor Center patio to do crafts and learn about blooms and babies. Find out what flowers are still blooming this time of year and what animal babies are making their way into the summer season.
Take a Break at the Lake - Blooms & Babies: Friday, May 22, 2-4pm Saturday, May 23, 10am-4pm Sunday, May 24, 10am-4pm Monday, May 25, 10am-4pm |
Nature Photography Walk at Big Break: May 24 |
Stroll through Big Break Regional Shoreline on Sunday, May 24, from 10 to 11am and document the joy of nature all around. Photos from this program can be submitted to the annual photography exhibit hosted by Big Break Visitor Center Oct. 30 through Nov. 8. More info. |
Black Diamond Mines Greathouse Visitor Center Open for Memorial Day: May 25 |
Visit Black Diamond Mines’ underground Greathouse Visitor Center on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, from 10am to 2pm, and participate in a family-friendly craft, learn about mining history, and learn about the park.More info. |
Cattle Corner at Ardenwood: May 31 |
Curious about cows? Head to Ardenwood Historic Farm on Sunday, May 31, from 1:30-2:30pm, and learn about the farm's bovine beauties, play games, and find out from the farmer why cows are such important animals to have on the farm. More info. |
Botanic Garden to be Featured in East Bay Public Gardens Free Open House: June 6 |
Discover the beauty and benefits of water‑wise gardening at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, one of the gardens featured Saturday, June 6, from 10am to 1pm, on the East Bay Public Gardens Open House. |
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Connecting Parks to People |
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