- Wildlife Volunteers Mission Statement
- Volunteer Activities
- Publications & Reports
- Conference Posters
- Restoration, Monitoring and Research Projects
- Special Projects
- How to Volunteer
- Make a Tax-Deductible Donation
Wildlife Volunteers Mission Statement
The Wildlife Volunteers are an “elite” group of caring people of all ages striving to improve the quality of life for birds and wildlife in the East Bay Regional Park District. We are dedicated to assisting the East Bay Regional Park District’s Stewardship staff with protecting, managing, conserving and enhancing the region’s important scenic and natural resources. Wildlife Volunteers renew their connections to the land through sciences-based, hands-on conservation and resource management activities.
Please give some careful thought to the schedule of “Group Activities” you would most like to help with, and then call the District’s Reservation Department at (888) 327-2757, option 2, to sign-up. Also, please give us at least two weeks' notice and a phone number where we can leave you a voice-mail message. Based on weather conditions, or other unseen circumstance, projects can be cancelled.
Dave "Doc Quack" Riensche
Wildlife Biologist, Certified Wildlife Biologist ®
docquack@ebparks.org
Volunteer Activities
Schedule of Group Activities: Tentative and Subject to change please call two weeks in advance.
Riparian Re-Leaf | Shorebird Sanctuary | Quail Rangers | Colony Caretakers | Rail Rescue Rangers | California Black Rail Habitat Helpers | Bird-A-Thon | Least Tern Colony Monitors | Habitat Helpers | Wildlife Volunteers
Rail Rescue Rangers - #47069
During this hands-on adventure you’ll help create habitat for the federally and state endangered Ridgway’s Rail. We will remove non-native plants, pick-up trash, and plant wildlife friendly vegetation which will restore the upland areas of the Roemer Bird Sanctuary for rails. Physical labor is involved with this project. By participating, you’ll earn your “Rail Rescue Ranger” patch. Parent participation is required.
Instructor: "Doc Quack", Certified Wildlife Biologist and Friends
| Class | Date and Time | Sign-Up Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Rail Rescue Ranger (#47069) | Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 9:30am to 11:30am | 4/14/2023 |
Registration Phone / Online
- 1-(888)-327-2757, option 2, to sign-up
Location
Crown Memorial State Beach - Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary
Directions
- Exit 880 on 23rd Ave, head west over the Park St. Bridge into Alameda.
- Follow Park St. West across the island which dead ends at Shoreline Drive; turn left for the bird sanctuary (on the Bay between Park St. and Broadway).
- Meet at the Marsh Overlook.
What to Bring
We recommend the following personal protective items: Outdoor clothing (long pants), hiking boots (close-toed footwear), gloves, hats, water, and sunscreen.
Wildlife Volunteers - #TBA
| Class | Location | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
Shorebird Sanctuary - #47025
An exciting adventure over land and water to create nesting habitat for the threatened Western Snowy Plover awaits you. You will help move bulk sand and shells, pull weeds, thereby crafting ideal/idyllic courtship conditions for breeding plovers, avocets and stilts. By participating, you’ll earn your “Shorebird Sanctuary” patch. Physical labor is involved with this project. Parent participation required.
Instructor: Dave “Doc Quack” Riensche, Wildlife Biologist
Date/Time:
The Saturday, February 4, 2023, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Shorebird Sanctuary Volunteer Event
has been canceled due to storm-related damage.
Registration by Phone/Online
Activity number is 47025
1-(888)-327-2757, option 2, to sign-up
Deadline to sign-up is 1/27/2023.
Location & Directions
Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland
Directions: In Oakland, take Hwy 880 north or south to Hegenberger Road in Oakland. West on Hegenberger Road to Pardee Drive. Right on Pardee Drive to Swan Way. Left on Swan Way to park entrance. Meet at the King Fisher Picnic Area parking lot.
What to Bring
We recommend the following personal protective items:
Outdoor clothing (long pants), hiking boots (close-toed, waterproof footwear), gloves, hats, water, and sunscreen.
How you can make a tax-deductible donation to support the program
Please make check payable to the Regional Parks Foundation Account # 4190.4
California Black Rail Habitat Helpers - #47026, #47936
| Class | Location | Date and Time | Sign-Up Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Black Rail Habitat Helpers (#47026) | Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Richmond | Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to Noon. Canceled due to storm-related damage. | |
| California Black Rail Habitat Helpers (#47936) | Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Richmond | Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to Noon. | 5/12/2023 |
During this hands-on activity, you’ll create habitat for the State threatened California black rail. We will remove non-native plants, pick-up trash, clear debris from clogged channels to improve tidal water cycling, and plant wildlife friendly vegetation which restores nesting habitat for the California black rail. By participating, you’ll earn your “Black Rail Habitat Helper” patch. Physical labor is involved with this project. Parent participation is required.
Instructor: Dave “Doc Quack” Riensche, Wildlife Biologist
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2023 - Canceled due to storm-related damage
Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Time: 9:30 a.m. to Noon.
Registration Phone / Online
1-(888)-327-2757, option 2. Class #47936 District on-line or Reservations. All ages are welcome and parent participation is required.
Location & Directions
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Richmond
Directions to Point Pinole in Richmond: Driving from I-80, take the Richmond Parkway exit and go west towards the Bay. Cross San Pablo Avenue and watch for the Point Pinole/ Giant Highway exit. Turn right (north) at Giant Highway. The park entrance will be ahead on the right, past the railroad tracks (5551 Giant Highway).
What to Bring
We recommend the following personal protective items:
Outdoor clothing (long pants), hiking boots or waterproof boots-knee high (close-toed, waterproof footwear), gloves, hats, water, and sunscreen.
Colony Caretakers – #TBD
An exciting adventure over land and water to help create nesting habitat for the endangered California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover awaits you. We will pull weeds, place nesting materials, install tern decoys, build a chick fence, and set-up the sound system in anticipation of another exciting tern and plover breeding season. Physical labor is involved with this project. By participating, you’ll earn your “Colony Caretakers” patch. Parent participation required. Space is limited. Register by contacting Doc Quack at docquack@ebparks.org .
Instructor:
Dave “Doc Quack” Riensche, Wildlife Biologist
Date: TBD
Time: 1:30pm to 4pm
Registration Phone / Online
1-(888)-327-2757, option 2, to sign-up
• District on-line Reservations. (#TBD)
Location & Directions
Hayward Regional Shoreline, Hayward
Directions: In Hayward, from Hwy 880 take West Winton Ave exit. Follow West Winton towards the Bay (traveling west) and park in the Hayward Shoreline service yard (3050 West Winton Ave.).
What to Bring:
We recommend the following personal protective items:
Outdoor clothing (long pants), hiking boots (close-toed footwear), gloves, hats, water, and sunscreen.
Colony Caretakers
Riparian Re-Leaf - #TBD
Here is your opportunity to help the park’s wildlife by tending recently planted willow, cottonwood and sycamore trees. Physical labor is involved with this project. By participating, you’ll earn your “Wetland Partners” patch. Meet in the overflow parking lot adjacent to the entrance gate kiosk. Parent participation required – call or email if interested.
Instructor: "Doc Quack", Certified Wildlife Biologist and Friends
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Registration Phone / Online
1-(888)-327-2757, option 2, to sign-up
• District on-line Reservations. (#TBD)
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont
Directions: In Fremont, take Hwy 880 to 84 – Decoto Road exit. Drive west on 84 and turn right to Paseo Padre Parkway.
Drive approximately a mile, then left on Patterson Ranch Road to the park entrance.
What to Bring: We recommend the following personal protective items:
Outdoors clothing (long pants), water replant boots or hiking boots (close-toed footwear), gloves, hats and gloves, water, and sunscreen.
Habitat Helpers - #TBD
During this fun-filled opportunity you’ll discover the “nutty wildlife truths” about oak trees, and help make the world a better place on tree at a time. For your kind act toward nature, you will receive a “Habitat Helpers” patch. Physical labor is involved with this project. Parent participation required.
Instructor: “Doc Quack”, Certified Wildlife Biologist
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Registration Phone 510-544-2319 or email docquack@ebparks.org
All ages are welcome and parent participation is required.
Location: Lake Chabot Regional Park, Castro Valley
Directions: In Castro Valley on I-580 westbound, take the Strobridge Avenue exit. Turn right on Strobridge, right on Castro Valley Boulevard, and left on Lake Chabot Road. The Lake Chabot Marina is about two miles ahead on the right. In Castro Valley on I-580 eastbound, exit at Redwood Road and go left, go left at Castro Valley Boulevard, right at Lake Chabot Road, and follow the directions above. Meet in the overflow parking lot south east of the kiosk.
What to Bring: We recommend the following personal protective items:
Outdoor clothing (long pants), hiking boots (close-toed footwear), gloves, hats, water, and sunscreen.
Quail Rangers - #TBD
Description: Quail Rangers – Join in some family fun as we improve the Park’s habitat for the State bird. Physical labor is involved with this project. Each participant will receive a Covey Conservation” patch for planting and creating a safe place for quail to eat, rest and nest. Physical labor is involved with this projects and Parent participation is required.
Instructor: Dave “Doc Quack” Riensche, Wildlife Biologist
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
• District on-line Reservations. (#TBD)
Registration by phone 1-(888)-327-2757, option 2, to sign-up. District on-line or Reservations.
All ages are welcome and parent participation is required.
Location & Directions
Contra Loma Regional Park, Antioch
Directions: From Oakland, north on Hwy 24 or 680 to Hwy 4. East on Hwy 4 to Lone Tree Way exit. South on Lone Tree Way to Golf Course Road. Right on Golf Course Road to Frederickson Lane. Right on Frederickson Lane to park entrance.
What to Bring
We recommend the following personal protective items:
Outdoor clothing (long pants), hiking boots (close-toed footwear), gloves, hats, water, and sunscreen.
“Bird-A-Thon” – Fund Raising Event - #TBD
Are you interested in participating in an exciting, renewing and rewarding birding adventure while helping to generate funds to support the Wildlife Volunteer Program? During this “Quest for 101 Birds in a Day” event, you will get “nose to beak” with birds, while visiting several active bird research and restorations sites. Our dawn to dusk adventure will take us through numerous locations recording the “Feathered Jewels” they contain, while generating tax-deductible donations to meet the mission of protecting and enhancing California least tern and western snowy plover nesting habitat in the District . Space is limited. Register by contacting Doc Quack at docquack@ebparks.org
Instructor: "Doc Quack", Certified Wildlife Biologist and Friends
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Registration Email: docquack@ebparks.org
Locations: TBD
From a special interior Regional Park location downstream to the Bay.
What to Bring
We recommend the following personal protective items for watching breeding and migratory bird activity in a variety of landscape types:
Binoculars, water, lunch and trail snacks, outdoors clothing (long pants), hiking shoes/boots (Waterproof footwear), gloves, hat, windbreaker, sweater, jacket, sunglasses, insect repellant, and sunscreen.
Publications & Reports
Volunteers’ efforts have contributed to these documents listed below.
Riensche, D. L. 2021. Factors influencing the abundance of wintering Western Snowy Plovers at a Public Beach in California. California Fish and Wildlife Journal, Special Human-Wildlife Interactions Issue: 119 – 129.
Riensche, D.L. 2021. California Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus) Response to Marsh Enhancement at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, California. International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 6(3): 143-146.
Riensche, D.L., S.K. Riensche and R.E. Riensche. 2019. Habitat Use, Movement Patterns and Nest Site Selection by Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys Marmorata). Northwestern Naturalist 100:90-101.
Riensche, D.L., C.D. Tutino and L. Koenig. 2019. California Red-Legged Frog Response to Pond Restoration. Western Wildlife 6:45-49.
Riensche, D.L., M. L. Elliott, S.K. Riensche and R.E. Riensche. 2018. Diet Trends of Two Sympatric Terns Breeding in the San Francisco Bay. Western Wildlife 5:53-56.
Riensche, D.L., S.C. Gidre, N. A. Beadle and S.K. Riensche. 2015. Western Snowy Plover Nest Site Selection and Oyster Shell Enhancement. Western Wildlife 2:38-43.
Riensche, D.L., D. A. Bell, L. J. Roberts and J.K. Wood. 2014. Alameda Creek Riparian Bird Community Occupancy Analyses. Proceedings 13th IWA Specialist Conference: Watershed and River Basin Management, San Francisco, USA. pages 1-10.
Riensche, D.L., D. A. Bell, C. Rocha, S. A. Lockett, C. A. Newell, R. Miller and B. Nantt. 2013. Controlling mayweed chamomile to help endangered terns. California Invasive Plant Council 21 (3): 4-5
Riensche, D.L., M. L. Elliott and S. H. Euing. 2013. Breeding status, nesting densities & diet trends of two endangered California Least Tern colonies. Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering. 2012: 1135-1145
Riensche, D.L., S. DuLava, E. Brownlee, D. A. Bell, S. High, M. Schynert, D. Wiley, S. Wiley and L. Vallee. 2012. Kleptoparasitism by Forster’s Tern on California Least Tern. Pacific Seabirds 39 (2): 55-56
Riensche, D.L., C. L. Kitting, T. C. Groff, S. Dulava and D. A. Bell. 2012. California Gull Predator Management and Reproductive Success of Endangered California Least Terns in the San Francisco Bay, California. Proceedings Vertebrate Pest Conference 25: 240-245
Riensche, D., M. Morrow, M. Clark and C. Kitting. 2010. Monitoring trends in a breeding bird assemblage with implications for riparian conservation. Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society 46: 7-20
Riensche, D., C. Robinson-Nilsen and C. High. 2010. Killdeer observed depredating a Western snowy plover nest. Western Birds 41:184-185.
Riensche, D., J. Mena and A. Shawen. 2009. Western and Clark’s grebe nest platforms designed for fluctuating water levels. Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society 45: 7 -16
Riensche, D. 2008. Effects of Cattle Grazing on Lizard Diversity in Managed Central California Grasslands. Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society 44: 4 -10
Riensche, D. 2008. Sweat Equity at East Bay – How volunteers advance the cause of conservation. The Wildlife Professional, Vol. 2, # 4: 53-55.
Riensche, D. 2007. California Least Tern Habitat Enhancement and Nesting in the East Bay Regional Park District, California. Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society 43: 62-71
Bell, D. A. and D. L. Riensche. 2006. Lizard Abundance in Managed Central California Grasslands. Pages 1-2 in CAL-PAC Society for Range Management Symposium Grazing for Biological Conservation – June 23, 2006
Riensche, D. July-August 2003. Born to be Wild: California Quail Reintroduction, the Coyote Hills Experience. Quail Unlimited, pp.16 -18.
Conference Posters
- California Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus) Response to Marsh Restoration. [2021] (1.pg.)
- Salt Marsh Harvest Mice (Reithrodontomys raviventris) Distribution & Population Trends along Eastern Shore of San Francisco Bay. [2021] (1.pg.)
- Decades of Monitoring Trends in a Protected Breeding Bird Assemblage to Improve Riparian Conservation [2020] (1.pg.)
- California Red-legged Frog Response to Pond Restoration [2019-2020] (1 pg.)
- Bald Eagle Nesting Trends & Disturbance Sources in the EBRPD [2019] ( 1 pg.)
- Bat Distribution and Abundance in the East Bay Regional Park District [2018] (1 pg)
- Western Snowy Plover Macro-Invertebrate Prey Availability at Robert Crown Memorial State Beach [2018] (1 pg)
- Diet Trends and Nesting Success of Two Sympatric Terns Breeding in the San Francisco Bay [2018] (1 pg)
- Salt Marsh Harvest Mice (Reithrodontomys raviventris) Distribution, Abundance, and Population Trends in the East Bay Regional Park District [2017] (1pg)
- Factors Influencing The Abundance of Wintering Western Snowy Plovers at Crown Beach State Memorial Park [2016] (1pg)
- Western Snowy Plover Nest Site Selection & Oyster Shell Enhancement -TWS Conference [2015] (1pg)
- Alameda Creek Riparian Bird Community Occupancy Analyses [2013] (1 pg)
- Bald Eagle Management in Urban Wildfire Hazard Reduction Wildlife Society Eagle [2013] (1 pg)
- Control of Invasive Exotic Chamomile and Its Effects on Nesting California Least Terns [2013] (1pg)
- California Gull Predator Management and Reproductive Success of Endangered California Least Terns in the San Francisco Bay, CA [2012] (1pg)
- Movement Patterns and Habitat Use by the Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) in the East Bay Regional Park District [2012] (1pg)
- Breeding Status and Diet Trends of Two California Least Tern Colonies in The San Francisco Bay [2011] (1pg)
- Monitoring Trends in a Breeding Bird Assemblage Implications for Riparian Conservation [2010] (1 pg)
- Western and Clarks Grebe Nest Platforms Designed for Fluctuating Water Levels [2009] (1pg)
Restoration, Monitoring and Research Projects
- Amphibian Ambassadors
- Black Rail Habitat Enhancement
- Breeding Bird Biologist
- Colony Caretakers
- Covey Conservationist
- Grassland Study - Lizards
- Keeping Nature A-Float
- Least Tern Helpers
- Lizard Legionnaire
- Mouseketers
- Nature Preservation Partnership Poster
- Rail Rescue Rangers
- Shorebird Sanctuary Volunteers
- Turtle Tracking Team
- Volunteers Answer Call of the Wild
- Wildlife Volunteer Poster
Special Projects
If you are available on weekends or weekdays, are active participants in our group projects, and/or annually accumulate more than 25 hours of exemplary volunteer service, then please give me a call at (510) 544-2319, or e-mail me at docquack@ebparks.org. Because of the nature of the work and the sensitive species involved, “Doc Quack” makes the final determination on the staffing of these projects. If interested, please give me at least two weeks notice and a phone number (cell phone preferred) where I can leave you a voicemail message. Based on weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstance, projects can be cancelled.
Least Tern Colony Monitors - #TBD
Here is your opportunity to become a “Birding-Peeping-Tom” by peering into the family life of terns. You will be helping to record data about their nest distribution, chronology and reproductive success using the Type 2 monitoring method. In this method, surveys are conducted from a vehicle approximately 25m (75ft.) from the island at various times of day, with the majority of the surveys conducted from 0700 to 1700 hours, seven days a week. A Cabela’s professional 60mm (2.4 in) spotting scope on a car window mount will be available. By participating, you’ll earn your “Colony Caretakers” patch. Physical labor is involved with this project. Parent participation required.
Instructor: “Doc Quack”, Certified Wildlife Biologist
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Registration Phone Number
1-(888)-327-2757, option 2, to sign-up
• District on-line Reservations.
Location
Hayward Regional Shoreline, Hayward
Directions
In Hayward, from Hwy 880 take West Winton Ave exit. Follow West Winton towards the Bay (traveling west) and park in the Hayward Shoreline service yard (3050 West Winton Ave.).
What to Bring
We recommend the following personal protective items: Outdoor clothing (long pants), hiking boots (close-toed footwear), gloves, hats, water, sunscreen and binoculars.
Lizard Legionnaire
Discover the beauty, mystery, and magic of the region’s reptiles while participating in field research to conserve and manage grassland wildlife. These are on-going dates that include setting our research plots, trapping, monitoring, vegetation transects and hands-on data entry. Physical labor is involved with this project By participating, you’ll earn your “Managed Grasslands Research” patch. Space is limited to current Wildlife Volunteers. Parent participation required. These are remote and rugged areas that require all participants to be “self-contained resources,” and in most cases vehicle access is by four-wheel drive.
Date(s) & Location: TBA – call or email if interested.
Protection Patrol
You will enjoy the beach and bay setting while monitoring overwintering western snowy plovers. These federally threatened species are protected by law from any harm or harassment. You will be helping to record data about their behavior, distribution, chronology and potential disturbance factors. Physical labor is involved with this project. By participating, you’ll earn your “Plover Protection Patrol” patch. Space is limited to current active Wildlife Volunteers. Parent participation required.
Location: Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda
Directions: In Alameda along Shoreline Drive.
Salt Marsh Harvest Mouseketers
We need help with an effort to document the continued presence of the Salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris) within the properties operated by the District along its 40 plus miles San Francisco Bay Shoreline. These are on-going dates that include setting up research stations, trapping, vegetation transects and the completion of field forms. Physical labor is involved with this project. By participating, you’ll earn your “Salt Marsh Harvest Mouseketers” patch. Space is limited to current active Wildlife Volunteers. Parent participation required. These are remote and rugged areas that require all participants to be “self-contained resources.”
Date(s) & Location: TBA – call or email if interested.
Turtle Trackers
Discover the beauty, mystery, and magic of our only native freshwater turtle while participating in field research to conserve and manage these special status species. These are on-going dates that include setting up research stations, trapping, using radio-telemetry monitoring equipment, vegetation transects and the completion of field forms. By participating, you’ll earn your “Turtle Telemetry Team” patch. Physical labor is involved with this project. Space is limited to current active Wildlife Volunteers. Parent participation required. These are remote and rugged areas that require all participants to be “self-contained resources.”
Date(s) & Location: TBA – call or email if interested.
How to Volunteer
To become an “official” Wildlife Volunteer, please attend several of our Group Activities (listed above) and then request an application from:
Dave "Doc Quack" Riensche
Wildlife Biologist, Certified Wildlife Biologist ®
East Bay Regional Park District
P.O. Box 5381
Oakland, CA 94605-0381
docquack@ebparks.org
Scheduled group activities require registration. To register, call the District’s Reservation Department at 1-888-327-2757 to sign-up at least two weeks before the event. Based on weather conditions or other unseen circumstance, projects may be cancelled.
Make a Tax-Deductible Donation
You can support Doc Quack's program of your choice by making a donation online at the Regional Parks Foundation's website or by making a check payable to the Regional Parks Foundation and mailing it to P.O. Box 2527, Castro Valley, CA 94546. The Regional Parks Foundation's Federal Tax ID # is 23-7011877.
Visit the Regional Parks Foundation for more info!