May Park Explorer

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May 2025

NEWS FROM EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS

You Are Invited to Shape the Park District's Future

A MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER SABRINA LANDRETH

The East Bay Regional Park District is launching a bold new journey — developing a District Plan for the future of the parks and people they serve. This plan will set priorities and guide how we care for parks, open space, and community resources across the East Bay.

Input will be gathered from staff and the community throughout 2025, culminating in 2026 when we will synthesize all we've learned into a forward-looking, actionable District Plan ready for public feedback before adoption by the Park District Board.

Help shape the future of the Regional Parks! Take a short survey, explore the project timeline, and learn more about where we’re headed together. Survey responses will be accepted through July 31. Take the survey.

Explore Garin Regional Park on a Trails Challenge Hike

Be inspired by a moderate 5-mile naturalist-led Trails Challenge hike to Vista Peak at Garin Regional Park in Hayward. Enjoy the views and exercise! Must be 10+ years old to attend. Sunday, May 4 from 9-11:30 a.m. Meet at Garin Visitor Center. Drop-in; no registration required. Parent participation required for children age 16 and under. More info.

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.

New Watercraft Inspection Requirements New Boat Inspection and Banding Policies Begin May 7

In response to increasing concerns about the presence of invasive golden mussels in the Delta, the East Bay Regional Park District has announced a new watercraft inspection policy set to begin on May 7, 2025. The inspections are necessary to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species into local lakes and reservoirs. More info.

A Call for Photos of East Bay Regional Parks

Have you taken stunning shots of East Bay Regional Parks? The Park District on the hunt for breathtaking, high-quality photos that capture the natural beauty of the East Bay. Whether it's a golden hillside, a quiet forest trail, or people exploring nature—we want to see it! Selected photos may be used in Park District publications, including the chance to be featured in the 2026 East Bay Regional Parks Wall Calendar. More info.

Dive into the 2025 Swim Season

Summer fun is around the corner, and the 2025 swim season is already here! Swimming facilities and shorelines, including six open-water lakefront beaches, two chlorinated lagoons, two pools, and two bay shoreline beaches, are projected to be open for this year’s swim season. Some facilities are already open on weekends and holidays! Be sure to check facility status and hours on our Swimming webpage before heading out.

IN THE PARKS

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.

Gyotaku Fish Prints

Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore

Saturday, May 3, 10 & 17 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free; Drop-in.

Guan ju - Osprey at Del Valle

Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore

Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Free; Registration required.

Art of Tataki Zomé

Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve

Sunday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee applies; Registration required.

Rail Fair at Ardenwood Historic Farm: May 24-26

Head to Ardenwood Historic Farm’s annual Rail Fair on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 24, to Monday, May 26, 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 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available for advance purchase. More info.

Memorial Day Open House at Crab Cove: May 26

Head to the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove in Alameda on Memorial Day for a fun and educational day at the bay.

Enjoy the beach, then come meet the turtle and snake, visit the fish, and make a craft. Make a flower to put on the Merchant Mariners Memorial or recycle a stamp to make a button. Look through old photos or check out the self-guided history walk. Monday, May 26 from noon to 4 p.m. More info.

Bird & Butterfly Festival at Coyote Hills: June 1

Join us for the 25th annual Bird and Butterfly Festival on Sunday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. Celebrate the vibrant world of birds, butterflies, and local pollinators in the East Bay Regional Parks. Enjoy tours of the Nectar Garden, lively puppet shows, special presentations about pollinators, family-friendly nature crafts, and live music from Steady Eddy and the Shakers! Parking is limited - carpools and bikes are encouraged. More info.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Thank You for a Successful Earth Day

On April 19, more than 900 community members pitched in on 2025 Earth Day cleanup projects at various sites across the Park District. Individuals of all ages volunteered their time to help with vegetation clearing, trash removal, and landscaping projects to make the 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!

Celebrating Black Birders Week in Regional Parks: May 25-31

Join the Park District in recognizing Black Birders Week, a weeklong program series that creates safe spaces for all visitors to enjoy the Regional Parks. From Sunday, May 25 to Saturday, May 31, spend time with community and learn about the birds of the East Bay in the Regional Parks. All programs are free and coffee, snacks, binoculars, and birding books are provided. All are welcome! More info.

Inspire Curiosity and Adventure

Your gift to the Regional Parks Foundation connects youth with nature and provides transportation, environmental education, school field trips, and summer camp scholarships. Your generous support makes it possible for more children to have access to outdoor experiences. Donate today.

Looking for a Special Mother’s Day Gift?

This Mother's Day, consider a Gift of Membership to the Regional Parks Foundation-a perfect choice for those who love the outdoors, picnics, peaceful hikes, or simply relaxing in nature. Membership provides a yearlong adventure across 73 parks, 1,330 miles of trails, and 55 miles of shoreline.

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

Family-Friendly Pollination Tour at the Botanic Garden: May 4

Head to the Regional Parks Botanic Garden on Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m. for a special family-friendly tour: Pollination of California Native Plants. Dissect a California poppy, watch pollinators at work, and learn how seeds disperse. Garden docents will lead this tour, which is suitable for all ages. Meet at the Botanic Garden Visitor Center. Free; Drop-in. Rain cancels. More info.

Enjoy Mother Nature for Mother's Day: May 11

The Hills Are Alive 9:30-11 a.m.

Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont

Mother's Day on the Farm

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont

Mother's Day Celebration

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove

Mother's Day Family Hike

1:30-3 p.m.

Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore

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 have to be a camper to attend!

Community Campfire

Saturday, May 17, 6:30-8 p.m.

Big Break Regional Shoreline, Oakley

Pastimes of the Past

Friday, May 23, 7:30-9 p.m.

Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore

Every Friday through Labor Day weekend

Anthony Chabot Campfire

Saturday, May 24, 8-9 p.m.: Animals in the Park

Saturday, May 31, 8-9 p.m.: Animals of the Night

Anthony Chabot Regional Park, Castro Valley

Dumbarton Quarry Campfire