Great Fall Activities at EBRPD
The Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley harbors a diversity of plants and habitats that are attractive to migratory birds. Naturalists Paula Urtecho and Melissa Fowlks will lead an easy walk at the garden from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 in search of some of the seasonal arrivals. Binoculars will be available to loan. The walk is free of charge, and will be led in English and Spanish. It’s part of a recurring bilingual program: People of Color: Walks & Talks. The walks are from one to five miles in length, great for families. All are welcome. No registration is required, just show up. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and dress for the weather. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at the botanic garden entrance. It’s located at the intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park. For information, call 510-544-2527.
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Melissa also plans an easy walk from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 in search of wild turkeys in the Tilden Nature Area. After the search the program will end with a turkey-themed craft. Or you can join naturalist Anthony Fisher on the back deck of the visitor center between 2 and 3 p.m. afterwards for an hour of fun. The group may make cordage, start a (small) fire with a hand drill, play games or throw an atlatl. Both programs are free and registration is not required. Meet for either at Tilden’s Environmental Education Center, which is at the north end of Central Park Drive. For information, call 510-544-2233.
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Down at Sunol Regional Wilderness, oak trees are the subject of a “Talk ‘N’ Draw” session from 1 to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, led by naturalist Erica Stephens. The group will draw oak trees step-by-step while learning about the ecosystems that they create. It’s drop-in; no registration is required. Drawing supplies will be provided, or you can bring your own journal or art supplies. All ages are welcome; parents must participate. Meet at the Sunol Visitor Center, which by the way has been completely renovated. Formerly in a dilapidated state, it now features interactive exhibits showcasing the area’s Native American and ranching history, wildlife research, and a kids’ discovery zone with live animals. Exhibits are bilingual in English and Spanish. In general the center is open on weekends from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunol Regional Wilderness is at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road about five miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol. The program is free; there’s a parking fee of $6 per vehicle. For information, call 510-544-3249.
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Folk-art is the theme of a program from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. Participants can fashion dolls out of colorful corn husks gleaned from the farm fields, adding corn silk hair, a twig broom, or an acorn cap to complete the effect. Naturalist Chris Garcia will preside. The program is drop-in, all ages welcome. Ardenwood admission fees apply. Ardenwood recreates life on a prosperous 19th century estate, with all sorts of historic attractions and activities. The park is located at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84. For information call 510-544-2797.
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The plants and animals of Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch will be on display during a series of two- to three-mile naturalist-led hikes on some Saturdays in November and December. There’s one from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12. It’s drop-in and free of charge, though there’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended. Minimum age is four years, and parent participation is required. Black Diamond Mines is at the end of Somersville Road 3½ miles south of Highway 4. Meet at the uppermost parking lot, a mile past the kiosk. For information, call 510-544-2750.
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“Bio Blitz” is the name of the game from 11 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Nov. 13 at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. It’s a community science activity. The idea is to see how many different plants and animals you can find throughout the park. This helps the staff to collect meaningful data on species richness and diversity, and it’s open to all levels of expertise. Meet supervising naturalist Wyatt Moore at the visitor center. Parent participation is required. Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call 510-544-3050.
There’s always something interesting going on in the regional parks. For the full story, visit www.ebparks.org/things-to-do.