New Feature at Shadow Cliffs Recreation Area
There’s a new feature greeting visitors to Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton. It’s a 1,000-square-foot outdoor interpretive pavilion, an open-air visitor center with exhibits focused on the park’s 116-acre nature area. “Shadow Cliffs’ nature area is a hidden gem in the Tri-Valley,” said Park District Board Director Ayn Wieskamp. “The new interpretive pavilion will help inform and connect visitors to the park’s lesser-known nature area and all of the recreational opportunities available, including trails for hiking, biking, and nature watching.” Exhibits at the new pavilion highlight the natural and cultural history of the park and its wildlife, plus providing park maps and information about recreational opportunities. The pavilion will be a gathering place for weekend naturalist-led programs starting in January, and school programs beginning in fall 2023. Funding for the pavilion came from the state, non-profit sources and individual donations. This included support from California State Parks, a lead gift of $200,000 from Nancy and Gary Harrington of Pleasanton, funds from the Regional Parks Foundation, and a generous grant from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation. Shadow Cliffs is located on Stanley Boulevard just east of downtown Pleasanton. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. November through February, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. May through Labor Day, and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Labor Day through October. Parking is $6 per vehicle and there is a $2 fee per dog.
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As 2022 gives way to 2023, there are lots of enjoyable ways to celebrate the New Year in the East Bay Regional Parks. For example, you can learn about the amazing variety of New Year traditions from around the world during a program from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31 at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont with naturalist Chris Garcia. Examples of New Year rituals include eating noodles, smashing crockery and hanging onions on the door (my preference is a wreath). The program is drop-in; registration is not required. Ardenwood admission fees apply. Ardenwood is at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of Highway 84. For information, call 510-544-2797.
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Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch will be the venue for a “Last Hike of the Year.” It’s from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, an easy three-miler led by naturalist Jaclyn Caldwell to look for signs of winter and reflect on the events of 2022. The hike is free and no registration is necessary. Meet Jaclyn at the staging area at the end of Fredrickson Lane. Bring sturdy shoes, water and snacks. Minimum age is six years and parent participation is required. For information, call Black Diamond Mines at 510-544-2750.
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Or you can join in a New Year’s bird count from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1 with naturalist Miriam Klingler at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. The idea is to track what species of birds are overwintering in the Delta. The group will meet at the park’s fishing pier, then walk the trails. All ages and skill levels are welcome, although parent participation is required. Big Break Regional Shoreline is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call 510-544-3050.
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The informal Let’s Get Outside Club plans a hike from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day, Sunday, Jan. 1 at Sunol Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County, led by naturalist Betty Villalta. The hike is a bit over three miles with a 415-foot elevation gain. Minimum age is eight years and parent participation is required. Meet at the visitor center. Bring water and a snack or lunch. 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. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For information, call 510-544-3234.
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The first hike of the New Year at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont will be on Sunday, Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a moderate walk along the Bayview and Red Hill trails with naturalist Maeron Yeshiwas. Panoramic views of the South Bay are the reward. The hike is free, and no registration is necessary. It is designed for ages seven and older with parent participation required. Meet at the visitor center. Coyote Hills is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For information, call 510-544-3220.
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Wednesday Walks is a series of naturalist-led hikes to explore various regional parks. The Wednesday Walkers’ first hike of 2023 will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 4 at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in Richmond with naturalist Susan Ramos. It’s a five-mile hike to the Dotson Family Marsh with eucalyptus, possibly butterflies, bay views, and interesting park history along the way. Bring water and a snack; wear warm clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Meet Susan at the Atlas Road Staging Area. It’s over the bridge at the end of Atlas Road off Richmond Parkway. The hike is a free, drop-in activity; no registration is required. For information, call 510-544-3187.
There are many other programs planned in the regional parks as 2023 arrives. For information, visit www.ebparks.org/things-to-do.
