Events Listings
Outdoors-East Bay Through September 26
ARDENWOOD HISTORIC FARM -- Ardenwood farm is a working farm that
dates back to the time of the Patterson Ranch, a 19th-century estate with a
mansion and Victorian Gardens. Today, the farm still practices farming
techniques from the 1870s. Unless otherwise noted, programs are free with
regular admission.
ONGOING PROGRAMS --
"Blacksmithing," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Watch a blacksmith turn iron into useful tools.
"Horse-Drawn Train," Thursday, Friday and Sunday. A 20-minute
ride departs from Ardenwood Station and Deer Park.
"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3-4 p.m. Help slop the hogs,
check the henhouse for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.
"Victorian Flower Arranging," Thursday, 10:15-11:30 a.m. Watch as
Ardenwood docents create floral works of art for display in the Patterson
House.
SPECIAL EVENTS --
"Horse-Drawn Train Rides," Thursday, Friday and Sunday,
10:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Meet Jigs or Tucker the Belgian Draft horses that pull
Ardenwood's train. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Ardenwood
Station or Deer Park.
"Country Kitchen Cookin'," Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Enjoy the flavor of the past with treats cooked on Ardenwood's wood burning
stove. Sample food grown on the farm and discover the history of your
favorite oldtime snacks.
"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Feed the pigs,
check for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.
"Toddler Time," Tuesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Bring the tiny
tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Meet and learn all about a new
animal friend through stories, chores and fun.
"Potato Harvesting," Learn the spectacular history of
this New World native as you dig with your spade and help find the spuds.
$1-$5; free children under age 4. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. (510) 796-0199, (510) 796-0663,
www.ebparks.org.<
BAY AREA RAIL TRAILS -- A network of trails converted
from unused railway corridors and developed by the Rails to Trails
Conservancy.
BLACK DIAMOND MINES REGIONAL PRESERVE RAILROAD BED TRAIL --
This easy one mile long rail trail on Mount Diablo leads to many
historic sites within the preserve. Suitable for walking, horseback riding,
and mountain biking. Accessible year round but may be muddy during the rainy
season. Enter from the Park Entrance Station parking lot on the East side of
Somersville Road, Antioch.
IRON HORSE REGIONAL TRAIL -- The paved trail has grown
into a 23 mile path between Concord and San Ramon with a link into Dublin.
The trail runs from the north end of Monument Boulevard at Mohr Lane, east to
Interstate 680, in Concord through Walnut Creek to just south of Village
Green Park in San Ramon. It will eventually extend from Suisun Bay to
Pleasanton and has been nominated as a Community Millennium Trail under the
U.S. Millennium Trails program. A smooth shaded trail suitable for walkers,
cyclists, skaters and strollers. It is also wheelchair accessible.
Difficulty: easy to moderate in small chunks; hard if taken as a whole.
LAFAYETTE/MORAGA REGIONAL TRAIL -- A 7.65 mile paved
trail converted from the Sacramento Northern Rail line. This 20-year old
trail goes along Las Trampas Creek and parallels St. Mary's Road. Suitable
for walkers, equestrians, and cyclists. Runs from Olympic Boulevard and
Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette to Moraga. The trail can be used year round.
OHLONE GREENWAY -- A 3.75-mile paved trail converted from
the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railway. Suitable for walkers, strollers
and skaters. It is also wheelchair accessible. The trail runs under elevated
BART tracks from Conlon and Key Streets in El Cerrito to Virginia and Acton
Streets in Berkeley.
SHEPHERD CANYON TRAIL -- An easy 3-mile paved trail
converted from the Sacramento Northern Rail Line. The tree-lined trail is
gently sloping and generally follows Shepherd Canyon Road. Suitable for
walkers and cyclists. It is also wheelchair accessible. Begins in Montclair
Village behind McCaulou's Department Store on Medau Place and ends at Paso
Robles Drive, Oakland. Useable year round.
Free. (415) 397-2220, www.traillink.com.<
BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL -- The Bay Area Ridge Trail, when
completed, will be a 400-mile regional trail system that will form a loop
around the entire San Francisco Bay region, linking 75 public parks and open
spaces to thousands of people and hundreds of communities. Hikes on portions
of the trail are available through the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. Call for
meeting sites.
ONGOING EVENTS --
ALAMEDA COUNTY -- "Lake Chabot Bike Rides." These rides are for
strong beginners and intermediates to build skill, strength and endurance at
a non hammerhead pace. No one will be dropped. Reservations required.
Distance: 14 miles. Elevation gain: 1,000 feet. Difficulty: beginner to
intermediate. Pace: moderate. Meeting place: Lake Chabot Road at the main
entrance to the park. Thursday, 6:15 a.m. (510) 468-3582.
ALAMEDA-CONTRA COSTA COUNTY -- "Tilden and Wildcat Bike Rides." A
vigorous ride through Tilden and Wildcat Canyon regional parks. Reservations
required. Distance: 15 miles. Elevation gain: 2,000 feet. Difficulty:
intermediate. Pace: fast. Meeting place: in front of the North Berkeley BART
Station. Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. (510) 849-9650.
Free. (415) 561-2595, www.ridgetrail.org.<
BICYCLE TRAILS COUNCIL OF THE EAST BAY -- The Council
sponsors trail work days, Youth Bike Adventure Rides, and Group Rides as well
as Mountain Bike Basics classes which cover training and handling skills.
ONGOING EVENTS --
"Weekly Wednesday Ride at Lake Chabot," Wednesdays, 6:30
p.m. A 13- to 20-mile ride exploring the trails around Lake Chabot, with
1,500 to 2,000 feet of climbing. Meet at 6:15 p.m. in the parking lot across
from the public safety offices at Lake Chabot in Castro Valley. Reservations
requested. (510) 727-0613.
"Weekly Wednesday 'Outer' East Bay Ride," Wednesdays,
5:30 p.m. Ride some of the outer East Bay parks each week, such as Wild Cat
Canyon, Briones, Mount Diablo, Tilden and Joaquin Miller-Redwood. Meeting
place and ride location vary. Reservations required. (510) 888-9757.
Free. (510) 466-5123, www.btceb.org.<
BOTANIC GARDEN --
EVENTS --
Intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive, Tilden
Regional Park, Berkeley. www.ebparks.org.<
CRAB COVE VISITOR CENTER -- At Crab Cove, you can see live
underwater creatures and go into the San Francisco Bay from land. You can
also travel back in time to Alameda's part. The goal is to increase
understanding of the environmental importance of San Francisco Bay and the
ocean ecosystem. Crab Cove's Indoor Aquarium and Exhibit Lab is one of the
largest indoor aquariums in the East Bay.
SPECIAL EVENTS --
"Sea Siblings," Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Explore
the natural world and take part in a theme related craft. Designed for the
3-5 year old learner. Registration is required. $4. (888) 327-2757.
"Catch of the Day," Sundays, 2-3 p.m. Drop by to find
out more about the Bay and its wildlife through guided exploration and
hands-on fun.
"Sea Squirts," 10-11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Discover the wonders of nature with your little one. Registration is
required. $6-$8.
Free unless otherwise noted; parking fee may be charged. 1252
McKay Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-6887, www.ebparks.org.<
DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE -- Nestled in
the Oakland hills, the 50-acre Dunsmuir House and Gardens estate includes the
37-room Neoclassical Revival Dunsmuir Mansion, built by coal and lumber baron
Alexander Dunsmuir for his bride. Restored outbuildings set amid landscaped
gardens surround the mansion.
ESTATE GROUNDS -- Self-Guided Grounds Tours are available
yearround. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the
public for walking Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the
grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free.
GUIDED TOURS -- Docent-led tours are available on the first Sunday
of each month at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (except for July) and Wednesdays at 11
a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors and juniors (11-16), children 11 and under free.
Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland.
(510) 615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org.<
FIFTY-PLUS ADVENTURE WALKS AND RUNS -- The walks and runs
are 3-mile round-trips, lasting about one hour on the trail. All levels of
ability are welcome. The walks are brisk, however, and may include some
uphill terrain. Events are held rain or shine and on all holidays except
Christmas and the Fifty-Plus Annual Fitness Weekend. Call for dates, times
and details.
Free. (650) 323-6160, www.50plus.org.<
FOREST HOME FARMS -- The 16-acre former farm of the Boone
family is now a municipal historic park in San Ramon. It is located at the
base of the East Bay Hills and is divided into two parts by Oak Creek. The
Boone House is a 22-room Dutch colonial that has been remodeled several times
since it was built in 1900. Also on the property are a barn built in the
period from 1850 to 1860; the Victorian-style David Glass House, dating from
the late 1860s to early 1870s; a storage structure for farm equipment and
automobiles; and a walnut processing plant.
Free unless otherwise noted. Public tours available by
appointment. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. (925) 973-3281,
www.ci.sanramon. ca.us/parks/boone.htm.<
GARIN AND DRY CREEK PIONEER REGIONAL PARKS -- Independent
nature study is encouraged here, and guided interpretive programs are
available through the Coyote Hills Regional Park Visitor Center in Fremont.
The Garin Barn Visitor Center is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. In late summer, the Garin Apple Festival celebrates Garin's apple
orchards. The parks also allow picnicking, hiking, horseback riding and
fishing.
Free; $5 parking fee per vehicle; $2 per dog. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10
p.m. 1320 Garin Ave., Hayward. (510) 562-PARK, (510) 795-9385,
www.ebparks.org/parks/garin.htm.<
GREENBELT ALLIANCE OUTINGS -- A series of hikes, bike rides and
events sponsored by Greenbelt Alliance, the Bay Area's non-profit land
conservation and urban planning organization. Call for meeting places.
Reservations required for all trips.
ALAMEDA COUNTY --
"Self-Guided Urban Outing: Berkeley," This interactive
smart growth walking tour of central Berkeley examines some of the exciting
projects that help alleviate the housing shortage in the city as well as
amenities important to making a livable community. The walk, which includes
the GAIA Cultural Center, Allston Oak Court, The Berkeley Bike Station,
University Terrace and Strawberry Creek Park, takes between an hour-and-ahalf
to two hours at a leisurely pace. Download the itinerary which gives specific
directions by entering www.greeenbelt.org and clicking on "get involved'' and
then "urban outings.'' Drop down and click on Berkeley. Free.
Free unless otherwise noted. (415) 255-3233, www.greenbelt.org.<
HAYWARD REGIONAL SHORELINE -- With 1,682 acres of salt, fresh and
brackish water marshes, seasonal wetlands and the approximately three-mile
San Lorenzo Trail, the Hayward Shoreline restoration project is one of the
largest of its kind on the West Coast, comprising 400 acres of marshland.
Part of the East Bay Regional Park District.
EVENTS --
Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 3010 W. Winton Ave., Hayward. (510)
562-PARK, www.ebparks.org/parks/hayward.htm.<
HAYWARD SHORELINE INTERPRETIVE CENTER -- Perched on stilts above a
salt marsh, the Center offers an introduction to the San Francisco
Bay-Estuary. It features exhibits, programs and activities designed to
inspire a sense of appreciation, respect and stewardship for the Bay, its
inhabitants and the services they provide. The Habitat Room offers a preview
of what may be seen outside. The 80-gallon Bay Tank contains some of the fish
that live in the Bay's open waters, and the Channel Tank represents habitats
formed by the maze of sloughs and creeks that snake through the marsh. The
main room of the Center features rotating exhibits about area history, plants
and wildlife. Part of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.
ONGOING EXHIBIT --
"Exploring Nature," An exhibit of Shawn Gould's
illustrations featuring images of the natural world.
SPECIAL EVENTS --
"Nature Detectives," 11 a.m.-noon. An introduction and
exploration of the world of Black-Crowned Night-Herons. Ages 3-5 and their
caregivers. Registration required.
"Weekend Weed Warriors," 1-4 p.m. Help the shoreline to
eliminate the non-native plants that threaten its diversity. Ages 12 and
older. Registration required.
"Waterfowl of the Freshwater Marsh," 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join
an expert birder to go "behind the gates'' to areas of the marsh that are not
open to the public.
Free. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4901 Breakwater Ave.,
Hayward. (510) 670-7270, www.hard.dst.ca.us/hayshore.html.<
JOHN MUIR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE -- The site preserves the 1882
Muir House, a 17-room Victorian mansion where naturalist John Muir lived from
1890 to his death in 1914. It was here that Muir wrote about preserving
America's wilderness and helped create the national parks idea for the United
States. The house is situated on a hill overlooking the City of Martinez and
surrounded by nine acres of vineyards and orchards. Take a self-guided tour
of this well-known Scottish naturalist's home. Also part of the site is the
historic Martinez Adobe and Mount Wanda.
ONGOING EVENT --
Public Tours of the John Muir House, Begin with an
eight-minute park film and then take the tour. The film runs every 15 minutes
throughout the day. Wednesday through Friday, 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1
p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
MOUNT WANDA -- The mountain consists of 325 acres of grass and oak
woodland historically owned by the Muir family. It offers a nature trail and
several fire trails for hiking. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
JOHN MUIR HOUSE, Tours of this well-known Scottish
naturalist's home are available. The house, built in 1882, is a 14-room
Victorian home situated on a hill overlooking the city of Martinez and
surrounded by nine acres of vineyards and orchards. It was here that Muir
wrote about preserving America's wilderness and helped create the national
parks idea for the United States. The park also includes the historic Vicente
Martinez Adobe, built in 1849. An eight-minute film about Muir and the site
is shown every 15 minutes throughout the day at the Visitor Center. Self
guided tours of the Muir home, the surrounding orchards, and the Martinez
Adobe: Wednesday-Sunday, 1 a.m.-5 p.m. Public tours or the first floor of the
Muir home: Wednesday-Friday, 2 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Reservations not required except for large groups.
$3 general; free children ages 16 and under. Wednesday-Sunday, 10
a.m.-5 p.m. 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. (925) 228-8860, www.nps.gov/jomu.<
KENNEDY GROVE REGIONAL RECREATION AREA -- The 95-acre
park contains picnic areas, horseshoe pits and volleyball courts among its
grove of aromatic eucalyptus trees.
$5 parking; $2 per dog except guide/service dogs Through
September: daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante. (510)
223-7840, www.ebparks.org.<
LAKE CHABOT REGIONAL PARK -- The 315-acre lake offers
year-round recreation. Services include canoe and boat rental, horseshoe
pits, hiking, bicycling, picnicking and seasonal tours aboard the Chabot
Queen. For boat rentals, call (510) 247-2526.
Free unless noted otherwise; $5 parking; $2 per dog except
guide/service dogs. Daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 17930 Lake Chabot Road, Castro
Valley. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.<
LINDSAY WILDLIFE MUSEUM -- This is the oldest and largest wildlife
rehabilitation center in America, taking in 6,000 injured and orphaned
animals yearly and returning 40 percent of them to the wild. The museum
offers a wide range of educational programs using non-releasable wild animals
to teach children and adults respect for the balance of nature. The museum
includes a state-of-the art wildlife hospital which features a permanent
exhibit, titled "Living with Nature,'' which houses 75 non-releasable wild
animals in learning environments; a 5,000-square-foot Wildlife Hospital
complete with treatment rooms, intensive care, quarantine and laboratory
facilities; a 1-acre Nature Garden featuring the region's native landscaping
and wildlife; and an "Especially For Children'' exhibit.
WILDLIFE HOSPITAL -- September-March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The
hospital is open daily including holidays to receive injured and orphaned
animals. There is no charge for treatment of native wild animals and there
are no public viewing areas in the hospital.
EXHIBITS --
SPECIAL EVENTS --
$5-$7; free children under age 2. June 16-Sept. 15: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wed.-Sun.; Sept. 16-June 15: noon.-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.
1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.<
LIVERMORE AREA RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT --
4444 East Ave., Livermore. (925) 373-5700,
http://www.larpd.dst.ca.us/.<
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SHORELINE -- This 1,200-acre park
situated near Oakland International Airport offers picnic areas with
barbecues and a boat launch ramp. Swimming is not allowed. The Martin Luther
King Jr. Memorial Grove, a group of trees surrounding a grassy glade, is at
the intersection of Doolittle Drive and Swan Way. The area also includes the
50-acre Arrowhead Marsh (part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve
Network) and a Roger Berry sculpture titled "Duplex Cone,'' which traces the
summer and winter solstice paths of the sun through the sky.
Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted Doolittle
Drive and Swan Way, Oakland. (510) 562-PARK, Picnic reservations: (510)
636-1684, www.ebayparks.org.<
MILLER-KNOX REGIONAL SHORELINE -- A 295-acre shoreline
picnic area with a secluded cove and swimming beach, and a hilltop offering
panoramic views of the north Bay Area.
Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted. 900
Dornan Dr., Richmond. (510) 562-PARK, Picnic Reservations: (510) 636-1684,
www.ebparks.org.<
MOUNT DIABLO STATE PARK -- The 3,849-foot summit of Mount
Diablo offers great views of the Bay Area and an extensive trail system.
Visitors to the park can hike, bike, ride on horseback and camp. Notable park
attractions include: The Fire Interpretive Trail, Rock City, Boy Scout Rocks
and Sentinel Rock, Fossil Ridge, Deer Flat, Mitchell Canyon Staging Area,
Diablo Valley Overlook, the Summit Visitor Center (open Wednesday through
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the Art Gallery, the Observation Deck and the
Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center.
Free. $6 per vehicle park-entrance fee; $5 for seniors. Daily, 8
a.m. to sunset. Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard, from the Diablo Road exit off
Interstate Highway 680, Danville. (925) 837-2525, www.mdia.org or
www.parks.ca.gov.<
OAKLAND ZOO -- The zoo includes a Children's Petting Zoo, the
Skyride, a miniature train, a carousel, picnic grounds and a gift shop as
well as the animals in site specific exhibits, which allow them to roam
freely. Included are "The African Savanna,'' with its two huge mixed-animal
aviaries and 11 African Savanna exhibits; the Mahali Pa Tembo (Place of the
Elephant), with giraffes, chimpanzees and more than 330 other animals from
around the world; "Simba Pori,'' Swahili for "Lion Country,'' a spacious
1.5-acre habitat offering both a savanna and woodland setting for African
lions; "Footprints from the Past,'' an anthropology exhibit showcasing four
million years of human evolution and an actual "footpath'' of the first
hominids to emerge from the African savanna; "Sun Bear Exhibit,'' a
stateof-the-art space the zoo has developed for its two sun bears; and
Siamang Island, a state-of-the-art, barrier-free area that emulates the
gibbons' native tropical rain forest habitat. Also see the Malayan Fruit Bats
from the Lubee Bat Conservancy in Florida that are now roosting in trees at
the zoo. In addition there are special exhibits and events monthly.
ONGOING EXHIBITS --
"Valley Children's Zoo," The three-acre attraction
offers a completely interactive experience for both children and adults. The
exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters, reptiles, insects and
more. Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Endangered Species," An exhibit of photographs about
the most endangered animals on the Earth and what can be done to save them.
At the Education Center. Open daily during zoo hours. ONGOING EVENTS --
"Valley Children's Zoo," Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The
three-acre attraction will offer a completely interactive experience for both
children and adults. The exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters,
reptiles, insects and more. Free with regular Zoo admission.
"Wildlife Theater," Saturday, 11:45 a.m.; Sunday, 1:45
p.m. On Saturday mornings listen to a story and meet a live animal. On Sunday
afternoon meet live animals and learn cool facts about them. Meet in the
Lobby of the Zoo's Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education.
Free with regular Zoo admission. (510) 632-9525, ext. 142.
SPECIAL EVENTS --
"Bedtime with the Beasts," Sept. 18 through Sept. 19 and Sept. 25
through Sept. 26, 7 p.m.-9 a.m. An overnight program for youth (ages 6-18)
and their chaperones. An Oakland Zoo education specialist will lead your
group on an evening hike around the zoo where you'll get to see what the zoo
is like after all of the guests leave. Program includes an optional
educational wildlife video and continental breakfast. $60 per person; Minimum
group size 15, pre-registration required. (510) 632-9525.
$7.50-11; free children under age 2; $6 parking fee. Daily, 10
a.m.-4 p.m. Knowland Park, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. (510) 632-9525,
www.oaklandzoo.org.<
PLEASANTON RIDGE REGIONAL PARK -- This 3,163-acre
parkland is on the oak-covered ridge overlooking Pleasanton and the Livermore
Valley from the west. A multi-purpose trail system accommodates hikers,
equestrians and bicyclists.
Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Foothill Road, Pleasanton. (510)
562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.<
POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE -- The 2,315-acre
parkland bordering Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo offers views of Mount
Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline and San Pablo Bay. There are trails through
meadows and woods, and along the bluffs and beaches of San Pablo Bay.
Visitors can hike, ride bikes or take the park's shuttle bus to reach the
1,250-foot fishing pier at Point Pinole.
$5 per vehicle; $4 per trailered vehicle; $2 per dog
(guide/service dogs free). Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted.
Giant Highway, Richmond. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.<
PREWETT FAMILY WATERPARK -- There are pools and water
slides for all ages, from the Tad Pool for toddlers to Boulder cove for older
swimmers. In addition to fun pools and slides there are fitness pools for
lessons and exercise, lawns for relaxing, locker rooms, community room and
kitchen. Lap lanes are open year round. Food and beverages are not permitted
in the park. Picnic tables are available outside the park.
$4-$11. Sunday through Friday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays, 11
a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Aug.23-27, 30-31. 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. (925)
776-3070, www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CitySvcs/Prewett.<
QUARRY LAKES REGIONAL RECREATION AREA -- The park
includes three lakes sculpted from former quarry ponds. The largest,
Horseshoe Lake, offers boating and fishing, with a swim beach that will open
in the spring. Rainbow Lake is for fishing only, and the third lake, Lago Los
Osos, is set aside for wildlife habitat. In addition, there are hiking and
bicycling trails that connect to the Alameda Creek Regional Trail. The park
includes three lakes sculpted from former quarry ponds. The largest,
Horseshoe Lake, offers boating and fishing, with a swim beach that will open
in the spring. Rainbow Lake is for fishing only, and the third lake, Lago Los
Osos, is set aside for wildlife habitat. In addition there are hiking and
bicycling trails that connect to the Alameda Creek Regional Trail.
$5 parking; $2 per dog except guide/service dogs; boat launch
fees; Park District fishing access permit fee of $3. Through Labor Day:
daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sept. 6 through Sept. 30, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2100
Isherwood Way,, between Paseo Padre Parkway and Osprey Drive,, Fremont. (510)
795-4883, Picnic reservations:: (510) 562-2267, www.ebparks.org.<
ROBERT SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE -- East Bay
residents have several volcanoes in their backyard. This park contains Round
Top, one of the highest peaks in the Oakland Hills.
Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6800 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510)
562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.<
RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN -- One of America's finest private gardens,
the Ruth Bancroft Garden displays 2,000 specimens from around the world that
thrive in an arid climate. Included are African and Mexican succulents, New
World cacti, Australian and Chilean trees, and shrubs from California.
DOCENT TOUR SCHEDULE -- 10 a.m. Saturdays. Docent-led
tours last approximately an hour and a half. Plant sales follow the tour. By
reservation only. $7; free children under age 12.
SELF-GUIDED TOURS -- 9:30 a.m.-noon Mon. - Thurs.; 9:30
a.m. Fri.; 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sat.; 5 p.m. Sunday. Self-guided tours last
two hours. No reservations required for weekday tours; reservations required
for Friday and Saturday tours. Plant sales follow the tours. $7; free
children under age 12.
Gardens open only for tours and special events listed on the
garden's telephone information line. 1500 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. (925)
210-9663, www.ruthbancroftgarden.org.<
SHADOW CLIFFS REGIONAL RECREATION AREA -- The 296-acre
park includes an 80-acre lake and a four-flume waterslide, with picnic
grounds and a swimming beach. Water slide fees and hours: (925) 829-6230.
$6 per vehicle; $2 per dog except guide and service dogs. May 1
through Labor Day: daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; shortened hours for fall and
winter. Stanley Boulevard, one mile from downtown, Pleasanton. (510)
562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.<
SULPHUR CREEK NATURE CENTER -- A wildlife rehabilitation and
education facility where injured and orphaned local wild creatures are
rehabilitated and released when possible. There is also a lending library of
animals such as guinea pigs, rats, mice and more. The lending fee is $8 per
week.
ONGOING EVENTS --
"Toddler Time," Learn about animals by listening to
stories and exploring. Themes vary by month. Call for schedule. $7 per
family.
"Day on the Green Animal Presentations," Meet an
assortment of wild and domestic animals. Wildlife volunteers will present a
different animal each day from possums to snakes, tortoises to hawks.
Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
CHILDREN'S EVENTS --
Free. Park: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Discovery Center:
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Animal Lending Library: Saturday-Sunday,
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: daily, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1801
D St., Hayward. (510) 881-6747, www.haywardrec.org/sulphur_creek.html.<
SUNOL REGIONAL WILDERNESS -- This park is full of scenic and
natural wonders. You can hike the Ohlone Wilderness trail or Little Yosemite.
There are bedrock mortars that were used by Native Americans, who were
Sunol's first inhabitants.
SPECIAL EVENTS --
"Sunol Sunday Hike," Sundays, 1:30-3 p.m. A natural
history walk in Sunol Regional Wilderness.
"Sunol Sunday Hike," Sundays, 1:30-3 p.m. A natural
history walk in the wilderness.
Free unless otherwise noted; $5 parking; $2 dog fee. Geary Road
off Calaveras Road, six miles south of Interstate Highway 680, Sunol. (510)
652-PARK, www.ebparks.org.<