Explore the creepy, crawly arthropods of East Bay Parks this Sunday

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (July 23, 2022) — Insects, spiders, centipedes and other arthropods are the focus of a program from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 24 at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch, with naturalist Kevin Dixon.

Meet Kevin at the park’s innermost parking lot on Somersville Road, about 3½ miles south of Highway 4, for a safari in search of the leggy critters. Black Diamond Mines has a parking fee of $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended. The program is free. For information, call 510-544-2768.

Arthropods are also the topic of a program from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 24 at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley.

Meet naturalist Trent Pearce at Tilden’s Environmental Education Center for a short walk to find some of the field- and forest-dwellers.

The center is at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive. For information, call 510-544-2233.

Wednesday Walks

Wednesday Walks are a series of naturalist-led hikes exploring various regional parks. There’s one from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 27 at Anthony Chabot Regional Park.

Meet the naturalist at Clyde Woolridge Staging Area at the intersection of Skyline Boulevard and Grass Valley Road in Oakland.

This is about a six-mile trek on the Goldenrod, Columbine and Cascade Trails. No toilets along the way. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and dress for the weather.

For information, call 510-544-3187.

This is just a partial list. To view more programs, visit the park district website, www.ebparks.org and click on “Things To Do” at the top of the home page.

Ned MacKay writes a regular column about East Bay Regional Park District sites and activities. Email him at nedmackay@comcast.net.