Learn survival secrets and other activities in East Bay Parks this weekend

SAN FRANCISCO EAST BAY AREA, CA (August 25, 2022) — All sorts of programs highlighting the world of nature are on the calendar to make summer enjoyable in the East Bay Regional Parks.

For example, you can learn what you need to survive if you are stranded on a deserted island. The chances are small unless you sign up for a television reality show, but you never know.

The program is an offering of Family Nature Fun Hour in the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crown Beach in Alameda. It lasts from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, and repeats at the same time on Sunday, Aug. 28. The parks doesn’t charge for this program.

The visitor center is at 1252 McKay Avenue off Alameda’s Central Avenue. For information, call 510-544-3187.

Exploring nature

Or you can go on an easy walk with naturalist Anthony Fisher from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, starting at the Environmental Education Center in Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley.

The group will explore the nature area’s plant and animal life. The walk is free of charge and reservations are not needed.

The center is at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive, accessible via Canon Drive from Grizzly Peak Boulevard in Berkeley. For information, call 510-544-2233.

Marina to dam walk

Another easy program is a naturalist-led Saturday Stroll from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. on Aug. 27 starting at the Lake Chabot Marina near Castro Valley.

This is a fairly flat, 3 ¾-mile walk from the marina to the dam and back, during which the naturalist will discuss the history and wildlife of the area.

You can visit Lake Chabot Marina on Lake Chabot Road just north of Castro Valley. You must pay for parking but the program doesn’t cost anything. For information, call 510-544-3187.

Black Diamond Mines and Contra Loma walks

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch is notable for both its cultural and natural history. Learn more about the preserve’s plants and animals during a naturalist-led two-mile walk from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 27.

Meet in the parking lot at the end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4. The program is free; reservations are not required. Black Diamond Mines has a parking fee of $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended.

Early risers can beat the heat with a Sunrise Stroll from 6 to 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch, led by a Black Diamond Mines naturalist.

It’s a walk around the reservoir to view the sunrise and watch the birds. Bring coffee or tea if you wish. Binoculars will be provided.

This program doesn’t cost anything, but parking costs five dollars. Contra Loma is at the end of Frederickson Lane off Golf Course Road. Follow the “Naturalist Program This Way” signs to the East Shore Trail parking area. For information, call 510-544-2750.

Park and Play

Kids up to age 10 will enjoy a Park N Play program from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28 at Del Valle Regional Park visitor center south of Livermore, led by naturalist Alex Collins.

Fresh air, nature games and wildlife exploration are all on the agenda. Parental participation is required. It’s free and advance registration is not necessary.

You can find Del Valle Regional Park on Del Valle Road off Mines Road about nine miles south of Livermore. There’s a parking fee of $6 per vehicle. For information, call 510-544-3146.

Nature stories for kids

“Animal Tails” is the topic of a story time starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28 at Sunol Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County with naturalist Betty Villalta. It’s part of the park’s Nature Stories series.

The program is designed for ages four through ten, and parent participation is required. After the story, there will be an activity or craft-making.

Sunol 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. The program is free. For information, call 510-544-3249.

You can find lots of other programs scheduled in the regional parks. For full information, visit the website, www.ebparks.org.

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