Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland hills is one of the East Bay Regional Park District’s original parklands, opened back in 1936. And as the name implies, it is the East Bay’s backyard volcano, although it hasn’t been active for about 10 million years. Nowadays, the park is known for spring wildflowers, newt ponds, nesting golden eagles and several rock labyrinths. You can learn more about Sibley’s natural and cultural history from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 23 during a moderate, 2½-mile ramble led by naturalist Michael Charnofsky. Meet Michael at the park entrance, which is on Skyline Boulevard a short distance south of its intersection with Grizzly Peak Boulevard in Oakland. For information, call 510-544-3187.
Anniversary: Speaking of park district history, one of the most active proponents for the district’s establishment was Harold French, along with the Contra Costa Hills Club, which he founded. French mobilized club members to campaign on behalf of the cause, wrote countless letters and articles, served on committees and gave presentations to local organizations. He was instrumental in conservation efforts all over the Bay Area.
The club marks its 100th anniversary this year. Celebrations started last year with re-creations of 1920s-era club hikes, a trip to the Mount Tamalpais Mountain Play, an overnight camping trip on Mount Diablo and the dedication of a bench at Sibley in French’s honor. The club will honor French’s grandson, James French, many long-term members and past presidents on the anniversary date, Feb. 22. Congratulations to the club for a century of good times and good works.
Alameda: From the hills to the bay, Family Nature Fun is in session from 2 to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday at Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda. On Feb. 22-23 the activity is squid dissection. And from 3 to 3:30 p.m. watch the staff feed the fish in the center’s aquariums. Crab Cove is at 1252 McKay Ave., off Alameda’s Central Avenue. For information, call 510-544-3187.
Fremont: Programs at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont often feature the culture of the Ohlone Native Americans, who have lived on the land for thousands of years. Naturalist Kristina Parkison will lead a native knowledge nature walk at Coyote Hills from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 22. She’ll describe the Ohlone’s use of plants and animals and lead some games that the Ohlone people enjoy. The walk is for ages 7 and older. Meet Kristina at the visitor center.
Kristina also has a Curiosity Cart, filled with wonders of the park’s cultural and natural history. Kristina and the cart will be hidden in plain sight somewhere in the park between 9 and 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays, Feb. 22 and Feb. 29. Find it and learn its secrets from Kristina. Coyote Hills is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle; the programs are free. Call 510-544-3220.
Sunol: Bird watching for beginners is on the agenda from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 22 at Sunol Regional Wilderness in southern Alameda County with naturalist aide Erica Stephens. Binoculars will be available for loan. And there’s a walk with songs, stories and nature-themed games from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 26. For either program, meet at the Green Barn Visitor Center just past the entrance kiosk. Sunol is at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road, about 5 miles south of Interstate 680 and the town of Sunol. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle, but the programs are free. Call 510-544-3249 for more details.
Oakley: At Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley, Delta Discoveries is a drop-in program between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Stop by the visitor center any time and learn about the Delta through hands-on arts and crafts activities. Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call 888-327-2757, ext. 3050.
Online: All kinds of interesting and informative activities are available in the park district. For full information, visit the district’s website at ebparks.org.
Ned MacKay writes a regular column about East Bay Regional Park District sites and activities. Email him at nedmackay@comcast.net.
