Park Happenings for November
News from the East Bay Regional Park District
Includes Green Friday Free Park Day at Black Diamond Mines and Contra Loma, Nov. 28
By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District
Fall Walks & Strolls. Late fall is the perfect season to get outside and explore East Bay Regional Parks. Whether you’re up for a challenging hike or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the cool weather, crisp air, changing plant colors, and abundant wildlife on these fall walks and strolls. Let the natural beauty of the East Bay rejuvenate your spirit on these unforgettable fall adventures.
- Wednesday Walk (3.5 miles), Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve
- Wednesday Walk (3.75 miles), Nov. 26, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
- Saturday Stroll (4 miles), Nov. 29, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
For more information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search for walks and strolls.
Green Friday Free Park Day. Celebrate Green Friday — the day after Thanksgiving — with a free park day in East Bay Regional Parks! Fees are waived for parking, boat launching, and fishing — only state fishing licenses, watercraft inspections, and concession fees apply. Admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm is also waived for Green Friday! The East Bay Regional Park District celebrates Green Friday to encourage the public to spend time in nature. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends the day after Thanksgiving.
Green Friday programs include:
- Green Friday Hike, 9 a.m. at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (Drop-in)
- Green Friday Hike Amongst the Trees, 9 a.m. at Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Drop-in)
- Green Friday Gratitude Hike, 10 a.m. at Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve (Drop-in)
- Green Friday Hike, 10:30 a.m. at Coyote Hills Regional Park (Drop-in)
- Turkey Talk, 12:30 p.m. at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (Drop-in)
- Green Friday Volunteer Opportunities, 9 a.m. at Contra Loma Regional Park and Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area (Registration required)
The Park District is also facilitating cleanup projects on Green Friday. Instead of (or after!) spending the day searching for special savings on holiday gifts, use the day off to give back to nature through a service project. The Park District is facilitating two clean-up events for all to join: At both Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch and Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area in Fremont, volunteers will be removing invasive plants at designated worksites between 9 a.m. and noon. Registration required.
- Age Restrictions: Youth under the age of 18 must have a signed permission by parent or legal guardian. Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
- What to Bring: Water bottle, gloves, and sun protection.
- What is Provided: Necessary tools.
- Weather Notes: Heavy rain or wildfire smoke cancels.
For more information, visit ebparks.org/we-celebrate/green-friday.
Native American Heritage Month. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by recognizing and honoring the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited this land since time immemorial. Indigenous peoples and tribal citizens in the East Bay continue to be closely connected to the land through distinct traditions, unique languages, and sophisticated knowledge systems.
Individuals from the Ohlone, Bay Miwok, Delta Yokut, and many others, continue to live on this land, practicing their culture and traditions to this day. Immense gratitude is extended to the many Native peoples who have contributed — and continue to contribute — their perspectives, voices, history, and culture to our programs.
Learn more about the Park District’s Native American Heritage Month activities, programs, and stories at ebparks.org/native-american-heritage-month.
Veterans Benefits:
In addition to honoring veterans, service members and retirees with free park entrance on Veterans Day, the Park District honors the Distinguished Veteran Pass, which is administered by California State Parks. Veterans with a Distinguished Veteran Pass receive free day-use parking and free entry to Ardenwood Historic Farm, not including special events.
Plus, the Regional Parks Foundation offers a discounted Special Access Membership for veterans.
Regional Park Membership — the Perfect Gift for Nature Lovers. This holiday season, give a gift that inspires adventure all year long — a Regional Parks Foundation Membership. Members enjoy a personalized Membership Card, free day-use parking, free swimming, camping discounts, free admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm on non-event days, free home delivery of the Park District’s Regional in Nature activity guide and the Foundation’s Compass magazine, and more. Consider the Angler level for free fishing and boat launch.
Purchase by Dec. 5. Visit RegionalParksFoundation.org/Join for details.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
the attachments to this post:
Veterans-EBRPD
EBRPD Green Friday Contra Loma
EBRPD Fall Walks & Strolls & bridge
Native American Heritage Month EBRPD
