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To help share their knowledge and love for discovery, the District ranger staff offers a variety of programs on the weekends to families and individuals with a passion to do something fun and exciting outdoors in nature. We also offer education programs to local schools and community groups. Summer is quite unique with Brushy Peak hiking tours, and our Jr. Ranger program at Sycamore Grove. We have something for everyone who loves exploring and learning about wildlife.
An education-based science program designed to engage your child, foster an appreciation for nature, and have FUN! Camps are held on Wednesdays in 4-week sessions with times specific to grade levels. TK/K - 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.; Grade 1-2 - 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.; Grade 3-4 - 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. For more information call 925-960-2400. Home school groups may contact dsoles@larpd.org for information.
Bats! Owls! Raccoons! Oh my! Come to the park to learn about the creatures of the night that inhabit our area and other parts of the world. Learn about nocturnal adaptations and how they help these critters be successful In the Dark!
| In the Dark Lesson Schedule | Day/Date | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lesson 1 - Bodacious Bats | Wednesday, 9/16 | Sycamore Grove Picnic Area - 5035 Arroyo Road | |
| Learn about bats and the fascinating life they lead after the sun goes down. Discover how they hunt in the dark and if they really do hang upside down to sleep. | |||
| Lesson 2 - Awesome Owls | Wednesday, 9/23 | Sycamore Grove Picnic Area - 5035 Arroyo Road | |
| The Bay Area is home to several different species of owls. Each are unique in their own way; there is even one that burrows underground! Come and learn about our local owls and others around the world. | |||
| Lesson 3 - NOT Bats or Owls | Wednesday, 9/30 | Sycamore Grove Picnic Area - 5035 Arroyo Road | |
| The night isn't just reserved for creatures of the skies. There is a lot going on after dark on land, too. From opossums to skunks to raccoons, the park is a busy place at night. Learn about creatures who thrive under the cover of darkness. | |||
| Lesson 4 - Living in the Dark Around the World | Wednesday, 10/7 | Sycamore Grove Picnic Area - 5035 Arroyo Road | |
| Take a step outside the park and explore the world of creatures around the world that make darkness their home. From the depths of the ocean to the plains of Africa, you will learn about animals that have evolved in special ways to live their lives in the dark. | |||
What happens when a tree dies? Why do Sycamore trees like to live near rivers? How many acorns does an oak tree make? Learn the answers to these questions and more as you learn about the importance of trees in our area and around the world.
Register for The Life of an Oak and Other Trees
| The Life of an Oak Lesson Schedule | Day/Date | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lesson 1 - From Acorn to Mighty Oak | Wednesday, 10/28 | Sycamore Grove Picnic Area - 5035 Arroyo Road | |
| Learn about the life cycle of an oak tree and its important role in the ecosystem. | |||
| Lesson 2 - Sycamores and Other Local Trees | Wednesday, 11/4 | Sycamore Grove Picnic Area - 5035 Arroyo Road | |
| Sycamore Grove is home to a whole collection of different trees. Today you will learn all about the park's namesake as well as many of the other tree species that call the park home. | |||
| Lesson 3 - Home Tree Home | Wednesday, 11/11 | Sycamore Grove Picnic Area - 5035 Arroyo Road | |
| Today you will learn about how trees are vital to a wide variety of animals. From roots to tree top, animals rely on trees for health and home. | |||
| Lesson 4 - Humans and Trees | Wednesday, 11/18 | Sycamore Grove Picnic Area - 5035 Arroyo Road | |
| People have been using trees for survival for centuries. We use them to build homes, boats, towns, and even to keep us warm. Come and learn how trees have helped humans and how we can help the trees. | |||