Wonderful World of Water

Hello, Blue Planet!  After our very wet year, let’s learn all about the wonders of water through water play and hands-on exploration.

REGISTER

Monday meeting dates: 9/11, 9/25, 10/9, 10/23

Thursday meeting dates: 9/14, 9/28, 10/12, 10/26

Nocturnal Neighbors 

What goes bump in the night?  A whole other world of amazing nocturnal life!  We’ll investigate what goes on after dark through fun activities and crafts. Canceled if raining.

REGISTER

Monday meeting dates: 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/18

Thursday meeting dates: 11/9, 12/7, 12/21 (no session 11/23, Thanksgiving)

Sycamore Science Camp: Water 

After an incredibly wet year with historic rainfall and flooding, now is the perfect time to explore all things water.  From floods to droughts and water cycle to water bugs, we’ll dive deep into this life-giving element that defines our Blue Planet.  Meeting each week for four weeks.

REGISTER

Sycamore Science Camp: Earth 

The ground beneath our feet keeps secrets, records time, provides us with food and resources, and houses a wild diversity of mysterious life.  We’ll dig into this element which our planet is named after, as we explore all things Earth.  Meeting each week for four weeks. 

REGISTER

Sycamore Science Camp – Homeschool Groups

Please call the Ranger Office at (925) 960-2400 or email natureprograms@larpd.org for more information.

 (Homeschool) Sycamore Science Camp: Water

(Homeschool) Sycamore Science Camp: Earth

 Sycamore Science Camp Field Trips

Join the LARPD Rangers on special field trips to new locations.  Open to all; participants need not be enrolled in the regular Sycamore Science Camp classes.  For Science Campers, the field trip will expand on the most recent Sycamore Science Camp theme.  For new participants, the field trip will expose them to new natural spaces with other nature-loving kids! 

At least one caregiver must stay for the entirety of the field trip but does not need to be registered.

Science Camp Field Trip to Del Valle Regional Park

Meet the rangers upstream of Sycamore Grove Park at the incredible Del Valle Regional Park to see first-hand the impacts of our most recent floods, the significance of water collection in California, and the amazing diversity of wildlife that call the park home.

REGISTER

Science Camp Field Trip to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Meet the rangers at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve for an up-close look at California geology, local mining operations, and the history of boom and bust towns in California.

REGISTER

Jr. Ranger Program

The Jr. Ranger Program includes hiking, playing games, and exploring nature, plus lots of fun for those who register to be a Jr. Ranger. The program meets every other week.

Call 925-960-2400 for more information about the program or to get a copy of the proposed meeting schedule. The first Meeting will be at the Sycamore Grove Park Reserved Picnic Area.

REGISTER

*Sunday meeting dates: 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, 11/5, 11/19, 12/3, 12/17

**Monday 10am meeting dates: 9/4, 9/18, 10/2, 10/16, 10/30, 11/13, 11/27, 12/11

***Monday 9am meeting dates: 9/11, 9/25, 10/9, 10/23, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/18

Ranger Explorers

Calling all nature lovers and outdoor explorers! From pursuing an interest in STEM and the outdoor industry to adventuring and recreating in nature, the Ranger Explorer program is geared towards young teens and will give them a sense of independence, a community of peers, and a calling towards stewardship.

Meeting one Saturday a month for 5 hours, each session will show teens a different side of our local wildlife and open spaces. The first Meeting will be at the Sycamore Grove Park Reserved Picnic Area. 

Meeting the 2nd Saturday of every month: 9/9, 10/14, 11/11, 12/9

REGISTER

*Locations and Times vary for this program. Don't hesitate to contact the Rangers at natureprograms@larpd.org or (925) 960-2400 for more information about the program or to get a copy of the proposed meeting schedule.

LARPD Ranger Staff offer public programs, many of which are free! 

You can also subscribe to receive “Valley Wilds,” LARPD Open Space’s monthly newsletter, and be the first to know about interpretive programs or check the LARPD Events Calendar for the current program schedule. 

For more information about Ranger Programs, please call 925-960-2400. 

“Hoot Owl” program

A “Hoot Owl” program is a fun, after-hours walk in Sycamore Grove Park led by LARPD Rangers! As the sun sets, your group learns about nocturnal animals and their adaptations. Participants can touch wings and talons and see taxidermy specimens.

The introductory talk is followed by a one to two-mile hike as twilight transitions to darkness. Along the way, rangers make frequent stops so the group can look and listen for nocturnal creatures and offer fun activities that exercise all five senses to better experience nature at night.

How do I sign up for a Hoot Owl program?

Email the ranger staff at natureprograms@larpd.org with your proposed hike date at least two weeks in advance. Further in advance will ensure more availability! The start time for Hoot Owls is based on when the sun sets so times vary depending on the time of year.

How long is the program and how far will we walk?

Hoot Owls generally last between 1.5 and 2 hours. Most groups walk about one mile at a very relaxed pace. Let the ranger know if you would like a longer hike.

What are the trails like on a Hoot Owl Hike?

Our usual route is on wide, dirt trails with some sections that have loose rock and gravel. This route is not recommended for strollers or wheelchairs. An ADA (paved) route is available upon request.

Plan Ahead

Hoot Owl Hikes are limited to 20 people – this includes kids and adults. You may need to book more than one hike so everyone can attend. We suggest all participants be at least 5 years old. Pets are not allowed. When registering, note which entrance your hike meets at. The Nature Area Entrance does not have restrooms or water fountains. If your hike is at this entrance plan extra time to make a restroom stop at the main park entrance (1051 Wetmore Road) before coming to the nature area.

What to Bring

• Sturdy shoes like hiking boots or tennis shoes. Unless an ADA route is requested, you will be walking on dirt and gravel trails.
• Layers of clothing – when the sun goes down it may get cold, even in the summer.
• Drinking water in a reusable bottle that you can carry with you.

What is NOT Allowed

These items may not be taken on the night hike – you will need to leave these items in your car:

• Flashlights
• Cameras with flashes
• Food
• Walking sticks
• Cell phones

Our Meeting Locations

• Sycamore Grove Park, Nature Area Entrance
• Sycamore Grove Park, Wetmore Road Entrance

Program Fee

Fees are per group, not to exceed 20 participants per group. The non-resident fee is for groups not residing within the city of Livermore.

• Livermore Groups: $205
• Non-resident Groups: $225

Nature Programs for Groups

Do you have a group interested in a special nature program with the Rangers? 

From Girl Scout and Boy Scout groups working towards badges to special interest groups wanting a guided hike of the park, LARPD Ranger Staff is excited to create a custom program for your group. 

Don't hesitate to contact the Rangers at natureprograms@larpd.org or (925) 960-2400 for information, availability, and pricing.