Sycamore Sprouts: Plant Power 

With spring right around the corner, there’s no better time than now to show plants some love.  Let’s explore plants using all our senses during one of the year's most beautiful and green times!  Canceled if raining. 

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Monday meeting dates: 2/12, 2/26, 3/11, 3/25 

Thursday meeting dates: 2/15, 2/29, 3/14, 3/28 

Sycamore Sprouts: Birds of a Feather 

Nest, beaks, and feathers, oh my!  With the great Spring Migration underway, let’s learn about our feathered friends through hands-on activities and crafts. 

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Monday meeting dates: 4/8, 4/22, 5/6, 5/20 

Thursday meeting dates: 4/11, 4/25, 5/9, 5/23 

Sycamore Science Camp: Fire

We cook food with it, warm our homes with it, and tell stories around it – this session is all about fire.  From fire starting to fire safety to wildfires, we’ll learn about this destructive and essential force of nature. 

Meeting each week for four weeks at Sycamore Grove Park - Ranger Station Picnic Area. 

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Sycamore Science Camp: Air  

Take a deep breath… it’s time to explore all things air.  We’ll travel the winds, adventure through the atmosphere, determine our local air quality, and investigate how living things breathe with this last element. 

Meeting each week for four weeks at Sycamore Grove Park - Ranger Station Picnic Area.  

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Sycamore Science Camp: Change  

We’ve explored the four elements of Water, Earth, Fire, and Air… but how have these elements changed over time?  And how do they act together?  Let’s take a long look at these forces of nature throughout Earth’s history and into the future.   

Meeting each week for four weeks at Sycamore Grove Park - Ranger Station Picnic Area.  

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Sycamore Science Camp – Homeschool Groups

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

Meetings at Sycamore Grove Park - Ranger Station Picnic Area.  

 (Homeschool) Sycamore Science Camp: Fire

(Homeschool) Sycamore Science Camp: Air

(Homeschool) Sycamore Science Camp: Change

Sycamore Science Camp - Field Trips

Science Campers can join the LARPD Rangers for a special, optional session at a new location that expands on the science camp theme.  Priority registration is given to participants already enrolled in the current Sycamore Science Camp. 

Science Camp Field Trip: Fire 

Last November, we partnered with the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department to have a controlled burn in the grasslands of Sycamore Grove Park. Join us on a hike out to the burn scar where we will build upon the themes discussed in Sycamore Science Camp, talk about why we burned the park on purpose, and investigate the aftermath of the fire. Meet at the Wetmore entrance of Sycamore Grove Park.

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Science Camp Field Trip: Air

Hold onto your hats – things are bound to get windy as we explore a new location to see air in action.  Meet the rangers for some great views, cool lichen and windswept hair at Vargas Plateau Regional Park as we expand on our investigation of the element of air.

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Science Field Trip: Change 

Let’s wrap up our exploration of the elements with a visit to the Hayward Shoreline.  We’ll see the intersection of all the elements and how human impact is changing this unique ecosystem right before our eyes.

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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 - Ranger Station Picnic Area 

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Junior Rangers – Homeschool Groups 

If you are interested in learning more about our Junior Rangers programs for Homeschool Groups, please contact the Rangers at natureprograms@larpd.org or (925) 960-2400. 

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. 

Saturday meeting dates: 2/10, 3/9, 4/13, 5/11

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*Locations and Times vary for this program. Please download and read the Schedule & Caregiver Letter  posted in Active.

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

There are several fun Special Events planned for this Spring. Review them on the Special Events page.

You can also subscribe to receive “Valley Wilds,” LARPD Open Space’s monthly newsletter to stay informed.

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

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.