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Nature
Detectives | Toddler Ramble | Nature Programs for Adults | Weekend Nature Acitivites | Bird Hikes
Nature Detectives is a monthly program designed for 3 to 5 year olds and their caregivers.
March Molting
Saturday, March 2, 11:00am-12:00am
Molting is the shed of old feathers, hair, skin, or an old shell to make way for a new growth. Snakes do it and crabs do it too! Hike the trail in search of molts and learn more about why animals shed. Ages 3 to 5. $5.
Class #20571
April Avocets
Saturday, April 6, 11:00am-12:00pm
American Avocets are birds that can be found along the Hayward Shoreline all year long. By April their heads have turned a lovely shade of pinkish brown and pairs are beginning to set up their nests. We’ll review the unique qualities of these birds and talk about springtime at the marsh. Ages 3 to 5. $7.
Class #20733
May Marvels of the Marsh
Saturday, May 4, 11:00am-12:00pm
Swallows have been flying around the Interpretive Center since March and by this time, many of their nests have been completed with tiny eggs being kept warm inside. This month we will focus on eggs and their different shapes and colors. We’ll also make something eggy to take home. Ages 3 to 5. $7.
Class #20734
Enjoy Friday mornings with your child at the Interpretive Center. Your little one will learn about the shoreline through crafts, books and experiences. Parents and caregivers grow as facilitators of nature learning along the way.
March: Mud Madness
Fridays, March 1, 8, 15, 10:30am-11:00am
Everywhere you look in the salt marsh you catch at least a glimpse of mud somewhere. Come find out why so many animals think it’s the best place on Earth. We’ll touch it, smell it, and taste it (oh no, but maybe?). Bring lunch and hang out after the program with our books and stuffed animals. Ages 1 to 3. $5.
March 1, Class #20565
March 8, Class #20566
March 15, Class #20567
March: Land Animals of the Marsh
Fridays, March 22 and 29, 10:30am-11:00am
Explore the rabbits, squirrels, and foxes that walk and run throughout the salt marsh. Ages 1 to 3. $5.
March 22, Class #21133
March 29, Class #21134
April: Water Animals of the Marsh
Fridays, April 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:30am-11:00am
Fish, crabs, and snails can be found where the water is and we will check them out. Ages 1 to 3. $5.
April 5, Class #21135
April 12, Class #21136
April 19, Class #21137
April 26, Class #21138
May: Air Animals of the Marsh
Fridays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Let’s keep our eyes on the sky this month and look for the birds that fly so beautifully in the air. Ages 1 to 3. $5.
May 3, Class #21139
May 10, Class #21140
May 17, Class #21141
May 24, Class #21142
May 31, Class #21143
Hiking through Bay Area History
Sunday, March 3, 10:30am-12:30pm
Discuss the unique and interesting history of the Bay Area from the ice ages, to the Gold Rush, to the salt evaporation ponds of Alameda County. Walk through remnants left by settlers who worked at the shoreline over one hundred years ago. Ages 18 and up. Call (510) 881-6700 or register online at www.haywardrec.org. $8.
Class #20555
Sun, Stars, Moon Hike Series
Imagine an evening walk as the sun sets and the stars gradually light up the sky. Enjoy a short hike, a bit of fun science, and stories of the skies complemented by snacks of the season.
The Magnetic Sun
Friday, March 22, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Just after the vernal equinox, explore the power of the sun. From changing seasons to solar wind, the sun’s influence affects us from our moods to our satellites. Ages 15 and up. $8.
Class #21147
Star Stories
Friday, April 26, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Stories about the stars come from many traditions. Enjoy the wonder of the heavens as we walk the shoreline trails. Ages 15 and up. $8
Class #21148
Full Flower Moon Hike
Friday, May 24, 7:00pm-9:00pm
In Europe, Full Flower Moon or Milk Moon marked the time for flowers to be in spectacular bloom and the newly calved cows to produce abundant milk. Celebrate the opening of the Memorial Day holiday weekend with our closest view of the moon as it moves on its elliptical path. Ages 15 and up. $8.
Class #21149
Those Crazily Covert and Cryptic Songbirds
Saturday, March 9, 9:30am-12:30pm
Lake Chabot is a beautiful place to spend a morning and explore the trees and underbrush for tantalizingly elusive songbirds. If you would like to find alluring birds like woodpeckers, wrentits, and towhees that have begun their nesting, this is the excursion for you. Meet at the boathouse at the southern end of Lake Chabot. Directions can be found at www.ebparks.org/parks/lake_chabot. Ages 12 and up. $5.
Class #20541
Which Comes First, The Stilt or the Egg?
Saturday, March 23, 12:00pm-2:00pm
There is a small pond we will visit today during our hike in which stilts and avocets breed. If we are lucky, we should see both nests with incubating eggs and small chicks wandering about. This is a great opportunity to catch spring in action! We will meet at the Grant Avenue trailhead in San Lorenzo. Ages 12 and up. $5.
Class #20753
In Search of Wrens, or Should I Say the Top Dog?
Saturday, April 13, 10:00am-1:00pm
There is a small bird found in the freshwater marsh that is very vocal, but can be surprisingly difficult to locate. In the springtime, however, our otherwise elusive Marsh Wren is compelled to find prominent spots within its territory and sing, sing, sing making him pleasingly visible. We will meet at the Interpretive Center. Ages 12 and up. $5.
Class #20754
A Feathered Tradition
Saturday, April 27, 9:30am-12:30pm
On this 4th annual spring walk through the various habitats of Coyote Hills, we are sure to see some incredible things like the Great Horned Owl’s nest we spied on last year. Bring your excitement and binoculars as this will be a walk to remember. There is a $5 parking lot fee and we will meet at the lot next to the Nature Center. Directions can be found at www.ebparks.org/parks. Ages 12 and up. $5.
Class #20756
Pushing the Birding Envelope II
Saturday, May 11, 10:00am-1:00pm
Last May, we strove in vain to find a small, unassuming bird called a Black Tern that passes through our marshes only during the month of May. Today, we are still on that quest to find these uncommon and lovely birds. Bring your fortitude and sense of humor as we bravely take on flying midges for this enjoyable walk that starts at the Interpretive Center. Ages 12 and up. $5.
Class #20757
To Hover or Not to Hover, That is the Question
Saturday, May 25, 10:00am-1:00pm
Our resident pair of White-tailed Kites that winter near the Interpretive Center actually nest closer to the West Winton trailhead. Today, we’ll be on the lookout for this fun pair of birds that makes us smile whenever we see them hovering in search of prey. Extra bonus points if we spot their nest! We’ll meet at the first parking lot at the west end of West Winton Avenue. Ages 12 and up. $5.
Class #21024
For school age children and their families
March
Night Hike
Saturday, March 16, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Have you ever watched your hand disappear before your own eyes? Made sparks that can only be seen at night? Seen the world’s tiniest flamethrower? If you haven’t experienced any of these life-changing activities, join us for a special night hike along the shoreline to see some unusual chemistry “magic” tricks and maybe spot some unusual nocturnal animals as well. Dress appropriately for the weather! Ages 6 and up. $5.
Class #20736
Leopard Shark Feeding Frenzy
Saturday, March 24, 2:00pm-3:00pm
Assist the Interpretive Center staff during the daily feeding of our shark tank. We have two new leopard shark pups to introduce to the public. Learn about the surfperch, lined-shore crabs, anemones, and barnacles that inhabit the tank along with our resident leopard shark. New animals are being added regularly! Who is the predator and who is the prey?
April
Compass Exploration
Sunday, April 14, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Can you point to the Pacific Ocean? How about to the North Pole? Learn to use a compass, the sun, and land feature to find your way while hiking on a hill that allows you to get the whole Bay into perspective. Ages 7 and up. $5.
Class #20737
Ready, Set…Camouflage!
Saturday, April 20, 11:30am-12:30pm
Will we find a sandpiper or an egret first? It’s up to your sharp eyesight as we explore the animals of the shoreline by pictures first and then outdoors to test our spotting skills. When we come back, we’ll create some camouflage challenges of our own for everyone else! Ages 6 and up. $5.
Class #20738
Leopard Shark Feeding Frenzy
Sunday, April 28, 2:00pm-3:00pm
Assist the Interpretive Center staff during the daily feeding of our shark tank. We have two new leopard shark pups to introduce to the public. Learn about the surfperch, lined-shore crabs, anemones, and barnacles that inhabit the tank along with our resident leopard shark. New animals are being added regularly! Who is the predator and who is the prey?
May
Beginning Birdwatching
Sunday, May 5, 12:00pm-2:00pm
Are you intimidated by large binoculars, bird books, and multi-pocketed safari jackets? Then join us for a leisurely beginning birder hike and explore the shoreline with your naturalist who is also a beginning birdwatcher! Experts, you are welcome too. We have a limited number of binoculars to loan, so bring them if you own a pair. Ages 12 and up. $5.
Class #20755
Edible Plant Walk
Sunday, May 12, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Taste common plants of the salt marsh like pickleweed, mustard and New Zealand spinach. All are welcome to come learn about ancient and modern uses for these delectable edibles. Take home recipes for local plants. All ages. $5.
Class #20739
Fun with Mud
Saturday, May 18, 12:30pm-1:30pm
Our salt marsh is full of mud that looks squishy and smells unique. Want a closer look? Come dressed for muddiness, and we’ll use nets and microscopes to explore the special mud that so many living things call home. And we’re not making any promises about staying clean. All ages. $5.
Class #20740
Leopard Shark Feeding Frenzy
Sunday, May 26, 2:00pm-3:00pm
Assist the Interpretive Center staff during the daily feeding of our shark tank. We have two new leopard shark pups to introduce to the public. Learn about the surfperch, lined-shore crabs, anemones, and barnacles that inhabit the tank along with our resident leopard shark. New animals are being added regularly! Who is the predator and who is the prey?
