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Sulphur Creek Nature Center

links to information relevant to Sulphur Creek Donations to Sulphur Creek Sulphur Creek Volunteers Sulphur Creek Programs

(510) 881-6747
1801 D Street, Hayward
sulphurcreek@haywardrec.org

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Sulphur Creek Nature Center offers exciting science programs that focus on the natural history and ecology of local wildlife. These stimulating programs are designed primarily for students in pre-school through Grade 6. Students participate in lively discussion, conduct field studies and have hands-on experiences with LIVE animals. Including a Sulphur Creek program in your curriculum creates a memorable learning experience for students and adults alike.

  • All programs support the Science Framework for California Public Schools.
  • Conducted year-round on the grounds of the Nature Center using the wildlife exhibits, grassland, creek and riparian habitats as our outdoor classroom.
  • Brought to you as outreach programs during the months of October through March. Choose the programs that coincide best with your classroom curriculum.
  • Please refer to our quarterly brochure for details of programs and clases.

Schools and Groups

owl
Owls on the Prowl (Grades K - 6)
Can you catch 100 mice a night? Owls can! Come learn about the amazing adaptations, or tools these birds of prey possess to be such effective hunters.  Meet our resident owls and discover how they each can provide for their families in this highly interactive program.

 

BatBats in Focus (Grades K - 6)
what’s it like to be the only mammal that flies? How do you “see” with your ears? How do you scream so that no one hears?  Explore the world from a bat’s point of view and understand how these unique creatures benefit us all.

Animal Discoveries (Pre-school)
Discover the wonder of animals, both wild and domestic, in a lighthearted, intimate setting. Observe, discuss and touch a variety of safe, friendly animals as you learn to respect their differences.

Walk with the Animals (Grades K - 2)
Take a walk on the wild side and come face to face with mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Touch fur, feathers, scales and skin while getting a rare close up look at their similarities and differences. Learn how these animals move, find food and escape from enemies.

Local Wildlife tour (Grades 3 - 6)
Tour Sulphur Creek and get close to the California wildlife that roams our creeks, hills and forests. Become familiar with the opossum, coyote, hawk, raven, snake, toad and more! Learn about their adaptations through discussion, observation and interaction. Discover what habitat requirements animals need in order to survive on their own.

Hooray for Herps! A closer look at Amphibians and Reptiles (Grades K - 6)
Meet our resident reptiles and amphibians and learn about their natural history and ecology. Discuss life cycles, predators and prey, habitats, locomotion and defense mechanisms. Local species are available for handling.

Mammal Menagerie (Grades K - 6)
What do coyotes, whales, bats and people have in common? Learn all about this amazing group of animals and how they have adapted to live in every environment. Discover their tremendous diversity, communication strategies, brain development and sensory adaptations.

avian antics
Avian Antics (Grades K - 6)
Birds are some of the most observable wildlife. Get a close up look at what makes them unique. With the use of artifacts and live examples, you will investigate birds from A to Z including special adaptations, nest building and how they fly.



Backyard Bugs (Grades K - 6 outreach only)
Explore the world of arthropods through this engaging, hands-on presentation that comes directly to your classroom.   Students will learn how to classify and observe lifecycles of arachnids, myriopods, insects, and crustaceans.

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Field programs
The following programs are offered in the spring only to take advantage of the best environmental conditions. There is limited availability, please reserve early.

Minibeast Safari (Grades K - 2)

Encounter the smaller side of life:   Insects, spiders, worms, slugs, and millipedes.   Learn where they live, what they eat, and why they are an integral part of the animal world. Collect your own mini-beasts for study and discussion.   (1 hr program held March through June only)

Arthropod Adventures (Grades 3 - 6)

Hundreds of spiders, insects, and other arthropods are found in and around Sulphur Creek.   Let your students become field biologists for the day by collecting, examining and classifying arthropods from five different habitats.   Through observation and comparison, they will be able to piece together information about habitat preferences, ecology, and the importance of arthropods in the ecosystem. (2 hr program held on Tuesday and Thursday, March through June only)

Upstream, downstream (Grades 4 - 6)
Study Sulphur Creek and its rich riparian habitat. Collect and learn to identify aquatic invertebrates, test water quality, measure stream velocity, temperature and pH.   Investigate sources of and solutions to pollution. Use your science and math skills to record observations and determine the health of the creek.   (2 hr program held on Wednesday and Friday, April through June only.)

Reservation Procedure
Programs, reservations, and pricing can be made by telephone with a naturalist at Sulphur Creek.   Call at least one month prior to your intended program date.   Preparation materials will be sent to teachers after reservations are made. Walk with the Animals, Local Wildlife Tour, Hooray for Herps!, Mammal Menagerie, Avian Antics, Bats in Focus, Owls on the Prowl and Mini-beast Safari are 1-hour programs.   Arthropod Adventures and Upstream, Downstream are 2 hour programs.

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Nature Classes and Public Programs

Critter Birthday Party
Come celebrate the birthday of Sulphur Creek’s very special Call Ducks, Puddles and Quackers. Join them for snacks, games and a trip to the creek. To include the critters in the animal hospital, they invite you to bring a gift for the new babies in their honor.

442006 2-12 yrs. Sunday 3:00pm-4:30pm 4/6 1 Christine $8/child

Signs of Spring
Join the chicken, snake and chinchilla to discover the changes of spring. Search for signs sprouting forth in the park and make a seed surprise for the animals in the neighborhood.

All programs are at Sulphur Creek Nature Center:

Class # Ages/yrs Day Time Date Mtgs Instructor Fees
442071 3-5 T 11:00am-12:30pm 4/29 1 Christine $8/child
442072 3-5 M 2:30-4:00pm 4/14 1 Christine $8/child
442073 4-7 T 3:30-5:00pm 4/22 1 Christine $8/child
442074 4-7 M 3:30-5:00pm 4/28 1 Christine $8/child
442075 6-12 T 3:30-5:00pm 4/8 1 Christine $8/child

ducksFeather Investigations
Carefully investigate the feathers of the owl, duck and vulture to find out about some of their surprising uses. Explore the park in search of feathers to inspect.
All programs are at Sulphur Creek Nature Center:

Class # Ages/yrs Day Time Date Mtgs Instructor Fees
442081 3-5 M 11:00am-12:30pm 5/2 1 Christine $8/child
442082 3-5 T 2:30-4:00pm 5/13 1 Christine $8/child
442083 4-7 M 3:30-5:00pm 5/19 1 Christine $8/child
442084 4-7 T 3:30-5:00pm 5/27 1 Christine $8/child
442085 6-12 M 3:30-5:00pm 5/12 1 Christine $8/child

Father's Day Photo Fun
TarantulaBring your favorite animal photo to share as we look at funny animal pictures and have a crazy caption contest. Bring your camera to take some special photos of the owl, chinchilla and tarantula.

442005 3-12 yrs. Sunday 3:00pm-4:30pm 6/15 1 Christine $8/child

Campfire Night
Join us for a campfire in the first official day of summer. Visit the owl, toad, and tarantula, roast marshmallows and go on a night hike.

442004 2-12 yrs. Saturday 7:00pm-8:30pm 6/21 1 Christine $8/child

snakeTalented Tails
Visit the snake, salamander and opossum to find out about the different things that their tails can do. Search the park and the creek to see the critters’ tails in action.

All programs are at Sulphur Creek Nature Center:

Class # Ages/yrs Day Time Date Mtgs Instructor Fees
442066 3-5 T 11:00am-12:30pm 6/24 1 Christine $8/child
442067 3-5 M 2:30-4:00pm 6/2 1 Christine $8/child
442068 4-7 T 3:30-5:00pm 6/3 1 Christine $8/child
442069 4-7 M 3:30-5:00pm 6//23 1 Christine $8/child
442070 6-12 T 3:30-5:00pm 6/24 1 Christine $8/child

Toddler Time
Toddler Times (Ages 1-3 with caregiver) $7/family
Toddler Times are designed for ages 1 to 3 with their caregivers. Each class includes a hands-on visit with animals, a craft and an outdoor exploration.


April
Come feel soft things as we visit the owl, snake, and hamster and make a finger puppet too.   
  

Class # Ages/yrs Day Time Date Mtgs Instructor Fees
441039 1-3 Sat. 10:00am-10:45 am 4/5 1 Christine $7/family
441040 1-3 Sat. 11:30am-12:15pm 4/5 1 Christine $7/family
441041 1-3 M 10:00am-10:45 am 4/7 1 Christine $7/family
441042 1-3 M 11:30am-12:15pm 4/7 1 Christine $7/family
441043 1-3 T 10:00am-10:45 am 4/15 1 Christine $7/family
441044 1-3 T 11:30am-12:15pm 4/15 1 Christine $7/family

tortoise

May
Search for May flowers with the tortoise, guinea pig, and
dove, and make a butterfly straw.

Class # Ages/yrs Day Time Date Mtgs Instructor Fees
441045 1-3 Sat. 10:00am-10:45 am 5/3 1 Christine $7/family
441046 1-3 Sat. 11:30am-12:15pm 5/3 1 Christine $7/family
441047 1-3 M 10:00am-10:45 am 5/5 1 Christine $7/family
441048 1-3 M 11:30am-12:15pm 5/5 1 Christine $7/family
441049 1-3 T 10:00am-10:45 am 5/20 1 Christine $7/family
441050 1-3 T 11:30am-12:15pm 5/20 1 Christine $7/family

June
Find out about animals that love to bask in the sun as we visit the turtle, snake, and lizard.

Class # Ages/yrs Day Time Date Mtgs Instructor Fees
441051 1-3 Sat. 10:00am-10:45 am 6/14 1 Christine $7/family
441052 1-3 Sat. 11:30am-12:15pm 6/14 1 Christine $7/family
441053 1-3 M 10:00am-10:45 am 6/17 1 Christine $7/family
441054 1-3 M 11:30am-12:15pm 6/17 1 Christine $7/family
441055 1-3 T 10:00am-10:45 am 6/30 1 Christine $7/family
441056 1-3 T 11:30am-12:15pm 6/30 1 Christine $7/family

Wildlife Explorers
Join the naturalists of Sulphur Creek in a NEW four-week Wildlife Adventure series that brings wildlife up close and personal.  These classes have been specially designed to give your child that extra curricular edge and bring to life the school science standards set by the State of California.

April
Constructing Critters

6-12 years
440082 Th 4:00pm-5:30pm 4/3,4/10,4/17,4/24 1 Christine $60/child

How does a spider build a web? How about birds and their nests? What do the "underground condos" of gophers look like? We'll meet several animals and learn how they build amazing structures. We'll even try to copy their handiwork with projects to take home!

May
Tall and Terrific Trees

6-12 years
440084 Th 4:00pm-5:30pm 5/7,5/14,5/21,5/28 1 Christine $60/child

"I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree!" wrote Joyce Kilmer. That may be true, but trees and poems make a great combination! In this class, we'll learn all about trees: naming their parts, how they can make food from sunlight, and how they provide shelter for a lot of our wildlife. Then we'll push our pencils and practice our poetic prose in praise of these portentous plants!


Wildlife Camp at Sulphur Creek
Calling all kids! Join the fun this summer at Sulphur Creek Nature Center’s Wildlife Camp, 1801 D Street, Hayward, where you will come face to face with all sorts of creatures. Meet hawks, owls, snakes, bugs, frogs and mammals from the wild side. Each week is packed with games, crafts, animal activities, hikes, and special projects. A free T-shirt and snacks will be provided. Please use Registration Form on page 63 including the “Day Camp Information” section at bottom. Sessions indicate grade your child will attend in September.

Class# Title Grade Day Time Date Fees
143010 Polliwogs*  Preschool  M-F 9:30am-11:30 am 6/23-27 $88
143011 Polliwogs* Preschool  M-F 1:00pm -3:00pm  6/23-27 $88
143020 Weasels  k-1st M-F 9:30am-2:30pm 7/7-7/11 $172
143030 Barn Owls 2nd-3rd M-F 9:30am-2:30pm 7/14-7/18 $172
143021 Weasels k-1st M-F 9:30am-2:30pm 7/21-7/25 $172
143031 Barn Owls  2nd-3rd M-F 9:30am-2:30pm 7/28-8/1 $172
143040  Grizzly Bears 4th-6th M-F 9:30am-2:30pm 8/4-8/8 $172
* Polliwogs must be age 3yrs. 6mo. by 6/23/08 and toilet trained.

Fall Adult Nature Series
For adults only - Reservations required - $15 per person

Instrumental Insects
Saturday • April 12 • 6:00-8:00pm • #442091

Crickets clicking and katydids singing.  What’s this music all about?  Come listen to an insect serenade of love and courtship at Sulphur Creek Nature Center as we find out how to recognize these rhythmic responses.

MarshEdible Plants of the Marsh
Saturday • May 17 • 1:00-4:00pm • #442093

Join us in a grocery excursion as we discover some of the edible delights offered by the marsh along the Hayward Shoreline.  Learn how to “spice up” your life as we savor and sample anise, mustard, fennel and other spices that mother nature can provide free of charge. Meet at the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center: 4901 Breakwater Avenue, Hayward.

Directions to Sulphur Creek Nature Center

From San Leandro/ Oakland / San Francisco or Fremont / San Jose on 880.
Exit "A" Street.
Proceed east 1.75 mi to Second Street, right on Second Street, left on "D" Street, proceed 0.8 mi. to park.

From Oakland/ San Leandro on 580
Exit South 238/Hayward.   Follow Foothill Blvd. to the second City Center Drive (after Centennial Hall), turn left.    Make a right onto Second Street, and a left onto "D" Street, proceed 0.8 miles to park.

From Livermore/Pleasanton on 580.
Exit Castro Valley, left at light, left on Grove Way, left on Center Street, right on B Street, left on 7th Street, left on "D" Street, proceed 2 blocks to park.

On public Transportation
AC Transit line #95 departs Hayward BART station and has a bus stop at Sulphur Creek's driveway. Call AC Transit at 511 for route departure and arrival times.

Many of our facilities may be rented by individuals and groups or have picnic areas which may be reserved. For detailed information about locations, pricing and policies click on the button when you see it or visit the Facility Rental and Reservations section now .

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