(510) 881-6747
1801 D Street, Hayward
sulphurcreek@haywardrec.org
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
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.
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 (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.
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.)
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
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 |
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 |
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 |
Bring 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 |
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 |
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 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.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Edible 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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Talented Tails