Ranger Programs and Events

LARPD Open Space 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.

SUBSCRIBE TO VALLEY WILDS

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

A festive scene at a holiday event with lights, a sign for "North Pole Village," and people in winter attire, including Santa hats.

Ho Ho Holiday Carnival

Get ready for a magical evening at Sycamore Grove Park!

RANGER PROGRAM: Winter Birds

Enjoy a short stroll with Ranger Vickie to check out winter birds at the park This is a beginner level bird walk, all ages and abilities are welcome!

People sawing wood outdoors, some wearing festive elf hats, surrounded by trees and buildings.

The Great Yule Log Hunt 

Grab your silliest holiday hat and join Ranger Eric for the 31st annual hunt for the fabled Yule Log! We'll prepare for the hunt with games, merriment…

Smiling person holding a wreath with red berries outdoors, wearing a black "Las Vegas" hoodie.

RANGER PROGRAM: Wild Wreaths

Add a personal, outdoorsy touch to your holiday decor! Create your own California native plant wreath with Ranger Doug. All materials provided.

A child in a Santa hat holds a snowman ornament, near a Christmas tree.

RANGER PROGRAM: Holiday Ornament Making

Create holiday cheer with Ranger Rudy! Use nature-made materials gathered from the park to make beautiful ornaments for your tree.

Atl-atl Arrow Throwing

Looking to try something new in 2026? Learn how to throw an arrow using an atl-atl. Ranger Seth will share the history of this tool used by Native…

RANGER PROGRAM: New Year New Me Hike!

Kick off the new year with a brisk 3.5-mile hike with Ranger Gilbert at Sycamore Grove Park! We’ll explore the gentle hills and wildlife on the…

RANGER PROGRAM: Nature’s Cold Adaptations

Baby, it’s cold outside! Ranger Doug will discuss some of the amazing and unique adaptations that the natural world uses to survive the harsh winter…

Mushroom Madness

The annual mushroom hunt returns to the park! The Bay Area Mycological Society will join LARPD rangers to lead groups into the park in search of…

National Take a Walk Outdoors Day

Celebrate National Take a Walk Outdoors Day with Naturalist Candace at the Sycamore Grove Park Arroyo Road Entrance. Pets are welcome and they must be…

RANGER PROGRAM: Bird Adaptations

Ranger Vickie will share how birds are adapted to various ways of eating, nesting and keeping warm. This talk is open to all. Cancelled if raining.

Wonderful Wetlands

Celebrate World Wetlands Day with Naturalist Candace at Sycamore Grove Park.

RANGER PROGRAM: Snake Meet & Greet

Learn about the snakes that call Sycamore Grove home. Ranger Vickie will bring out items to see and touch, then introduce you to one of our resident…

RANGER PROGRAM: Nature’s Love Languages

Love is in the air – and in the wild! Join Ranger Seth on Valentines Day for a fun, family friendly exploration of amazing, silly, and surprising ways…

RANGER PROGRAM: Animal Hearts

What makes us all tick... our hearts! Take a beat as Ranger Doug discusses the different hearts of animals found throughout the world.

RANGER PROGRAM: Raptors of Winter

Look skyward! Ranger Rudy will talk about the various raptors, commonly referred to as birds of prey, flying about Sycamore Grove during the winter…

Spring Egg-Stravaganza

The Spring Egg-Stravaganza is back! Choose from five different start times for egg hunts and the opportunity to see some of our local bird nesting…

Earth Day Celebration at Sycamore Grove

There is no Planet B… so best we take good care of this one! Celebrate Earth Day at Sycamore Grove Park! We’ll have drop-in crafts and activities for…

Brushy Peak 4-mile Summit Hike

Explore the magical parkland owned by LARPD known as Brushy Peak Regional Preserve which is only open to the public by ranger-led tours and hike to…

Grazing in the Grove Hike: LARPD’s Cattle Pilot Program

Join us on Sunday, April 26th at 9am at Sycamore Grove Park for a hike into the upper property to see the cattle grazing pilot program that began…

Brushy Peak 2-mile Lowlands Adventure

Explore the magical parkland owned by LARPD known as Brushy Peak Regional Preserve which is only open to the public by ranger-led tours.

RANGER PROGRAM: Butterfly Bonanza

Ranger Doug’s favorite creatures are butterflies and he is ready to share his enthusiasm and knowledge at the Sycamore Grove Butterfly Bonanza! Learn…

Child holding a fake mustache on a stick, smiling in front of a blue background.

RECREATION GUIDE WINTER /SPRING

A man kneels, showing a tarantula to a group of children outdoors.