- Naturalist's Feature -
Walking through the REAL Winter Wonderland
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Rainy Season Has Arrived! And so have all the animals, plants and fungi!
Think Winter—what images come to your mind? I’m going to guess at least one of the following: snow, cold, skiing, snowmen, etc. If you’re from the bay, your mind might also wander to images of the green hills, Monarch butterflies, and great sunsets (during your commute home). In reality, Pleasanton winter is the real deal winter wonderland. We don’t have to face the cold as much as the places that snow, but we’re close enough that weekend visits to go skiing or sledding give us a taste of that kind of winter fun. What’s even more fun is what happens here at home: suddenly everything seems to bloom with life and there is so much to explore. Hike up the Pleasanton trails if you want to see newts migrating to mate. Or hike to a great view to watch ducks migrating to mild winter climates. Green grasses aren’t just great for the cows, but also for deer and other woodland critters. A huge diversity of fungi sprouts up after the rains, with water making up about 90% of their contents. Ponds fill up with water and frogs, newts and turtles fill up the ponds. All of these plus the smell of cold morning dew on the plants and the sound of chirping birds in the trees is not something I would ever want to miss out on. For more information on all these winter nature wonders, visit us at the Alviso Adobe Community Park and talk with one of our naturalists.
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The City of Pleasanton’s Trails Master Plan is underway and we want to know what you think!
How to get involved:
- Attend the Community Engagement meeting Thursday, January 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building (301 Main Street, Pleasanton)
- Take the online survey at PleasantonTrails.com
- Hike a trail with us – sign up at PleasantonTrails.com
- Identify your favorite trail or show us a new trail connection you’d like on the interactive map found at PleasantonTrails.com
- Email or call us directly: Matt Gruber mgruber@cityofpleasantonca.gov (P) 925.931.5672
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Upcoming Programs and Events
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Winter Faire - JUST A FEW SPOTS LEFT!
Celebrate winter and the holiday season at the Alviso Adobe Winter Faire! Create natural wreaths, old-fashioned ornaments and have your picture taken with Santa!
Ages 4 & up
Saturday, December 2
10:00am- Noon
$15R/$18N
Registration Code: 4574
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Drop & Shop Date Night
Drop your kids off at Alviso Adobe for a night of campfire stories, nature games, pizza party and more while you get a jump on your holiday shipping. Dinner and treats will be provided.
Ages 5-10
Saturday, December 9
5:30pm-9:00pm
$25R/$28N
Registration Code: 4575
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Winter Ridge Runners - 3 Day Camp - SPOTS ARE FILLING UP QUICKLY!
Our Winter Ridge Runner Camp this year is all about survival skills. We will teach your campers what it takes to survive in nature. Hikes, crafts, skills and games will keep your campers warm and toasty! Located throughout parks in Pleasanton, schedule to be emailed one week prior to camp start date.
Ages 7-11
Wednesday 1/3 - Friday 1/5
9:00am-3:00pm
$123R/$135N
Registration Code: 4580
Daily option available $45R/$48N (Registration: 1/3 #4577, 1/4 #4578, 1/5 #4579)
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Alviso Adobe Community Park
3465 Old Foothill Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Facility Hours:
Wednesday-Sunday
10:00am-4:00pm
Holiday Schedule:
The facility will be closed
Friday 12/22- Monday 12/25
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Contact our Staff:
Elena Frink
Naturalist
Martha Cerda
Assistant Naturalist
Jillian Gamache
Marketing/Volunteer Coordinator
Heather Smalley
Advanced Ridge Runners Camp Coordinator
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