Regional Nature Journal Field Trip @ Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve

Let's nature journal together in the amazing Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve! (East Bay / South Bay Hills area)

This expansive valley and natural gorge boast wildflowers, fascinating geology, and a beautiful riparian habitat along Alameda Creek. Co-host Erica Stephens is a Staff Naturalist at the preserve and can share tons of info with us! (Yay for Erica!)
* Free; Suggested $20 donation for the Wild Wonder Foundation

"Bedrock mortars used by Native Americans for pounding acorns that were found in the area are reminders of Sunol's first inhabitants. For the past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land. Under the East Bay Regional Park District's multi-use land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the 6,859-acre wilderness."
~ more at https://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol

Field trip hosts:

• Erica Stephens, Naturalist with the East Bay Regional Park District and Organizer of the East Bay Nature Journal Club.
• Kate Rutter, Regional Nature Journal Club Field Trip host

!!! Traffic note: There is road construction and closures on 680 between Pleasanton and Sunol this weekend. Please visit this site for details on the closure and alternate routes: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-680-paving-project.
If you're coming from 680, please allow extra time for the detoured routes.

Weather note: If for any reason the site is closed, or if rain is forecast for the day of the field trip, the trip may be canceled and an update posted on the meetup event. Check the program description on Sunday morning before leaving.

Cost note: There is a parking fee of $5 per car.

Parking note: Carpooling highly recommended. Due to high spring visitation, Sunol parking areas may reach full capacity and close temporarily. Parking areas typically reopen when capacity is available.

How to find us:
Meet in front of the Visitor Center:
[https://goo.gl/maps/5ohYbyJxmPrnduMk7](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://goo.gl/maps/5ohYbyJxmPrnduMk7&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2g4giv1daKR1h09lMNk-tP)
It's the green barn; drive through park kiosk and turn left. If there is not parking nearby, then check the other lots and walk back. (If you come a little late, look for people sketching. :)

Bring:
• $5 for parking
• Plenty of water. *THERE IS NO DRINKING WATER AVAILABLE IN THE PARK*
• Seasonally appropriate clothing / dress for variable (including HOT) weather.
• Sunscreen and hat.
• Nature journaling supplies.
• Pack potluck treats to share for lunch. Bring your own bowl and spoon.
• A sense of wonder and humor.
• Anything else to make the day lovely for you: folding stool, magnifying loupe, umbrella, depending. ;)

Flow of the day:
We'll gather together for our opening circle at 10am, and begin with a short warm-up session. Then we'll spread out to nature journal...creeks, cows, possibly fossils! We'll gather together at 12:30 for a shared potluck lunch, to share work, and to socialize. Then we'll head back out for more journaling! At the close (around 3:30) we'll do a final closing circle and send-off.

Good to know:
• $5 per car, parking fee
• Parking can fill up! There are multiple lots, some further walking distance away from the Visitor Center. Carpooling and arriving early is strongly recommended!
• Public Transit is not available; we suggest posting a message on the meetup event for carpools (offers and requests)
• The event is open to all ages and ability levels. No registration is necessary. $20 suggested donation.
• Accessibility: flat, paved trails; some limited benches and seating near the visitor center.
• Bathrooms are available in the park.
• No available drinking water in the park, so be sure to fill your waterbottle before you arrive!

Bring friends and family!