Wild Within Reach
A virtual Lunch & Learn series exploring the nature, wildlife, and restoration efforts across our East Bay parks—from city paths to wildlands.
Join us this fall for Wild Within Reach, a virtual Lunch & Learn series featuring East Bay Regional Park District biologists and environmental stewardship experts. Each session will spotlight local topics—from shorebirds to snakes, from oak woodlands to urban green spaces—offering a behind-the-scenes look at the biodiversity and conservation work happening in your parks. Learn about current restoration projects, get inspired by stories from the field, and discover simple ways to get involved. Each seminar will offer ample opportunity for Q&A following the presentations. Then, take your learning outdoors with a guided, in-person visit to a local restoration site.
Sign up for one or all - this series is free for members!
Conservation as Recreation: From Urban Parks to Wildlands
Thursday, September 18 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Presenters: Tammy Lim, EBRPD Stewardship Wildlife Unit and Cat Chang, iNaturalist
Discover how the East Bay Regional Park District balances conservation and recreation across the full spectrum of habitats—from busy urban parks to remote wildlands. Learn how thoughtful planning and stewardship can enhance the park experience for all, while protecting nature for future generations.
Urban Parks: The City as Habitat
Thursday, September 25 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Presenter: Tali Caspi, PhD Candidate, UC Davis
Even in the heart of our cities, nature thrives. This session explores the surprising biodiversity of urban parks and the power of native plants to restore ecological health. Learn from researcher Tali Caspi about the urban coyote’s role in the ecosystem, and discover backyard conservation tips from Doug Tallamy, a leading voice in the native plant movement.
The Wildlands: Managing for Conservation
Thursday, October 2 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Presenters: Doug Bell, EBRPD Wildlife Program Manager and Becky Tuden, retired EBRPD Environmental Services Manager
As our wildest parklands face increasing pressure, managing for conservation is more important than ever. This session takes a closer look at the challenges of protecting wildlife, cultural resources, and habitat connectivity while accommodating public use. Hear how the Park District works to minimize conflicts and safeguard biodiversity across the East Bay’s wildlands.
Into the Hills: Wildcat Creek Watershed Restoration
Thursday, October 9 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Presenters: Joe Sullivan, EBRPD Fisheries Program Manager
Explore how restoration efforts in Tilden Regional Park are reviving the Wildcat Creek watershed. Park District experts will share how ecological restoration, vegetation management, and wildfire safety efforts are working together to protect this vital landscape and the species that call it home.
View or download the flyer below.