Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park |
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Third-growth Sequoias on the Orchard Trail
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| Location | Oakland |
| Area | 1,830 acres (7,400,000 m2) |
| Operated by | East Bay Regional Park District |
Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is a special place in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is part of the East Bay Regional Park District. You can find it in the hills east of Oakland.
This park is home to the biggest natural group of coast redwood trees in the East Bay. These amazing trees usually grow closer to the coast. There, the air is cool and wet all year. But in this park, the land helps create those same cool and humid conditions. Winds from the Golden Gate flow right into this valley. This keeps the area cool and protected, perfect for redwoods.
Park History
Long ago, in the mid-1800s, most of the redwood forest was in the Redwood Creek valley. Sailors even used two very tall redwood trees, called the "Navigation Trees," to help them find their way in San Francisco Bay.
Sadly, most of the original trees were cut down between 1845 and 1860. Only their stumps were left. More trees were cut after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The trees you see in the park today are "third-growth" redwoods. This means they are the third group of trees to grow back in this area. Many of these trees are over 100 years old.
Only one very old redwood tree from the original forest still stands. It is about 93 feet (28 meters) tall. It grows from a rock near Merritt College. It might have survived because loggers could not reach it. In 2019, the park was named after Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt. This was to honor her and her connection to the area.
Fun Activities
There are many fun things to do at Redwood Regional Park! You can go picnicking with friends or family. Many people enjoy jogging and hiking on the park's trails. There are about 40 miles (64 kilometers) of trails to explore. You can also go archery or horseback riding.
Remember, Fishing is not allowed inside the park. The park has four picnic spots that can hold large groups. It's a good idea to book these spots ahead of time. Some areas are also available for group camping overnight. A play area for kids is located near the Canyon Meadow staging area.
Many visitors also love watching nature here. The park is home to special animals like the golden eagle. You might also see deer, raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels.
Trail Updates
Sometimes, strong storms can cause damage in the park. This can lead to trails being closed for safety. For example, some trails have been closed due to landslides or fallen trees. Park staff work hard to repair these trails. They will reopen them when they are safe for everyone to use.
Chabot Space & Science Center
The Chabot Space & Science Center is a cool place right next to Redwood Regional Park. It opened in 2000. This center is all about astronomy and space sciences. It has a large building that is about 86,000 square feet (8,000 square meters).
The center teaches people about space and technology. It is located on a 13-acre (5.3-hectare) site in the Oakland hills. It is a great place to learn more about our universe!
