Transitioned Shoreline

Hayward Shoreline

 Walking around the shoreline there is still evidence that the salt industry of the East Bay existed.  In just wandering one could find many things left behind from the past that are currently dismissed by those with any real knowledge or understanding of what was there before.  I feel that providing the general public with the proper tools to take a glimpse into the past and learn how the environment has changed will only benefit them and make them feel more accepted or more "one" with their community.

The Shoreline Interpretive Center

 The Shoreline Interpretive Center was dedicated in 1986 and funded by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD).  This center looks at the ecosystems of the San Francisco Bay wetlands and shorelines.  The main purpose of the center is to enrich the community by providing both school groups as well as the general public with tours and activities to enrich their understanding of their own backyards.   Additionally, the center has small exhibits about both the native and aquatic life within the region.  I highly suggest the Shoreline Interpretive Center to anyone looking for more information about the history of Hayward (the only downfall is that they are not open for the general public on weekdays--but that's probably just to accommodate the school groups and all in all it's a good idea to focus on the kids a bit!).

San Francisco Bay Trail Sign

OK, I hope no one freaks out about these next little facts because of the sheer awesome-ness (maybe this is my own thinking but just humor me for a few seconds) but did you know that the San Francisco Bay Trail will eventually extend to reach over 500 miles when it is fully completed?  The trail is also planned to cross a total of 7 toll bridges in the Bay Area including the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge between Oakland and Yerba Buena Island (this part of the trail is currently under construction and planned to open in the fall of 2013).  That's insane and I honestly don't know of any other trails that are this vast!  Currently about 325 miles make up the trail that goes through 47 different cities.  I don't know if you can tell or not but to be clear I am super psyched to see this all open; it will be such a great way to get people out and into the environment to see what is around them.

I hope that  have inspired you to go out and explore your surroundings and use the interpretive centers, historical societies, museums, trails, and the like around your community to see what you can learn about where you live.  Happy trails! :D