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Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center: A Gateway to Natural Discovery

Explore interactive exhibits & scenic trails at Berkeley's Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center, a gateway to the East Bay's natural wonders.

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The Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center (EEC) in Berkeley is a unique space where visitors can connect with the natural world through interactive exhibits and programs. Nestled within the 740-acre Tilden Nature Area, the EEC serves as a starting point for exploring diverse habitats and learning about local ecology.

A brief summary to Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center

  • Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the EEC's schedule for naturalist-guided programs and weekend activities; advance registration may be required.
  • Bring lettuce or celery to feed the farm animals at the nearby Little Farm.
  • Explore the Tilden Nature Area's diverse habitats via its extensive network of hiking trails.
  • Visit Jewel Lake, a historic reservoir accessible via a 750-foot boardwalk, for peaceful wildlife viewing.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Downtown Berkeley BART station, take AC Transit bus #67 towards the Berkeley Marina. Get off at the 'Central Park Dr & Tilden Nature Area' stop. From there, it's a short walk to the entrance of Tilden Nature Area. AC Transit local fares are typically around $2.50. The bus runs about every 45 minutes on weekends and holidays.

  • Driving

    From I-80, take the Albany/Buchanan Street exit. Turn left onto Buchanan Street and follow it as it merges into Marin Avenue. Continue on Marin Avenue until you reach the Marin Circle, then bear right onto Los Angeles Avenue. Follow Los Angeles Avenue to Central Park Drive. Turn onto Central Park Drive, and the Tilden Nature Area will be on your right. Parking is free.

  • Ride-Sharing Services

    Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Enter 'Tilden Nature Area, 1500 Central Park Dr, Berkeley, CA 94708' as your destination. The cost will vary based on your starting location; expect to pay between $20-$40 from central locations in San Francisco.

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Discover more about Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center

Located within Tilden Regional Park, the Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center offers a blend of education and outdoor exploration. The center features exhibits about the Wildcat Creek watershed and provides information on park activities. Visitors can also purchase nature-related books and materials. Thousands of youngsters have had their first lessons in nature at the EEC. The Tilden Nature Area itself is a 740-acre preserve with over 10 miles of hiking trails. These trails wind through various landscapes, including oak/bay woodlands, grasslands, and eucalyptus forests. A highlight is the 750-foot boardwalk that leads to Jewel Lake, a historic reservoir and a peaceful spot for wildlife viewing. Just a short distance from the EEC is the Little Farm, home to a variety of farm animals such as cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and pigs. Visitors are welcome to bring lettuce or celery to feed the animals. The EEC also offers naturalist-guided programs for schools and organized groups, focusing on the area's natural and cultural history. These programs are available by advance registration. From 1935 to 1941, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) had a camp in what is now the Tilden Nature Area. CCC crews constructed much of the park's early infrastructure, including roads, trails, and picnic areas.

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