East County Times column Jan. 8, 2009

It has been so long since Oakley residents started hearing about the Delta Environmental Science Center and the opportunities it has to offer out on Big Break Road that anytime something happens in that direction it seems noteworthy. Although the center itself isn’t the topic this week, the news is indirectly related. After months of work, the Big Break Regional Shoreline trail bridge located east of the science center has finally opened.
The bridge has helped to shorten the gap between the Big Break Trail and the Marsh Creek Trail in northeastern Oakley. For those who aren’t familiar with the trails in Oakley, it’s worth taking a walk on the weekend sometime. The Big Break Trail is located off of Big Break Road just past Vintage Parkway at the end of the housing development.
It is kind of confusing. For so long most Oakleyites have incorrectly called the Big Break Trail at its entrance on Jordan and Fetzer lanes the Marsh Creek Trail, because the two trails intersect at Marsh Creek after about a mile and a half out. The East Bay Regional Park District calls that western side of the trail the Big Break Regional Trail. The name really makes sense, since the trail runs along the Delta shoreline and then ends where it crosses over Marsh Creek, at which point it becomes the Marsh Creek Trail and runs along the creek toward Brentwood.
The newest section of the Big Break Trail opened about a year and a half ago with the opening of the new Delta Science Center pier. The trail actually starts at the parking lot of the science center and then extends east toward Marsh Creek. The East Bay Regional Park District paved the walkway to make it easily accessible for those on bicycles, as well as wheelchairs.
Even with the new bridge, the Big Break Trail segments don’t quite touch each other yet. The trail is paved just a little past the eastern end of the bridge and then stops. A short walk through the subdivision will keep hikers going until they hit the paved trail again. Eventually the park district will be paving more of the area so that the whole trail connects.
This weekend I had a chance to take a walk around the science center and along to the new bridge. Even with the crisp winter morning it was a nice walk. Although there isn’t much to the science center yet, it is open for people to walk the area and have a look at the natural surroundings of the Delta. The pier is open for fishing and there are quite a few fishermen who have been taking advantage of the quiet area. Remember, Delta fishing license rules apply.
The paved trail is available, but on our walk last Sunday with naturalist Mike Moran, we found that the real sights are a little off the beaten path. Moran said that it is OK for people to walk closer to the shoreline if they wish, but take care to wear the appropriate clothing and shoes. There is a chance of getting a little wet, especially during the winter months.
If you want to go with a guide, this Sunday naturalist "Outdoor Ed" Willis will host a walk along the shoreline, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars. Registration is free, but required. Call 888-327-2757 and refer to program 20157.