Coyote Hills
Address: Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont, CA 94555
Phone No.: (510) 795-9385
Email: chvisit@ebparks.org
Paul Ferreira, Supervising Naturalist
Paul joined the District in 1972, having worked for the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District as a naturalist for eight years, directing the Sulphur Creek Nature Center his last two years. He worked first at the Tilden Nature Area then Coyote Hills, before moving to Sunol Wilderness in 1980 to become the supervising naturalist. Paul supervised the Crab Cove program during the 1990 and 1993 seasons, and transferred to Coyote Hills in July 1996. Though supervisory duties leave precious little time for interpretive programs, he enjoys working with children and presenting campfire programs. Paul's interests in conducting and coordinating professional training workshops led to his involvement in the 1991 National Association of Interpretation national conference, the 1997 and 1999 California State Park Rangers Association and Park Rangers Association of California joint conferences, as well as several local training programs, including the County of Santa Clara Park and Recreation Department. At home Paul enjoys railfaning, working around the yard, the excitement and hectic activity of raising four children (three of which are triplets!), and is active in the Hayward High School Marching Band Boosters Club (all four children march in the band!). He's turned his interests in railroading and interpretation into action, by becoming a brakeman for the Pacific Locomotive Association on the Niles Canyon Railway. Back to top
Dino Labiste, Naturalist
Helping people develop an interconnection with our natural world and our past history has been a passion for Dino. He began his association with EBRPD while hiking through the various ecological communities within the regional parks. This led to becoming an Interpretive Student Aide for EBRPD in 2001. Later, Dino worked as a Temporary Naturalist for Crab Cove Regional Park and Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness. He joined the ranks of the permanent naturalist staff in 2006 and interprets natural and cultural history as a full-time employee at Coyote Hills Regional Park.
Dino also worked as a Program Naturalist for the City of Pleasanton. He designed and presented programs to the Pleasanton Unified School District, organized the summer nature camps, led nature hikes and conducted community outreach programs.
Dino received his B.F.A from California College of the Arts in Oakland. He enjoys backpacking, visiting museums, art, indigenous skills, seafood and good friends. Back to top
Bev Ortiz, Naturalist
Bev came to the District in 1979 after working for the U.S. Forest Service and Yosemite National Park. Since the early 1980s, she has conducted research with more than 200 individuals of California Indian descent from tribal areas spanning the state. Bev writes the Skills and Technology column for News From Native California magazine, has served as an ethnographic consultant for several agencies and organizations, and has published a book and more than 100 articles about California Indians. Bev has a B.S. in Environmental Planning and Management (U.C. Davis), an M.A. in Anthropology (U.C. Berkeley), and is working on her Ph.D. She is president of Friends of Creeks in Urban Settings. Back to top
Kristina Parkison, Naturalist/Docent Coordinator
Kristina Parkison holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of California at Santa Cruz. After graduation, she joined the Peace Corps to teach biology in Malawi. Upon her return, she became involved in environmental education, working as a naturalist for several outdoor schools throughout the state. Kristina has also worked for California State Parks as a Park Interpretive Specialist. She started with the East Bay Regional Park District in August 2001 and brings with her a love of teaching and shares an appreciation of nature. Back to top