Field Trips and Groups
General Education Program Information
Free field trip programs are offered at two sites at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society provides programs at the Environmental Education Center in Alviso. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts field trips at the Refuge Headquarters in Fremont.
These programs actively involve teachers, adult volunteers, and students in investigating the diverse habitats and wildlife at the refuge. The hands-on, small-group activities are designed to teach basic ecological concepts and to introduce endangered species, migratory birds, and wetland habitats to the students. All programs have been correlated to the appropriate State of California Education Standards. We are piloting new and modified activities that support Next Generation Science Standards.
Field Trips at the Learning Center in Fremont
Contact the US Fish & Wildlife Service staff at Fremont:
Office: 510-792-0222
Email: [email protected]
Field Trips at the Environmental Education Center in Alviso
Programs for K-12
We are slowly bringing back K-12 field trips as part of our Watershed Watchers programs! Schools must be within the Santa Clara Valley to be eligible. Due to limited staff availability, we can generally only accommodate one class at a time. Field trips are generally 2-3 hours (depending on whether students bring lunch onsite) and may include a guided walk to learn about wetlands and wildlife, a hands-on activity and/or craft, and watershed protection messaging. Note that the Environmental Education Center building is closed, so only the outdoor spaces and pavilion are available for use. Please contact the Watershed Watchers Program Coordinator at [email protected] or call (408) 515-1889.
Programs for Colleges and Universities
Guided Field Trips are offered at the Environmental Education Center in Alviso. Currently, these field trips consist of a presentation introducing the Refuge and its wildlife and habitats, followed by a guided walk. We also cover watershed protection and ways to help. Programs generally last 1 ½ – 2 hours but may be longer depending on the activities. Contact the Watershed Watchers Program Coordinator at [email protected] or call (408) 515-1889 to make a reservation.
Students from Mission College on a guided field trip at the Environmental Education Center, Alviso in May 2022. (Photo: Olivia Poulos/SFBayWS)
Scout Programs located at the Environmental Education Center, Alviso
Please email the Watershed Watchers Program Coordinator at [email protected] or call (408) 515-1889 with a detailed description of your Scout or Daisy group and the journey or badge that you are hoping to complete.
Traditionally, these programs are free, hands-on programs for youth. During the programs, participants learn about endangered species, migratory birds, wetland habitats, and the relationship between personal habits and their effects on the San Francisco Bay. These programs are designed to meet the badge/ patch requirements of Scout Groups, but anyone can participate. Because of the popularity of such programs, reservations are required. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Badges are not provided.
Application for Blue Goose School Bus Transportation Funds
The Blue Goose School Bus Field Trip Transportation Fund was started with funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Connecting People with Nature Program. The San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society continues to administer this fund to help Title I schools attend field trips at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center in Alviso and the Newark Slough Learning Center in Fremont.
If you are awarded funding for a bus, you will be expected to hire the bus and mail a copy of the invoice to the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. After receipt of the invoice, we will send the check for up to either to the bus vendor directly (school district or local vendor) or to the school/school district for reimbursement, whichever method is preferred by the school.
PLEASE NOTE: If your school is in need of transportation to a field trip you will need to reserve a field trip date first and then fill out a Bus Fund Form. Please follow these steps and we will contact you as soon as possible with a response.
If you would like to make a donation to the Blue Goose Bus Transportation Fund, any support is always appreciated. Donations can be made here: https://sfbayws.org/donate.
Become a Supporter of the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. Your membership will include a subscription to the Tide Rising newsletter and a 15% discount at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Nature Stores at the Visitor Center in Fremont, and the Environmental Education Center in Alviso.
Volunteering at the Refuge is a rewarding and valuable experience. Through a variety of public programs, visitors understand and appreciate the natural and cultural history of the Refuge.
Your support of our education, interpretation, and research activities is more important than ever. Any amount you’re willing to donate will be greatly appreciated! Donations may be fully tax-deductible.
