From our blogs

Visions of the Wild Festival • September 3-6, 2014

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act, the Visions of the Wild Festival will be held in Vallejo, CA from September 3-6, 2014.

It will include art shows, speakers, films, music, and field trips. The goal is to connect diverse urban communities to the wildness of nature around them.

September 3-6, 2014 Starting at 5pm

Vallejo, CA

www.visionsofthewild.org

The festival is sponsored by the U.S.D.A Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, City of Vallejo, the Vallejo Community Arts Foundation, and many other agencies and organizations.

Environmental Education Internship

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Environmental Education volunteer internship is located at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center in Alviso, CA. The Environmental Education Center provides free programs to schools and the public, while teaching about the local wildlife, conservation, and how to help the environment. The Living Wetlands program is designed to teach about wetlands and the properties of wetlands including watersheds and water conservation. We need a highly motivated individual who has an interest in education and visitor services and will assist in educating, planning, and developing the Living Wetlands program.

The Amazing Refuge Race • August 23, 2014

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and REI Outdoor School present The Amazing Refuge Race August 23, 2014 • 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Armed with GPS units, you and your team will “race” against other teams by attempting to complete required challenges on the refuge first. Teams will be given a set of coordinates where they must try to locate using a GPS unit. Once at that location, teams must work together to complete a challenge. When that task is completed, teams will receive the next set of coordinates. Those who complete all challenges and arrive at the finish first wins!

Intrigued? Log on to http://www.fws.gov/refuge/don_edwards_san_francisco_bay or call Carmen at 510-792-0222 ext. 476 for additional information and rules. Don’t have a GPS unit? Borrow one from REI Outdoor School the day of the race at the refuge. Registration is required!

You may register up to 5 people for your team. A minimum of 2 people per team. The refuge may place individuals on teams containing fewer than 5 people to ensure maximum participation. Registration deadline is August 20. Go to amazingrefugerace.eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 476 to register. There is no cost to enter.

Wilderness at 50: A Remarkable Concept

(via Refuge Friends NewsWire)

Conservationists around the world are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act of 1964. The law represents a half-century-long struggle that began with people like John Muir and culminated with people like Olaus Murie and Howard Zahniser.

2014 Marsh-In Summer Day Camp • August 4 - 8, 2014

A FREE summer camp filled with fun activities, games, crafts, and adventures.

Date and Time
  • August 4 - 8, 2014
  • Grades 1-6: Monday - Wednesday 9:15 - 1:30 p.m.
  • Grades 4-6 only: Overnight 6:00 p.m. Thursday - 9:00 a.m. Friday
Location

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Environmental Education Center
1751 Grand Blvd, Alviso, CA 95002

National Fishing & Boating Week • June 1 - 8, 2014

National Fishing & Boating Week - June 1 - 8, 2014

Learn how to fish on the Dumbarton Fishing Pier in Fremont!

Saturday, June 7, 2014 9:00 a.m. – noon

Have you ever wanted to try fishing but didn’t know how to begin? Learn the fundamental basics of catch-and- release fishing at the Dumbarton fishing pier! Discover the types of wildlife living in the San Francisco Bay, learn the safety and ethics of fishing, and then try your luck out on the pier with our fishing poles.

This event is free! Space is limited to 50 people. All equipment will be provided. Please come on time. Register at donedwardsfishing.eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 476 for reservations.

Farallon National Wildlife Refuge celebrates 50 years of the Wilderness Act

Farallon Islands

Farallon Islands. Photo courtesy Wikipedia. Copyright CC-BY-NA 3.0

Take a boat tour this summer with refuge staff and view California's Galapagos. Farallon National Wildlife Refuge, Oceanic Society and San Francisco Whale Tours have teamed up to offer discounted boat tours of the Farallon Islands to view their rugged beauty, breeding seabirds, seals, and sea lions, and perhaps some whales. Each tour will feature narration by Farallon National Wildlife Refuge staff from the islands, the wilderness, and the abundant wildlife. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, and help us commemorate the 40th anniversary of Farallon Islands' designation as wilderness. Cost $65 per person.* Hurry, discounted tickets are limited!

Musings on Drawbridge by Brenna Silbory

Drawbridge is more than a ghost town. It is a story of California in miniature. Its very name depicts its status as an interruption — a bridge in motion, a transient connection. ~ Brenna Silbory
Drawbridge, California

Drawbridge, California. Photo courtesy Wikipedia. Copyright CC-BY 2.0

Brenna Silbory, a lifelong California resident and outdoor enthusiast, took a tour of the ghost town of Drawbridge, CA on Saturday May 3, 2014 with Ceal Craig, long time volunteer at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and also member of the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. Brenna's musings on the trip to a forgotten part of the Bay Area found a place on her blog At the Flourishing Edge: Limning and Living in the Human Settlement of Silicon Valley.

South Bay Bird Fest - May 17 2014, 12pm -3pm

Join us for the South Bay Bird Fest on Saturday, May 17, 2014 12pm - 3pm at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge, Environmental Education Center in Alviso.
  • Free activities for children
  • Live Birds Show
  • Crafts
  • Face Painting
  • Puppet Show
  • Guided Bird Walks
  • Hand-On Activities
  • Games

South Bay Bird Fest is sponsored by the City of San Jose, San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society, Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program and US Fish & Wildlife Service.

Volunteer Opportunities: Summer 2014

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Opportunities: Summer 2014 at the Environmental Education Center (Alviso, California).

If you have an interest in wildlife and their conservation, enjoy working with people, and are enthusiastic and dependable, the Environmental Education Center’s Volunteer Program is for you! As a volunteer, you’ll receive on-the- job training from staff and other volunteers in the project area you choose.

Prior to volunteering at the Environmental Education Center, you must attend a Volunteer Orientation. You can also attend the orientation just to see what opportunities there are, and if it is the right fit for you.

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