From our blogs

03 Aug 2014

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.

01 Aug 2014

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.

01 Jul 2014

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.

09 Jun 2014

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

01 Jun 2014

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.

24 May 2014

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!

17 May 2014

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.

08 May 2014

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.

01 May 2014

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.

19 Apr 2014

12th Annual Going Native Garden Tour • April 26 - 27, 2014, 10am - 4pm

The California Native Plant Society (Santa Clara Valley Chapter) in association with UCCE Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County present the 12th Annual Going Native Garden Tour.

  • Saturday April 26, 2014, 10am - 4pm: Northern Gardens (Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos, and San Mateo County)
  • Sunday April 27, 2014, 10am - 4pm: Southern Gardens (Cupertino, Santa Clara, Campbell, San Jose and south)
  • Free admission
  • Plant sales and talks at select gardens
  • Register at www.gngt.org

Bay Area homeowners are making their gardens aesthetically pleasing, attractive to birds and butterflies, water-wise, and low maintenance by incorporating California native plants. Visit gardens landscaped with native plants on this free annual tour, now in its twelfth year.

Garden information, maps and directions will becoe available to registrants the week of April 7. Registrations will be accepted until noon of April 27. For information, visit www.gngt.org or email info@gngt.org

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