From our blogs

09 Sep 2013

Coastal Cleanup Day • September 21, 2013

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge presents Coastal Cleanup Day at the Dumbarton Fishing Pier Parking Lot, Marshlands Rd, Fremont on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Help wildlife and the environment! You can either remove invasive weeds or pick up trash along the parking lot and trails. We’ll supply disposable gloves (or, better yet, bring your own) and trash and recycling bags. You supply energy, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring a reusable water bottle.

No reservations necessary. Children under age 18 must have parental approval. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. To expedite the registration process, log on to http://www.fws.gov/refuge/don_edwards_san_francisco_bay to download the forms and bring to the registration table. Forms are also available at the registration table.

18 Aug 2013

John Muir Laws Waterfowl and Waders Drawing Workshop • September 8, 2013

John Muir Laws Waterfowl and Waders Drawing Workshop September 8, 2013

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society present John Muir Laws Waterfowl and Waders Drawing Workshop on September 8, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Join celebrated artist, author, and educator John Muir Laws in this free drawing workshop at the refuge. Learn tricks and techniques to help you accurately and quickly draw migratory ducks and shorebirds.

Program is recommended for those 10 years and up. Paper and pencils will be provided, or bring your own. Bring binoculars. A limited number of binoculars are available for borrow. Program takes place outside in a covered pavilion.

Reservations Required. Register at johnmuirlawswkshp.eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 476.

01 Aug 2013

The Amazing Refuge Race • August 17, 2013

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, City of Newark and REI Outdoor School present The Amazing Refuge Race August 17, 2013 • 2:15 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 10. Go to www.newark.org to register. Go to quick links at the top of the page and select "register for classes." There is no cost to enter.

31 Jul 2013

Don't forget to catch documentary film 'Rebels With a Cause'

Rebels With a Cause documentary film

The documentary Rebels With a Cause provides the David and Goliath origin for America's most visited, and arguably its most beautiful, urban national parks - San Francisco's Point Reyes National Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Produced by Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto and arrated by actress Frances McDormand, the documentary won the Audience Award for Favorite Active Cinema Documentary at the 2012 Mill Valley Film Festival.

Released on May 31, 2013 for public screening, the documentary has been selling out shows in San Rafael.

24 Jul 2013

U.S. Geological Survey Study Finds Steep Decline In Amphibians

(via Refuge Friends NewsWire)

A new U.S. Geological Survey study, using data collected at national wildlife refuges and other sites, found a steep drop in the numbers of frogs, toads and salamanders across the country. The study shows widespread species declines even in protected areas such as refuges.

14 Jun 2013

Gray wolf no longer considered an endangered species

(via Refuge Friends NewsWire)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to remove the gray wolf (Canis lupus) from the list of threatened and endangered species. The proposal comes after a comprehensive review confirmed successful recovery after management actions undertaken by federal, state and local partners following the wolf’s listing under the Endangered Species Act more than three decades ago.

The Service is also proposing to maintain protection and expand recovery efforts for the Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) in the Southwest, where it remains endangered.

10 Jun 2013

Get To Know Contest - April 8, 2013 - November 1, 2013

Get To Know Contest - April 8, 2013 - November 1, 2013

The Contest invites you to get outside and create original works of art, writing, photography, videography and music inspired by nature. Get Outdoors and “Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors”. The goal is to be as creative as possible. For inspiration, come to the refuge and take part in one, or all of the programs listed below. Submit your work for a chance to win cool prizes. Get started today!

Go to www.get-to-know.org for more information. View some entries already submitted!

01 Jun 2013

National Fishing & Boating Week • June 1 - 9, 2013

National Fishing & Boating Week - June 1 - 9, 2013

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

Saturday, June 8, 2013 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.

All equipment will be provided. All participants receive free box with tackle. No fishing license needed. Space is limited to 50 people. You must arrive at 9 a.m. to participate. Please come on time. Reservations required. Call 510-792-0222 ext. 363 for reservations.

19 May 2013

Notices for Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge

Detour to the Environmental Education Center in Alviso: Sections of Zanker Rd and Los Esteros Rd will be closed due to the installation of underground utilities. Exit at North 1st St from Hwy 237, right on Nortech, and left onto Disk Dr, and right onto Grand Blvd.

The Environmental Education Center in Alviso will be closed for the summer beginning June 17 for building renovations. Construction is expected to last until September 9. Trails remain open during daylight hours and weekend programs will continue. Check the website for updates.

Mallard Slough Trail near the Environmental Education Center in Alviso is now open. Trek the new alignment of the trail.

A small trail section of Bair Island is now open to the public! After several years, this restoration project is nearing completion. Access to the trail is available through the new pedestrian bridge by the parking lot on Bair Island Road. Check the Don Edwards Refuge website for updates and new regulations.

The Comprehensive Conservation Plan is now available for download at http://www.fws.gov/cno/refuges/planning/ ccp.cfm. A limited number of CDs and paper copies is also available by contacting Winnie Chan, refuge planner, at sfbaynwrc@fws.gov or calling her at 510-792-0222.

12 May 2013

Endangered Species Day - May 18, 2013

Endangered Species Day - May 18, 2013

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act and take a tour of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR’s Warm Springs Unit. This unit is normally closed to the public.

When: May 18, 2013

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Description: Take this tour on Endangered Species Day and hear how the Endangered Species Act protects threatened and endangered species like the California tiger salamander, vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and the Contra Costa goldfield. Wildflower blooms and dipping for California tiger salamander larvae will be dependent on the amount of rain received in the winter.

Call Kirsten at 510-792-0222 ext 362 for reservations. Space is extremely limited and reservations are required. Driving directions will be emailed once reservations are confirmed.

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