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| July |
Saturday, July 5
Tidelands Trail Walk
Visitor Center, Fremont
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Explore the Tidelands Trail with a naturalist and learn about the plants and animals that thrive in the salt marshes and uplands. Reservations are required. Call 510-792-0222 ext. 43. Led by Mansur Nur. |
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Saturday, July 12
*Drawbridge
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
There’s a ghost town in San Francisco Bay? That’s right! Nestled on an island in the salt marshes of South San Francisco Bay, the town of Drawbridge once boomed. Was it a quiet, peaceful town full of nature lovers, or a rip-roaring town full of two-fisted rowdies? We’ll start with a slide show then take a short minivan excursion to view Drawbridge across Coyote Creek. Led by Ceal Craig. Program is intended for adults. Space is very limited. RESERVATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL. Call Lindy at 408-262-5513 ext. 102. (Please note: We cannot visit the town itself. We will drive to the best location where one can legally view Drawbridge.) |
Exploring the Dunes
Antioch Dunes NWR, Antioch
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Here’s your chance to explore the refuge that is usually closed to the public. This guided tour (1-1.5 mile) will focus on the wonders of Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. Wear sturdy shoes for the sandy hike along the dunes. All ages welcome. No reservations required. No facilities. Contact 510-521-9624 for additional information and directions. |
*Beginning Bird Photography Workshop
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Come learn the basics in bird photography! Join us for tips on photography or for viewing commonly
seen birds at the refuge. This beginning bird photography workshop will help you get the most out of your point-and-shoot camera. We will discuss ideal sighting and photo-taking conditions, lighting, composition and equipment. We will also have a slide show to familiarize you with some common shorebirds at the refuge. Our discussion will be followed by an easy walk to different locations where we will take photos. Please bring your binoculars and/or digital or film camera. Warm clothing and comfortable walking
shoes recommended. Led by Jennifer Woo. Space is limited. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call Lindy at 408-262-5513 ext. 102. |
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Sunday, July 13
*Habitat Hike
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Do you enjoy exploring nature? Do you find yourself
curious about where mice sleep or how birds stay dry in the rain? If so, then come take a walk and explore the habitats at the refuge. Along the way we will learn about wetland and upland habitats
that are human-altered. We will observe and identify plants, birds, and whatever other animals we see on this short and easy trek. This program is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Recommended
for all ages. Reservations required. Call Molly at 408-262-5513 ext. 104. |
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Saturday, July 19
*Wetland Safari
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Take a van tour around our former salt ponds and see more birds than you normally would near the Education Center. There will be several stops for better viewing and photo-taking opportunities. Plus, we will see what is left of Drawbridge. If necessary,
more trips to accommodate more people can be added. Open to all ages. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call Lindy at 262-5513 ext 102. |
A Trip Back in Time
Visitor Center, Fremont
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Revive the vanishing knowledge of the history of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge grounds by strolling the trails with docent Ray Studer. Ray spent most of 2004 researching the on-site salt production, railroads, and homes that were located on the refuge grounds until the 1950s. Using a collection of old photographs, the last vestiges of a way of life can be traced back to the 1850s that led to the construction
of the town of Newark in 1876. |
*Community Service
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Do you need to fulfill community service requirements?
Come help remove invasive non-native plants from our chemical-free demonstration gardens.
Bring your own gloves or borrow a pair of ours. Tools provided. Dress in layers. Long pants are recommended. Be prepared to get dirty and wet. Recommended for ages 9 and up. RESERVATIONS
REQUIRED. Call Lindy at 408-262-5513 ext. 102. |
Twilight Marsh Walk
Visitor Center, Fremont
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Experience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy stroll along Tidelands (1 1/3 mile) Trail. At the setting of the sun we will observe the beginning
of nature’s night shift. Come discover the sights, sounds, and smells of the refuge as night descends. Meet at the observation deck. Not suitable for young children. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
Call 510-792-0222 ext. 43. Led by Mary and Gene Bobik. |
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Wednesday, July 23
Salinity Sleuths
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Step into the shoes of a scientist and strap on our field detective packs for a hands-on investigation
where we will collect water samples, use plant clues, and do some sleuthing around to uncover how salty the water is. You will need to bring along keen senses of taste, smell and sight to determine which plants and animals live in the refuge’s salty habitats! Recommended for ages 6 and up. Reservations required. Call Molly at 408-262-5513, ext. 104. |
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Saturday, July 26
*Mallard Slough Trail – 5.5 miles
Environmenal Education Center, Alviso
9:30 a.m.
Meet new people while getting fit and healthy! This is the second walk featured in the Refuge Rambler club. This trail at the Environmental Education Center is 5.5 miles, flat, and level. The walk is self-paced and you may turn back at anytime. You do not need to be a Refuge Rambler to join this walk. To become a Refuge Rambler, see page 5. No reservations are needed. Hats, water, and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
A volunteer will be there to greet you at 9:30 a.m. For a narrative description of this trail, log on to the Don Edwards web site at http://www.fws.gov/desfbay. |
Beginning Bird Watching for Families
Kelley Park next to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, San Jose
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Want to know what kind of bird that is in your backyard? Come learn about wild birds that live at Kelley Park next to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. Interpretive Specialist Lindy Nice takes “Children’s Beginning Bird Watching” on the road. This a great program for families to learn about the birds they see at home. Program is free. Suitable for ages 5 and up. Reservations required. Call Vanessa Rogier at 408-277-3065. |
*Just for Tots: July Discoveries
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Come explore the refuge and learn all about the creatures that live in it! Introduce your wee folk, ages 3-6, to the unique marsh habitat through interactive, hands-on activities. They will experience
the marsh firsthand with puppets, a craft, and a short walk. Children must be accompanied by an adult. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call Lindy at 408-262-5513 ext. 102. |
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Sunday, July 27
Where Does All the Water Go?
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Are you curious about where wastewater goes after we flush, rinse, wash, and shower? Come enjoy a presentation about how the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant cleans wastewater. After the presentation there will be a short tour that will get participants up close and personal with wastewater and the refuge habitats involved. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Reservations
required. Call Molly at 408-262-5513, ext. 104. |
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| August |
Saturday, August 2
Geokids
Visitor Center, Fremont
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
A rock in the hand is worth . . .This hands-on activity is great for kids who want to know more about why some rocks are different from others. Come along on a short hike and discover the official
state rock! Led by Mansur Nur. |
*Beginning Bird Photography Workshop
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Come learn the basics in bird photography! Join us for tips on photography or for viewing commonly
seen birds at the refuge. This beginning bird photography workshop will help you get the most out of your point-and-shoot camera. We will discuss ideal sighting and photo-taking conditions, lighting, composition and equipment. We will also have a slide show to familiarize you with some common shorebirds at the refuge. Our discussion will be followed by an easy walk to different locations where we will take photos. Please bring your binoculars and/or digital or film camera. Warm clothing and comfortable walking
shoes recommended. Led by Jennifer Woo. Space is limited. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call Lindy at 408-262-5513 ext. 102. |
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Saturday, August 9
Family Bird Walk
Visitor Center, Fremont
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Let family walks become a shared time of nature learning. We’ll begin by helping kids create their personal bird watching field guides, and then head out onto the trails to find those birds. Learn about the salt marsh habitat along the way. A limited
number of binoculars are available to borrow. Recommended for children ages 5-10. RESERVATIONS
REQUIRED. Call 510-792-0222 ext. 43. |
*Intermediate Bird Photography Workshop
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Continuing where “Beginning Bird Photography” left off, this 4-hour workshop will first address aesthetic issues (e.g., advanced composition), animal behavior, and field techniques. After lunch, we will focus on technical issues (exposure, depth of field, teleconverters, flash, etc.). Some material is geared for SLR cameras, but most is applicable to any camera type. Lastly, we’ll take a short stroll in the refuge to practice what we learned. Not suitable for children. Program led by Paul Bridges. Please be sure to bring your lunch, comfortable
walking shoes, and your camera. Space is very limited. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call Lindy at 408-262-5513 ext. 102 . |
Exploring the Dunes
Antioch Dunes NWR, Antioch
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Here’s your chance to explore this refuge that is usually closed to the public. This guided tour (1-1.5 mile) will focus on the wonders of Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. Wear sturdy shoes for the sandy hike along the dunes. All ages welcome. No reservations required. No facilities. Contact 510-521-9624 for additional information and directions. |
Stevens Creek East Trail – 3 miles
Meet at the Trailhead in Mountain View. Directions below.
9:00 a.m.
Meet new people while getting fit and healthy! This is the third walk featured in the Refuge Rambler club. This trail in Mountain View is three miles, flat, and level. The walk is self-paced and you may turn back at anytime. You do not need to be a Refuge Rambler to join this walk. To become a Refuge Rambler, see page 5. No reservations are needed. Hats, water, and sunscreen are strongly recommended. A volunteer will be there to greet you at 9 a.m. For a narrative description of this trail, log on to the Don Edwards web site at http://www.fws.gov/desfbay. Directions: From Hwy 101, take the Shoreline Blvd exit and drive north 0.9 miles to Crittenden lane. Turn right on Crittenden
Lane and drive 0.4 miles until the road ends. Walk past the sign for A&Z Tree Movers and up to the Stevens Creek levee to the paved trail on the west side of the creek. Cross the bridge to the east side of the creek and turn left to the brown metal gate. |
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Sunday, August 10
*Extended Wetland Expedition
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Come join us as we follow the Artesian Slough out to Coyote Creek. We will be taking a 1.5 mile walk on the salt pond levee trails to explore wetland alteration. Along the way we will develop scientific questions and test hypotheses about human impacts on wetlands. Recommended for ages 9 and up. Program may be canceled due to weather. Reservations required. Call Molly at 408-262-5513 ext. 104. |
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Wednesday, August 13
Beginning Bird Watching for Families
Kelley Park next to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, San Jose
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Want to know what kind of bird that is in your backyard? Come learn about wild birds that live at Kelley Park next to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. Interpretive Specialist Lindy Nice takes “Children’s Beginning Birdwatching” on the road. This a great program for families to learn about the birds they see at home. Program is free. Suitable
for ages 5 and up. Reservations Required. Call Vanessa Rogier at 408-277-3065. |
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Saturday, August 16
*Lazy Days of Summer
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The hectic days of locating a nesting site and mating are over. Now our wildlife friends are busy raising their families. Join us in a leisurely walk around refuge habitats to observe summer living.
Bring sunscreen and a hat. Open to all ages. Please call Lindy at 408-262-5513 ext. 102 to make a reservation. |
Community Service
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Do you need to fulfill community service requirements?
Come help remove invasive non-native plants from our chemical-free demonstration gardens.
Bring your own gloves or borrow a pair of ours. Tools provided. Dress in layers. Long pants are recommended. Be prepared to get dirty and wet. Recommended for ages 9 and up. RESERVATIONS
REQUIRED. Call Lindy at 408-262-5513 ext. 102. |
Twilight Marsh Walk
Visitor Center, Fremont
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Experience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy stroll along Tidelands (1 1/3 mile) Trail. At the setting of the sun we will observe the beginning
of nature’s night shift. Come discover the sights, sounds, and smells of the refuge as night descends. Meet at the observation deck. Not suitable for young children. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
Call 510-792-0222 ext. 43. Led by Mary and Gene Bobik. |
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Saturday, August 23
*Drawbridge
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
There’s a ghost town in San Francisco Bay? That’s right! Nestled on an island in the salt marshes of South San Francisco Bay, the town of Drawbridge once boomed. Was it a quiet, peaceful town full of nature lovers, or a rip-roaring town full of two-fisted rowdies? We’ll start with a slide show then take a short minivan excursion to view Drawbridge across Coyote Creek. Program intended for adults. Presented by Ceal Craig. Space is very limited. RESERVATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL.
Call Lindy at 408-262-5513 ext. 102. (Please Note: We cannot visit the town itself. We will go to the best location where one can legally view Drawbridge.) |
*Getting Ready for Fall Planting
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Are you thinking about fall planting? Want to know more about native plants? Here is the program for you! Come see and learn about native plants that not only attract wildlife and require little watering, but will add beauty to your garden. Led by June Smith. Program intended for adults, but all ages welcome. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call Lindy at 408-262-5513 ext. 102. |
*Reading at the Refuge
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Come to our Education Center auditorium to enjoy a story about wildlife followed by a guided exploration outside. Fun for the whole family. This program is geared for ages 4 and up. Led by teacher/librarian Pat Hartinger. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call Lindy at 408-262-5513 ext 102. |
Exploring Owls
Visitor Center Auditorium, Fremont
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Owls have captivated human imagination for centuries. Curious about how they hunt, how they see and hear, and what they eat? Come listen to a presentation, view owl body parts, listen to their calls, and dissect their pellets to see what they eat. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Led by Paul Bridges. Reservations required. Call 510-792-0222 ext. 43. |
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Sunday, August 24
*Native Species Scavenger Hunt
Environmental Education Center, Alviso
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The refuge is a mosaic of different habitats, each habitat supporting an array of California native wildlife. Come enjoy the outdoors as we embark on a scavenger hunt, exploring the refuge habitats
and the creatures that call them home. We will get up close and personal with the salt marsh, sloughs, and salt ponds on our short and easy trek. Binoculars and I.D. charts in hand, we will identify native plants and animals. We will also learn how these wetland habitats are impacted by humans. All ages welcome. Reservations required.
Call Molly at 408-262-5513 ext. 104. |
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Saturday, August 30
Ravenswood Trail – 5 miles
Meet at the Trailhead in Menlo Park. Directions below.
9:00 a.m.
Meet new people while getting fit and healthy! This is the fourth walk featured in the Refuge Rambler club. This trail in Menlo Park is fivemiles, flat, and level. The walk is self-paced and you may turn back at anytime. You do not need to be a Refuge Rambler to join this walk. To become a Refuge
Rambler, see page 5. No reservations are needed. Hats, water, and sunscreen are strongly recommended. A volunteer
will be there to greet you at the brown metal gate at 9 a.m. For a narrative description of this trail, log on to the Don Edwards web site at http://www.fws.gov/desfbay. Directions: Ravenswood Trail is on the west side of the Dumbarton Bridge. From the East Bay, cross over the Dumbarton Bridge and exit at the Ravenswood Unit sign. Drive east 0.3 miles on the frontage road until you see a brown metal gate and the Ravenswood Trail Sign. From Menlo Park, drive Hwy 84 toward the Dumbarton Bridge. Exit at the Ravenswood Unit sign and drive east on the frontage road. Cross under the bridge and back west 0.6 miles until you see the brown metal gate and refuge sign. |
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| It is the policy of the Fish and Wildlife Service to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you have questions concerning programs, or if you need accommodation to enable you to participate, please contact a visitor services staff person, either at the Visitor Center or at the Environmental Education Center. |
| *Trails are generally level. Surface and trail conditions vary. Please call for accessibility information. |
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