Events & Meetings: Interpretive Activities

South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project
Interpretive Programs 2011

Check the schedule for these activities

Bird Photography Safari

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR
Alviso Ponds, Mountain View

  • Saturday, September 24, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Photograph shorebirds and waterfowl on the former Alviso salt ponds with docent Alex Baranda. Program provides a “backstage pass” to birding spots not usually accessible to the public. Program will require travel both by van and by foot. Please be prepared to hike up to three miles in muddy conditions. Reservations required. Call Debra at 408-262-5513 ext. 102.

Shorebirds Return to SF2 - One Year Anniversary Walk

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR
Ravenswood Unit (SF2,) Menlo Park

  • Saturday, October 22, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

One year ago we opened the flood gates to restore a former salt pond to tidal action. Learn what happened over this past year as we welcome the return of the shorebirds. Docent Jane Moss will lead you on a 1.5 mile round-trip walk along Don Edward's newest interpretive trail and introduce you to the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. Trail is easy and level. All ages and abilities welcome. For information, please call 510-792-0222 ext. 139.

Sunset Photography Hike

Eden Landing Ecological Reserve, Hayward

  • Saturday, October 8, 5:30 p.m.

Hidden among the salt ponds is one of the East Bay’s most intriguing historical sites. The Refuge and the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project are sponsoring this photography hike to the old Oliver Salt Works within the Eden Landing Ecological Reserve. We’ll be walking into an area of the Reserve not yet open to the public so please be prepared to walk several miles on unimproved levees with your equipment. Reservations required. Please call 510-792-0222 x139.

Why Tides Matter

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR
Environmental Education Center, Alviso

  • Saturday, September 24, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 19, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Docent Laurel Stell will talk and walk you through all things tides. What are they? How do they affect wildlife? How have humans reshaped the Bay’s tidal lands? Program starts indoors but will move outside for an easy 0.5-mile walk. All are welcome.

Ethical Bird Photography for Beginners

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR
Environmental Education Center, Alviso

  • Saturday, December 3, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Saturday, January 7, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Ever wanted to photograph that snowy egret stalking its dinner in the shallows? Join docent and published wildlife photographer Mark Bohrer to discover where to find those wary birds, what behavior to look for, and how to ethically capture them on pixels or film. You’ll need a lens extending to at least 300mm (400mm or longer preferred) on your digital SLR, or the 35mm-equivalent on your advanced point-and-shoot camera. Tripods are recommended, but not required. Please be familiar with your camera’s operation, dress for muddy conditions, and expect to do some walking. Recommended for ages 16 and up – anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Reservations required.
408-262-5513 x102.

Ravenswood Hike

Bedwell Bayfront Park, Menlo Park

  • Saturday, December 17, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, January 21, 2012, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The 2.3-mile perimeter trail at Bedwell Bayfront Park offers great opportunities to discover winter wildlife and to discuss how future wetlands restoration will shape this piece of the Bay. Offered by the Refuge and the Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park. Meet at the main parking lot bathrooms at Bedwell Bayfront Park. Call 510-792-0222 x139 for information.

Winter Birds in a Restored Salt Pond

Ravenswood Unit (SF2,) Menlo Park

  • Saturday, Saturday, February 11, 2012, 1:00 p.m.

Bid good-bye to the overwintering shorebirds and waterfowl before they leave San Francisco Bay to return to their northern nesting grounds. Docent Jane Moss will lead you on a 1.5 mile round-trip hike along Don Edward's newest interpretive trail and introduce you to the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. Trail is easy and level. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at the Ravenswood Point parking area on the west side of the Dumbarton Bridge. For information and directions, please call 510-792-0222 ext. 139.