Environmental Education Center

The Stakeholder Forum is the principal public advisory body to the Restoration Project. It is comprised of stakeholders with long-term, ongoing interest in the restoration plan and South Bay shoreline. The Forum meets when there is new information to discuss, ideally every year or two, and most often in the fall. The Project's three geographic working groups, which advised on pond complex-specific design, construction and science during Phase 1, are now invited to continue to participate via Stakeholder Forum meetings.

Interested in volunteering at the refuge? Come out for a Restoration Work Day celebrating Coastal Cleanup Day! We will be cleaning up trash along the entrance road into the refuge while learning about our habitats and wildlife. This is a great opportunity for middle school, high school, and college students to gain volunteer hours. Great for scout groups and families as well! All ages and skill levels are wel¬come to join. Gloves and tools are provided. Bring a lunch to enjoy after. Reservations recommended.

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 1-mile walk. All ages are welcome – bring your whole family. Reservations recommended. Go to: https://eectides2019.eventbrite.com. Questions? Call Hope at 408-262-5513 ext. 104.

Did you know you could ride your bike on the Refuge trails in Alviso? Join us for a bicycle tour around the levee. We will stop along the way to learn about the Refuge, the wildlife and habitats they use, the importance of Coyote Creek watershed, and the history of the area. The ride is 4.5 miles on a level trail, and there is no shade along the way. Must provide your own bikes, gear, and water bottles. Helmets are required for children. Water and snacks will be provided at a stop. Children ages 10+ recommended, please use your best judgement on skill level for the distance.

An abandoned town in the 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 people scrabbling out a living? How long did it exist? Find out at this program, led by Ceal Craig. We will start with a slideshow, and then take a short van excursion to view Drawbridge across Coyote Creek. Program will be of most interest to adults interested in history or nature; children 13 and over with an adult are welcome. Space is very limited. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

Join us for a bike tour on the Mallard Slough Trail! We will stop along the way to learn about the refuge, the wildlife and habitats, the importance of Coyote Creek watershed, and the history of the area. The ride is 4.5 miles on a level trail, and there is no shade. Must provide your own bikes, gear, and water bottles. Helmets are required for children. Water and snacks will be provided at a stop. Children ages 10+ recommended. Please use your best judgement on skill level for the distance.

Here you can access records from Stakeholder Forum and early Project planning meetings, from 2003 to 2011. Here are records of later meetings. The Stakeholder Forum is the principal public advisory body to the Restoration Project.

If you have an interest in wildlife and their conservation, enjoy working with people, and are enthusiastic and dependable, the Refuge'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. Project areas are restoration projects, information desk on weekends, interpretive programs, school field trips, and citizen science/community service. Volunteer Requirements: attend a volunteer orientation; attend the scheduled trainings; meet the age requirements for the program.

There’s plankton in our Bay! Learn about the different characteristics of plankton and how they have adapted to survive. We will become planktologists for a day, collect water samples and identify these incredible organisms under a microscope! Best suited for ages 7 and up. Register at Register http://eectinydrift.eventbrite.com or call 408-262-5513 ext. 102 for reservations.

Look for birds, mammals, and animal tracks as we explore along the water’s edge on this 3.7-mile nature walk. Bring binoculars and your favorite field guide to help enjoy the views. Have at least one liter of water, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Rain cancels hike. Led by Steve Stolper, certified California Naturalist. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to https://hikeeectrail.eventbrite.com. Questions? Call 408-262-5513 ext. 104.