Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center

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Location Details
1751 Grand Blvd
San Jose
CA
95002

Self-Guided Volunteer Opportunity: February 2024 King Tides in Alviso

Event flyer
Event flyer

Interested in a volunteer opportunity you can do for school, work, or just for fun, that you can do on your own or with your household? Calling middle and high school students and scout groups! Come to the Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge and take photos to record the high tides called King Tides. The Refuge has a few spots around Alviso to view the year's highest tides. Participants will snap photos and submit them to the Refuge's Friends organization, the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society, at [email protected].

Restoration Work Day: Coastal Cleanup Day

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No event image available

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.

Why Tides Matter

Don Edwards Environmental Education Center
Don Edwards Environmental Education Center

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.

Wheels and Wildlife Bike Tour

Wheels and Wildlife Bike Tour
Wheels and Wildlife Bike Tour

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.

Drawbridge Van Excursion

Ghost town Drawbridge, California, seen from train tracks passing over the Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Dargaseay
Ghost town Drawbridge, California, seen from train tracks passing over the Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Dargaseay

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.