From our blogs

07 Dec 2013

Get Involved! Become a Citizen Scientist!

Citizen scientists at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge

Citizen scientists at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge. Courtesy USFWS.

Does science fascinate you? Do you want to make a difference and assist scientists, land managers and policy makers in decision making? Consider becoming a citizen scientist. The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge has three projects you can get involved with, ranging from recording bird use on a re-vegetated trail, uploading photographs of King Tide events, to helping document effects of climate change. These projects are ideal for individuals who come to the refuge regularly to hike, and for families and school groups who want to make a difference and take part in the scientific process. Join in one, or all of the projects listed below. No experience necessary.

20 Nov 2013

Interpretation and Environmental Education Internships

The San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society is looking for two interns to develop and implement interactive educational and interpretive programs for visitors to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. These volunteer internships are located at the Environmental Education Center in Alviso, CA.

The internships are provided by the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society (SFBWS), a not-for-profit working with the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The primary mission of SFBWS is to promote public awareness and appreciation of the San Francisco Bay and its natural history, and to conserve and preserve the remaining bay lands as essential wildlife habitat.

The Environmental Education Center provides free programs to schools and the public, while teaching about the local wildlife, conservation, and how to help the environment. The Watershed Watchers and Living Wetlands programs are designed to reduce pollution in urban runoff and connect people with nature and their watersheds.

14 Nov 2013

Recovery Plan for Tidal Marsh Ecosystems of Northern and Central California

Geographic Scope of the Tidal Marsh Ecosystem Recovery Plan that addresses endangered and threatened species of tidal marshes in California from Humboldt Bay to Morro Bay

Geographic Scope of the Tidal Marsh Ecosystem Recovery Plan that addresses endangered and threatened species of tidal marshes in California from Humboldt Bay to Morro Bay. Courtesy USFWS.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed today the largest ever tidal marsh recovery effort attempted on the west coast of the United States, a plan that could cost $1.24 billion over 50 years and involve multiple federal, state and non-profit agencies.

The plan aims to restore several endangered species to a healthy enough condition that they no longer need the protection of the Endangered Species Act. These species are found predominantly in the tidal marshes running along 500 plus miles of the California coastline.

Their populations are threatened by habitat loss, population fragmentation, altered hydrology and salinity, non-native invasive species, predator attacks, disturbance, contamination, and sea level rise due to climate change.

13 Nov 2013

Annual Sale of Native Plants • November 17, 2013

The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is holding its annual Native Plant Sale in Fremont by the Visitor Center from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. this Sunday, November 17.

Help save water use by landscaping your yard with California native plants and attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your neighborhood.

17 Oct 2013

National Wildlife Refuges open gradually after end of government shutdown

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services employees returned to work on October 17, 2013 after a statement from Sylvia Burwell, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, officially signaling the end of the United States federal government shutdown.

Now that the bill has passed the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, the President plans to sign it tonight and employees should expect to return to work in the morning. Employees should be checking the news and OPM's website for further updates.

Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Department of Interior, greeted returning employees in person.

Managers at National Wildlife Refuges across the nation spread the word on social media.

So glad to be back! Your national wildlife refuges are open again and eager to serve you. Some previously scheduled special events may have been postponed or cancelled by the shutdown. Call or check ahead: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/ -- USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System
16 Oct 2013

Shark Day • October 19, 2013 • Canceled

Following the US federal government shutdown, the Shark Day celebration has been canceled.

The original event planning is outlined below. Please note that this event is now canceled.

Come celebrate the National Wildlife Refuge Week October 13 through19 at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Take part in Shark Day at the Environmental Education Center in Alviso on Saturday, October 19, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Take part in one or all of these free activities:

  • Guided Walks
  • Games & Crafts
  • Face Painting
  • Make a Shark Tooth Necklace
  • Pet live Leopard Sharks

For directions and more information: USFWS website or call 408-262-5513.

Shark Day is sponsored by the City of San Jose (Living Wetlands Program), Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Prevention Program (Watershed Watchers), The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society.

16 Oct 2013

Fish and Wildlife Service cancels all Refuge Week events

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cancels Refuge Week events at National Wildlife Refuges due to Federal Government lapse in appropriations

Because of the lapse in appropriations that has caused the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today announced that all Refuge Week events at national wildlife refuges across the country are cancelled because the Service cannot meet the logistical requirements to support them. Refuge Week occurs annually from October 13 - 19.

Facilities and operations on refuges across the country remain shuttered as a result of the lapse in funding for the fiscal year that began October 1. The current lack of funding affects all activities on national wildlife refuges, including wildlife - related recreation , such as hunting, fishing , wildlife watching, hiking, boating, and conservation education.

Additional updates during the shut down will be available at www.doi.gov/shutdown.

Source: Press Release (10/16/2013) by Office of Communications, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
06 Oct 2013

Make Way for Science Day • October 13, 2013 • Canceled

Following the US federal government shutdown, the National Wildlife Refuge Week has been canceled.

The original event planning is outlined below. Please note that this event is now canceled.

Come celebrate the National Wildlife Refuge Week October 13 through19 at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Become a Citizen Scientist at 2 Marshlands Rd Fremont, CA 94555 on Sunday, October 13, 2013 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Interact with biologists, see the types of field work they do, and become a citizen scientist.

The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is gathering scientists and naturalists to introduce you to scientific data collection and land management techniques on national wildlife refuges. Meet the experts and see what they do first-hand. Train to be a citizen scientist and help monitor plants and animals on the refuge to document effects of climate change.

Take part in one or all of these programs:

  • Reptile Survey
  • Phytoplankton Sampling
  • Song Bird Banding Demonstration
  • Mammal Trapping Demonstrations
  • Citizen Science Workshop

Open to all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

A schedule and more information can be found on USFWS website beginning October 1. Call 510-792-0222 ext. 476 for more information.

06 Oct 2013

Annual Sale of Native Plants • October 13, 2013 • Canceled

Following the US federal government shutdown, the Annual Sale of Native Plants has been canceled.

The original event planning is outlined below. Please note that this event is now canceled.

Come celebrate the National Wildlife Refuge Week October 13 through19 at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The annual sale of native plants is at 2 Marshlands Rd Fremont, CA 94555 on Sunday, October 13, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Help save water use by landscaping your yard with California native plants and attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your neighborhood. Sale will be held at the Visitor Center located at the first parking lot to your right. For more information, call Carmen Minch at 510-792-0222 ext. 476.

01 Oct 2013

LaRiviere Marsh Celebration • October 5, 2013 • Canceled

Following the US federal government shutdown, the LaRiviere Marsh Celebration has been canceled.

The original event planning is outlined below. Please note that this event is now canceled.

Ohlone Audubon and Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge present LaRiviere Marsh Celebration on Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The LaRiviere Marsh trail is looking better than ever! Help us celebrate the trail upgrades and the new viewing platform donated by Ohlone Audubon.

  • 9:00 a.m. Family Bird Walk. Share nature with your children. RSVP required. 510-792-0222 x363 *
  • 9:00 a.m. Adult Bird Walk. Enjoy the trails and practice your birding skills. No RSVP required. *
  • 11:30 a.m. Dedication Ceremony and Refreshments at the LaRiviere Marsh Viewing Platform.
* These programs leave from the Visitor Center in Fremont.

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