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Fall 2019 Programs: Sept, Oct & Nov

Coastal Cleanup Day Saturday, September 21st 9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.

Interested in volunteering at the Refuge? Come out for Coastal Cleanup Day! We will walk along the marsh, collecting

trash that is harmful to the habitat and wildlife. This is a great opportunity for middle, high, and college students to

gain volunteer hours. Great for scout groups and families as well! All ages and skill levels are welcome to join. Gloves

and tools are provided. Bring a lunch to enjoy after! Reservations required. Go to: https://

coastalcleanupeec2019.eventbrite.com Questions? Call: 408-262-5513 ext 104. Email: watershedwatchers@sfbws.com

The Environmental Education Center (EEC) 1751 Grand Blvd, Alviso (San Jose), CA 95002

For reservations, use the link provided. Questions? Call (408) 262-5513 ex. 104 or 102

www.fws.gov/refuge/don_edwards_san_francisco_bay

The History & Mystery of the Refuge and the Bay Saturday, September 14th 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1972, but the reason the refuge was established dates

back 200 years prior to when Europeans first arrived at the San Francisco Bay and changed the Bay forever. Join our

volunteer, Larry, to learn about the history, and the answers to mysteries such as: How did we almost turn San Francis-

co Bay into San Francisco River? How do the consequences of the Gold Rush affect us today? Is there really a mouse

that can swim? The program starts indoors but moves outside for an easy half-mile, accessible, walk. All ages are wel-

come; bring your whole family! Reservations recommended. Go to: https://historymysteryrefuge.eventbrite.com Ques-

tions? Call: 408-262-5513 ext 104

Ohlone Acorn Grinding Saturday, November 16th 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Do you want to know more about the Native Americans that lived in the Bay Area before us? How did they survive without stores? Come to the refuge and learn how the Ohlone lived off of the land. Take a walk through the marsh, and go shopping in the Ohlone grocery store. Taste an Ohlone pickle and grind acorns! Best suited for ages 8 and up. Reser-vations Recommended. Go to: https://acorngrind.eventbrite.com Questions? Call 408-262-5513 ext. 104.

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FREE WEEKEND PROGRAMS

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Tai Chi & Refuge Nature Walk Saturday, September 7th 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Morning Crane founder Chris Shelton is a certified Tai Chi and Qigong practitioner and instructor with 20 years of experience. Chris Shelton has helped thousands of people around the world reclaim their health and enjoy lives free from chronic pain. Join us for a short nature walk lead after to learn about the refuge! Sponsored by Morning Crane, San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society, and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. No registration necessary.

Wheels and Wildlife Bike Tour Saturday, October 12th 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Kick off National Wildlife Refuge Week by joining up for a bicycle tour around the levee trails in Alviso! We will stop along the way to learn about the Refuge, the restoration efforts of the wildlife and the habitats they use, the importance of Coyote Creek watershed, and the history of the area! The ride is 4.5 miles on a flat level trail, and there is no shade along the way. Provide your own bikes (or rent), gear, and

water bottles. Helmets are required for children. Water and snacks will be provided. Children ages 10+ recommended;

please use your best judgement on skill level for the distance. *Through a partner, we also have bikes for rent! Sign up

if you'd like one. Reservations Recommended. Go to: https://www.keepcoyotecreekbeautiful.org/

Night Sky Party Friday, October 18th 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Meet the stars of Spring and view the moon and maybe some planets! Join our amateur astronomers as we learn about constellations. Make a star chart and then venture outside to view the night sky through a tele-scope. Afterwards, warm up with some hot chocolate. Dress warmly, as it gets cold in the evening. Fun for the whole family! Great for Scout groups! Reservations Recommended. Go to: https://nightskyfall19.eventbrite.com Questions? Hope: 408-262-5513 ext.104 A

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Hike the Mallard Slough Saturday, September 28th 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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 will cancel this hike due to possibly muddy trail. Led by Steve Stolper, certified California Naturalist. Reservations Recommended. Go to: https://hikeeectrail.eventbrite.com Questions? Call Hope: 408-262-5513 ext.104

Bay Area Rocks for Kids Saturday, October 5th 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Come celebrate Bay Day with volunteer and geologist, Malcom Pringle! What makes up the hills and habitats that

surround San Francisco Bay? Bang, scratch, nick, view, (even chew?) rocks from the hills and crystals from the Bay!

Ponder how and where they could have formed -- are those microfossils? Then wonder, how have they been uplifted to

form the foundation for all the varied plants and animals -- and buildings! -- that we see today? Most appropriate for

school-aged learners, but ages are welcome. Great for families and scout groups! Closed-toed shoes recommended.

Reservations recommended. Go to: https://bayarearocksforkids.eventbrite.com Questions? Call: 408-262-5513 ext 104.

Insect Exploration Saturday, October 26th 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Insects have been on this Earth for hundreds of millions of years. Come learn about the many different insects that call

the San Francisco Bay Area home. We will examine insects and learn how they have adapted to survive. Join us as we

dig in the dirt and crawl through the plants, in search for our six-legged friends! Be prepared to get dirty. All ages are

welcome. Reservations recommended. http://eecinsect.eventbrite.com. Questions? Call 408-262-5513 ext. 104

Snowbird Stroll Saturday, November 2nd 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Join Ranger Hope, and fellow snowbirds, for a stroll through the Salt Marsh, Pond, and Slough looking for migratory

birds! The snowbirds are arriving to enjoy the lovely moderate climate we have in San Francisco Bay! This is a great

time to see many new birds arriving at the Refuge – from tiny sandpipers to large geese! We will taste Pickleweed, learn

about our resident endangered species, and enjoy the morning breeze! We have binoculars and guides for everyone to

barrow. Great for all ages and experience levels. Hike is on flat terrain and is just under 1 mile. Trail is accessible.

Reservations Recommended. Go to: https://snowbirdstroll.eventbrite.com Questions? Call 408-262-5513 ext. 104.

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Drawbridge Van Excursion Saturday, September 28th 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 26th 1:00 p.m.—3:30 p.m. 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, our Drawbridge expert. Start

with a slide show, 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. Go to: https://drawbridgefall19.eventbrite.com Questions? Hope: 408-262-5513

ext.104

It is the policy of the Fish and Wildlife Service to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodation to enable you to participate, please contact a visitor services staff person: (408) 262-5513

Fox Stories Saturdays: Sept 28th, Oct 26th & Nov 30th 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Do you sometimes see paw prints in mud or scat (poop) on the trails and assume that a dog left it? It could be from something else. Come along with me and I will show you how to distinguish and iden-tify the markings of a gray fox. Gain some insights into the fox’s nature and their behavior during the walk. By the time we are through, you will have a set of “tools” you can use to identify the presence of foxes in any area that you are in. Bring a hat, bin-oculars, and good walking shoes. Led by Bill Leikam from the Urban Wildlife Research Project. Register at http://donedwardsfox.eventbrite.com

Become a Jr Refuge Ranger! Saturday, September 28th, 11:00am—1:00pm

Do you want to learn about wildlife and habitat or go on a hike and observe wildlife? Join a Refuge Ranger and explore the refuge while completing the Junior Refuge Ranger Activity Booklet. Once complete, you’ll earn your Junior Refuge Ranger Badge! Register at https://eventbrite-juniorranger.eventbrite.com

Super Insects Saturday, Oct 19th 12:00pm—1:30pm

Look, it’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s SuperBug! Join us for a program all about insects and learn insect anatomy, defensive characteristics and importance of habitat for these incredible insects. Meet at the visitor center and walk down to the amphitheater.

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Family Bird Walk Saturdays: Sept 21st 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Oct 12 & Nov 6 12:00—2:00pm

Let family walks become a shared time of na-ture learning. We’ll begin by helping kids cre-ate their personal bird watching field guides, and then head out onto the trails to find those birds. A limited number of binoculars are avail-able to borrow. Recommended for children ages 5-10. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to https://donedwardsfamilybird.eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 363.

Nature Walk for Health Saturdays: Sept 7th, Oct 5th & Nov 2nd 10:30am – 11:30am

Take a break from your busy schedule and refresh your spirit with nature at the refuge. Take a guided nature walk on the Tidelands Trail and hear what makes this National Wildlife Refuge unique. The approximately one mile walk traverses through endangered species habi-tat and offers great views of south San Francisco Bay. Led by Rick Arellano.

Twilight Marsh Walk Saturdays: Sept 21st 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m, Oct 12th 5:30 p.m. – 7:15p.m.,

& Nov 16th 4:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Experience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy stroll along Tidelands (1.3 miles) 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. Not suitable for young children. Go to https://donedwardstwilight.eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 363. Led by Mary and Gene Bobik.

The Visitor Center

2 Marshlands Rd, Fremont, CA 94555

For reservations, use the link provided. Questions? Call call 510-792-0222 ext. 361

Bay Area Rocks for Kids Saturday, September 14th 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

What makes up the hills that surround San Francisco Bay? Bang, scratch, nick, view (even chew?) rocks from the hills, and crystals from the Bay. Ponder how and where they could have formed -- are those microfossils? Wonder, how could they have been lifted to form what's underneath all the varied plants and animals -- and buildings! -- that we see today? Most appropriate for school-aged learners, but inquisitive students of all ages are welcome. Closed-toed shoes recommended. Register at https://eventbriterocksforkids.eventbrite.com

Geology: Rocks on the Hills Saturday, Nov 9th 10:30am—12:00pm

Ever wondered why the Coyote Hills rise out of the surrounding marshland? Take a walk around the hills of the refuge. Observe rocks that formed deep in the ocean during the time of the dinosaurs. Ponder how they may have joined North America, then been uplifted to form the rocks, colors and soils that provide the footing of the varied plants and animals that we see now. Appropriate for scouts, and inquisitive students of all ages. Sturdy walking shoes recommended. Register at https://eventbrite-geologyrocks.eventbrite.com

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It is the policy of the Fish and Wildlife Service to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodation to enable you to participate, please contact a visitor services staff person: (408) 262-5513

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n Restoring Inner Bair Island Walking Tour Saturday, Oct 5th 10:00a.m. – 11:30p.m.

Location: Inner Bair Island, Redwood City Join Peninsula Open Space Trust and the Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge for a beautiful walking tour of Inner Bair Island, led by Vicki Martell! This 1.5 mile walking tour will highlight the wetlands and the marine life that live within, such as: Endangered California Ridgway’s rails and salt marsh harvest mice. Also cottontail rabbits, peregrine falcons, pelicans, egrets, terns, and stilts. Large rays and small leopard sharks can be seen in the sloughs at the farther reaches of the island. To register go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inner-bair-island-interpretive-walking-tour-tickets-55987699717

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Bike Ride: The Intersection of Land, Bay and Outer Space Location: Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant Saturday, September 14th 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. This easy bicycle ride along San Francisco Bay Trail offers views of not only sloughs and distant hills but also salt ponds,

Moffett Field runways and hangars, and NASA Ames research facilities (including the air intake for the 80x120 foot wind

tunnel). Docent Laurel Stell will stop occasionally to describe how these sites reflect humans' changing relationship

with Earth and far, far beyond. Wildlife sightings may include herons, egrets, ducks, swallows, turtles and

more. Distance is 7 miles roundtrip; cycling speed will be roughly 10 MPH. Trail is flat with packed dirt surface suitable

for road or mountain bikes. Bring water, binoculars, sunscreen. Meet at the Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant.

Registration recommended. Go to: https://sunnyvalebikeride19.eventbrite.com Questions? Call: 408-262-5513 ext 104

South Bay (Sunnyvale) For reservations, use the link provided.

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Pacific Flyway Saturday, October 12th 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: SF2 Pond Our wetlands are an important stop on the Pacific Flyway, a major bird migration route. Stroll with docent Laurel Stell to learn why birds migrate, why they stop along the San Francisco Bay, and to spot the birds in action. Trail is easy and level. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at the SF2 trail parking area on the west side of the Dumbarton Bridge. Reservations Recommended. Go to: https://pacificflyway.eventbrite.com. Questions? Call Hope: (408) 262-5513 ext 104.

West Bay (Peninsula) For reservations, use the link provided.

Stewardship Saturdays Saturdays: Oct 5th & Nov 2nd 9:30am—12:00pm

If you are interested in improving the refuge for visitors and for wildlife alike, join us at the Visitor Center for a stewardship project. We will do either a trash cleanup or a planting/weeding project. Dress appropriately for the task and for the weather. We will have gloves to lend and will provide the tools. Bring your own water bottle. Meet in the parking lot at the Visitor Center. Driving an additional 2.5 miles may be required since the project may be at a different location. For more information, or to make reservations, call 510-792-0222 ext. 361.

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