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Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

desfbay.fws.gov

Organization Type:
Government Agency

Mission:
To preserve and enhance significant wildlife habitat in South San Francisco Bay; providing opportunities for wildlife-oriented recreation; the protection of endangered sand threatened species; and the protection of migratory birds.

Contact:
Carmen Minch
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
1 Marshlands Road
Newark, CA 94536
Phone: (510) 792-0222
Fax: (510) 792-5828
Carmen_Leong-Minch@fws.gov

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 524
Newark, CA 94560

Geographical Focus:
Local

Counties Served:
Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara

Activities:
Education, Conservation, Recreation, Restoration, Resource Management

Topic:
Wetlands, Wildlife, Habitat Restoration, Endangered Species, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff, Bay & Estuary Habitats

Educational Resources:
Outreach Programs, On-Site Programs, Guided Walks, Field Trips, Nature Trails, Publications, Newsletter, Brochures, Exhibits/Displays, Website, Library/Lending Materials

Education Programs:

  • Salt Marsh Manual - Introduction to salt marsh and San Francisco Bay ecology, the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, endangered species and other wildlife. Contains "how-to" activities for educator-led field trips and pre- and post field trip activities.
  • Wetland Round-up Field Trips - students investigate creatures of the mud flats, plankton, and other creatures in the slough, and pickleweed in the salt marsh.
  • Trekking the Refuge - Learn about the natural history of the Refuge and explore the salt marsh, salt ponds, and the slough by trekking the 1-mile Tidelands Trail.
  • Free teacher orientations
  • Assortment of Videos that can be checked out for free
  • Discovery Packs - a pack filled with materials such as dip nets, bug boxes, petri dishes, etc. for groups to take out on the trail on their own for free to learn about the habitats by participating in hands-on activities
  • Slow the Flow Program - a field trip geared toward older students (5th-12th) for cities in the South Bay to learn about water use wastewater treatment, and habitat conservation

Target Audiences:
4th-12th Grades, Teacher, Non-Formal Educator, General Public

Group Size Accommodated:
Up to 60

Other Languages:
Discovery Pack users have the option of English or Spanish instructions.

In-Service Training:
Teachers, Docents/Volunteers, Students/Interns
Teachers must attend a teacher orientation workshop in order to participate in the field trip programs since our programs are educator-led. Docents and Interns receive training on how to lead the activities as well.

Volunteer Opportunities

  Description:
•  Interpretation: Activities such as nature walks, talks, slide programs, and visitor center information desk. Volunteers help visitors understand and appreciate both the natural and human history of the Refuge as well as provide information on the recreational and educational opportunities available. Volunteers also rove Refuge trails to talk to visitors, report vandalism, spot maintenance needs and pick up litter.
•  Environmental Education: Assisting Environmental Education Specialists with teacher orientation workshops, open house events, day camp, field trips and special projects are but a few of the volunteer duties at the Environmental Education Center in Alviso or the Visitor Center in Fremont.
•  Resource Management: Qualified individuals may assist wildlife biologists in such areas as wildlife surveys and alien plant removal.
•  Maintenance: Volunteer may help Refuge employees in general tasks such as landscape maintenance, sign installation, gate painting and construction and routine vehicle maintenance. Also, opportunities exist for those with skills in such disciplines as plumbing and carpentry.
•  Native Plant Nursery: Volunteers germinate seeds, propagate cuttings, transplant seedlings, prune, fertilize and water plants, pull weeds, and plants in the field as part of the Refuge’s habitat restoration mission.
•  Special Projects: Volunteer may work independently in the areas of photography, photo and specimen collections, journalism, desktop publishing, and public outreach.
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
Willingness to learn
  Commitment Required:
No set commitment required
  Application/Training:
An application form may be filled out and sent to the Refuge. Once the application is returned, we will contact you for a telephone or in-person interview. Volunteers will have the opportunity to attend a volunteer orientation program.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
Volunteer Coordinator
(510) 792-0222 ext. 41

Internship Opportunities

  Description:
Each intern is specific in their department. We have two bio interns, two Environmental Education Interns, and one Public Use Intern.
Duration:4 months
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
Some experience appreciated, willingness to learn and work alone
  Application:
Apply through the Student Conservation Association
  Number of Interns:
5
  Housing Provided:
Yes
  Paid:
No
  Stipend:
Yes
  Credit:
Yes

Videos:
For use on site or loan
•  A Home for Pearl
•  Do your Part!
•  Fabulous Wetlands
•  I Need the Earth and the Earth Needs Me
•  It's Sloughpendous
•  It's Wet, It's Wild, It's Water!
•  Kids By the Bay
•  Mini Expedition
•  Mud Creature Study
•  Salt Marsh Discoveries
•  Secrets of the Bay
•  The Surfer, the Garbageman and the Lady in the Sky
•  Water You Doing?
•  Wetland Round-up Field Trips
•  Who did the Owl Eat?

General Services:
Restrooms, Picnic Area, Bookstore/Gift Shop

Parking Availability:
We have ample parking at the Visitor Center.



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