White-Tailed Kite, Specter of the California Skies by Cheryl L

SPRING 2014 Volume 37, Number 1

White-Tailed Kite, Specter of the California Skies by Cheryl L. Davis areas – areas that can support great abun- note that the California vole (Microtus cali- You have likely seen these graceful, dances of rodents. fornicus) is the main food source for white- white raptors hovering above Bay Area Their ability to adapt to disturbed tailed kites. Though there are researchers grassland and marshes, their beating wings habitats have expanded their range from the who claim the evidence for this statement suspending them in air like a ghostly appari- southern United States, along the coast of is based only on circumstantial evidence; tion or angel. With their head bent towards Oregon, Washington and California, and such as observing changes in white-tailed the ground, they quietly hover, scanning the ground for unsuspecting prey. The white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), formerly called the American black-shouldered kite, has white underparts, a long, mostly white tail, and pointed wings. While juvenile underparts and head are lightly streaked with reddish/reddish orange color, both adults and juveniles, when viewed from above, show black shoulders in flight as the black leading edge of the inner wings, hence the earlier accepted common name of the black-shouldered kite. When viewed in flight from below, this edge appears as small black patches. One of the smaller raptors, it has a body length of 16 inches and wing span of 42 inches. The white-tailed kite is a species well suited to thrive in many habitats available in California. Their distinctive hunting technique coupled with their unique coloring distinguishes them readily from Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group other raptors in the field. White-tailed kites hover about 100 feet in the air and drop to south through Middle America and parts kite numbers in response to changes in the ground rather than using “stooping,” of South America. They forage and nest in the abundance of this vole. Additionally, a foraging method of hawks and eagles low elevations, avoiding areas which have since the vole is not a desert species, kites which employs a steep dive to surprise extensive winter freezing patterns. in southeastern California are not likely to prey. Even among other North American Though vegetation structure and prey depend on this animal as a primary food kites, they are the only kite to employ this abundance have been noted to be the most source. Also consumed are other rodents hunting technique. This allows them to important parameters influencing habitat (house mouse and western harvest mice), forage in areas with denser vegetation, when choice, most researchers agree that prey lizards, and insects, but rarely birds. necessary, such as chaparral. Other types of abundance is the most important popula- The core of the white-tailed kite breed- habitats used by the kite include grassland, tion regulator. Small mammals make up oak woodland, wetlands, and savannah-type about 98% of their prey and many studies continued next page from page 1 ing range in the United States is California. They are common in the Central Valley and along the coast of California. When nesting, white-tailed kites can generally be found in riparian areas adjacent to open areas and dense, broad-leafed deciduous trees are preferred for nesting and roosting at night. Historical accounts from the late 19th century have also documented them nesting in large stands of oaks in oak woodland habitat. Nests made of sticks are usually found in single isolated trees in large stands and they also use larger shrubs generally less than 10 feet tall. Nest building occurs from January through August and egg-laying begins in February, with peaks of egg-laying occurring in March and April. The building of nests is truly a partnership between the two sexes. The male collects the nesting material where Suitable habitat for white-tailed kites. Photo: Ambarish Goswami he would then hand them off to the female kites having three clutches with new nests to 1991. This species is a fully protected to create the perfect bowl-shaped home. The being built for each clutch. Incubation takes species by the State of California under the well-made nest would sit in the fork or top approximately 30 days. It has been docu- Department of Fish and Wildlife. of a tree or tall bush, usually lining the nest mented that abundant food or a clutch of In the 1960s, the State of California with dry grass or straw from nearby agri- eggs being destroyed or stolen can prompt made an initial effort to provide extra cultural fields. Due to the kite’s preference white-tailed kites to lay a second clutch. A protection to animals that were rare and for building the nest in dense vegetation, late 19th century article by one of the found- faced possible extinction. Lists were created the nests are quite difficult to spot from the ers of the journal Condor, describes the providing this additional protection for ground. During the incubation period, the author climbing to several white-tailed kite fish, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, male spends his days hunting for food for nests that were over 20 feet off the ground and birds. Fully protected species may himself, his mate, and for the newly hatched and stealing the clutch for collectors and not be killed or possessed at any time and young. This behavior would continue until museum specimens. Often the same nest no licenses or permits can be issued for the young has fledged. was robbed twice in one season! their destruction or possession expect for Most chicks fledge in May and June This species has had a difficult history necessary scientific research. Relocation of and the fledglings continue to depend on in California. While historically common some bird species is allowed for protection parent raptors for about one to two months. in the lowlands and marshes of California, of livestock. It has been suggested that white-tailed kites white-tailed kites were pushed to the edge Some fully protected species have also of extinction around the arrival of the 1930s been listed as threatened or endangered by habitat loss, shooting, and egg-collecting. species under the more recent endangered Fortunately, their numbers and distribution species laws and regulations. Though the increased between the 1940s and the 1970s, white-tailed kite is not listed as threatened and into the early 1980s. This increase or endangered under the federal Endangered has been speculated to be caused by some Species Act, administered by the United protection for the species itself and an States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), increase in agricultural development with this species also receives protection under a corresponding increase in rodent habitat. the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, California vole. Photo: USFWS Ungrazed or lightly grazed fields provide the also administered by the USFWS. This largest prey populations as opposed to row law, originally issued in 1918, but updated seldom forage more than a ½ mile radius crops, vineyards, and orchards. subsequently as needed: “makes it illegal from their nest sites and nest sites have been But even with this good news, a bird for anyone to take, possess, import, export, closely associated with habitat that supports breeding survey in California conducted transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for dense rodent populations. between 1980 and 2006 noted popula- sale, purchase, or barter, any migratory bird, White-tailed kites are known to have tions of white-tailed kites in southwestern or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a bird two or even three clutches of eggs in a single California may be declining due to urban except under the terms of a valid permit season, with clutches containing between and commercial development, with the issued pursuant to Federal regulations.” three and six eggs. Accounts from the late most significant decline occurring in However, even with such protections in 19th century described a pair of white-tail Southern California grasslands from 1982 place for individual birds, nests, and eggs, Page 2 protection from loss of foraging, breeding, The elimination of hedge rows, edge mitigation properties in Contra Costa, and roosting habitat due to urbanization can vegetation, or riparian vegetation near or Alameda, and San Joaquin Counties. Her be more difficult to ensure. That this species surrounding agricultural fields could impact work includes protecting and enhancing usually exists within a hunting guild, a col- some of the foraging habitat that has helped populations of many special status animal lection of raptors and birds using the same the white-tailed kite recover its numbers. and plant species, such as California tiger foraging area and resources, makes habitat The California vole needs habitat with salamander, California red-legged frog, loss significant for the white-tailed kite as adequate ground cover and does not inhabit golden eagle, and burrowing owl. She well as multiple other winged species. bare, mowed, or heavily grazed habitats. received her M.S. in Biological Sciences Construction projects, whether public Government protections will continue from California State University, East infrastructure, urban growth, or suburban for this species as will California’s efforts to Bay, where she remains an Associate sprawl may mitigate for their impacts to preserve and restore wetlands and marshes, Researcher in Dr. Christopher Kitting’s habitat by purchasing/protecting similar along with private efforts to preserve Hayward Shore Laboratory. habitat. But locating available similar agricultural land from development. With habitat adjacent to, or within an established these measures and the continued resilience habitat range or breeding area of the and adaptability of white-tailed kites, this white-tailed kite or other raptor and bird specter of California skies can hopefully species can be difficult, if not impossible. continue to maintain and recover its popula- Disruption and loss of established breeding tions throughout California. habitat or ranges for established populations Cheryl Davis is a Watershed Resources can result. Specialist for the Contra Costa Water Additionally, due to recent bacterial District at the Los Vaqueros Reservoir. contamination of raw food crops such as She manages the biological and cultural lettuce and spinach, new laws are being resources on over 25,000 acres of enacted that target the elimination of rodent land which include the Los Vaqueros Become a populations from such crops in California. Watershed and recently acquired Refuge Rambler! Join the thousands of people who are taking to the trails not only for Investing in the Future of the Bay scenic beauty and wildlife viewing, but California is a state rich with habitat for the many health benefits it provides. and wildlife diversity. No other state in Take the challenge to complete at least the union can boast having such a mix of Refuge seven of the trails, scattered throughout deserts, forests, mountains, wetlands, and the east and south bay by October 18, marine habitats all within its borders. But Reflections 2014. Trails in San Pablo Bay Refuge ever since the Gold Rush made headlines, and Salinas River Refuge can also count! by Anne Morkill, Upon registering (required), you will these habitats have been lost or drastically Project Leader altered from rapid development, sometimes receive a booklet containing informa- in a manner that is detrimental to ecosystem tion on Don Edwards, San Pablo Bay, functions and the well-being of California California Legislature created the San and Salinas River Refuge Trails and residents. Francisco Bay Restoration Authority in a trail log book. Upon completion In the San Francisco Bay Area, the 2008 as a non-regulatory agency respon- of the seven trails, you will receive a US Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of sible for generating and delivering new free Refuge Rambler Patch. For more California, regional agencies, and many local funding to support the restoration, information, go to http://www.fws.gov/ conservation groups have worked diligently enhancement, protection, and enjoyment refuge/don_edwards_san_francisco_bay to halt and reverse some of the impacts of wetlands and wildlife habitat. The goal humans have made on wetland habitats. is to look for funds to support projects in Over the years, we’ve shared many stories the nine counties with shorelines that touch Sign me up for the Refuge in Tideline highlighting our progress, in San Francisco Bay—projects to restore Rambler Program! collaboration with our many partners, in wildlife habitats, enhance public access and Mail to Carmen Minch, 1 restoring thousands of acres of diked salt recreational opportunities, remove pollution Marshlands Rd, Fremont, CA 94555 ponds in the South Bay and agricultural from the Bay and surrounding watersheds, or email information to Carmen_leong- lands in the North Bay back to tidal marsh preserve clean water, and increase protection [email protected] and seasonal wetlands. These actions are for communities and infrastructure from Name ______guided by comprehensive planning efforts, flooding by storms, high tides, and rising such as the Service’s recently completed sea level. Address______Recovery Plan for Tidal Marsh Ecosystems For more information on the San in Northern California and the State’s Francisco Bay Restoration Authority and City ______Bayland Ecosystem Habitat Goals Project. how it plans to seek funding for these types State______Zip ______With a look to the future, the of projects, visit http://sfbayrestore.org.

Page 3 River Dredging Project Pays Unexpected Dividends for Endangered Species by Doug Cordell the nearby Port of Stockton, CA and the ported a short distance to the refuge and The banks of the San Joaquin River, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was such a fed into a series of berms that separated out in the northeastern reaches of the San notable achievement. With the agreement water. A total of 40,000 cubic yards of sand Francisco Bay estuary, were once lined with among the three parties, sand that was were brought in at no cost to the refuge. sand dunes 12 stories high. But decades of dredged from the San Joaquin River to clear By comparison, in 2009 the refuge paid sand mining and encroaching development navigation channels for cargo ships was $25,000 to bring in only 1,500 cubic yards. from heavy industries like shipbuilding have pumped to the refuge for use in restoring One challenge the refuge has faced in reduced the dunes to a few patches of land dune habitat. previous such efforts is keeping the sand free along the river, squeezing out much of the “This solved two big problems for us,” of the invasive weeds that, in recent years, endemic wildlife that once called the dunes says Don Brubaker, the manager of the have choked out not only the endangered home. Two of those patches are the neigh- Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge for plants on the refuge but the host plant for boring units of the Antioch Dunes National the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “One, the endangered butterfly. Wildlife Refuge—55 riverfront acres, tucked it gave us a large enough supply of sand By bringing in such a large amount between a shipyard and a gypsum processing to begin to restore the high-dune habitat of sand in the most recent operation, the refuge will be able to build higher dunes, which drain better and allow for more naturally shifting terrain—two conditions for preventing the growth of invasive plants. A stacker will load the dried sand into a hopper so that it can be dropped to the ground from an elevated height, preferably on windy days, to blow out any detritus or other bio-matter that might feed invasives. “We’re looking to mimic the habitat that we know has worked for the endangered species here in the past,” says Brubaker. He notes that the Army Corps left the transport infrastructure in place so that more dredged sand can be brought to the refuge next year. He is also hopeful that other operators in the area looking to dispose of sand will be able to use it. Earth movers distribute dredged sand brought to the refuge. Photo: USFWS “This could really help the refuge.” plant, that, at the time they were set aside that the endangered species on the refuge Doug Cordell is the public affairs officer in 1980, constituted the smallest national historically thrived on. And, two, it didn’t for the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife wildlife refuge in the country and the first cost us a penny.” Refuge Complex ever created to protect endangered plants Brubaker gives special credit to the and insects. San Francisco Bay Conservation and Without a natural influx of sand, how- Development Commission for alerting the ever—something that hasn’t happened since Port of Stockton about the refuge’s need the adjacent dunes along the river were lost for sand. He points out that the Port saved to development—even the protected enclave money as well, since the dredged sand didn’t of the Antioch Dunes refuge struggles to have to be hauled farther away for disposal. maintain the riverine dune habitat that “Partnership and cooperation among supports the federally endangered Lange’s agencies were the keys to making this thing metalmark butterfly, Contra Costa wallflow- happen,” he adds, “and everyone benefit- er and Antioch Dunes evening primrose. ted.” That’s why an innovative arrange- The sand was dredged from the river ment in October, 2013 among the refuge, bottom with a hydraulic suction, trans-

Page 4 The Power of Wilderness By Nancy Roeper better understand which changes were the result of the management treatment, Editor’s Note: The Wilderness Act and which were the result of changes celebrates its 50th anniversary in due to other causes. Thus, conservation September 3, 2014. Moreover, 2014 also of wildlife in non-wilderness areas also marks the 40th anniversary of Farallon benefits from the management restraint we National Wildlife Refuge being designated exert in wilderness. as wilderness. Leading up to this historic Wilderness has also contributed to event, Tideline will feature stories about international wildlife conservation. That a these monumental milestones and how it society would decide to set aside lands and has shaped conservation. waters and not actively manage them was Wilderness. It’s a powerful word. And a remarkable concept for a country found- in the United States, it is protected by a ed on western socioeconomic traditions. powerful law: the Wilderness Act of 1964. Our concept of wilderness has provided For a law that runs only six pages, inspiration to other countries seeking the Wilderness Act, and the wilderness it to protect their natural heritage. Seeing created have had an outsized impact on that we have successfully preserved the conservation. naturalness and wildness of protected First, wilderness directly protects the areas by using restraint in our manage- wildlife, plants, and natural communi- ment practices, other countries have either ties within its borders. However, since passed their own wilderness can only be designated on wilderness acts, lands already administered by the Fish and or are working Wildlife Service, National towards them. This Park Service, Bureau of will greatly add to Land Management, or the conservation Forest Service, some may benefits of wilder- wonder what additional ness around the protection wilderness world. provides. As it turns out, Finally, for a lot. future generations to fully experience The Wilderness and enjoy wildlife in a natural and wild Act directs agencies to setting, one must look beyond gardens, “preserve wilderness char- to the arboretums, plantations, or other tamed, acter.” Wilderness character includes not admin- highly managed areas with marked trails, just the natural biodiversity and ecosystem istering snack bars, and bathrooms. One must look processes of wilderness areas, but also agency.* to wilderness their intangible aspects such as “primeval This Wilderness designation provides a character and influence,” their appearance prohibition provides significant protec- statutory level of protection that an ad- of having “been affected primarily by the tion for wildlife and ecosystems because ministrative designation or agency policy forces of nature,” or their state of being the Act protects the land from misguided cannot. As agency directors come and go, “untrammeled by man.” Although millions management decisions. priorities, management directions, poli- of acres of lands managed by federal Since every generation can only cies, and land designations can change. conservation agencies may appear pristine manage natural resources using available Wilderness does not. Unless changed by at first glance, much has been altered over information, there had been times when new legislation set forth by Congress, the years by the development of roads and management practices that seemed state agencies are mandated to continue to manmade structures, and the manipulation of the art had since been shown to be preserve wilderness character for the next of habitat to reach conservation goals. detrimental to natural systems. Places 50 years and beyond. Preserving the aspects of wilderness that are protected as wilderness are more Wilderness. Powerful indeed. character greatly contributes to wildlife likely to have been spared from this sort of Nancy Roeper is the National Wilderness conservation since conventional conserva- inadvertent misguided management. Coordinator for the US Fish and Wildlife tion laws are silent on these attributes. Another way that wilderness has Service. Next, the Wilderness Act not only promoted conservation is by serving as *except for existing private rights and legal prohibits visitor use of motorized or mech- the control against which to measure the special provisions. anized transport, structures, or landing of effects of management actions. By observ- Photo credits clockwise: Nyssa Landres, Molly aircraft, it also applies these prohibitions ing conditions within wilderness, we can McCarter, Kristine Sowl, Tom Jablonowski Page 5 Ohlone Audubon and the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR LaRiviere Marsh Celebration Rescheduled to Saturday, March 15, 2014

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 at https://donedwardsfamilybird.eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 362. *

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.

Page 6 Page 7 Thank you San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society Donors!

We gratefully acknowledge the Participant Individual following donors who have made gifts Richard Booth, Tiffany Choy, Dolores M Adam Abouraya, Erna B Coker, Sandra to the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Hansen, Jane Hicks, Chris & Bob Hunter, H Cooperman, Margaret S Elliott, Society between October 1, 2013 and Melanie Ito, Joan Kjemtrup, Laura D Emily Renzel, Albert Roffey, Annemarie December 30, 2013. These gifts will be Mattos, James & Deborah Runyon Jr., Rosengren, Marianne Schonfisch, Stephen P used for publishing Tideline, capital, Olivia Sears, Sue Ten Eyck, and Charles Walker, Julianne Yearmen, Jan VanDerLinde environmental education, habitat Wilkinson restoration, and interpretive programs Seniors at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Family Laura Avery, Ann Dee Clemenza, Margaret National Wildlife Refuge. Jeffery B Allen, Bart Anderson, Norton Hartman, Alberto Martines, Laura Employer Matching Bell, Scott & Rachel Birkey, Lewis Nakanishi, David Stronck, Viola E Walters, Braxton III, Mavis Brown, Joelle Buffa, and Stella Yang Gift Program John C Giles, Robert J Goulart, Walter & United Airlines Employees Patricia Hartinger, Richard John, Herbert Knoesel, Peter & Sue LaTourrette, Gladys Sustainer E McFarland, Keith & Ann C Mangold, Yvette Leung, Liwen Mah, and Frank H J Charles Moore, Clyde Morris, Edmund Parsons J Morrissey Jr., Emily Nawalinski, and Stewart & Audrey Perlman, Steve Skala, Sponsors Linda Stegora, William K Warburton, and Sandra E Harve, Jean McNamara, and L David Williams William K Nesbit,

Supporter Albert B & Sheila B Faris

Help Us Help the Refuge Mail your donation to: San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society, P.O. Box 234, Newark, CA 94560. You may also become a member at www.sfbws.com.

For a gift membership, call 510-745-8170.

San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization which raises money and awareness for the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

YES! I want to support San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society and its programs with my membership. My dues include a subscription to Tideline and 15% discount at the Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge bookstore. Enclosed is my contribution of:

o $20 Student/Senior o $50 Family o $100 Participant o $200 Corporation o $500 Sustainer o $35 Individual o $75 Supporter o $250 Sponsor o $1,000 Leader

o Check o Visa or MasterCard #______Exp. Date ______Signature______Name______Address ______City______State_____ Zip ______Phone ______Thank you for your support!

Page 8 Now Available at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge San Francisco Bay Wildlife Volunteer Opportunities: Spring 2014 Society Bookstores Environmental Education Center (Alviso, California) Located at the Don Edwards San Francisco If you have an interest in wildlife and their conservation, Bay National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in enjoy working with people, and are enthusiastic and de- Fremont and Environmental Education Center pendable, the Environmental Education Center’s Volunteer Program is for you! As a volunteer, you’ll receive on-the- in Alviso job training from staff and other volunteers in the project area you choose. Two children’s books based on endangered species in the San Francisco Bay Prior to volunteering at the Environmental Education Cen- National Wildlife Refuge Complex are ter, you must attend a Volunteer Orientation. You can also now available for purchase at the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society attend the orientation just to see what opportunities there bookstores. are, and if it is the right fit for you.

Follow the Upcoming Volunteer Orientations adventures of the 11 a.m. to Noon salt marsh harvest Volunteer orientations will meet in the auditorium of the mouse and the Lange’s metalmark Environmental Education Center in Alviso. butterfly. These stories will be Tuesday, March 4 Sunday, March 30 cherished by children and adults for generations to come. Available for Tuesday, April 8 Saturday, April 19 $6.99 each plus tax. Tuesday, May 6 Saturday, May 31

Page 9 Sunday, March 9 Science, Art, and the Changing Seasons The Science of Seasons – Help Environmental Education Center, Alviso Spring Document Climate Change! 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Visitor Center, Fremont In this family-friendly program, explore how plants 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. change with the seasons. Look carefully at our native Activity Become part of the scientific community and help plants and draw what you see. Help us create a field scientists gather data on how the climate is changing. guide to our native plants showing seasonal changes. A presentation will be given about the importance Learn how you can help scientists gather information Schedule of gathering data, how plants can be an indicator of about the seasons. Appropriate for all ages. Children Children under the age of 16 must be climate change, and how to take measurements of must be accompanied by an adult. Call Julie at accompanied by an adult. Don Edwards Refuge plants to be uploaded onto the 408-262-5513 ext 104 for reservation. Trails are generally level. Surface and trail Nature’s Notebook website. Over time, the information Fossils and Flumes *conditions vary. Please call for accessibility you provide can be used by refuge managers to Environmental Education Center, Alviso information. manage land more effectively. To register for this free workshop, go to https://donedwardsphenology. 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 362. Led by Fossils and flumes are used to teach children about the Carmen Minch. South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. Park Ranger Jose Garcia brings fossils from Triassic wetlands he Saturday, March 15 collected in eastern Montana to show the similarities March to today’s wetlands, and to explain their function *Family Bird Walk in nature. Interactive flumes allow for a hands-on Saturday, March 1 Visitor Center, Fremont experience of how wetlands protect the surrounding 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. area from flooding. Children must be accompanied by *Marshlands of Dreams an adult. Call 510-792-0222 ext. 141 for reservations. Visitor Center, Fremont Let family walks become a shared time of nature Bird Photography for Beginners 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. learning. We’ll begin by helping kids create their personal bird watching field guides, and then head out Environmental Education Center, Alviso Join Paul Mueller on a 1-mile walk of the LaRiviere onto the trails to find those birds. A limited number 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Marsh Trail to find traces of the past. Prior to marsh of binoculars are available to borrow. Recommended restoration, learn how Californians utilized the area for for children ages 5-10. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Learn basic field techniques, composition, lighting, farming, quarrying, salt production, and transportation. Go to https://donedwardsfamilybird.eventbrite.com or and camera equipment for photographing birds in the call 510-792-0222 ext. 362. wild. We will also discuss what birds are commonly *Nature Walk for Health seen at the refuge. Bring your camera along with its Visitor Center, Fremont *Adult Birding Walk manual if you need help setting it up. If time permits, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Visitor Center, Fremont we will test your newly acquired skills outside. Led by 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Alex Baranda. Recommended for ages 14 and up. Call Take a break from your busy schedule and Julie at 408-262-5513 ext. 104 for reservations. refresh your spirit with nature at the refuge. March is a great time to look for lingering, wintering birds Take a guided nature walk on the Tidelands and migrating birds at the refuge. Join Ohlone Audubon Twilight Marsh Walk Trail and hear what makes this National for a birding walk to see what birds are visiting. This is Visitor Center, Fremont Wildlife Refuge unique. The 1.3-mile walk a great opportunity for new and experienced birders to 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. traverses through endangered species habitat and practice their skills. For ages 16 and over. offers great views of south San Francisco Bay. Meet in Experience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy stroll front of the Visitor Center. Community Service along Tidelands (1.3 mile) Trail. At the setting of the Visitor Center, Fremont sun we will observe the beginning of nature’s night Bay Bike Ride 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. shift. Come discover the sights, sounds, and smells Meet at the Visitor Center, Fremont of the refuge as night descends. Not suitable for 10:30 a.m. If you are interested in improving the refuge for visitors young children. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to and for wildlife alike, join us at the Visitor Center https://donedwardstwilight.eventbrite.com or call Go on an 11-mile bike ride with docent Gregg Aronson for a community service project. We will do either a 510-792-0222 ext 362. Led by Mary and Gene Bobik. along Marshlands Road and on the Shoreline Trail to trash cleanup or a planting/weeding project. Dress observe birds and the occasional leopard shark! Pass appropriately for the task and for the weather. We will Sunday, March 23 through several habitat types along the way including have gloves to lend and will provide the tools. Bring salt marsh, salt pond, and the bay. The paved and dirt your own water bottle. Meet in the parking lot at the *Ohlone in the Marshes – Staves trails are almost flat and trail and hybrid bicycles highly Visitor Center. Driving an additional 2.5 miles may be Environmental Education Center, Alviso recommended. Helmets are required. Recommended required since the project may be a different location. for more experienced bicyclists. Program cancels For more information, or to make reservations, call 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. if it rains the day before and the day of due to mud. 510-792-0222 ext. 363. Do you want to know more about the Native Americans Register at https://donedwardsbike.eventbrite.com or that lived in the Bay Area before us? Come to the refuge call 510-792-0222 ext. 362 for reservations. Team Citizen Scientists! – to learn about some of the tools and games the Ohlone Community Service might have used. Play Ohlone games and take home Sunday, March 2 Environmental Education Center, Alviso your own customized staves. Best suited for ages 8 and up. Call 408-262-5513 ext. 102 for reservations. * Tiny Drifters 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Environmental Education Center, Alviso Become a citizen scientist! Are you interested in *A Taste of the Refuge plants? Volunteer for one or all team dates and learn Visitor Center, Fremont 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. native plant monitoring and habitat restoration. Bring 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. There’s plankton in our Bay! Learn about the different your own gloves or borrow a pair of ours – tools characteristics of plankton and how they have adapted are provided. Dress in layers and bring water and Take a guided walk on Tidelands Trail and discover to survive. We will become planktologists for a day, sunscreen. Be prepared to get dirty! Ages 9 and up. which plants are edible or have medicinal uses. collect water samples and identify these incredible Participants 18 and under must be accompanied by a We’ll taste some of these plants on the refuge, or in organisms under a microscope. All ages are welcome. chaperone. Call Julie for reservations at 408-262-5513 commercially made products. Led by Carmen Minch. Call 408-262-5513 ext. 102 for reservations. ext. 104.

Page 10 *Welcome Back Swallows Tours 15,100 acres of former industrial salt ponds to a mix of wetland habitats. An interactive talk will be in the Visitor Center, Fremont April auditorium and if weather permits, a walk on the 0.25- 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. mile boardwalk trail to view the progress thus far. For Saturday, April 5 questions, call 510-792-0222 ext. 141. The swallows have just arrived from their long voyage from South America to their breeding grounds here *Nature Walk for Health Twilight Marsh Walk in the Bay Area. Join docent Roy Sasai to view the Visitor Center, Fremont Visitor Center, Fremont swallows as they begin building their unique nest 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. design. We will learn why they chose the Bay Area, their courtship rituals and unusual choice of building Take a break from your busy schedule Experience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy stroll materials. We will hike to various spots on the refuge and refresh your spirit with nature at the along Tidelands (1.3 mile) Trail. At the setting of the to view their unique homes and discuss how sea level refuge. Take a guided nature walk on the sun we will observe the beginning of nature’s night rise may risk their building material in the future. Bring Tidelands Trail and hear what makes this shift. Come discover the sights, sounds, and smells binoculars and camera. The hike is approximately 1 National Wildlife Refuge unique. The 1.3- of the refuge as night descends. Not suitable for mile walk traverses through endangered young children. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to mile with medium hills. Reservations are not required. species habitat and offers great views of south San https://donedwardstwilight.eventbrite.com or call Francisco Bay. Meet in front of the Visitor Center. 510-792-0222 ext 362. Led by Mary and Gene Bobik. Saturday, March 29 *Marshlands of Dreams *Habitat Under Construction Visitor Center, Fremont Sunday, April 13 Walk at Pond SF2 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Nature Yoga Menlo Park, SF2 Trailhead Join Paul Mueller on a 1-mile walk of the LaRiviere Visitor Center, Fremont 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m Marsh Trail to find traces of the past. Prior to marsh 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. restoration, learn how Californians utilized the area for Enjoy the benefits of Yoga outdoors with great views of The Salt Pond Restoration Project is coming to the farming, quarrying, salt production, and transportation. end of the Phase 1 Operations and beginning Phase 2. the salt marsh. Through story and postures, learn what *Jr. Refuge Ranger Program attracted people and wildlife to the Bay. There will be Take a nature trail walk with Park Ranger Jose Garcia a short hike to the site from the Visitor Center. Bring and learn about the effort behind Pond SF2 and how Environmental Education Center, Alviso a yoga mat. A limited number of mats are available it is being used to help with habitat design. Enjoy the 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. to borrow. Wear comfortable clothing. Consult with abundant wildlife that depends on it. Come see the Become a Jr. Refuge Ranger! Our Jr. Refuge Ranger your doctor before participating. All ages and abilities exciting transition. Cameras welcome. SF2 is on the program is an introduction to the Don Edwards SF welcome. Reservations are required. Rain cancels. Westside of Dumbarton Bridge. Call 510-792-0222 Bay National Wildlife Refuge from its wildlife to its Go to https://donedwardsyoga.eventbrite.com or call ext. 141 for more information. plants. Jr. Refuge Rangers will participate in several 510-792-0222 ext. 362. Led by Carmen Minch. fun hands-on activities to earn their badge at the *Life at the Bottom of the Food Chain A Trip Back in Time end of the program. Dress in layers- we’ll be going Visitor Center, Fremont on a nature walk with volunteer Lynnea Shuck. Best Visitor Center, Fremont 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. suited for ages 8-11. Call Julie for reservations at 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 408-262-5513 ext. 104. Wetlands microbes are often called “the lungs of the Revive the vanishing knowledge of the history of the earth.” Explore the dynamics of microbial communities Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Sunday, April 6 in LaRiviere Marsh ponds. Join microbiologist Wayne Refuge grounds by strolling the trails with docent Ray Lanier, PhD for a brief presentation; then a microscope Studer. Using a collection of old photographs, the last *Monster Bacteria & Other hike to LaRiviere Marsh where we will sample and vestiges of a way of life such as salt production, the old Suspicious Critters view the most ancient creatures on earth. See how railroads, and homes can be traced back to the 1850s they produce the oxygen we breathe and take up Environmental Education Center, Alviso that led to the construction of the town of Newark in the carbon dioxide we produce. Discover how tides 1876. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and salinity shape these vital communities. Easy short hiking level. Ages 9-90 years. Register at 5 Tools You Can Use to Find the Let’s explore the salt marsh’s hidden habitats! See https://donedwardsfoodchain.eventbrite.com or call monster bacteria, of which some love rotten eggs, 510-792-0222 ext. 362. Elusive Gray Fox and some make the air we breathe. Join Microbial Visitor Center, Fremont Ecologist Dr. Wayne Lanier for a short hike where we *Living Wetlands will use field microscopes to dive down into a tiny Environmental Education Center, Alviso 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. world – an ecology hidden from view. Ages 8 to 80 and 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Do you sometimes see paw prints in mud or scat (poop) beyond! Call Aja at 262-5513 ext. 102 for reservations. on the trails and assume that a dog left it? It could be Our refuge consists of salt marshes, salt ponds, tidal from something else. Come along with me and I will and non-tidal sloughs. How do humans and wildlife Saturday, April 12 depend on our wetlands? Come enjoy a slideshow show you how to distinguish and identify the markings depicting the life and death struggles of our marsh of a gray fox. Gain some insights into the fox’s nature Community Service Visitor Center, Fremont inhabitants, followed by a walk through the wetlands. and their behavior during the walk. By the time we are Open to all ages, but best suited for ages 9 and up. through, you will have a set of “tools” you can use to 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Call 408-262-5513 ext. 102 for reservations. identify the presence of foxes in any area that you are If you are interested in improving the refuge for visitors in. Bring a hat, binoculars, and good walking shoes. and for wildlife alike, join us at the Visitor Center Wildflower Drawing for for a community service project. We will do either a Families and Adults Sunday, March 30 trash cleanup or a planting/weeding project. Dress Environmental Education Center, Alviso appropriately for the task and for the weather. We will Story Hunters have gloves to lend and will provide the tools. Bring 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Visitor Center, Fremont your own water bottle. Meet in the parking lot at the Increase your confidence in drawing and learn skills Visitor Center. Driving an additional 2.5 miles may be to help you draw what you see. Learn about plant 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. required since the project may be a different location. anatomy while performing sketching exercises. We’ll Discover what stories lie hidden on the Don Edwards For more information, or to make reservations, call then go outdoors, weather permitting, and draw 510-792-0222 ext. 363. Refuge in this series by Art Garibaldi. Coordinates will flowers in the wildflower garden. Materials provided lead you to landmarks that embody the rich human *The Basics of Salt Pond Restoration but feel free to bring your sketch pad, pencil, colored history that helped shaped refuge lands. We’ll begin Environmental Education Center, Alviso pencils or watercolors if you have them. Appropriate for ages 8 to adult. Children, please bring an adult with a brief introduction on how to use our GPS 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. units. GPS units are available for loan. Go to http:// with you who would like to participate. Adults without donedwardsstory.eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 Learn about the Salt Pond Restoration Project with children are welcome as well. All skill levels welcome. ext. 362 for reservations. Jose Garcia. This ambitious project seeks to restore Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext. 104 for reservations. Page 11 will hike to spots on the refuge to view them feeding 5 Tools You Can Use to Find the and discuss if sea level rise will affect their food source. Bring binoculars and camera. The hike is Elusive Gray Fox approximately 1 mile with medium hills. Reservations Visitor Center, Fremont Spring are not required. 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Night Sky Party! Do you sometimes see paw prints in mud or scat (poop) Environmental Education Center, Alviso on the trails and assume that a dog left it? It could be Activity 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. from something else. Come along with me and I will show you how to distinguish and identify the markings Meet the stars of Spring Join our amateur astronomers of a gray fox. Gain some insights into the fox’s nature Schedule as we learn about constellations. Make a star chart and their behavior during the walk. By the time we are Children under the age of 16 must be and then venture outside to view the night sky through through, you will have a set of “tools” you can use to accompanied by an adult. a telescope. Afterwards, warm up with some hot identify the presence of foxes in any area that you are chocolate. Bring your own binoculars or spotting in. Bring a hat, binoculars, and good walking shoes. Trails are generally level. Surface and trail scopes if you have them. Dress warmly. Fun for the *conditions vary. Please call for accessibility whole family! Program will go on sprinkling rain or *Family Bird Walk information. shine. Program will be canceled only if it is pouring Visitor Center, Fremont rain. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call Julie at 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 408-262-5513 ext. 104. Let family walks become a shared time of nature Saturday, April 19 learning. We’ll begin by helping kids create their Sunday, April 20 personal bird watching field guides, and then head out Earth Day Cleanup *Birding at Alviso onto the trails to find those birds. A limited number of binoculars are available to borrow. Recommended for Ravenswood Point, East Palo Alto Meet at the Alviso Marina, Alviso 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. children ages 5-10. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. to https://donedwardsfamilybird.eventbrite.com or Help protect wildlife! Join the refuge and Save the Bay Join park staff on this family-friendly midmorning call 510-792-0222 ext. 362. for our annual Earth Day Cleanup. For more information, hike around the Don Edwards Bay Refuge in Alviso. call 510-792-0222 ext. 141. RESERVATIONS ARE You will learn key identification characteristics of REQUIRED. Please reserve your spot through Sunday, April 27 some of the more difficult to identify shorebirds. All www.savesfbay.org. Minors must be accompanied by skill levels are welcome. Please bring water, snacks, *Ohlone in the Marshes – Tule Boats an adult. sunscreen and your binoculars. Some binoculars may Environmental Education Center, Alviso Earth Day Community Service be available to share. Reservations required online at 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Environmental Education Center, Alviso https://apm.activecommunities.com/sccoparks/ Activity_Search?activity_id=303 or call 408-355-2240. How did the people who lived here 10,000 years ago 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. travel in the water world that once was San Francisco Come spend Earth Day with us in the great outdoors. *A Taste of the Refuge Bay? By boat, of course. Join us on a short walk to Do you need to fulfill community service requirements? Visitor Center, Fremont view the raw materials used by the Ohlone in boat- Or would you just like to come lend a hand? Come 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. making. Afterwards, use natural materials to make help in our native plant garden by removing non-native small replicas of Ohlone boats to take home. Very Take a guided walk on Tidelands Trail and discover plants, pruning, mulching, or performing various other appropriate for childen 8 and up who are accompanied which plants are edible or have medicinal uses. jobs that help protect wildlife and clean up our gardens. by an interested adult participant. Program led by We’ll taste some of these plants on the refuge, or in It’s a great service project for groups and individuals. Laura Mello and Aja Yee. Call 408-262-5513 ext. 102 commercially made products. Led by Carmen Minch. Bring your own gloves or borrow a pair of ours – tools for reservations. REGISTRATION CLOSES April 24. are provided. Dress in layers and bring water and sunscreen. Be prepared to get dirty! Ages 9 and up. Saturday, April 26 Participants 18 and under must be accompanied by a *Habitat Under Construction Walk at chaperone. Call Julie for reservations at 408-262-5513 May ext. 104. Bayfront Park Saturday, May 3 *Coyote Creek Lagoon Trail – 4 Bedwell Bayfront Park, Menlo Park miles roundtrip 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m Drawbridge Van Excursion Meet at the trailhead in Fremont The Salt Pond Restoration Project is coming to the Environmental Education Center, Alviso end of the Phase 1 Operations and beginning Phase 2. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. Take a nature trail walk with Park Ranger Jose Garcia An abandoned town in the San Francisco Bay? Take a walk with Paul Salemme on and enjoy the abundant wildlife. Come see the exciting That’s right! Nestled on an island in the salt marshes this little-known trail hidden behind a transition. Cameras welcome. Location: Bayfront Expy of South San Francisco Bay, the town of Drawbridge business park. See what refuge staff and Marsh Rd in Menlo Park. Call 510- 792-0222 ext. once boomed. Was it a quiet, peaceful town full of call the “Mouse Pasture” and what birds 141 for more information. nature lovers, or a rip-roaring town full of two-fisted have not yet migrated. Hats, water, and sunscreen rowdies? Find out at this program led by Ceal Craig. are strongly recommended. Directions: The south Bay Bike Ride We’ll start with a slideshow, and then take a short van trailhead can be reached by taking the South Fremont Meet at the Visitor Center, Fremont excursion to view Drawbridge across Coyote Creek. Blvd/Cushing Pkwy exit from I-880 in Fremont. Drive 10:30 a.m. Program will be of most interest to adults interested south on Fremont Blvd. until it dead ends. There is a Go on an 11-mile bike ride with docent Gregg Aronson in history or nature; children 13 and over with an adult parking lot on the right next to 48481 Fremont Blvd. along Marshlands Road and on the Shoreline Trail to are welcome. Space is very limited. RESERVATIONS Meet in the parking lot. There are no restroom facilities observe birds and the occasional leopard shark! Pass ARE ESSENTIAL. Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext. 104. on this trail. through several habitat types along the way including (Note: we do not visit the town itself – we go to the A Day in the Life of a Swallow salt marsh, salt pond, and the bay. The paved and dirt closest spot that one can legally view Drawbridge.) Visitor Center, Fremont trails are almost flat and trail and hybrid bicycles highly recommended. Helmets are required. Recommended Team Citizen Scientists! – 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. for more experienced bicyclists. Program cancels Community Service Join docent Roy Sasai to experience the “day to day” if it rains the day before and the day of due to mud. Environmental Education Center, Alviso Register at https://donedwardsbike.eventbrite.com or life of a swallow. What are they doing when they are 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. not eating? What is their favorite food? How do they call 510-792-0222 ext. 362 for reservations. get it? You will have an opportunity to catch their Become a citizen scientist! Are you interested in meal too! Meet outside of the Visitor Center to learn plants? Volunteer for one or all team dates and learn about this species’ natural history and their habits. We native plant monitoring and habitat restoration. Bring

Page 12 your own gloves or borrow a pair of ours – tools Geology Walk of the Coyote Hills 5 Tools You Can Use to Find the are provided. Dress in layers and bring water and sunscreen. Be prepared to get dirty! Ages 9 and up. Visitor Center, Fremont Elusive Gray Fox Participants 18 and under must be accompanied by a 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Visitor Center, Fremont chaperone. Call Julie for reservations at 408-262-5513 Ever wonder what the dirt on the trail is made of, what 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ext. 104. the rocks are by the shore, and how wetlands are Do you sometimes see paw prints in mud or scat (poop) *Nature Walk for Health created? Join Park Ranger Jose Garcia at the refuge on the trails and assume that a dog left it? It could be as he deconstructs the area around you and explains from something else. Come along with me and I will Visitor Center, Fremont how geology influences the landscape. Discover how 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. show you how to distinguish and identify the markings knowledge of geology helps rebuild wildlife habitat and of a gray fox. Gain some insights into the fox’s nature Take a break from your busy schedule and provides flood protection for us all. Cameras welcome. and their behavior during the walk. By the time we are refresh your spirit with nature at the refuge. Trail is 1.3 miles and family friendly. Call 510-792-0222 through, you will have a set of “tools” you can use to Take a guided nature walk on the Tidelands ext. 141 for more information. identify the presence of foxes in any area that you are Trail and hear what makes this National Twilight Marsh Walk in. Bring a hat, binoculars, and good walking shoes. Wildlife Refuge unique. The 1.3-mile walk traverses through endangered species habitat and Visitor Center, Fremont offers great views of south San Francisco Bay. Meet 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25 in front of the Visitor Center. Experience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy stroll Nature Yoga along Tidelands (1.3 miles) Trail. At the setting of the Visitor Center, Fremont Sunday, May 4 sun we will observe the beginning of nature’s night 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. shift. Come discover the sights, sounds, and smells *A Taste of the Refuge of the refuge as night descends. Not suitable for Enjoy the benefits of Yoga outdoors with great views of Visitor Center, Fremont young children. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to the salt marsh. Through story and postures, learn what 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. https://donedwardstwilight.eventbrite.com or call attracted people and wildlife to the Bay. There will be 510-792-0222 ext 362. Led by Mary and Gene Bobik. a short hike to the site from the Visitor Center. Bring Take a guided walk on Tidelands Trail and discover a yoga mat. A limited number of mats are available which plants are edible or have medicinal uses. Sunday, May 18 to borrow. Wear comfortable clothing. Consult with We’ll taste some of these plants on the refuge, or in your doctor before participating. All ages and abilities commercially made products. Led by Carmen Minch. *Geocaching at Alviso welcome. Reservations are required. Rain cancels. Go Meet at the Alviso Marina, Alviso to https://donedwardsyoga.eventbrite.com or call 510- 792-0222 ext. 362. Led by Carmen Minch. Saturday, May 10 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. *Family Bird Walk Join park staff on this fun and interactive outing that is Introduced Invertebrates Visitor Center, Fremont great for families and children. Armed with GPS units Environmental Education Center, Alviso 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. supplied by the parks department you will search for 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. geocaches (hidden treasures) hidden throughout the Let family walks become a shared time of nature Alien mud creatures are invading our bay! They area. You will also learn how to do “earth caching” have no spine and no legs. How did they get here? learning. We’ll begin by helping kids create their on the refuge by using coordinates from the GPS to personal bird watching field guides, and then head out How have these exotic aquatic creatures impact our find natural jewels in the area. Please bring water, ecosystem? Come learn about the invertebrates onto the trails to find those birds. A limited number of snacks and sunscreen. Reservations required online at binoculars are available to borrow. Recommended for living in the San Francisco Bay through a slideshow https://apm.activecommunities.com/sccoparks/ presentation and touch a few of them. Suitable for ages children ages 5-10. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go Activity_Search?activity_id=304 or call 408-355-2240. to https://donedwardsfamilybird.eventbrite.com or 7 and up. Call 408-262-5513 ext. 102 for reservations. call 510-792-0222 ext. 362. Meet the Swallow Family RESERVATIONS REQUIRED by May 22. Visitor Center, Fremont Sunday, May 11 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31 Mother’s Day Beginning Some of the baby swallows are now out exploring Fossils and Flumes Bird Watching their new world. Join docent Roy Sasai to view the Environmental Education Center, Alviso crèches (assembly of colony young) as they await their 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Environmental Education Center, Alviso meal delivery. Learn about their adventures exploring 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. their new world as they learn how to fly and catch Fossils and flumes are used to teach children about the their meals in preparation for their monumental 5,000 South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. Park Ranger Spend time with mom on our special Mother’s Day mile journey to a jungle which they have never seen Jose Garcia brings fossils from Triassic wetlands he Beginning Bird Watching program. We’ll start with before. We will hike to spots on the refuge to view their collected in eastern Montana to show the similarities a slideshow indoors to learn how to recognize the unusual gathering spots and discuss the effects of sea to today’s wetlands, and to explain their function regulars, then borrow binoculars and take a walk to level rise on their future. Bring binoculars and camera. in nature. Interactive flumes allow for a hands-on try out your new skills. All ages welcome. Program is The hike is approximately 2 miles total with medium experience of how wetlands protect the surrounding led by Ceal Craig. Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext. 104 hills. Reservations are not required. area from flooding. Children must be accompanied by for reservations. an adult. Call 510-792-0222 ext. 141 for reservations. Saturday, May 17 Saturday, May 24 SOUTH BAY BIRD FEST! Bay Bike Ride Meet at the Visitor Center, Fremont Environmental Education Center, Alviso 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Go on an 11-mile bike ride with docent Gregg Aronson Join us for a day of exploration as we celebrate our along Marshlands Road and on the Shoreline Trail to feathered friends with guided walks, games, crafts, observe birds and the occasional leopard shark! Pass face painting, and various other hands-on activities. through several habitat types along the way including Explore avian antics in a LIVE BIRD SHOW showcasing salt marsh, salt pond, and the bay. The paved and dirt bird behavior. Get up close and personal with live birds trails are almost flat and trail and hybrid bicycles highly and their habitats on the Flying Frenzy Expedition and recommended. Helmets are required. Recommended learn about how you can help birds. Don’t miss our for more experienced bicyclists. Program cancels annual bird-brained bash! Everything is FREE. Fun for if it rains the day before and the day of due to mud. the whole family. No reservations necessary. Visit our Register at https://donedwardsbike.eventbrite.com or website for directions. For more information contact call 510-792-0222 ext. 363 for reservations. Aja at 408-262-5513 ext. 102 or Julie at ext. 104.

Page 13 Field Trips to the Refuge General Education Living Wetlands Education Program Program Information The Living Wetlands Program provides first-hand learning We offer FREE field trip programs at two sites at the Don environment for students and educators to explore the topics of Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Wetland watershed health, wetlands, and habitat preservation. Activities and Round-Up field trip programs are offered at our Headquarters in presentations focus on the relationship between personal habits and Fremont, and Wetland Round-Up and Living Wetlands are offered their effects on local wetlands. Living Wetlands is an environmental at the Environmental Education Center in Alviso. These programs education program offered at no cost through the cooperative efforts of the City of San Jose, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the San actively involve teachers, adult volunteers, and students in investi- Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. gating the diverse habitats and wildlife at the refuge. The hands-on, small-group activities are designed to teach basic ecological concepts Living Wetlands Program Offerings: and to introduce endangered species, migratory birds, and wetland Integrated Field Trip Program (5th – 12th grades): This habitats to the students. All programs have been correlated to the program incorporates multiple activities related to wetlands and appropriate State of California Education Standards. watershed health. Participating classes will receive one pre-classroom Educators and adult leaders conduct their own field trips after presentation from Living Wetlands educators, a field trip to the Don attending a Field Trip Workshop. The workshops allow you to Edwards Refuge, and one post-classroom presentation. All include design and conduct your own field trip. In addition, adult volun- hands-on activities and demonstrations. For the Integrated Program, teers must be recruited to lead the activities at the different learning participating classes must be from the following cities: San Jose, Alviso, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, stations and to chaperone the rotation groups of students. Campbell, and Cupertino. There is a limitation to 60 students per We provide easy to follow “scripts” for each station, but both field trip, and a 1:10 chaperone to student ratio is required. “leaders” and “chaperones” are strongly encouraged to attend a Field Classroom Presentations (5th – 12th grades): Presentations Trip Workshop. New teachers must attend a Field Trip Workshop. include an in-depth look at the habitats of the south bay along with Location of activities and trail conditions may vary. Please call for the pathways of indoor and outdoor water use. Students will have accessibility information. a better understanding of the role they play in the health of their watershed and what personal actions they can take to help. The Field Trips at the Learning presentation takes approximately one hour. Please contact us for specific classroom presentation needs. Center in Fremont Field Trip and Guided Tours for other Schools, Colleges, The Wetland Round-Up Field Trip program in Fremont is fully Universities, and related organizations: General presentations and booked for spring. Please contact us for more information. guided tours are available and are generally 1.5 hours in length. Contact the Environmental Education Staff at Fremont: Educators are encouraged to contact us to discuss options for Office: 510-792-0222 ext. 475 Cell: 510-377-7269 customizing field trips and classroom presentations. Reservations for the Living Wetlands program are on a first-come basis. For E-mail: [email protected] more information, or to make a reservation, call Aja Yee, the Living Wetlands Program Coordinator at 408-262-5513 ext. 102 or email Field Trips at the at [email protected]. Environmental Education Center in Alviso Wetland Round-Up Field Trips - Investigate the butterflies in the butterfly garden, taste pickleweed in the salt marsh, or discover the creatures that live in the slough water on a Wetland Round-Up Field Trip. This field trip program is designed for up to 65 students in grades K-6. Our field trip program is fully booked for spring. Please call the Environmental Education Staff at 408-262-5513 ext. 100 for more information or email [email protected]. Fall 2014 field trip dates will be posted on-line at the end of August 2014. See the Summer issue of Tideline for dates and details. 14 Scout and Youth Group Programs The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay *Webelos Naturalist Badge *WOW! Wonders of Water National Wildlife Refuge offers free hands- Saturday, March 1, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Brownie Girl Scout Journey on, programs for youths. During the pro- Saturday, April 5, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 12 grams participants learn about endangered Saturday, May 3, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. species, migratory birds, wetland habitats, Anyone out there need to earn a Naturalist and the relationship between personal habits Without water, we cannot exist. Can you return badge? We’ve got the program that’s right the favor? On this journey, take action by and their effects on the San Francisco Bay. for Webelos! Learn about birds, migration, discovering how to love water, save water, and These programs are designed to meet badge/ flyways, food chains, human impact, and the share water. Space is limited to 20 people and patch requirements of Scout Groups, but importance of wetlands. Then take a walk and program fills quickly. Call Julie at 408-262-5513 anyone can participate. Because of the use our binoculars to spot birds in the wild. Call ext. 104. 408-262-5513 ext. 104 for reservations. popularity of such programs, reservations are required. Children under the age of 16 Happy Birthday Girl Scouts! Youth Group Programs at Saturday, March 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Badges the Refuge Headquarters in 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. are not provided. Fremont Below are the names, dates, and Birthdays are something worth celebrating! On this date in 1912, 18 girls gathered to The Refuge Headquarters offer Webelos descriptions of the programs. Programs at hold their first meeting as Girl Scouts. If you programs for up to 15 Webelos. To register, the Environmental Education Center are are looking to show your friends, family, and call 510-792-0222 ext. 362 or at https:// sponsored by the Santa Clara Valley Urban other Girl Scouts how you’ve taken action to donedwardswebelos.eventbrite.com. All Runoff Pollution Prevention Program and make a difference come to the refuge where programs are led by June Smith. the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. we’ll throw a party in your honor! Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext. 104 to reserve. *Get Moving! Jr. Girl Scouts Journey Webelos Naturalist Program Youth Group Programs at Saturday, March 22 Saturday, April 12 Sunday, April 6 the Environmental Education 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Center in Alviso Sunday, May 18 Are you prepared to use your energy to save 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Note: Ratio of 1 adult per 5 children the planet? On this journey, learn ways to maximum. Space is limited to 20 people, reduce your energy use, make buildings Attention Webelos! Earn your naturalist badgein including siblings. Once the program is full energy efficient, and create a plan to fixan just 2.5 hours. During this hike, learn about birds, flyways, food chains, and the importance of there will be a waiting list. energy problem in your community. Call 408-262-5513 ext. 104 for reservations. wetlands. Bring your binoculars, or borrow one of ours.

TIDELINE Project Leader:...... Anne Morkill Board of Directors Don Edwards Refuge Manager:...... Eric Mruz President:...... Ceal Craig Published quarterly by San Francisco Bay Don Edwards Wildlife Specialist:...... Melisa Amato Don Edwards Warm Springs Unit Manager:... Ivette Loredo Vice President:...... Terry Smith National Wildlife Refuge Complex, with Farallon Refuge Manager:...... Gerry McChesney Treasurer: ...... David Holden funding from San Francisco Bay Wildlife Farallon Wildlife Specialist:...... Jonathon Shore Secretary:...... Cheryl Davis North Bay Refuges Manager:...... Don Brubaker Society. Directors:...... John Bradley, David Holden, North Bay Wildlife Specialist:...... Louis Terrazas Christopher Kitting, Karen Natoli-Maxwell, Volume 37, Number 1 South Bay Refuges Manager:...... Diane Kodama Sue Ten Eyck, David Riensche, and Varon Smith Public Affairs Officer:...... Doug Cordell Editor:...... Carmen Minch Refuge Planner:...... Winnie Chan Staff To receive Tideline, email carmen_leong- Chief of Visitor Services:...... Jennifer Heroux Interpretive Specialist:...... Julie Kahrnoff Park Ranger/Outdoor Recreation Planners:...... Education Specialist:...... Aja Yee [email protected], or write to: Tideline, San Joseph Garcia and Carmen Minch Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Specialists: ...... Program Administrator:...... Sue Ten Eyck Complex, 1 Marshlands Rd, Fremont, CA Tia Glagolev and Genie Moore Tideline is On-Line 94555 Volunteer Coordinator:...... Paul Mueller Law Enforcement Officers:...... Jared Klein, Jesse Navarro Visit our web sites at San Francisco Bay National and Chris Wilson http://www.fws.gov/refuge/antioch_dunes Biologists: ...... Joy Albertson, Christopher Caris, Wildlife Refuge Complex Susan Euing, Allison Fuller, Meg Marriott, http://www.fws.gov/refuge/don_edwards_san_ Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Cheryl Strong, and Rachel Tertes francisco_bay Service, San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Administrative Staff: ...... Lucinda Ballard, http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ellicott_slough Refuge Complex exists to preserve wildlife Patricia Compton, and Ellen Tong Maintenance Staff: ...... Juan Flores, James Griffin, http://www.fws.gov/refuge/farallon habitat, protect threatened and endangered Calvin Sahara, Michael Springman, and Ed Van Til http://www.fws.gov/refuge/marin_islands species, protect migratory birds, and provide opportunities for nature study. Seven refuges San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society http://www.fws.gov/refuge/salinas_river http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ san_pablo_bay are managed from the headquarters in A nonprofit 501(c)(3) cooperating association Fremont: Antioch Dunes NWR, Don Edwards established in 1987 to promote public awareness San Francisco Bay NWR, Ellicott Slough NWR, and appreciation of San Francisco Bay and Follow us on Facebook: Farallon NWR, Marin Islands NWR, Salinas River fund education and outreach programs at San San Francisco Bay NWR Complex NWR, and San Pablo Bay NWR. Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Page 15 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FIRST-CLASS MAIL FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE DON EDWARDS SAN FRANCISCO BAY POSTAGE & FEES PAID NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 1 Marshlands Road U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fremont, CA 94555

OFFICIAL BUSINESS Permit No. G-77 PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE, $300

Inside This Issue SPRING 2014 1-3 White Tailed Kite Volume 37, Number 1 4 Dredging Project 5 Wilderness Act’s 50th 6-7 Upcoming Events 9 Marsh Celebration 10-13 Spring Activities 14-15 Field Trips to the Refuge

Visitor Center, Fremont Learning Center (510) 792-0222 ext. 363 Directions: From Highway 84 (at the east end of the Dumbarton Bridge), exit at Thornton Avenue. Travel south on Thornton Avenue for 0.8 miles to the Refuge entrance on the right. Turn right into the Refuge and follow the signs to the Visitor Center. Environmental Education Center, Alviso (408) 262-5513 Directions: From I-880 or US-101, exit on CA-237 toward Mountain View/ Alviso. Turn north onto Zanker Road. Continue on Zanker Road for 2.1 miles to the Environmental Education Center entrance road (a sharp It is the policy of the Fish and turn at Grand Blvd.). Wildlife Service to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you have questions concerning programs, or if you need accommodation to enable you to participate, please contact a visitor services staff person, either at the Visitor Center or at the Environmental Education Center.