Florence Lariviere and the First Urban National Wildlife Refuge In

SAN FRANCISCO BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX

LAST PRINT ISSUE Sign up for online edition Tideline at sfbws.com See page 11 for SUMMER 2019 more details! Volume 42, Number 1

Antioch Dunes / Don Edwards / Ellicott Slough / Farallon Islands / Marin Islands / Salinas River / San Pablo Bay Legacy of a Citizen-Activist: Florence LaRiviere and the First Urban National Wildlife Refuge in the Country by Meagan Racey For environmental advocate Florence LaRiviere, it all started at a worn-down picnic table. It was 1951 in Palo Alto, California. The nurse and her husband, Philip, a Navy navigator and physicist, had just moved into an affordable post-war home. To escape the heat, the young couple would pack up their children and dinner, and ride a few miles over to the breezy edge of the San Francisco Bay. “I will tell you there is nothing so lovely as the marsh in the evening. The only sound is the birds jumping into the air and crying as they fly,” said LaRiviere, who is now 95. LaRiviere and her husband would spend the next half-century ensuring future generations could play in the pickleweed at the end of the road. That – and more. Florence LaRiviere on the land she helped save for endangered species and wildlife- Indeed, in extension of their efforts, most of oriented recreation, the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. the bay south of the San Mateo Bridge is in (Photo: Judy Irving) public ownership. meetings, and make a scene about what they first urban national wildlife refuge – right But there were obstacles along the way. saw happening that shouldn’t be,” she said. along the eastern fringe of the bay. For instance: dredging. From their treasured picnicking spot, the LaRivieres noticed that The chapter’s first victory came in the That effort started in 1965, not at a the city was “scooping out a bucket of mud early 1960s when their petition stopped picnic table but at LaRiviere’s kitchen table, from the bottom of the bay, swinging the potential development until creation of a where she read the local newspaper. In it arm around and dropping all that mud on land-use plan. That Palo Alto marsh later was an invitation: “‘If you’re worried about live, beautiful tidal marsh” to maintain the became the 1,940-acre Baylands Nature what’s happening to the shores of the San harbor, she said. “And we knew something Preserve, managed by the city on the Francisco Bay, come to my office in the was wrong there.” southwest side of the San Francisco Bay. morning at 10 o’clock,’” she recalled. Not only that, but developers were While three women – Sylvia She, and a couple dozen others, showed floating a $30-million plan to transform McLaughlin, Kay Kerr and Esther Gulick – up at the office of Santa Clara County the marsh. LaRiviere poked around and took up the charge in the Berkeley area, planner Art Ogilvie. He wanted Congress to discovered the local Audubon chapter. “It creating the association now called Save The establish a national wildlife refuge in the bay. was a bunch of women that would go to Bay, LaRiviere was becoming the center of the council meetings, planning committee a network that would establish the nation’s continued next page mental organizations supporting the effort – from page 1 a lasting benefit from LaRiviere’s earlier role Out of that gathering grew a grassroots as a wetlands ambassador to Japan. committee that met with garden clubs, Less than a month later, “my phone environmental groups, agencies, women’s rang, and it was the head of refuges around clubs, fraternal clubs – you name it. here, Rick Coleman,” LaRiviere said. “We would speak anywhere anyone Coleman told her that Kumagai called and would have us,” LaRiviere said. said, “Let’s talk.” It worked. Three years later, the com- Within a year, Bair Island was pur- mittee approached U.S. Rep. Don Edwards chased and deeded to the refuge. In 2003, with the request to establish the national the refuge acquired 9,000 acres of former wildlife refuge. In 1972, his bill passed and salt ponds for restoration. A multi-partner was signed by President Richard Nixon. effort to restore these acres and an addition- The San Francisco Bay National al 6,000 acres in state ownership has become Wildlife Refuge, later renamed to honor the largest wetland restoration project west the Congressman, would soon stretch from of the Mississippi River. Dumbarton Bridge south to Alviso. The refuge’s latest complex man- In 1985, LaRiviere brought people ager, Anne Morkill, places LaRiviere among around that same kitchen table. They felt An aerial view of the wetlands and her personal conservation heroes – Rachel they’d made a big mistake, she said. “We winding sloughs of the Don Edwards SF Carson, Margaret Murie and the women were not ambitious enough.” Bay National Wildlife Refuge. who started Save The Bay. The group had focused on protecting (Photo: USFWS) “These women are incredible community leaders,” Morkill said. “They go to D.C. and restoring salt evaporation ponds, but have never regretted that,” LaRiviere said. they now saw development encroaching the to lobby, work with regulators, work with neighboring areas, the seasonal wetlands. The committee had secured permis- citizens, review tedious documents that we Together, the marshes and wetlands are sion to protect more land, but “then there’s agencies put out there. It’s amazing… That’s home to more than 750 wildlife and plant the battle to keep the lands from being what’s always inspiring to me.” species, including shorebirds, ducks, and the destroyed before they can be purchased,” Within the refuge’s 30,000 acres is a LaRiviere said. endangered salt marsh harvest mouse and 100-acre marsh and former salt pond. Now Ridgway’s rail. One of those battles had long been flush with native plants and wildlife, it was underway – around yet another table, in the named LaRiviere Marsh in 2013. The Citizens’ Committee to Complete home of Ralph and Carolyn Nobles. The the Refuge was born, an all-volunteer “The Fish and Wildlife Service has Nobles and their organization, the Friends organization that meets monthly to this given us the greatest honor by naming that of Redwood City, had defeated a Mobile Oil day. Their near-term goal was to expand the beautiful, lovely, endangered-species-rich plan to develop the 3,000-acre Bair Island refuge boundary, but they remain in pursuit marsh after my husband and me,” she said. along the bay. of restoring and protecting every open acre “But it should be named for about 20 or 30 of bay shoreline and salt pond. But the island was still at risk, people, all of whom gave so much of their LaRiviere said. The bay’s environmental time and energy and their love to this land They developed brochures and pam- groups once again joined forces. The and the creatures.” phlets. Safeway even printed their material committee and Friends of Redwood City on paper grocery bags. The dedication illustrates the fervor recruited bay Audubon chapters – spurred with which the LaRivieres pursued bay “Then it was about time, and we went by Arthur Feinstein – and enlisted the help protection as a team. Florence’s husband, to Mr. Edwards again,” LaRiviere said. of Sacramento consultant Bill Rukeyser to Phillip, who died in 2012, would pore She estimates that about 400 people convince Japanese developer Kumagai over environmental documents and “with showed up at the congressman’s hearing. Gumi to sell the island. withering accuracy, contradict and correct Most were supporters, waving the com- Rukeyser was advised to get the owner’s developers’ consultants’ statistical analyses,” mittee’s “Save the Wetlands” auto shades, name “out in public” with his photo, said Audubon’s Feinstein. mimicking a flock of the herons illustrated LaRiviere said. “She and Phil were just such a force on them. The two-year effort culminated with a to be reckoned with,” said Carin High, After a long campaign, the congress- provocative full-page advertisement in The co-chair of the Citizens’ Committee to man’s bill passed in 1988 and was signed by New York Times’ west coast October 8, Complete the Refuge. President Ronald Reagan. It gave the U.S. 1996, edition. The committee, together with Save the Fish and Wildlife Service the green light to The Nobles and LaRivieres wrote Bay, Audubon, the Sierra Club, and dozens acquire up to 20,000 additional acres. the text, Feinstein said, which asked the of other environmental organizations and “The Fish and Wildlife Service is what company’s owner to let Bair Island go back agencies, kindled what some have called an we chose to protect our bay years ago, and I to nature. It also listed the Japanese environ- environmental renaissance in the bay. High Page 2 all started. They rode in an old gray Honda Civic, LaRiviere’s curled white hair barely rising above the passenger seat. She wore fish-shaped earrings, a matching blouse and fleece, crisp trousers, and flats. That day, black-necked stilts poked around the marsh, and wintering ducks sailed the ponds. Visitors walked and biked the road along the marsh. Some sat on benches and looked out over the water. A photographer sought a perfect angle on shorebirds. LaRiviere and her daughter moseyed down the boardwalk, a light breeze ruffling their hair. While, LaRiviere, now legally blind, no longer sees where the bay touches the sky, it lives in her mind’s eye. A Ridgway’s rail, one of the endangered species the Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge was created to protect. (Photo: Judy Irving) “If you care enough, and if you have staying power, you can bring about great said their group aims to add another 10,000 fight a fight, but you can’t get discouraged. things,” she said. acres to the refuge. You have to be willing to pick yourself up Meagan Racey is a Public Affairs “The thing Florence has really taught us and dust yourself off and get back into it.” is that you have to be in it for the long haul. On a day last November, LaRiviere’s Specialist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife It’s good to be passionate and ‘rah-rah’ and daughter Ginny took her back to where it Service’s Northeast Region. Tideline Going Digital This will be our last print issue of the printed Tideline for nearly 40 years (the first up-to-date activity listings on the refuge Tideline newsletter. Following trends in the issue was published in 1981!), we want to website (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ business community and across government, bring you the stories you want to read and don_edwards_san_francisco_bay/) and the Service transitioned from print to digital the information you find most valuable. The provide digital copies of the schedule for newsletters and reports several years ago. We Refuge and the Wildlife Society are envi- those who wish to opt in. The schedules will have been a bit slower in this transition, but sioning a digital strategy that employs and be formatted for easy printing, whether to we now find ourselves at a crossroads and integrates the latest media platforms and post on your own refrigerator, pass along to decided to follow a new path! The reasons products (website, social media, etc.). We friends and co-workers, or pin on an activity are various, ranging from staff changes and will deliver user-friendly information to our board at your local community center or realigned priorities, to new technologies and traditional readers while striving to engage a school. And we will continue to host past ever-present budget challenges. broader base of current and new supporters. issues of Tideline on the refuge webpage for Going digital is not free, but it is less With a new digital expensive than print. The savings on print- platform, we hope to bring ing and postage are substantial, and we’d you more timely news, feature rather re-allocate those funds toward a more stories, and event announce- Refuge multi-faceted communications strategy, as ments in a format that can well as on-the-ground resource conservation be easily shared. A digital Reflections and public engagement projects. I want to version will give us the abil- by Anne Morkill, especially recognize the support of the San ity to provide links to more Refuge Complex Manager Francisco Bay Wildlife Society for funding in-depth stories and related the layout and printing of Tideline for many information sites. You’ll be years. We will continue to collaborate with able to simply click on a link to sign up for your reading pleasure. the Society on developing and distributing an event or volunteer for an activity; share We don’t yet know exactly what the the next generation of the publication. stories instantly through email or social next generation of Tideline will look like, Communication plays a vital role in media; or print for later reading or future but stay tuned. Visit the Wildlife Society’s our efforts to inspire and educate visitors, reference. Based on our recent survey, one website, http://sfbws.com/, to opt in to by building awareness, understanding, of the most popular features is the Activity receive the new digital version when it and engagement. As we have with the Schedule, so we will post complete and emerges! Page 3 Happy Retirement & Thank You to Our Harbor Seal Hero! By Rachel Tertes or kayaked across the Bay. Stories from his After more than 20 years of service, hiking, camping, and biking trips through- long-time Refuge volunteer Norton Bell is out California, the U.S. and abroad with retiring. In 1996, Norton learned how to Elderhostel and Road Scholar kept conver- conduct surveys when he apprenticed under sations exciting for our interns, volunteers, local harbor seal expert, Dianne Kopec. and staff that joined him on surveys. In Then in 1998, Norton approached Joelle 2004, Norton received our Volunteer of the Buffa, Supervisory Biologist of the Refuge Year Award for his contributions to the har- Complex at the time, to ask if there were bor seal surveys, as well as his volunteering unmet needs in the Biology Program that at other Refuges throughout our Complex. he could fill. Joelle suggested surveying two Norton’s dedication, active lifestyle, thirst very important, but understudied harbor for knowledge, and contribution to science seal pupping and haul out sites on the have been an inspiration to those who have Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National been fortunate to make his acquaintance. Wildlife Refuge: Mowry and Newark Thank you Norton! Sloughs. Norton started surveying that year Rachel Tertes is a Wildlife Biologist at the and has conducted close to 600 surveys Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National at each of the two locations, contributing Wildlife Refuge over 6,000 volunteer hours. His efforts Top Right: Long-time volunteer Norton Bell have highlighted the importance of these conducting one of his harbor seal surveys for South San Francisco Bay locations to both the Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife local and regional harbor seal populations. Refuge (Photo: USFWS) Right: Harbor seals Norton enjoys outdoor activities so much along a slough of the Don Edwards SF Bay that instead of hopping in his car each week National Wildlife Refuge (Photo: Aric Crabb, to get to the Refuge, he sometimes biked Bay Area News Group) Comings & Goings We Bid Goodbye… … to Jared Underwood, Refuge Manager for the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), who set sail and left us April 26, 2019 to start a new leadership adventure as the Superintendent for the Papahanaumo- kuakea Marine National Monument. We are excited to see him take what he learned at the Don Edwards refuge and apply it in his new role working with other agencies From left: Jared Underwood, departing manager of the Don Edwards refuge; Matt Brown, new to protect the Monument, a vast, wild and manager of the Don Edwards refuge; Miguel Marquez, new Urban Refuge Ranger at the refuge unique place. See the following link for a complex. short video on the Monument: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=6ZG2Q-B6LvQ. USFWS as the Superintendent of Refuge Ranger. A native of Oakland, CA, On behalf of all of the Refuge Complex the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Miguel comes to us from the National Park staff, our conservation partners and volun- Monument; Chief of Resource Management Service, where he worked at Juana Bautista teers, we wish to thank Jared for all of his for the Haleakala National Park; Refuge de Anza National Historic Trail; Hot Manager for Midway Atoll NWR; and contributions over the last two years! Springs National Park; and National Capital Refuge Manager for Guam NWR. Most We Say Hello to… recently, Matt worked for the U.S. Forest Parks-East. We look forward to benefitting from the skills Miguel brings with him to … Matt Brown, the new Refuge Service in Vallejo, CA. We are excited to the position, which will help us increase our Manager for the Don Edwards welcome him back home to the USFWS! San Francisco Bay NWR. Matt Miguel Marquez also joined the community engagement and foster relation- had previously worked for the Refuge Complex in May as our new Urban ships with existing and new audiences! Page 4 San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society Quarterly Message TIDELINE: As Refuge Complex man- focused on litter and pollution prevention birds are telling each other, and us. ager Anne Morkill describes in her column or reduction. The Marsh-In summer camp CRITICAL Volunteer NEED: we (pg. 3), changes are afoot for the Tideline is also coming up soon (see the display ad TRULY need support – please consider newsletter. As a result, the Wildlife Society below)! helping. Join the Wildlife Society Board of is considering several new approaches and ON THE TRAIL: As a persistent Directors. Currently, for a variety of reasons, formats for our outreach and communica- birder, but no expert, I am always trying to our Board of Directors is down to four tion with members, volunteers, and the learn more about these enchanting spe- members, instead of nine. We need people public. Those wishing to continue receiving cies. San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory to join Renée, Chris, Aaron, and me on the our regular communications can find out offered a workshop in February, Listen and board. Interested in learning more? Write how at sfbws.com. As always, your feedback Decipher: Bird Language in the Field, led me at [email protected] PLEASE! is also welcome! Meanwhile, stay tuned…. by Jeff Caplan. If you ever can take this We need you! UPCOMING EVENTS: See this workshop, it’s quite enjoyable. Recently, Also: volunteers are vital to assisting issue’s calendar (pg.7-9) for a full list of I explored another place to take a small with our nature store operations at the upcoming activities and events. Watershed walk, right in the middle of Silicon Valley: Fremont and Alviso locations on the Refuge. Watchers, funded by the Santa Clara Valley Ulistac Natural Area in Santa Clara, not Reach out to Mary Deschene at Mary. Urban Runoff Pollution and Prevention too far from Levi’s Stadium or the Refuge’s [email protected] or 510-792-0222 Program, continues to host public programs Environmental Education Center in ext. 364 for more information, including focused on decreasing the amount of pol- Alviso. I always enjoy the hallmark notes what days volunteers are needed. lution that enters and impacts the Refuge. of a Western Meadowlark or Northern Check out our website: sfbws.com. You Other programs include nature walks, Mockingbird, but I never really thought can also visit the National Wildlife Refuge hands-on discovery experiences, holiday about them as part of a language: calling to Association site, refugeassociation.org, to programming, and interpretive programs members of the flock, alerting other birds learn more about the challenges facing that introduce visitors to the habitats, about a threat, singing to attract a mate, or National Wildlife Refuges today. plants and animals on the Refuge. Hope sometimes just chirping, “I’m here.” I highly Hope to see you at the Refuges this Presley, our Watershed Watchers interpretive recommend, on your next bird walk, just summer! specialist, works with groups such as the stopping, listening, observing, and making Cecilia (Ceal) D. Craig, PhD Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, doing activities those connections to try to understand what President, SFBWS Board of Directors

Page 5 Thank you San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society Donors!

We gratefully acknowledge the following donors Kellenberger, Robert W Kirby Jr, Bruce who have made gifts to the San Francisco Kelly & Lynne Trostad, Jean Takekawa Bay Wildlife Society between January 1 and March 31, 2019. These gifts will be used for Supporter publishing a Society newsletter, environmental Margaret & Christopher Panton, Tanis education, habitat restoration, and interpretive Walters programs at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Participant Mary & Gene Bobik, Norman & Marcia Senior/Student Houseworth, Mark Jackson, Laura E Mello, Charmon Ashby, Mark Casaretto Varon Smith Diane L Ciucci, Raymond J, Gareth Lappin, Lawrence Rosenblum Sponsor Mark A & Kathleen Soulard Individual Lynne Fitzgerald, Cynthia Lockhart, Donations Donna H Olsen, Jennifer Vinzant, Stephen American Online Giving Foundation Wilkerson, Rose Mary Wright, Stella Yang Bright Funds Foundation Family George & Beatrice Castro John & Cayce Adams, Scott & Rachel Donna H Olsen Birkey, Edward F Dowling, Cathie National Wildlife Refuge Association Guernsey, Laura Jamieson, James & Anne PayPal Giving Fund

Help Us Protect Your San Francisco Bay Wetlands! Mail your membership donation to: San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society, The San Francisco Bay Wildlife P.O. Box 234, Newark, CA 94560. You may also become a member Society has: at www.sfbws.com/donate. • Introduced tens of thousands of students of all ages to the Don For a gift membership, call 510-792-0222 ext. 364. Edwards San Francisco Bay National San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that raises Wildlife Refuge money and awareness for the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex. • Provided weekend staffing at Visitor Centers YES! I want to support San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society and its programs. Enclosed is my donation of: • Provided funding for restoration projects, a new boardwalk, trails, a o o $20 Student/Senior $200 Corporation greenhouse and native plant nursery o $35 Individual o $250 Sponsor o $50 Family o $500 Sustainer And much more ... o $75 Supporter o $1,000 Leader Become a Supporting Member of the o $100 Participant Society. Benefits include: o Check enclosed • Emailed newsletter and program o For credit card payment, please use PayPal at www.sfbws.com/donate schedule updates Name______• Tax deduction to the extent permitted by law Address______• 15% off at our nature stores City______State_____ Zip ______• Free book – Exploring Our Baylands Phone______Email______• The joy of helping protect this Thank you for your support! important environment

Page 6 The Intersection of Land, Bay Exploring the Dunes and Outer Space Antioch Dunes NWR, Antioch Sunnyvale Baylands 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge is home to Summer three endangered species: two gorgeous flower- This easy bicycle ride along San Francisco Bay Trail ing plants (Antioch Dunes Evening Primrose and offers views of not only sloughs and distant hills but Contra Costa Wallflower) and a delicate butterfly also salt ponds, Moffett Field runways and hangars, found nowhere else on the planet – Lange’s Met- Activity and NASA Ames research facilities (including the almark butterfly! Generally, this refuge is closed to air intake for the 80x120 foot wind tunnel). Docent the public to protect them. However, once a month Laurel Stell will stop occasionally to describe how we have docent-led walking tours to explore and these sites reflect humans’ changing relationship Schedule learn about this incredible refuge and its importance Children under the age of 16 must be with Earth and far, far beyond. Wildlife sightings may in the Delta. This guided walk lasts 1-1.5 hours on accompanied by an adult. include herons, egrets, ducks, swallows, turtles and a relatively flat, sandy road. Wear sturdy shoes for more. Distance is 7 miles roundtrip; cycling speed Trails are generally level. the sandy walk along the dunes. All ages welcome. will be roughly 10 MPH. Trail is flat with packed dirt Surface* and trail conditions vary. No reservations required. Please note that there are surface suitable for road or mountain bikes. Bring Please call for accessibility information. no facilities on the property. Refuge address is 501 water, binoculars, sunscreen. Meet at the Sunnyvale Fulton Shipyard Road, Antioch 94509. Contact 510- Water Pollution Control Plant: parking instructions 521-9717 for questions. will be provided upon registration. Registration Re- quired. Go to: https://sunnyvalebikerefuge.eventbrite.com Questions? Call 408-262-5513 ext. 104. Hike the Mallard Slough June Environmental Education Center, Alviso Nature Walk for Health 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1 Visitor Center, Fremont Look for birds, mammals, and animal tracks as we 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. explore along the water’s edge on this 3.7-mile nature walk. Bring binoculars and your favorite field Tai Chi & Refuge Nature Walk Take a break from your busy schedule and guide to help enjoy the views. Have at least one Environmental Education Center, Alviso refresh your spirit with nature at the refuge. liter of water, snacks, and appropriate clothing. 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Take a guided nature walk on the Tidelands Trail Rain will cancel this hike due to possibly muddy Morning Crane founder Chris Shelton is a certified and hear what makes this National Wildlife Refuge trail. Led by Steve Stolper, certified California Tai Chi and Qigong practitioner and instructor with unique. The approximately one mile walk traverses Naturalist. Reservations are recommended. Go to: 20 years of experience. Chris Shelton has helped through endangered species habitat and offers great https://hikeeectrail.eventbrite.com Questions? Call thousands of people around the world reclaim their views of south San Francisco Bay. Led by Rick Arel- Hope: 408-262-5513 ext. 104. health and enjoy lives free from chronic pain. Join lano. us for a short nature walk afterwards to learn about Geology Rocks on the Hills the refuge. Program may be led by any of Morning Family Yoga (5-week session) Visitor Center, Fremont Crane’s instructors. All ages welcome. Sponsored Environmental Education Center, Alviso by Morning Crane, San Francisco Bay Wildlife So- 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Ever wondered why the Coyote Hills rise up out of ciety, and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. Bonnie Hasson presents Family Yoga at the Ref- the surrounding marshland? Take a walk with Dr. Located in the open-air Pavilion, rain or shine. No uge. Bring the whole family to participate in a one- Malcolm Pringle around the hills of the refuge. Ob- registration necessary. hour yoga class held outside surrounded by nature. serve rocks that formed deep in the ocean during the Join us for a short nature walk afterwards to learn time of the dinosaurs. Ponder how they could have Drawbridge Van Excursion about the Refuge. This is a 5-week session, and all joined North America, then been uplifted to form the Environmental Education Center, Alviso classes are held on the following Saturdays: June 1, rocks, colors, and soils that provide the footing of 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 8, 15, 22, and 29. The first class is mandatory, and the varied plants and animals that we see now. Ap- An abandoned town in the San Francisco Bay? ends at 3:00pm. More information will be given upon propriate for scouts, and inquisitive students of all Nestled on an island in the salt marshes of South registration. A limited number of yoga mats are avail- ages. Sturdy walking shoes recommended. Register San Francisco Bay, the town of Drawbridge once able for use during the class, please plan according- at https://donedwardsgeology.eventbrite.com. boomed. Was it a quiet, peaceful town full of nature ly. Ideal for children ages 5-10 and their caregivers. lovers, or people scrabbling out a living? How long Sponsored by San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society Twilight Marsh Walk did it exist? Find out at this program, led by Ceal and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. Res- Visitor Center, Fremont Craig, our Drawbridge expert. Start with a slide ervations Required. For additional information and show, and then take a short van excursion to view to register, go to: https://familyyogasummer.event- 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Drawbridge across Coyote Creek. Program will be of brite.com. Ticket registration ends Wednesday, May Experience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy most interest to adults interested in history or nature; 29. Questions? Call: 408-262-5513 ext. 100 or 104. stroll along Tidelands Trail (1.3 miles). At the set- children 13 and over with an adult are welcome. ting of the sun we will observe the beginning of Space is very limited. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Saturday, June 8 nature’s night shift. Come discover the sights, Go to: https://drawbridgetoursummer.eventbrite.com sounds, and smells of the refuge as night de- Questions? Hope: 408-262-5513 ext. 104. (Note: we scends. Not suitable for young children. Go to do not visit the town itself – we go to the closest spot Jr. Refuge Ranger https://donedwardstwilight.eventbrite.com or call that one can legally view Drawbridge.) Environmental Education Center, Alviso 510-792-0222 ext. 363. Led by Mary and Gene Bobik. 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Stewardship Saturday Does your child have a love and fascination for the Visitor Center, Fremont outdoors, nature, and wildlife? Come join our pro- 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. fessional Refuge Rangers on a guided habitat hike and stewardship activity. Children will earn their very If you are interested in improving the refuge for visi- own Jr. Refuge Ranger badge and become part tors and for wildlife alike, join us at the Visitor Center of our team that helps protect and educate others for a stewardship project. We will do either a trash about wildlife. Our Jr. Refuge Ranger program cre- cleanup or a planting/weeding project. Dress appro- ator, Lynnea Shuck, will be joining us to share the priately for the task and for the weather. We will have history of the program and what she has planned for gloves to lend and will provide the tools. Bring your the future. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy afterwards. own water bottle. Meet in the parking lot at the Visi- Great for families and scout groups. Best for ages 7 tor Center. Driving an additional 2.5 miles may be and up, but all are welcome. Registration Recom- required since the project may be at a different loca- mended. Go to: https://jrrefugerangereec.eventbrite. tion. For more information, or to make reservations, com Questions? Call 408-262-5513 ext. 104. call 510-792-0222 ext. 361.

Page 7 the levee. We will stop along the way to learn about and I will show you how to distinguish and identify the Refuge, the wildlife and habitats they use, the the markings of a gray fox. Gain some insights into importance of Coyote Creek watershed, and the his- the fox’s nature and their behavior during the walk. tory of the area. The ride is 4.5 miles on a level trail, By the time we are through, you will have a set of and there is no shade along the way. Must provide “tools” you can use to identify the presence of foxes Summer your own bikes, gear, and water bottles. Helmets are in any area that you are in. Bring a hat, binoculars, required for children. Water and snacks will be pro- and good walking shoes. Led by Bill Leikam from the vided at a stop. Children ages 10+ recommended, Urban Wildlife Research Project. Register at http:// Activity please use your best judgement on skill level for the donedwardsfox.eventbrite.com. distance. Sponsored by San Francisco Bay Wild- life Society, Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful, and San Schedule Francisco Bay Bird Observatory. Registration Rec- Children under the age of 16 must be ommended. Go to: https://190622-bike.eventbrite. July accompanied by an adult. com Questions? Call 408-262-5513. Trails are generally level. Saturday, July 6 Surface* and trail conditions vary. Saturday, June 29 Please call for accessibility information. Nature Walk for Health Visitor Center Desk Training – Visitor Center, Fremont Fremont 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Held on three successive Saturdays: See June 1 for program description and Saturday, June 15 June 29, July 6, and July 13 registration information. 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. *Restoring Inner Bair Island The refuge is seeking volunteers to staff the Visitor Saturday, July 13 Center information desk in Fremont. Once trained, Walking Tour Tai Chi & Refuge Nature Walk Inner Bair Island, Redwood City volunteers will work a minimum of two shifts a month Environmental Education Center, Alviso 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for a minimum of four months. This training is six hours and is broken up over three Saturdays. We 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Join Peninsula Open Space Trust and the Don Ed- will walk the trails, discuss the history of the refuge See June 1 for program description and registration wards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge for a beauti- and its mission, find out more about the wildlife that information. ful walking tour of Inner Bair Island. There will be two lives here, learn about working at the VC desk, and groups - a volunteer-led 2.5 mile stroll, or an inter- go over standard visitor questions. To volunteer at Drawbridge Van Excursion pretive 1.5 mile walk. The interpretive walking tour the information desk, you must be able to attend all Environmental Education Center, Alviso will highlight the wetlands and the marine life that of the sessions. This training may in part be help- 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. live within, such as the endangered Ridgeway’s rails ful to individuals interested in becoming program and the salt marsh harvest mouse. You may also See June 1 for program description and registration docents in the future. To apply for the position and information. spot cottontail rabbits, peregrine falcons, pelicans, register for the training, contact Paul_Mueller@fws. egrets, terns, and stilts. Make sure to bring binocu- gov or call 510-792-0222, ext. 476. lars to catch sight of some of the beautiful birds at Crafts in the Outdoors: Bair Island. Directions: Take Highway 101 and exit at DIY Sea Flow Filter Beginning Leatherwork Whipple Ave in Redwood City. Head west toward the Environmental Education Center, Alviso Environmental Education Center, Alviso bay. The road winds 0.5 mile becoming East Bay- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. shore, then Bair Island Road. The Don Edwards Na- Doing crafts outdoors is a wonderful experience. tional Wildlife Refuge Bair Island parking lot is on the Did you know urban runoff pollution is one of the Make and decorate (tool) a small patch for your right. Meet by the restrooms. Reservations required. greatest threats to our beloved San Francisco Bay? backpack or clothing made from vegetable tanned Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inner-bair-is- Urban runoff pollution is what travels down streets, leather. Learn how Bay Area residents used the land-interpretive-walking-tour-tickets-60140581097. into storm drains, out into our creeks and ultimately the bay. Join us to learn about what you can do tanoak tree for food and for making leather. This Volunteer Orientation at home to help prevent this type of pollution and family-friendly program lets you have fun crafting Environmental Education Center, Alviso make your own Sea Flow Filter for the storm drain in your own leather item. Bring water, snacks, and appropriate clothing. This program runs rain or shine. 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. your neighborhood. Great for families. All ages welcome. Presented by Girl Scout Ambassador Kami, Led by Steve Stolper, Certified California Naturalist. Interested in volunteering at our Alviso location, but from Troop 61448. Reservations Recommend- Reservations Recommended. Go to: https://leather- not sure what you want to do? This will provide a ed. Go to: https://diyseaflowfilter.eventbrite.com workeec.eventbrite.com. Questions? 408-262-5513 brief overview of the various opportunities we have Questions? Call 408-262-5513 ext. 104. ext. 104. available. Please RSVP by emailing Hope at water- [email protected]. Tiny Drifters Exploring the Dunes Environmental Education Center, Alviso Antioch Dunes NWR, Antioch Saturday, June 22 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Did you know there are tiny floating creatures that See June 8 for program description and registration *Family Bird Walk live in our Bay? They are called plankton. Learn information. Visitor Center, Fremont about the different characteristics of plankton, how 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. they have adapted to survive, and their importance Geology Rocks on the Hills Let family walks become a shared time of na- in the food chain. We will become Planktologists for Visitor Center, Fremont ture learning. We’ll begin by helping kids cre- a day, collecting water samples and using micro- 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ate their personal bird watching field guides, and scopes to identify these incredible organisms. All See June 8 for program description and registration then head out onto the trails to find those birds. ages are welcome. Great for families and scouts. information. A limited number of binoculars are available Reservations Recommended. Go to: https://eecti- to borrow. Recommended for children ages nydrift.eventbrite.com Questions? Call 408-262- Saturday, July 20 5-10. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to 5513 ext. 104. https://donedwardsfamilybird.eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 363. Fox Stories: Indicators that Fox Stewardship Saturday Visitor Center, Fremont are in Your Area 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Wheels and Wildlife Bike Tour Visitor Center, Fremont Environmental Education Center, Alviso See June 1 for program description and registration 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. information. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Do you sometimes see paw prints in mud or scat Did you know you could ride your bike on the Ref- (poop) on the trails and assume that a dog left it? It uge trails in Alviso? Join us for a bicycle tour around could be from something else. Come along with me Page 8 *Family Bird Walk Geology Rocks on the Hills Visitor Center, Fremont Visitor Center, Fremont 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. See June 22 for program description and registra- See June 8 for program description and registration tion information. information. Summer Twilight Marsh Walk *Family Bird Walk Visitor Center, Fremont Visitor Center, Fremont Activity 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. See June 8 for program description and registration See June 22 for program description and registra- information. tion information. Schedule Children under the age of 16 must be Saturday, July 27 Friday, August 16 accompanied by an adult. Trails are generally level. Paint with a Ranger Night Sky Party Surface* and trail conditions vary. Environmental Education Center, Alviso Environmental Education Center, Alviso Please call for accessibility information. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Connect with nature via paint. Art is a great way to Meet the stars of summer and view the moon and provide your own bikes, gear, and water bottles. gain a new perspective on what you see out on the maybe some planets. Join our amateur astrono- Helmets are required for children. Water and snacks refuge. It allows you to discover shapes and colors mers as we learn about constellations. Make a star will be provided at a stop. Children ages 10+ rec- you may not have noticed before. Each “Paint with a chart and then venture outside to view the night ommended, please use your best judgement on skill Ranger” program will have a different theme. All ma- sky through a telescope. Afterwards, warm up with level for the distance. Sponsored by San Francisco terials are supplied, so just bring yourself, your fam- some hot chocolate. Dress warmly, as it gets cold Bay Wildlife Society, Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful, ily, and friends. All skill levels are welcome to join. in the evening. Fun for the whole family. Great for and San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory. Registra- Recommended for ages 7 and up. Reservations Scout groups. Reservations are recommended. Go tion is recommended. Go to: https://190817-bike. required. Please visit: https://paintranger.eventbrite. to: https://nightskysummer19.eventbrite.com Ques- eventbrite.com Questions? Call 408-262-5513. com. Questions? Hope: 408-262-5513 ext. 104. tions? Hope: 408-262-5513 ext. 104. Saturday, August 24 Fox Stories: Indicators that Fox Saturday, August 17 are in Your Area Drawbridge Van Excursion Visitor Center, Fremont Why Tides Matter Environmental Education Center, Alviso 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Environmental Education Center, Alviso 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. See June 29 for program description and registra- 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. See June 1 for program description and registration tion information. Docent Laurel Stell will talk and walk you through information. all things tides. What are they? How do they affect wildlife? How have humans reshaped the Bay’s Stewardship Saturday tidal lands? Program starts indoors but will move Visitor Center, Fremont August outside for an easy 1-mile hike. Binoculars will be 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. provided. All ages are welcome, bring your whole See June 1 for program description and registration Saturday, August 3 family. Reservations recommended. Go to: https:// information. eectides2019.eventbrite.com Questions? Call Hope: Nature Walk for Health 408-262-5513 ext. 104. Crafts in the Outdoors: Visitor Center, Fremont Beginning Leatherwork 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Wheels and Wildlife Bike Tour - Sunset Environmental Education Center, Alviso See June 1 for program description and 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. registration information. Environmental Education Center, Alviso 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. See July 13 for program description and registration information. Saturday August 10 Did you know you could ride your bike on the Ref- uge trails in Alviso? Join us for a sunset bicycle tour Twilight Marsh Walk Tai Chi & Refuge Nature Walk around the levees. We will stop along the way to Visitor Center, Fremont Environmental Education Center, Alviso learn about the Refuge, the wildlife and habitats they use, the importance of Coyote Creek watershed, 6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and the history of the area. The ride is 4.5miles on a See June 8 for program description and registration See June 1 for program description and registration level trail, and there is no shade along the way. Must information. information. Exploring the Dunes Saturday, August 31 Antioch Dunes NWR, Antioch Fox Stories: Indicators that Fox 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. See June 8 for program description and registration are in Your Area information. Visitor Center, Fremont 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Insect Exploration See June 29 for program description and registra- Environmental Education Center, Alviso tion information. 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. Page 9 Field Trips to the Refuge Wetland Round – Up Wetland Round-Up Field Trip College and University (Kinder - 4th grade) Workshops Field Trips Program* The workshop dates will be announced Staff-led Field Trips on-line with the Field Trip Registration Guided field trips by staff are 2 Wetland Round-Up field trip pro- information (see above). hours and include a PowerPoint presenta- grams, designed for Kinder – 4th grade tion, followed by a Habitat Hike at the students, are offered at our Headquarters Watershed Watchers Environmental Education Center in Alviso. in Fremont, and at the Environmental Reservations must be made at least eight (8) Education Center in Alviso. This program Program weeks in advance of the desired field trip actively involves teachers, adult volunteers, Habitat Restoration Service Learning date. Please contact Hope Presley at and students in investigating the diverse Field Trips (5-12th) [email protected] or (408) 262-5513 habitats and wildlife at the Refuge. The The Watershed Watchers program is ext. 104. hands-on, small-group activities are de- excited to announce the addition of Habitat Instructor-led Field Trips signed to teach basic ecological concepts and Restoration Service Learning Field Trips for Instructors from local colleges can introduce endangered species, migratory grades 5-12h! Students have the opportunity lead their own field trip excursions at birds, and wetland habitats to the students. to learn about the important habitats that the Environmental Education Center in All programs have been correlated to the surround the Bay, the wildlife that depend Alviso. All instructors planning this type of appropriate State of California Education on them and how they help on site and at excursion must make a reservation at least Standards. We are piloting new and modi- home! Watershed Watchers is an interpre- 8 weeks in advance of the desired field trip fied activities that support Next Generation tive program offered at no cost though date. If your group size is over 25, you will Science Standards. the cooperative efforts of the Santa Clara need to acquire a special use permit from Educators and adult leaders conduct Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention our headquarters office in Fremont. Please their own field trips after attending a Field Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, contact Hope Presley at hope.presley@ Trip Workshop. We provide easy to follow and the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. sfbws.com or (408) 262-5513 ext. 104. “scripts” for each station, but both “leaders” Field trips include a Habitat Hike; go- Due to funding restrictions, program and “chaperones” are strongly encouraged to ing on the boardwalk and levee trails, seeing numbers are limited and first priority will be attend a Field Trip Workshop. New teachers all five habitats at the Refuge; Restoration given to colleges located within Santa Clara must attend a Field Trip Workshop. Work, improving Upland habitat in the County. Butterfly Garden and surrounding areas by Field Trips at Learning removing invasives and planting natives; Center in Fremont and an optional trash pickup, using the Programs for Wetland Round-Up Field Trips Litterati app to document the types of trash Registration information for the found. Field Trips are limited to a max of 35 Scout Groups 2019/2020 school year will be announced students, and a min of 10. The time frame Programs are offered for Boy and on the Refuge’s website in August 2019. is 10:00am – 1:00pm, including time for Girl Scout Groups at the Environmental Contact the Environmental Education lunch. Education Center in Alviso and are spon- Staff at Fremont: Program Offerings: Programs will be sored by the Watershed Watchers Program. Office: (510) 792-0222 x 475 offered from September – May on Tuesdays *Please note: Programs are 1.5 hrs, and are Cell: (510) 377-7269 and Thursdays at the Environmental offered Sept - May only. Must be scheduled E-mail: [email protected] Education Center in Alviso. *Due to 8-12 weeks in advance, and badges are not funding restrictions, program numbers are provided (group leaders are responsible for Field Trips at the limited and first priority will be given to fulfilling badge requirements). Visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ Environmental Education schools located within Santa Clara County. Please contact Hope Presley, Watershed Don_Edwards_San_Francisco_Bay/Scouts. Center in Alviso Watchers Program Coordinator, at hope. html for additional information and to Wetland Round-Up Field Trips [email protected] or (408) 262-5513 ext. choose desired program. Registration information for the 104 to set up your field trip! Please contact Hope Presley at 2019/2020 school year will be announced [email protected] to schedule. on the Refuge’s website in August 2019. For Due to funding restrictions, program questions contact Genie Moore, 408-262- numbers are limited and first priority will be 5513 x100, [email protected]. given to groups located within Santa Clara County.

Page 10 Application for 2019/2020 Blue Goose Bus Fund The Blue Goose Bus Fund was need of transportation to a field trip, you Please refer to our website for more started with funding from the U.S. Fish and will need to reserve a field trip date first information: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ Wildlife Service’s Connecting People with and then fill out a Blue Goose Bus Fund Don_Edwards_San_Francisco_Bay/ Nature Program. The San Francisco Bay Application Form. Please follow these steps Environmental_Education.html Wildlife Society has provided additional and we will contact you as soon as possible *All of our programs are offered FREE funding for the 2018/2019 school year. The with a response. You may also contact Genie of charge. Location of activities and trail program will be administered by the U.S. Moore at 408-262-5513 ext 100 or at conditions may vary. Please call for acces- Fish and Wildlife Service and San Francisco [email protected] sibility information. Bay Wildlife Society Staff. The fund was created to help Title 1 schools and schools with proven hardships to access the Wetland Round-Up at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center in Alviso and the Newark Slough Learning Center in Fremont. The San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society will pay up to $700 for transportation for a field trip. If you are awarded funding for a bus you will be expected to hire the bus and mail a copy of the invoice to the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. Once they receive the invoice they will send the check for up to $700 either to the bus vendor directly (school district or local vendor) or to the school/school district for the reimbursement, whichever method is Bringing young visitors to our Refuges, through programs like the Blue Goose Bus Fund, preferred by the school. Wetland Round-Up and Marsh-In Summer Camp, helps engage future generations with PLEASE NOTE: If your school is in the importance of conservation and the preservation of wild lands. (Photo: USFWS)

TIDELINE San Francisco Bay Wildlife Published quarterly by San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Com- LAST Society Message: plex, with funding from San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. • Want to learn about activities at PRINT the Refuges? Volume 42, Number 1 ISSUE • Interested in habitats and wildlife? Editor:...... Doug Cordell Sign up for Learn how to help the Refuges! To receive Tideline, email [email protected], or write to: online edition SIGN UP HERE! Tideline, San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 1 Marsh- at sfbws.com lands Rd, Fremont, CA 94555 US Fish & Wildlife Service cannot provide or send form the Tideline mailing list to San Francisco San Francisco Bay National Wildlife below to Bay Wildlife Society. You must sign up Refuge Complex SFBWS to receive future communications from Administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, San Francisco Bay National us, like a new version of Tideline. Wildlife Refuge Complex exists to preserve wildlife habitat, protect threatened and endangered species, protect migratory birds, and provide opportunities for nature study. Seven refuges are managed from the headquarters in Fremont: Antioch Dunes NWR, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR, Ellicott Slough Name:______NWR, Farallon Islands NWR, Marin Islands NWR, Salinas River NWR, and San Pablo Bay NWR. Email Address:______

Tideline is On-Line Visit our web sites at Please add me to the Wildlife Society’s email list! https://www.fws.gov/refuge/antioch_dunes https://www.fws.gov/refuge/don_edwards_san_francisco_bay Comments: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ellicott_slough https://www.fws.gov/refuge/farallon_islands/ https://www.fws.gov/refuge/marin_islands https://www.fws.gov/refuge/salinas_river https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ san_pablo_bay Thanks for responding! Follow us on Facebook: San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society San Francisco Bay NWR Complex P.O. Box 234, Newark, CA 94560 Page 11 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

SUMMER 2019 Inside This Issue Volume 42, Number 1 1-3 Florence LaRiviere 3 Refuge Reflections 4 Norton Bell retires 5 Society Message 6 Wildlife Society Thanks 7-9 Summer Activities 10-11 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 It is the policy of Mountain View/ the Fish and Wildlife Alviso. Turn north Service to accommodate onto Zanker Road. individuals with disabilities. Continue on Zanker If you have questions Road for 2.1 miles to concerning programs, or if you need the Environmental accommodation to enable you to participate, Education Center please contact a visitor services staff person, either at the entrance road (a sharp Visitor Center or at the Environmental Education Center. turn at Grand Blvd.).