WINTER 2014-2015 Volume 37, Number 4

The Formerly Known as Clapper By James M. Maley, Ph.D. of Mexico. The North American Check-list later decided that this was the same There’s a new species in town but you Committee of the American Ornithologists’ as the one described by Boddaert, so it was may already be familiar with it. You may Union split these two species into five considered a of . not realize it, but the secretive, endangered, species in July 2014 based on the research John James Audubon described the and charismatic bird you knew as the I conducted with Dr. Robb Brumfield at next member of the group in 1834, King California Clapper Rail has been renamed Louisiana State University Museum of Rail, based on he found in Camden, the Ridgway’s Rail. Natural Science. The name change does not represent a loss of anything. In fact, it makes our rails much more unique and advances our un- derstanding of bird relationships. The name Ridgway’s Rail is an honorific, or patronym, that is intended to reflect the tremendous contribution to the understanding of North American birds made by Robert Ridgway. Given new information, the old name doesn’t work for several reasons. There have always been questions about the relation- ships among the big rails of the in ornithological circles. Understanding how these birds were first identified and described can help explain the science and reasoning behind the name change and the splitting of the King and Clapper rail complex. In addition, I’ll explain how our research that included DNA sequencing prompted changes to the number of species in the King and Clapper Rail group. Rails in California were originally lumped with the clapper rails because they breed in salt water . Photo: Aric Crabb, Bay Area News Group Traditionally, there were two species of large rails in the Americas. The Clapper The original Clapper Rail was New Jersey. It wasn’t until 1874 that any Rail was found along the Atlantic, Pacific, described in 1789 by Pieter Boddaert, a other rails were described in the group. and Gulf coastlines of , Dutch scientist, based on a specimen from Robert Ridgway described the birds of San throughout the Caribbean, and along both forests of Cayenne in French Francisco Bay as a subspecies of . coasts of South America. The King Rail Guiana, South America. German naturalist He also described the birds of the highlands was found in freshwater marshes of eastern Johann Gmelin described another large rail North America, Cuba, and the highlands that same year from Long Island. It was continued next page form of a species that is likely not reproduc- during the spring migrations can be an from page 1 tively isolated from other populations, but incredible experience. You can see hundreds of central Mexico as a subspecies of King is diagnosably distinct in some characters. of adult male Bay-breasted Warblers in a Rail. Over the course of the next 140 years, Many birders can easily recognize different small patch of forest, feeding and resting many new subspecies were described from subspecies of birds, such as Yellow-shafted after their long journey from the Yucatan throughout the extensive distribution of and Red-shafted flickers. Where flickers Peninsula. These small woodlots are found these birds. overlap in the Great Plains they - near marshes, so we would also look for There was much confusion and debate ize freely, so even though they were once waterbirds. We frequently found rails that about how many species there actually were, considered different species they are not looked like hybrids between King and and which subspecies belonged with which any longer. There is no way to directly Clapper rails. Upon research I realized species. Thus, at some point, the birds in test whether rails from California would that nobody had done a genetic study California switched from being considered breed with birds from Long Island, but we on hybridization in the rails. This fit my King Rails to Clapper Rails. can make an assessment by comparing the interests perfectly because King Rails breed California rails to other cases where two in freshwater marshes while Clapper Rails Why has there been so much confu- species do come together and hybridize. breed in salt marshes. sion about which species occurs here in California? It has to do with the When I started my Ph.D. with Robb As I looked further, I found that not the birds are found in and Brumfield at Louisiana State University only had no one investigated what was the color of their . Clapper Rails of eastern North America are the most well known of the entire species group because they occur at high densities near major population centers. They are also birds that continue to be hunted today. They spend their entire lives in salt marshes, much like the birds along the California coastlines. In contrast, King Rails of eastern North America breed exclusively in fresh- water marshes. So, just by habitat, we would consider the birds in California as most similar to Clapper Rails. In coloration, the birds in California are much more similar to King Rails than Clapper Rails. They The coloration of the California rails were more similar to king rails on the east coast. Photo by Chris Cochems share a bright reddish-orange breast and upper wing. Prior to our genetic (LSU) in 2006 I was looking for a research going on with the rail hybrids, neither had research, habitat trumped coloration and project. LSU is one of the world’s best insti- anyone done a thorough genetic study of all they were considered Clapper Rails, even tutions for , and most students the large rails in the Americas. No scientists though the evidence was conflicting. work on birds in South America. I tried had sequenced the DNA of California rails my hand at research in the tropics in 2008 and eastern rails to see whether they were What is a species versus a subspecies? but unfortunately came back with a nasty King Rails or Clapper Rails. So, before I A species is defined as a population of flesh-eating parasite that took months of studied the hybrid zone, it seemed useful to interbreeding organisms that are repro- treatment to cure. I decided to look closer try and figure out the genetic relationships ductively isolated from other populations. to home for birds to study. A particular of the entire group. Reproductively isolated means that either interest of mine is the role that adaptations they can’t have hybrids with other closely I was able to obtain samples from to saltwater versus freshwater might play in related populations, or the hybrids don’t natural history collections because of the bird . survive. previous work of naturalists, scientists, and Bird watching in southwest Louisiana volunteers that collect or salvage scientific A subspecies is considered a distinct specimens. Some birds from California had Page 2 hybrids indicates that the two populations are reproductively isolated, thus, we have to consider them different according to the definition of a species. Because we have to consider King and Clapper rails in the eastern US to be different species, then it makes the most sense to elevate the other populations that we also found to be geneti- cally and physically distinct to species level. After six years of work, Robb Brumfield and I published these results in the journal, The Condor, and then submitted a pro- posal to the North American Check-list Committee. The committee makes all decisions about splitting or lumping species. In July 2014, the committee agreed with our proposal and split the species. The birds had all been described previ- ously, so each species takes the scientific name that it was first described as, even if it was considered a subspecies at the time. We chose the common names and, despite some Distribution of the Aztec, Clapper, King, Mangrove, and Ridgway’s Rails. debate, the committee accepted them. Courtesy of James M. Maley, Ph.D. There were two choices for coming up been found dead and fortunately given to limited, then each distinct population group with common names for the five species, museums. For some populations, no recent should be split into their own species. we could come up with five new names or specimens had been collected, but I was able I spent many hot days in the marshes of retain Clapper and King rail for the eastern to get degraded DNA from small cuttings of southwestern Louisiana studying the hybrid birds, as this is what they have always been skin from the toes of old specimens. zone. I encountered hostile locals, aggressive called. We chose to retain Clapper Rail and A considerable amount of time was cottonmouths, and huge alligators with high King Rail for the birds in eastern North spent extracting and sequencing DNA from frequency. I was fortunate to have the help America and the Caribbean for stability. We tissue or small chunks of skin. The analyses of many people assisting me with permits chose for the birds along the yielded some surprising results. It turned and access to marshes. out that King Rails and Clapper Rails in coastlines of South America, as these birds I noticed that there were very rapid exclusively inhabit mangrove forest. We Louisiana are more closely related to each transitions from mostly King Rails to mostly chose for the birds of the high- other than either is to the Clapper Rails of Clapper Rails depending on the salinity of California! I sequenced some old specimens the marsh they were found in. I sequenced lands of Mexico, as their distribution closely of King Rails from the central highlands their DNA and measured water samples matches the distribution of the former Aztec of Mexico and these turned out to be the and found that this was true. The transi- Empire. Finally, we chose Ridgway’s Rail for closest relatives of California Clapper Rails! tion in salinity from saltwater to freshwater the birds of California, , Arizona, Because we like our to reflect was about seven kilometers in southwest and northwestern Mexico. This was to something about evolutionary history, there Louisiana, and this transition was roughly honor Robert Ridgway, who described this were two options based on these genetic the same for DNA and the physical charac- species and many other populations as new. results: we could lump everything so there teristics of the bird. was only one species, which had been done We can use the width of the transition James M. Maley, PhD is currently the previously, or we could split everything up. to tell us about the nature of the hybridiza- Whether we split them up depended on Collections Manager of the Moore Laboratory tion. The width of this transition zone is of Zoology at Occidental College in Los the question of hybridization. If King Rails narrower than any other zone Angeles, CA. He continues to conduct research and Clapper Rails of eastern North America that I know of, which means that hybrids on rails and other birds, including Western freely hybridize where they come into are not very successful and don’t persist contact then everything should be lumped. well in the population. This low success of Scrub-Jays, while helping manage the world’s On the other hand, if hybridization was largest collection of Mexican birds. Page 3 Your Neighborhood Refuge In a recent Times op-ed Bay National Wildlife Refuge and its entitled Conserving the Future. (New West Renaissance, August 29, 2014), companion refuges have something unique We envision a bold and comprehensive writer Timothy Egan coined the phrase “a to offer in this new-century ecosystem – program that uses new tools, enhanced new-century ecosystem” in describing the lands and waters for place-based, hands-on, facilities, and stronger partnerships to West of today as “high-tech, young, more multi-sensory learning. Children - and provide more equity and inclusion across optimistic than other regions. And what many adults - learn best by experiencing a a continuum of engagement for youth, gives joy, solace, relief and a thrill to the place, by touching, seeing, and lives of so many Westerners is the one thing doing. Through our environ- they all have in common: public land at mental education and outreach Refuge their doorstep. There is no other place on programs, we strive to inspire earth like it.” urban dwellers to connect with Reflections San Francisco Bay is clearly a new-cen- nature and renew a sense of tury ecosystem that is distinguished by three wonder. by Anne Morkill, major cities and hundreds of communities Even so, a recent Refuge Project Leader across nine counties surrounding a vibrant, Visitor Satisfaction Survey thriving estuary and ringed by verdant (2012) revealed that our visitation does not adults, families, and community groups. hills and valleys. And intertwined within necessarily reflect the ethnic and economic We welcome you to join us and experience this vast cultural and natural landscape, at diversity of our neighboring communi- the wonders of nature at your doorstep. the doorstep of millions of people living ties, and this needs to change. In order Because, there really is “no other place on in ethnically and economically diverse to strengthen our relevancy for a diverse earth” like San Francisco Bay. neighborhoods, are our National Wildlife demography, we are seeking to expand our For more information about the Urban Refuges. programs through the new Urban Wildlife Wildlife Refuge Initiative, visit http://www. As the nation’s first urban refuge em- Refuge Initiative, launched as part of the fws.gov/refuges/vision/urbanwildliferef- phasizing nature study and wildlife-oriented U.S. and Wildlife Service’s vision ugeinitiative.html. recreation, the Don Edwards San Francisco for the National Wildlife Refuge System,

Litterati Art Exhibit Opening Reception Environmental Education Center, Alviso Trash is everywhere. Soda cans, plastic bags, and cigarette butts litter the environment, choke wildlife, and threaten our planet. By combining technology, social awareness and art, the Litterati is tackling this ever-escalating problem one piece of litter at a time.

Friday, February 13 6:30 pm-8:30 pm FREE Admission with complimentary refreshments Provided by the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society Space is limited, please register at: http://litteratieec.eventbrite.com This planet we call home is a big place to keep clean. We all need to play our part. Join the Litterati. www.litterati.org Page 4 Seven Things You May Not Have Known About the Refuges in the San Francisco Two films, the 1971 There is an endemic cult classic Harold cricket (Farallonophilus Bay National 2 and Maude and a 1999 4 cavernicolus) on independent filmDumbarton Farallon National Wildlife Wildlife Refuge Bridge, was partially filmed on Refuge that lives nowhere else what is now the Don Edwards in the world. Researchers are Complex San Francisco Bay National currently studying the Farallon Wildlife Refuge. Familiar scenes camel cricket. Three poachers were of salt ponds are used as convicted in 1993 for backdrop for the films. 1 poaching endangered including the Lange’s Ellicott Slough National Wildlife metalmark butterflies at Antioch 3 Refuge was Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. established to protect the Santa The trio received a combination Cruz long-toed salamander, of monetary fines, hundreds which can vocalize squeaks and of hours of community clicks, possibly as a defense service, months of in-house mechanism to startle predators imprisonment, and years of into dropping them when probation. captured. The Marin Islands is named after Chief 5 Marin, a Coast Miwok Native American who hid there trying to evade Spanish soldiers in the early 1800s.

Parts of what is now Salinas National 6 Wildlife Refuge were once used as a bombing range by the Navy.

Skaggs Island in San Pablo Bay National 7 Wildlife Refuge is named after Marion Barton Skaggs whose family started the grocery store Safeway.

Top: The Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander can emit sounds. Photo by Leah Oscar. Above: Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly was the subject of poachers in the early 1990s. Photo by Susan Euing. Right: Not much is known about the Farallon Camel Cricket. Photo by Bryan White. Page 5 Teen Honored by Earth Island Institute for Creating Refuge’s Junior Ranger Program By Doug Cordell, Public Affairs Officer Lynnea Shuck, a 17-year-old volunteer who created the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge’s Junior Refuge Ranger program, has been named one of six youth leaders in North America to receive the Earth Island Institute’s prestigious Brower Youth Award. The awards, part of the Institute’s New Leaders Initiative, recognize young environmental activists ages 13 to 22 for outstanding efforts to promote ecological sustainability and social justice. Shuck, a senior at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, Calif., has been volunteering with the refuge since 2010. She created her innovative Junior Refuge Ranger program in 2013, when she recognized an Photo courtesy of Earth Island Institute opportunity to more actively engage young people who, in turn, can become advocates earn participants points are the ship can be taught at any age.” for wildlife protection and the refuge system. Water Café, All About , World of Shuck is now working to expand the Shuck said her experiences as a young Butterflies and Nocturnal Wonders. With Junior Refuge Ranger program to other ref- volunteer at the refuge inspired her effort to completion of the activity booklet, young- uges, including California’s Humboldt Bay reach out to other young students. sters receive a sticker and are certified as National Wildlife Refuge and Sacramento “I started volunteering when I was Junior Refuge Rangers. National Wildlife Refuge Complex. in 7th grade and became totally hooked Hands-on experience at the refuge is As part of her award, she and the on refuges. It opened up a whole world central to the program. other winners — who hail from Michigan, of environmental awareness for me—I’ve “It’s one thing to learn about marsh New York, and Hawaii, and work grown so much as a person here and am so plants in a classroom,” Shuck said. “It’s an- on projects ranging from sustainable food appreciative of what the refuge has to offer. I other to be standing in the marsh, touching security to prevention of marine debris — want to give young children the opportunity the plants, and even tasting the pickleweed.” get a week of leadership training. Each also to have the same experiences I’ve had.” Besides being fun, the activities impart received $3,000 funding for their programs. As part of her program, Shuck designed valuable lessons about refuges and the The Brower Youth Awards were for- a 21-page activity book for 8-11 year-olds. environment. mally presented by the Earth Island Institute The youngsters earn wildlife collector’s cards “I learned that no matter how old a kid on October 21, 2014 at the Nourse Theater for activities like nature hikes, bird counts, is, they can learn really complicated concepts in San Francisco. wildlife art, and interviews with rangers, in environmental science if they are taught in To see a short video on her project managers and educational staff at the refuge. the right way,” Shuck notes. “This program and what inspired her, go to http://bit. Some of the regular refuge programs that demonstrates that environmental steward- ly/10OqKbZ. Alviso Slough Cleanup DATES available at http://sloughkeepers.com/joining-sloughkeepers Alviso Marina through the Alviso Slough 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Join your love of kayaking in the San Francisco Bay and a clean environment by participating with our partners the Slough Keep- ers in cleaning Alviso Slough. Bring a kayak out to the upper lot’s launch ramp at the Alviso Marina and be prepared to paddle through the slough and some reeds to clean up our neighborhoods waters. Due to the reeds, this is recommended for those who have some kayaking experience. Slough Keepers will provide garbage bags and even some garbage barges. To sign up, contact Eric Norris at [email protected] and visit www.sloughkeepers.org for more information. Space is limited to 25 kayakers.

Page 6 Scout and Youth Group Programs The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Brownies Journeys Girl Scouts World National Wildlife Refuge offers free hands- and Badges on, programs for youths. During the pro- Thinking Day Journeys: WOW! Watching our Water: grams participants learn about endangered Saturday, February 21 species, migratory birds, habitats, Life can’t exist without water, neither can and the relationship between personal habits rainbows! Water does so much for you! Can Environmental Education Center, Alviso and their effects on the San Francisco Bay. you return the favor? On this journey you 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. These programs are designed to meet badge/ will take action by discovering how to love Be part of the global community. patch requirements of Scout Groups, but water, save water, and share water. Badges: Each year on February 22, girls honor anyone can participate. Because of the (from WOW badge activity set): Household their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts on popularity of such programs, reservations Elf: make a natural cleaner, water log on World Thinking Day by taking time to give are required. Children under the age of 16 ways to save water, trash clean up, discover thanks for their international friendships must be accompanied by an adult. Badges natural filters. Hiker: go over trail map, and recognize that Girl Scouts of the USA are not provided. leave no trace, detective hike with birds. is part of a global community. The theme for World Thinking Day 2015 is “We can Below are the names, dates, and Juniors Journeys and Badges create peace through partnerships.” Come descriptions of the programs. Programs at Journeys: Get Moving!: Are you to the refuge for a guided discussion about the Environmental Education Center are prepared to use your energy to save the different ideas of peace and learn about sponsored by the Santa Clara Valley Urban planet? On this Journey, you’ll find out how what you can do to promote peace at home. Runoff Pollution Prevention Program and to reduce your energy use, make buildings RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. energy efficient, and create a plan to fix http://gswtd.eventbrite.com Questions? an energy problem in your community. Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext.104 (Note: Youth Group Badges (from Get Moving badge activity badges are not provided). set): Gardner: outdoor garden, native plant Programs at the garden design, seasonal plants, seeds and Environmental soil, plant own native plant to take home. Youth Group Badges (from aMUSE badge activity set): Programs at Education Center Habitats: puppet show, explore 5 different habitats, make bird house, learn the Refuge in Alviso about endangered wetlands and , The Environmental Education Center help clean up. Headquarters in offers five types of youth programs which are listed below. Email Julie at watershed- Fremont Cadet Journeys The Refuge Headquarters offer [email protected] to schedule a date, Breath (Sessions 1 & 3) Webelos programs for up to 15 Webelos. To and to customize your visit. Note: Ratio of register, call 510-792-0222 ext. 362 or at 1 adult per 5 children maximum. Space is https://donedwardswebelos.eventbrite.com. limited to 20 people, including siblings. Once Program is led by June Smith. the program is full there will be a waiting list. Webelos Naturalist Program *Webelos Naturalist Badge Attention Webelos! Earn your naturalist Anyone out there need to earn a badgein just 2.5 hours. During this hike, Naturalist badge? We’ve got the program learn about birds, flyways, food chains, and that’s right for Webelos! Learn about birds, the importance of wetlands. Bring your migration, flyways, food chains, human binoculars, or borrow one of ours. impact, and the importance of wetlands. Then take a walk and use our binocu- Sunday, December 7 lars to spot birds in the wild. 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register at http://www.donedwardswebelos. Daisies Journeys eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 Journeys: 5 flowers, 4 stories, 3 cheers ext . 362 for animals (Sessions 1-6) Between earth and sky (Sessions 1-5) Sunday, February 22 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register at http://www.donedwardswebelos. eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 362

Page 7 Thank you San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society Donors!

We gratefully acknowledge the following donors Participant Senior/Student who have made gifts to the San Francisco Bay Lavonne M Coleman, Barb Francis, Bart Anderson, Martha H Hartsog, William Wildlife Society between July 1, 2014 and Kenneth Himes, Richard Rawson, Phil Milestone, Nancy Milligan, Dick Nelson, September 30, 2014. These gifts will be used Shinn, Terry Smith & Douglas Sprague Joan M Nolen, Joanne Preston, Sandra for publishing Tideline, capital, environmental Reed, Mary Elizabeth Stone & Haven education, habitat restoration, and interpretive Thompson programs at the Don Edwards San Francisco Family Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Thomas M Blalock, Loring G Dales, P L & Helen E Fan, David Loeb, John Lukas, John & Melanie McKenna, Rita Poppenk, Howard Shellhammer, Igor & Shirley Mae Employer Matching Karedoff & Sally Lynette Smith Gift Program United Airlines Individual Tri-City Ecology Center, David Epps, Sponsor Susan Kozdon, Georgann Meadows, Julia A Marge Kolar & Laurel Przybylski Paccioretti & Marge E Wood

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.

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. 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 For credit card payment, please use PayPal at www.sfbws.com/donate. Signature______Name______Address ______City______State_____ Zip ______Phone ______Thank you for your support!

Page 8 A3 West Donation by Cargill By Jill Singleton tor ponds. It is often a used by a variety of its 30,000-acre solar salt operations in Cargill Public Affairs Manager wildlife including great and snowy egrets, the South Bay. The US Fish and Wildlife The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay great blue , double-crested cormo- Service (USFWS), however, declined to National Wildlife Refuge recently expanded rants, , , and Canada geese. accept the land due to the presence of two by 50 acres and nearly two miles of levee It is surrounded by two levees, one of abandoned fuel pipelines, owned by NASA. roads, thanks to Cargill’s donation of the A3 which is paved. The paved levee connects NASA recently removed the pipelines, free- West Channel in Sunnyvale. The 50-acre Pond A3W (transferred to the Don Edwards ing up the property for wildlife usage. donation includes the A3 West Channel and Refuge in 2003 as part of the South Bay In 2003, Cargill donated and sold a paved road on the west side of Pond A3. Salt Pond Restoration Project) and the 16,500 acres of former commercial salt “There are no other lands like this Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant, ponds and associated properties to the US anywhere along the South Bay,” said Pat and provides all-weather access to hundreds Mapelli, Cargill’s Real Property Manager. of acres of wetlands “It is unique property that will provide and salt ponds along extremely important public benefits and the South Bay. we are very pleased to place it in public Cargill originally ownership.” offered to convey The A3 West Channel measures ap- this property to the proximately 100-feet wide along its 1.5-mile US Fish and Wildlife length. The channel was built in the 1950s Service in 1999, to move salt brines between Ponds A3W when the com- and A4, former commercial salt concentra- pany re-engineered

Left: Area donated by Cargill. Above: Double- crested loafing in the A3 West Channel.

Fish and Wildlife Service and California A3W Department of Fish and Wildlife (formerly CA Department of Fish and Game). That transaction, valued at $200 million by the Internal Revenue Service, involved a $100 million sale and a $100 million donation Sunnyvale Water in land value by Cargill. It also set the stage Pollution Control Plant for the largest wetland restoration project A4 on the West Coast, the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project – a biological and engineering plan that is expected to cost more than $1 billion over the next 50 years. Since 2003, Cargill has donated two more properties of significance: Pond SF2, a 252-acre former salt concentrator pond at the southwest take-off of the Dumbarton Bridge was donated in 2007 and in 2010 Cargill donated a 2.4-mile long levee (16 acres) near Moffett Field, linking segments of the Bay Trail from Menlo Park to Alviso. Page 9 borrow. Recommended for children ages 5-10. Sunday, December 7 RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to https:// donedwardsfamilybird.eventbrite.com or call Slough Hike 510-792-0222 ext. 362. Winter Environmental Education Center, Alviso 10:00 a.m. Twilight Marsh Walk Visitor Center, Fremont Join Find Your Trail’s founder Paul Salemme on Activity 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. another hike on the Mallard Slough Trail. This flat, level, trail surrounds a former salt pond slated Experience the salt marsh at twilight on an Schedule for restoration, and the islands constructed in easy stroll along Tidelands (1.3 mile) Trail. Children under the age of 16 must be the middle of the pond attracts hundreds of wild At the setting of the sun we will observe the accompanied by an adult. birds. Don’t forget your binoculars! Register at beginning of nature’s night shift. Come discover http://donedwardsmallard.eventbrite.com or the sights, sounds, and smells of the refuge Trails are generally level. Surface and trail call 510-792-0222 ext. 362. as night descends. Not suitable for young *conditions vary. Please call for accessibility information. children. Register at http://donedwardstwilight. *The Past, Present, and Future of eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 362. the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Does the Sunday, December 14 December Past Hold Keys to the Future? * Walk Environmental Education Center, Alviso Visitor Center, Fremont Saturday, December 6 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. *Nature Walk for Health Come learn about the history of this fascinating Hundreds of thousands of ducks winter in the Visitor Center, Fremont area as we walk along the salt marsh trails. San Francisco Bay every year. Hear a short talk Hear the interesting facts about the Don 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on duck identification. Then we’ll head out on Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife the trail to try your new skills. A limited number Take a break from your busy schedule Refuge in the town of Alviso, and the old ghost of binoculars are available to borrow. Dress and refresh your spirit with nature at town on the salt marsh called “Drawbridge.” warmly. Heavy rain cancels. Led by Carmen the refuge. Take a guided nature walk We will also take in views of the surrounding Minch. on the Tidelands Trail and hear what area and abundant wildlife along the way. makes this National Wildlife Refuge Led by Pamela Delgado. Sign up at: http:// Saturday, December 20 unique. The 1.3-mile walk traverses through eecpastpresentandfuture.eventbrite.com. habitat and offers great Marshland Homes Community Service views of south San Francisco Bay. Meet in front Visitor Center, Fremont Environmental Education Center, Alviso of the Visitor Center. 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. *Bird Drawing If you are interested in improving the refuge for Environmental Education Center, Alviso Have you ever wondered where an animal visitors and for wildlife alike, join us at the Visitor lives? Or what it might live in? Come explore 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Center for a community service project. We will some different types of animal homes and do either a trash cleanup or a planting/weeding Learn how to draw birds. Increase your shelters with Intern Colter Cook. Find out project. Dress appropriately for the task and for confidence in drawing and learn some skills why so many creatures call Don Edwards SF the weather. We will have gloves to lend and will to help you draw what you see. We will have a Bay Refuge home by solving puzzles, playing provide the tools. Bring your own water bottle. variety of mounted birds available for drawing games and even making your own ! Meet in the parking lot at the Visitor Center. and for observing bird . We will practice All ages are welcome. Register at http:// Driving an additional 2.5 miles may be required techniques for making life-like bird drawings and eecmarshlandhomes.eventbrite.com. since the project may be at a different location. for getting the proportions right. Appropriate for For more information, or to make reservations, ages 8 to adult. Children, please bring an adult Saturday, December 13 call 510-792-0222 ext. 361. with you who would like to participate. Adults without children are also welcome. Bring a Exploring the Dunes sketch pad and pencil or use ours. All skill levels Antioch Dunes NWR, Antioch Sunday, December 21 welcome. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. *Salt Marsh Walk – Special King http://eecbirdd.eventbrite.com Questions? Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext.104. Here’s your chance to explore a refuge that is Tide Edition usually closed to the public. This guided tour (1- The Basics of Salt Pond Restoration Visitor Center, Fremont 1.5 mile) will focus on the wonders of Antioch 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Environmental Education Center, Alviso Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. Wear sturdy 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. shoes for the sandy hike along the dunes. All On this date, the salt marsh will be inundated ages welcome. No reservations required. No by king tides and it will be a site to behold. Take Learn about the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration facilities. Contact 707-769-4200 for additional a walk with docent Gregg Aronson around the Project with Park Ranger Jose Garcia at Don information and directions. wetlands of the wildlife refuge and learn about Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife their history. See examples of salt collection Refuge. This ambitious project seeks to restore *Family Bird Walk ponds and learn what is being done to convert 15,100 acres of former industrial salt ponds to Visitor Center, Fremont them back to their original, natural salt marsh wildlife habitat. This illustrated and interactive 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. state. Hear how wildlife is affected by the two talk will be in the Environmental Education types of habitat and why it is important to Centers auditorium and if weather permits, a Let family walks become a shared time of nature control the rate of conversion from salt ponds walk on the 0.25-mile boardwalk trail and view learning. We’ll begin by helping kids create their back to the salt marshes. Binoculars and/ the progress thus far. For any questions please personal bird watching field guides, and then or a camera are recommended. Go to http:// contact Jose at 510-792-0222 ext. 141. head out onto the trails to find those birds. A donedwardsmarsh.eventbrite.com or call 510- limited number of binoculars are available to 792-0222 ext. 362. Page 10 Saturday, December 27 Exploring the Dunes Saturday, January 17 Antioch Dunes NWR, Antioch Photographing Salt Ponds 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. *Family Bird Walk Environmental Education Center, Alviso Here’s your chance to explore a refuge that is Visitor Center, Fremont 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. usually closed to the public. This guided tour (1- 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Find the magnificence in mud cracks, beauty 1.5 mile) will focus on the wonders of Antioch Let family walks become a shared time of nature in salt crystals, and of course birds! Join an Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. Wear sturdy learning. We’ll begin by helping kids create their interpretive walk to photograph the wildlife and shoes for the sandy hike along the dunes. All personal bird watching field guides, and then wetlands in the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration ages welcome. No reservations required. No head out onto the trails to find those birds. A Project. Learn and be a part of the history facilities. Contact 707-769-4200 for additional limited number of binoculars are available to of wetland restoration. Seeing the area in a information and directions. borrow. Recommended for children ages 5-10. different way will increase your appreciation for Salt Pond Perspectives RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to https:// its beauty, function, and role in the environment. Environmental Education Center, Alviso donedwardsfamilybird.eventbrite.com or call Digital or film welcome. Led by Park Ranger 510-792-0222 ext. 362. Joseph Garcia. Call 510 792-0222 ext. 141 for 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. reservations. Get the latest perspective on the Salt Ponds Sunday, January 18 5 Tools You Can Use to Find the and the exciting restoration process. Get a handle on the habitats protected by restored *Salt Marsh Walk – Special King Elusive Gray wetlands which serve both animals and Tide Edition Visitor Center, Fremont humans. Presented by docents from Santa Visitor Center, Fremont Clara University. Call 510 792-0222 ext. 141 for 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. more information. Do you sometimes see paw prints in mud or On this date, the salt marsh will be inundated scat (poop) on the trails and assume that a Twilight Marsh Walk by king tides and it will be a site to behold. Take dog left it? It could be from something else. Visitor Center, Fremont a walk with docent Gregg Aronson around the Come along with me and I will show you how to 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. wetlands of the wildlife refuge and learn about distinguish and identify the markings of a gray Experience the salt marsh at twilight on an their history. See examples of salt collection fox. Gain some insights into the fox’s nature and ponds and learn what is being done to convert their behavior during the walk. By the time we easy stroll along Tidelands (1.3 miles) Trail. At the setting of the sun we will observe the them back to their original, natural salt marsh are through, you will have a set of “tools” you state. Hear how wildlife is affected by the two can use to identify the presence of in any beginning of nature’s night shift. Come discover the sights, sounds, and smells of the refuge types of habitat and why it is important to area that you are in. Bring a hat, binoculars, and control the rate of conversion from salt ponds good walking shoes. as night descends. Not suitable for young children. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to back to the salt marshes. Binoculars and/ https://donedwardstwilight.eventbrite.com or or a camera are recommended. Go to http:// call 510-792-0222 ext 362. Led by Mary and donedwardsmarsh.eventbrite.com or call 510- January Gene Bobik. 792-0222 ext. 362. Saturday, January 24 Saturday, January 3 Sunday, January 11 *Bird Watching for Beginners Community Service *Nature Walk for Health Visitor Center, Fremont Visitor Center, Fremont Visitor Center, Fremont 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Thousands of birds winter on the Don Edwards If you are interested in improving the refuge for Take a break from your busy schedule visitors and for wildlife alike, join us at the Visitor and refresh your spirit with nature at Refuge every year. In this beginner’s program, we will go over the use of binoculars, how to use Center for a community service project. We will the refuge. Take a guided nature walk do either a trash cleanup or a planting/weeding on the Tidelands Trail and hear what a bird guide, and identify the birds we see on the trail. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Dress project. Dress appropriately for the task and for makes this National Wildlife Refuge the weather. We will have gloves to lend and will unique. The 1.3-mile walk traverses through for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Heavy rain cancels. Led by Carmen Minch. provide the tools. Bring your own water bottle. endangered species habitat and offers great Meet in the parking lot at the Visitor Center. views of south San Francisco Bay. Meet in front *Tiny Drifters Driving an additional 2.5 miles may be required of the Visitor Center. Environmental Education Center, Alviso since the project may be at a different location. 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. For more information, or to make reservations, Saturday, January 10 call 510-792-0222 ext. 361. There’s plankton in our Bay! Learn about the *Marshlands of Dreams different characteristics of plankton and how Story Hunters Visitor Center, Fremont they have adapted to survive. We will become Visitor Center, Fremont 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. planktologists for a day, collect water samples 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and identify these incredible organisms under a Join Paul Mueller on a 1-mile walk of the microscope! All ages are welcome. Register at Discover what stories lie hidden on the Don LaRiviere Marsh Trail to find traces of the past. http://eectinydrifters.eventbrite.com. Edwards Refuge in this program by Art Garibaldi. Prior to marsh restoration, learn how Californians After a brief introduction on how to use our GPS utilized the area for farming, quarrying, salt units, we’ll give you a set of coordinates that production, and transportation. will lead you to the landmarks that embody the rich human history that helped shaped refuge lands. GPS units are available for loan. Register at http://donedwardsstory.eventbrite.com.

Page 11 Saturday, January 31 Geology Walk of the Don Edwards Refuge 5 Tools You Can Use to Find the Visitor Center, Fremont Winter Elusive Gray Fox 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Visitor Center, Fremont Ever wonder what the dirt on the trail is made Activity 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. of, what the rocks are by the shore, and how Do you sometimes see paw prints in mud or wetlands are created? Join Jose Garcia at the scat (poop) on the trails and assume that a refuge as he deconstructs the area around Schedule dog left it? It could be from something else. you and explains how geology influences the Children under the age of 16 must be Come along with me and I will show you how to landscape. Discover how knowledge of geology accompanied by an adult. distinguish and identify the markings of a gray helps rebuild wildlife habitat and provides flood protection for us all. Cameras welcome. Trail is Trails are generally level. Surface and trail fox. Gain some insights into the fox’s nature and *conditions vary. Please call for accessibility their behavior during the walk. By the time we 1.3 miles and family friendly. Call 510-792-0222 information. are through, you will have a set of “tools” you ext. 141 for more information. can use to identify the presence of foxes in Jr. Refuge Ranger Program any area that you are in. Bring a hat, binoculars, Environmental Education Center, Alviso Saturday, January 24 and good walking shoes. Jr. Refuge Manager Program 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Night Sky Party! Visitor Center, Fremont Become a Jr. Refuge Ranger! Our Jr. Refuge Environmental Education Center, Alviso Ranger program is an introduction to the Don 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge from Become an honorary Jr. Refuge Manager by its wildlife to its plants. You’ll taste pickleweed Meet the stars of winter! Join our amateur completing activities on the refuge. We will guide which you learn about endangered species. astronomers as we learn about constellations. you in some of the activities that will help you Jr. Refuge Rangers will participate in several Make a star chart and then venture outside earn the Refuge Manager Badge. The rest of the fun hands-on activities in order to earn their to view the night sky through a telescope. activities can be completed on your own. Those badge at the end of the program. Dress in Afterwards, warm up with some hot chocolate. who complete the activities in the booklet for layers- we’ll be going on a nature walk with Bring your own binoculars or spotting scopes your age group will receive a Jr. Refuge Manager volunteer Lynnea Shuck. Best suited for ages if you have them. Dress warmly, as it gets button. Register at http://donedwardsjrmanger. 8-11. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to http:// cold in the evening. Fun for the whole family! eventbrite.com. More information about the Jr. jrrangerwinter.eventbrite.com Questions? Julie: Program will go on sprinkling rain or shine. Refuge Manager program in Fremont can be 408-262-5513 ext.104. Program will be canceled only if it is pouring found at http://go.usa.gov/khTh rain. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Reserve by Twilight Marsh Walk January 21st. Go to: http://nightsky.eventbrite. Visitor Center, Fremont com Questions? Call Julie at 408-262-5513 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ext.104. February Experience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy stroll along Tidelands (1.3 mile) Trail. Sunday, January 25 Sunday, February 1 At the setting of the sun we will observe the The Science of Seasons – Help beginning of nature’s night shift. Come discover *Ohlone in the Marshes the sights, sounds, and smells of the refuge as Document Climate Change! Environmental Education Center, Alviso night descends. Not suitable for young children. Visitor Center, Fremont 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Go to https:// 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. People have been living in the San Francisco donedwardstwilight.eventbrite.com or call 510- 792-0222 ext 362. Led by Mary and Gene Bobik. Become part of the scientific community and Bay Area for 10,000 years. How did they help scientists gather data on how the climate is survive without stores? Come learn about the changing. A presentation will be given about the Ohlone Native Americans and how they lived Sunday, February 8 importance of gathering data, how plants can be off of the land. Take a walk through the marsh, *Duck Walk an indicator of climate change, and how to take and go shopping in the Ohlone grocery store. measurements of Don Edwards Refuge plants Taste an Ohlone pickle and learn how to make Visitor Center, Fremont to be uploaded onto the Nature’s Notebook rope. Best suited for ages 9 and up. Register at 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. website. Over time, the information you provide http://eectulerope.eventbrite.com. Hundreds of thousands of ducks winter in the can be used by refuge managers to manage San Francisco Bay every year. Hear a short talk land more effectively. To register for this free Saturday, February 7 on duck identification. Then we’ll head out on workshop, go to https://donedwardsphenology. the trail to try your new skills. A limited number eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 362. *Nature Walk for Health of binoculars are available to borrow. Dress Led by Carmen Minch. Visitor Center, Fremont warmly. Heavy rain cancels. Led by Carmen 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Minch. Take a break from your busy schedule and refresh your spirit with nature at the refuge. Take a guided nature walk on the Tidelands Trail and hear what makes this National Wildlife Refuge unique. The 1.3-mile walk traverses through endangered species habitat and offers great views of south San Francisco Bay. Meet in front of the Visitor Center.

Page 12 *Water is Wonderful Saturday, February 21 Girl Scouts World Thinking Day Environmental Education Center, Alviso Environmental Education Center, Alviso 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Community Service 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Seventy-one percent of the Earth is covered in Visitor Center, Fremont Be part of the global community. Each year on water, yet California is having a water shortage. 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The average American uses about 100 gallons February 22, girls honor their sister Girl Guides of fresh water every day. Learn about simple If you are interested in improving the refuge for and Girl Scouts on World Thinking Day by things you can do to conserve water. Test the visitors and for wildlife alike, join us at the Visitor taking time to give thanks for their international water quality of wetlands habitats. You’ll be Center for a community service project. We will friendships and recognize that Girl Scouts of the able to put your math and chemistry skills to do either a trash cleanup or a planting/weeding USA is part of a global community. The theme use as you calculate your daily water usage, project. Dress appropriately for the task and for for World Thinking Day 2015 is “We can create conduct simple monitoring tests, and learn the weather. We will have gloves to lend and will peace through partnerships.” Come to the how to protect and keep your local watershed provide the tools. Bring your own water bottle. refuge for a guided discussion about different clean. Register at http://eecwateriswonderful. Meet in the parking lot at the Visitor Center. ideas of peace and learn about what you can eventbrite.com. Driving an additional 2.5 miles may be required do to promote peace at home. RESERVATIONS since the project may be at a different location. REQUIRED. Go to http://gswtd.eventbrite.com Friday, February 13 For more information, or to make reservations, Questions? Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext.104 (Note: badges are not provided). Litterati Art Exhibit call 510-792-0222 ext. 361. Opening Reception Habitat Under Construction in Saturday, February 28 Bayfront Park Environmental Education Center, Alviso Team Citizen Scientists! – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Bedwell Bayfront Park, Menlo Park 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Community Service Trash is everywhere. Soda cans, plastic bags, Environmental Education Center, Alviso and cigarette butts litter the environment, choke The Salt Pond Restoration Project is entering wildlife, and threaten our planet. By combining Phase 2 of the management plan. Take a nature 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. technology, social awareness and art, the trail walk with Park Ranger Jose Garcia, and Become a citizen scientist! Are you interested Litterati is tackling this ever-escalating problem enjoy the abundant wildlife. Come see and in plants? Come help with native plant one piece of litter at a time. Come find out be a part of the exciting transition. Cameras monitoring and habitat restoration. Bring your how you can play your part. RESERVATIONS welcome. Location: Bayfront Expy and Marsh own gloves or borrow a pair of ours – tools REQUIRED. Go to: http://litteratieec.eventbrite. Rd in Menlo Park, CA 94025. An adult must are provided. Dress in layers and bring water com. Questions? Call Julie at 408-262-5513 accompany children. Call 510-792-0222 and sunscreen. Be prepared to get dirty! Ages ext.104. ext. 141 for more information. 9 and up. Participants 18 and under must be Drawbridge Van Tour: accompanied by a chaperone. Call Julie for Saturday, February 14 reservations at 408-262-5513 ext.104. A History Revealed Exploring the Dunes Jr. Refuge Manager Program Environmental Education Center, Alviso Antioch Dunes NWR, Antioch Visitor Center, Fremont 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. An abandoned town in the San Francisco Here’s your chance to explore a refuge that is Become an honorary Jr. Refuge Manager by Bay? That’s right! Nestled on an island in the usually closed to the public. This guided tour (1- completing activities on the refuge. We will guide 1.5 mile) will focus on the wonders of Antioch salt marshes of South San Francisco Bay, the you in some of the activities that will help you Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. Wear sturdy town of Drawbridge once boomed. Was it a earn the Refuge Manager Badge. The rest of the shoes for the sandy hike along the dunes. All quiet, peaceful town full of nature lovers, or activities can be completed on your own. Those ages welcome. No reservations required. No people scrabbling out a living? How long did facilities. Contact 707-769-4200 for additional who complete the activities in the booklet for information and directions. it exist? Find out at this program, led by Ceal your age group will receive a Jr. Refuge Manager Craig. We’ll start with a slideshow, and then button. Register at http://donedwardsjrmanger. Story Hunters take a short van excursion to view Drawbridge eventbrite.com. More information about the Jr. Visitor Center, Fremont across Coyote Creek. Program will be of most Refuge Manager program in Fremont can be 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. interest to adults interested in history or nature; found at http://go.usa.gov/khTh Discover what stories lie hidden on the Don children 13 and over with an adult are welcome. 5 Tools You Can Use to Find the Edwards Refuge in this program by Art Garibaldi. Space is very limited. Van tour is subject to Elusive Gray Fox After a brief introduction on how to use our GPS cancellation if conditions are too wet to drive Visitor Center, Fremont units, we’ll give you a set of coordinates that on the levees. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. will lead you to the landmarks that embody the Go to http://drawbridgewinter.eventbrite.com rich human history that helped shaped refuge Questions? Call Julie at 408-262-5513 ext.104. Do you sometimes see paw prints in mud or lands. GPS units are available for loan. Register scat (poop) on the trails and assume that a at http://donedwardsstory.eventbrite.com *Family Bird Walk dog left it? It could be from something else. Visitor Center, Fremont Come along with me and I will show you how to 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. distinguish and identify the markings of a gray fox. Gain some insights into the fox’s nature and Let family walks become a shared time of nature their behavior during the walk. By the time we learning. We’ll begin by helping kids create their are through, you will have a set of “tools” you personal bird watching field guides, and then can use to identify the presence of foxes in head out onto the trails to find those birds. A any area that you are in. Bring a hat, binoculars, limited number of binoculars are available to and good walking shoes. borrow. Recommended for children ages 5-10. Register at https://donedwardsfamilybird. eventbrite.com or call 510-792-0222 ext. 362.

Page 13 Field Trips to the Refuge Wetland Round-Up General Education Field Trip Workshops Program Information New Teachers that have not yet attended a field trip orientation We offer FREE field trip programs at two sites at the Don must attend a training. The workshops are offered from 4 pm – Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Wetland 6:45 pm on weekdays in the spring. Round-Up field trip programs are offered at our Headquarters in We highly recommend that returning teachers accompany Fremont, and Wetland Round-Up and Living Wetlands are offered Parent Leaders and Chaperones to a workshop prior to your field at the Environmental Education Center in Alviso. These programs trip. The workshops are offered from 4 pm – 6 pm on weekdays in actively involve teachers, adult volunteers, and students in investi- the spring. gating the diverse habitats and wildlife at the Refuge. The hands- The workshop dates will be announced on-line with the Field on, small-group activities are designed to teach basic ecological Trip Registration information (see above). concepts and to introduce endangered species, migratory birds, and For more information call the Environmental Education Staff wetland habitats to the students. All programs have been correlated at Alviso: to the appropriate State of California Education Standards. Office: 408-262-5513 ext 100 Educators and adult leaders conduct their own field trips after Email: [email protected] attending a Field Trip Workshop. The workshops allow you to de- sign and conduct your own field trip. In addition, adult volunteers Living Wetlands Program must be recruited to lead the activities at the different learning sta- Living Wetlands provides a first-hand learning environment for tions and to chaperone the rotation groups of students. We students and educators to explore the topics of watershed health, provide easy to follow “scripts” for each station, wetlands, and habitat preservation. Activities and presentations but both “leaders” and “chaper- focus on the relationship between personal habits and their effects ones” are strongly encouraged to on their local wetlands. Living Wetlands is an environmental educa- attend a Field Trip Workshop. tion program offered at no cost through the cooperative efforts of New teachers must attend a Field the City of San Jose, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the San Trip Workshop. Location of activi- Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. ties and trail conditions may vary. Educators are encouraged to contact us to discuss options for Please call for accessibility information. customizing field trips and classroom presentations. Reservations for the Living Wetlands program are on a first-come basis. For more information, or to make a reservation, call the Aja, Yee, the Living Field Trips at Learning Wetlands Program Coordinator at 408-262-5513 ext. 102 or email Center in Fremont [email protected]. Wetland Round-Up Field Trips– Details about scheduling a Program Offerings: SPRING 2015 field trip will be posted on our website on Monday, 5th – 12th grades: Integrated Field Trip Program – This November 17, 2014. http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Don_Edwards_ program incorporates multiple activities related to wetlands and San_Francisco_Bay/Field_trip_Programs.html watershed health. Participating classes will receive one pre-classroom Contact the Environmental Education Staff at Fremont: presentation from Living Wetlands educators, a field trip to the Don Office: (510) 792-0222 x 475 Edwards Refuge, and one post-classroom presentation all including Cell: (510) 377-7269 hands-on activities and demonstrations. For the Integrated Program, E-mail: [email protected] participating classes must be from the following cities: San Jose, Alviso, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, Field Trips at the Campbell, and Cupertino. There is a limitation to 60 students per field trip, and a 1:10 chaperone to student ratio is required. Environmental Education 5th – 12th grades: Classroom Presentations – Presentations include an in-depth look at the habitats of the south bay along with Center in Alviso the pathways of indoor and outdoor water use. Students will have Wetland Round-Up Field Trips- Details about scheduling a a better understanding of the role they play in the health of their SPRING 2015 field trip will be posted on our website on Monday, watershed and what personal actions they can take to help. The November 17, 2014. http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Don_Edwards_ presentation takes approximately one hour. Please contact us for San_Francisco_Bay/Field_trip_Programs.html specific classroom presentation needs. Other Schools, Colleges, Universities, and related organiza- tions: - Field Trip and Guided Tours – General presentations and guided tours are available, and generally last 1.5 hrs. in length. 14 Application for 2014-2015 Transportation Funds The Yellow School Bus Field Trip National Wildlife Refuge Environmental PLEASE NOTE: If your school is in Transportation Fund was started with fund- Education Center in Alviso and the Newark need of transportation to a field trip you ing from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Slough Learning Center in Fremont. will need to reserve a field trip date first and Connecting People with Nature Program. The San Francisco Bay Wildlife then fill out a Bus Fund Form. Please follow The San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society Society will pay up to $700 for transporta- has provided additional funding for the tion for a field trip. If you are awarded these steps and we will contact you as soon 2014-2015 school year. The program will be funding for a bus you will be expected to as possible with a response. administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife hire the bus and mail a copy of the invoice Please refer to our website for more Service and San Francisco Bay Wildlife to the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. information: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ Society Staff. Once they receive the invoice they will don_edwards_san_francisco_bay/for_educa- The fund was created to help Title 1 send the check for up to $700 either to the tors/yellow_bus_fund.html schools and schools with other financial bus vendor directly (school district or local hardships to access the Wetland Round-Up vendor) or to the school/school district for You may also contact Genie Moore at and Living Wetlands Field Trip Programs the reimbursement, whichever method is 408-262-5513 ext 100 or at at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay preferred by the school. [email protected].

Internships available: The Living Wetlands and Watershed Watchers programs are offering internships starting January 2015. To inquire, please email [email protected] or [email protected]

TIDELINE Project Leader:...... Anne Morkill Board of Directors Don Edwards Wildlife Specialist:...... Melisa Amato President:...... Ceal Craig Don Edwards Warm Springs Unit Manager:..Ivette Loredo Published quarterly by San Francisco Bay Vice President:...... Terry Smith Farallon Refuge Manager:...... Gerry McChesney National Wildlife Refuge Complex, with Treasurer: ...... David Holden Farallon Wildlife Specialist:...... Jonathon Shore funding from San Francisco Bay Wildlife Secretary:...... Cheryl Davis Society. North Bay Refuges Manager:...... Don Brubaker North Bay Wildlife Specialist:...... Louis Terrazas Directors:...... John Bradley, David Holden, Volume 37, Number 4 South Bay Refuges Manager:...... Diane Kodama Christopher Kitting, Karen Natoli-Maxwell, Sue Ten Eyck, David Riensche, and Varon Smith Editor:...... Carmen Minch Public Affairs Officer:...... Doug Cordell Refuge Planner:...... Winnie Chan Staff To receive Tideline, email carmen_leong- Chief of Visitor Services:...... Jennifer Heroux Interpretive Specialist:...... Julie Kahrnoff [email protected], or write to: Tideline, San Park Ranger/Outdoor Recreation Planners:...... Education Specialist:...... Aja Yee Joseph Garcia and Carmen Minch Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Program Administrator:...... Sue Ten Eyck Environmental Education Specialists: ...... Complex, 1 Marshlands Rd, Fremont, CA Tia Glagolev and Genie Moore Fund Development Consultant...... James Bernard 94555 Volunteer Coordinator:...... Paul Mueller Tideline is On-Line Law Enforcement Officers:...... Jared Klein, Jesse Navarro San Francisco Bay National and Chris Wilson Visit our web sites at Wildlife Refuge Complex Biologists: ...... Joy Albertson, Christopher Caris, http://www.fws.gov/refuge/antioch_dunes Susan Euing, Allison Fuller, Meg Marriott, Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Cheryl Strong, and Rachel Tertes http://www.fws.gov/refuge/don_edwards_san_ Service, San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Administrative Staff: ...... Lucinda Ballard, Ellen Tong francisco_bay Refuge Complex exists to preserve wildlife Maintenance Staff: ...... Juan Flores, James Griffin, http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ellicott_slough Calvin Sahara, Michael Springman, and Ed Van Til habitat, protect threatened and endangered http://www.fws.gov/refuge/farallon species, protect migratory birds, and provide San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society http://www.fws.gov/refuge/marin_islands opportunities for nature study. Seven refuges A nonprofit 501(c)(3) cooperating association are managed from the headquarters in http://www.fws.gov/refuge/salinas_river established in 1987 to promote public Fremont: Antioch Dunes NWR, Don Edwards http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ san_pablo_bay awareness and appreciation of San Francisco San Francisco Bay NWR, Ellicott Slough NWR, Bay and fund education and outreach programs Follow us on Facebook: Farallon NWR, Marin Islands NWR, Salinas River at San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge San Francisco Bay NWR Complex NWR, and San Pablo Bay NWR. Complex.

Page 15 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FIRST- 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 WINTER 2014-2015 1-3 Clapper Rail Volume 37, Number 4 4 Your Neighborhood Refuge 5 7 Things 6 Teen Honored 7 Scout and Youth Programs 9 Cargill Donates Land 10-13 Winter 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 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.).