December


Current Events Thursday,  December 1, 2011   (1:30 pm - 3:00 pm)
Emerging Markets & Trends In Sustainable Transactions
City: Your Office
Description:  Sustainable remediation and redevelopment of contaminated property continue to be an overarching goal for public and private stakeholders working to ensure the reuse of these sites. One area gaining increased attention and interest by both the federal government and private parties is the use of brownfields and other contaminated properties for renewable energy projects, with an end goal of turning blighted sites to brightfields. Innovative financing strategies and tax incentives are proving to be valuable tools in this emerging and profitable market.

Cost: 149-299
Location: In your Conference Room or Your Office  (map)
Contact: RTM Communications, 7035490977, info*rtmcomm.com
Presented by: RTM Communications & BNA
Websiteshttp://www.rtmcomm.com/index.asp?bid=178
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Saturday,  December 3, 2011   (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
International Volunteer Day at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline (Oakland)
City: Oakland
Description:  We are saving the world today by joining others from around the globe as we give back to the Bay. Wetlands give back to the community every day by providing habitat to wildlife, natural flood control to combat sea level rise, and lovely places to enjoy nature! Volunteers will help us work towards our goal to restore 100,000 acres of sustainable Bay wetlands by planting another 25,000 native species this winter season. Other activities include mulching, watering and shoreline clean-up.

Cost: Free
Location: Directions will be provided upon registration.  (map)
Contact: Natalie LaVan, 510-452-9261 x109, bayevents*savesfbay.org
Presented by: Natalie LaVan
Websiteshttp://www.saveSFbay.org/volunteer, http://www.saveSFbay.org
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Saturday,  December 3, 2011   (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
International Volunteer Day at Bothin Marsh (Mill Valley)
City: Mill Valley
Description:  In partnership with Marin County Department of Parks and Open Space.

We are saving the world today by joining others from around the globe as we give back to the Bay. Wetlands give back to the community every day by providing habitat to wildlife, natural flood control to combat sea level rise, and lovely places to enjoy nature! Volunteers will help us work towards our goal to restore 100,000 acres of sustainable Bay wetlands by planting another 25,000 native species this winter season. Other activities include mulching, watering and shoreline clean-up.

Cost: Free
Location: In partnership with Marin County Department of Parks and Open Space, , We are saving the world today by joining others from around the globe as we give back to the Bay. Wetlands give back to the community every day by providing habitat to wildlife, natural flood control to combat sea level rise, and lovely places to enjoy nature! Volunteers will help us work towards our goal to restore 100,000 acres of sustainable Bay wetlands by planting another 25,000 native species this winter season. Other activities include mulching, watering and shoreline clean-up.  (map)
Contact: Natalie LaVan, 510-452-9261 x109, bayevents*savesfbay.org
Presented by: Natalie LaVan
Websiteshttp://www.saveSFbay.org/volunteer, http://www.saveSFbay.org
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Saturday,  December 3, 2011   (10:30 am - 11:30 am)
Marshlands of Dreams
City: Fremont
Description:  Join Paul Mueller on a 1-mile walk of the LaRiviere Marsh
Trail to find traces of the past. Prior to marsh restoration,
learn how Californians utilized the area for farming, quarrying,
salt production, and transportation. There are opportunities
for bird watching as well.

Cost: Free
Location: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge  
Contact: Bryan White, 510-792-0222 ext 363
Presented by: USFWS
Websites
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Sunday,  December 4, 2011   (10:30 am - 12:30 pm)
Intro to Nature Drawing
City: Fremont
Description:  Learn the basics of sketching nature. We will learn how to draw with negative shapes and shadows, and how to use light to add dimension. We will discuss how the changing horizon lines can offer depth. There will be opportunities to practice these techniques on the trail. Paper and pencils will be provided. Program begins in the pavilion. Bring binoculars if you have them. Call for reservations at 510-792-0222 ext. 363. Led by Travis Turner.

Cost: Free
Location: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge  
Contact: Bryan, 510-792-0222 ext 363
Presented by: USFWS
Websites
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Sunday,  December 4, 2011   (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm)
Story Hunters - Part 1
City: Fremont
Description:  Discover what stories lie hidden on the Don Edwards Refuge in this new 3-part series by Art Garibaldi. After a brief introduction on how to use our GPS units, we’ll give you a set of coordinates that will lead you to the landmarks that embodies the rich human history that helped shaped refuge lands. GPS units are available for loan. Call 510-792-0222 ext. 363 for reservations.

Cost: Free
Location: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge  
Contact: Bryan White, 510-792-0222 ext 363
Presented by: USFWS
Websites
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Tuesday,  December 6, 2011   (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
Multiple Dates: 12/13/2011
Two Session Climate Action Workshop Series
City: Berkeley
Description:  Join the Ecology Center and a small group of community members as we work to minimize our greenhouse gas emissions and maximize our sense of community.

In this two-session series, you will:

-Receive information and ideas for taking action to reduce your ecological footprint, facilitate community building, and drive political action on climate change
-Create a measurable action plan (the scope is entirely up to you!)
-Benefit from the support, wisdom, and experience of fellow participants, and the expertise of the Ecology Center
-By participating in both sessions, you'll be given free membership to the Ecology Center for a year if you have not previously been a member.

Cost: Free
Location: Ecology Center Store, 2530 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley  
Contact: Debra Berliner, 510-548-2220 ext. 240, debra*ecologycenter.org
Presented by: The Ecolog Center
Websiteshttp://www.ecologycenter.org/climatechange/
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Wednesday,  December 7, 2011   (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
Second Annual Sylvia McLaughlin Month at Save The Bay’s Native Plant Nursery (Oakland)
City: Oakland
Description:  In partnership with East Bay Regional Park District

Help celebrate one of Save The Bay’s co-founders, Sylvia McLaughlin, at our Native Plant Nursery in Oakland. We’ll be wearing her favorite color – red – and planting every plant this month in honor of her 50 years of dedication to saving San Francisco Bay. Volunteers will help us work towards our goal to restore 100,000 acres of sustainable Bay wetlands by planting another 25,000 native species this winter season. Other activities include mulching, watering and shoreline clean-up.

Cost: Free
Location: Directions will be provided upon registration.  (map)
Contact: Natalie LaVan, 510-452-9261 x109, bayevents*savesfbay.org
Presented by: Natalie LaVan
Websiteshttp://www.saveSFbay.org/volunteer, http://www.saveSFbay.org
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Current Events Thursday,  December 8, 2011   (6:15 pm - 8:45 pm)
Green@Home Do-It-Yourself Workshop - Spanish  • An Acterra Event
City: East Palo Alto City Hall
Description:  At this Green@Home DIY workshop participants will learn the following: About Acterra and it's Green@Home program; global warming and climate change issues; to connect and share personal experience and our connection with nature; build community; a hands-on activity to install various energy and water saving devices; and at the end take home for free several energy and water saving devices to start using energy and water resources wisely!energy and water saving devices to start using energy and water resources wisely!

Cost: FREE
Location: East Palo City Hall, 2415 University Ave., East Palo Alto, CA 94303  
Contact: Elizabeth Sarmiento, (650) 962-9876 Ext 354, elizabeths*acterra.org
Presented by: Elizabeth Sarmiento
Websiteshttp://www.acterra.org
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Saturday,  December 10, 2011   (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Bay of Rights Day at the Palo Alto Baylands (Palo Alto)
City: Palo Alto
Description:  In partnership with City of Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve

We the people of Save The Bay hereby decree that you have the right to flood control, healthy beaches and an abundant diversity of wildlife. We are celebrating the United Nation’s Human Rights Day by restoring the people’s right to wetlands! Volunteers are needed to help us plant, mulch and water another 25,000 native species this season while we work towards our goal to restore 100,000 acres of wetlands for a sustainable Bay ecosystem.

Cost: Free
Location: Directions will be provided upon registration.  (map)
Contact: Natalie LaVan, 510-452-9261 x109, bayevents*savesfbay.org
Presented by: Natalie LaVan
Websiteshttp://www.saveSFbay.org/volunteer, http://www.saveSFbay.org
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Saturday,  December 10, 2011   (9:00 am - 11:00 am)
Birds of Bedwell Bayfront Park
City: Menlo Park
Description:  Join Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park for close-up looks at winter birds–ducks, egrets, and more. Why do some ducks dive underwater and others don’t? Why does a flock of birds suddenly take flight? Stop by to look and learn about Menlo Park's open space park with its ducks, hawks, and small brown birds. Bring your curiosity and questions and enjoy looking at some of the birds that winter here. Experienced birders will be available to show close-up views of different birds. Bring binoculars or look through our scope. Families welcome. Meet along the entrance road. Heavy rain cancels.

Cost: Free
Location: Bedwell Bayfront Park: end of Marsh Road, at Bayfront Expressway.  (map)
Contact: Chris, 650-325-7841, friendsofbayfrontpark*gmail.com
Presented by: Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park
Websiteshttp://www.friendsofbayfrontpark.org
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Saturday,  December 10, 2011   (4:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
Twilight Marsh Walk
City: Fremont
Description:  Experience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy stroll along Tidelands (1 1/3 mile) Trail. At the setting of the sun we will observe the beginning of nature’s night shift. Come discover the sights, sounds, and smells of the refuge as night descends. Not suitable for young children. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call 510-792-0222 ext 363. Led by Mary and Gene Bobik.

Cost: Free
Location: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge  
Contact: Bryan White, 510-792-0222 ext 363
Presented by: USFWS
Websites
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Sunday,  December 11, 2011   (10:00 am - 11:30 am)
Duck Walk
City: Fremont
Description:  Thousands of ducks winter in the San Francisco Bay every
year. Hear a short lecture on duck identification. Then we’ll
head out on the trail to try your new skills. A limited number
of binoculars are available to borrow. Dress warmly. Led by
Carmen Minch.

Cost: Free
Location: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge  
Contact: Bryan White, 510-792-0222 ext 363
Presented by: USFWS
Websites
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Sunday,  December 11, 2011   (2:00 pm - 3:30 pm)
The Salt Marshes:
City: Fremont
Description:  Approximately 85% of San Francisco Bay’s wetlands have disappeared over the last 200 years due to industry and development, impacting the wildlife that lived in and around them. Some of the plants and animals have made a comeback. Learn the history of the salt marshes and the plant and animal life affected by the changes. The presentation includes a slideshow followed by an optional walk (approximately 45 minutes, weather permitting) to view a salt marsh and the remains of a salt evaporation pond. Led by Gregg Aronson. Call 510-792-0222 ext. 363 for reservations.

Cost: Free
Location: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge  
Contact: Bryan White, 510-792-0222 ext 363
Presented by: USFWS
Websites
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Tuesday,  December 13, 2011   (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Kick off Solstice Planting at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline (Oakland)
City: Oakland
Description:  In partnership with East Bay Regional Park District

Calling all hard core Baysavers! It is time to get your hands in the dirt for Save The Bay’s Annual Solstice Planting Extravaganza! We are half way to our goal of planting 25,000 native plants along the Bay shoreline and we need your help. Getting these native seedlings into their new homes by the Bay now significantly increases their chance of survival as they get to lap up those winter rains. We’re up to the challenge are you?

Cost: Free
Location: Directions will be provided upon registration.  (map)
Contact: Natalie LaVan, 510-452-9261 x109, bayevents*savesfbay.org
Presented by: Natalie LaVan
Websiteshttp://www.saveSFbay.org/volunteer, http://www.saveSFbay.org
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Tuesday,  December 13, 2011   (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
Multiple Dates: 12/06/2011
Two Session Climate Action Workshop Series
City: Berkeley
Description:  Join the Ecology Center and a small group of community members as we work to minimize our greenhouse gas emissions and maximize our sense of community.

In this two-session series, you will:

-Receive information and ideas for taking action to reduce your ecological footprint, facilitate community building, and drive political action on climate change
-Create a measurable action plan (the scope is entirely up to you!)
-Benefit from the support, wisdom, and experience of fellow participants, and the expertise of the Ecology Center
-By participating in both sessions, you'll be given free membership to the Ecology Center for a year if you have not previously been a member.

Cost: Free
Location: Ecology Center Store, 2530 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley  
Contact: Debra Berliner, 510-548-2220 ext. 240, debra*ecologycenter.org
Presented by: The Ecology Center
Websiteshttp://www.ecologycenter.org/climatechange/
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Wednesday,  December 14, 2011   (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Save The Bay’s Annual Solstice Planting at Eden Landing Ecological Reserve (Hayward/Union City)
City: Hayward/Union City
Description:  In partnership with California Department of Fish and Game

Calling all hard core Baysavers! It is time to get your hands in the dirt for Save The Bay’s Annual Solstice Planting Extravaganza! We are half way to our goal of planting 25,000 native plants along the Bay shoreline and we need your help. Getting these native seedlings into their new homes by the Bay now significantly increases their chance of survival as they get to lap up those winter rains. We’re up to the challenge are you?

Cost: Free
Location: Directions will be provided upon registration.  (map)
Contact: Natalie LaVan, 510-452-9261 x109, bayevents*savesfbay.org
Presented by: Natalie LaVan
Websiteshttp://www.saveSFbay.org/volunteer, http://www.saveSFbay.org
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Wednesday,  December 14, 2011   (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
Take a break at Save The Bay’s Native Plant Nursery (Palo Alto)
City: Palo Alto
Description:  In partnership with City of Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve

Tired of all the holiday rushing around, last-minute madness? Take a moment with Save The Bay to plant a native seedling by the peaceful shores of San Francisco Bay. We are getting grounded as work towards our goal to plant 25,000 native seedlings around the Bay this season. With your help we can surely accomplish our goal to restore 100,000 acres of wetlands for a sustainable Bay ecosystem.

Cost: Free
Location: Directions will be provided upon registration.  (map)
Contact: Natalie LaVan, 510-452-9261 x109, bayevents*savesfbay.org
Presented by: Natalie LaVan
Websiteshttp://www.saveSFbay.org/volunteer, http://www.saveSFbay.org
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Thursday,  December 15, 2011   (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Solstice Planting Call to Arms at San Francisquito Creek (Palo Alto)
City: Palo Alto
Description:  In partnership with City of Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve.

Cost: Free
Location: Directions will be provided upon registration.  (map)
Contact: Natalie LaVan, 510-452-9261 x109, bayevents*savesfbay.org
Presented by: Natalie LaVan
Websiteshttp://www.saveSFbay.org/volunteer, http://www.saveSFbay.org
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Thursday,  December 15, 2011   (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
Cocktail party SVTAGS.org 50th TV Show & fundraiser for 501c3
City: Monte Sereno, CA
Description:  Cocktail event to celebrate our 50th TV show for Silicon Valley -Technology, Art, Green & Sustainability, a fundrsier to become a 501c3 for SVTAGS.org, to do the next 50 shows and partnered educational events. At a private home in Monte Sereno, appetizers and cocktails provided, with local organic food, sampling of organic vodka and wines from one of the first organic wineries in the Bay Area Please register here: http://www.meetup.com/Tech-Art-Green-and-Sustainability/ Volunteers are needed for this event still so contact Heather Durham today if you are interested in helping 408-971-7558.

Cost: $25.00
Location: Once registration is complete on Meetup.com, the address will be given. Space is limited as it's at a private home.  
Contact: Heather Durham, 408-971-7558, info*svtags.org
Presented by: Heather Durham and Val Fulton, sponsorship partners to come!
Websiteshttp://www.meetup.com/Tech-Art-Green-and-Sustainability/, http://www.svtags.org
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Friday,  December 16, 2011   (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
The Solstice Planting Extravaganza Continues at Bothin Marsh (Mill Valley)
City: Mill Valley
Description:  In partnership with Marin County Department of Parks and Open Space.

The amount of seedlings we are planting together along the Bay shoreline is amazing! The soil is soft and the rains keep coming, so now is the perfect time to get those native seedlings in the ground. Volunteers will increase habitat for endangered species such as the salt marsh harvest mouse and the California clapper rail. Other activities include watering, mulching and shoreline clean-up.

Cost: Free
Location: Directions will be provided upon registration.  (map)
Contact: Natalie LaVan, (510) 463-6809, bayevents*savesfbay.org
Presented by: Natalie LaVan
Websiteshttp://www.saveSFbay.org/volunteer, http://www.saveSFbay.org
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Friday,  December 16, 2011   (7:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
BACE Timebank Holiday Fair
City: San Francisco
Description:  Wanna find holiday presents for friends and family without breaking the bank? Come to the Bay Area Community Exchange Timebank Holiday Fair and buy gifts with time instead. Swap time for knitted scarves, jars of salsa, recycled gifts, DIY lessons, artworks or sweet treats. Exchange goods and services for hour credits that you earn by helping others on the Timebank...and you don't have to earn before you can spend! Bring your potluck dish, homemade gifts, skillshares, classes or healing services to trade on the Timebank. We will have instructors to help you sign up as a member. Email timebankinfo@sfbace.org for details or just show up. www.bace.org

Cost: free
Location: the Happiness Institute, 1720 Market St.  
Contact: Seth Mazow, sethmazow*gmail.com
Presented by: Bay Area Community Exchange Timebank, San Francisco Free School and the Happiness Institute
Websiteshttp://www.bace.org
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Saturday,  December 17, 2011   (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Final Day of Solstice Planting at the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline (Oakland)
City: Oakland
Description:  In partnership with East Bay Regional Park District.

Don’t miss out on your last chance to plant native seedling this year!! The soil is soft and the rains keep coming so now is the perfect time to get those native seedlings in the ground. Volunteers will increase habitat for endangered species such as the salt marsh harvest mouse and the California clapper rail. Other activities include watering, mulching and shoreline clean-up.

Cost: Free
Location: Directions will be provided upon registration.  (map)
Contact: Natalie LaVan, (510) 463-6809, bayevents*savesfbay.org
Presented by: Natalie LaVan
Websiteshttp://www.saveSFbay.org/volunteer, http://www.saveSFbay.org
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Saturday,  December 17, 2011   (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Final Day of Solstice Planting at The Faber Tract (East Palo Alto)
City: East Palo Alto
Description:  In partnership with City of Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve.

Don’t miss out on your last chance to plant native seedlings in 2011!! The soil is soft and the rains keep coming so now is the perfect time to get those native seedlings in the ground. Volunteers will increase habitat for endangered species such as the salt marsh harvest mouse and the California clapper rail. Other activities include watering, mulching and shoreline clean-up.

Cost: Free
Location: Directions will be provided upon registration.  (map)
Contact: Natalie LaVan, (510) 463-6809, bayevents*savesfbay.org
Presented by: Natalie LaVan
Websiteshttp://www.saveSFbay.org/volunteer, http://www.saveSFbay.org
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Saturday,  December 17, 2011   (10:00 am - 1:00 pm)
Plant Oaks
City: Stanford
Description:  Join us to plant oaks on the "dish" hill. It's a chance to add trees along a recreational route enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Volunteers make new friends, learn about local eco-systems, enjoy the out-of-doors, exercise, and work for common good.

If you want to plant with us, we ask that you commit to at least one watering session. These take place one weekday evening per week from May through October. Only by caring for young trees until they become established do we make planting a meaningful act.

To register, email robin@ecomagic.org. I'll then provide you details about where to meet and what to bring.

Cost: free
Location: "dish" hill. map will be provided when you register.  
Contact: Robin, 650-323-7333, robin*ecomagic.org
Presented by: Magic
Websiteshttp://www.ecomagic.org
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Saturday,  December 17, 2011   (10:30 am - 12:30 pm)
Ravenswood Hike
City: Menlo Park
Description:  The 2.3-mile perimeter trail at Bedwell Bayfront Park offers great opportunities to discover winter wildlife and to discuss how future wetlands restoration will shape this piece of the Bay. Offered by the refuge and the Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park. Meet at the main parking lot bathrooms at Bedwell Bayfront Park.

Cost: Free
Location: Bedwell Bayfront Park, End of Marsh Road, at Bayfront Expressway  (map)
Contact: USFWS, 510-792-0222 x139, sfbaynwrc*fws.gov
Presented by: Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park and Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Websiteshttp://www.fws.gov/desfbay/Tideline/Dates/Dec17.htm, http://www.friendsofbayfrontpark.org/
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Saturday,  December 17, 2011   (10:30 am - 12:30 pm)
Ravenswood Walk
City: Menlo Park
Description:  The 2.3-mile perimeter trail at Bedwell Bayfront Park offers great opportunities to discover winter wildlife and to discuss how future wetlands restoration will shape this piece of the Bay. Offered by the Don Edwards SF Bay NWR and the Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park. Meet at the main parking lot bathrooms at Bedwell Bayfront Park. Call 510-792-0222 x139 for information.

Cost: Free
Location: Bayfront Park, Menlo Park, CA  
Contact: Jennifer Heroux, 510-792-0222 x139, jennifer_heroux*fws.gov
Presented by: Don Edwards SF Bay NWR, Friends of Bayfront Park
Websiteshttp://www.fws.gov/desfbay/, http://www.friendsofbayfrontpark.org/
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Saturday,  December 17, 2011   (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
Family Bird Walk
City: Fremont
Description:  Let family walks become a shared time of nature learning.
We’ll begin by helping kids create their personal bird watching
field guides, and then head out onto the trails to find
those birds. A limited number of binoculars are available to
borrow. Recommended for children ages 5-10. RESERVATIONS
REQUIRED. Call 510-792-0222 ext. 363.

Cost: Free
Location: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge  
Contact: Bryan White, 510-792-0222 ext 363
Presented by: USFWS
Websites
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Sunday,  December 18, 2011   (2:00 am - 3:00 pm)
Rise of Coyote Hills…
City: Fremont
Description:  Join Roy Sasai on a hike to learn about and view the inner core of Coyote Hills. What forces created this magnificent hill along the bay? What forces continue to move and shape the vista we see? What forces made a huge portion of Coyote Hills disappear? We will meet at the Visitor Center to begin our adventure, then hike 1.5 miles on steep terrain to view the core of Coyote Hills. This hike is recommended for the young and young at heart. Dress warmly, bring binoculars, rain gear, and camera. Reservations are not required.

Cost: Free
Location: Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge  
Contact: Bryan White, 510-792-0222 ext 363
Presented by: USFWS
Websites
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Saturday,  December 24, 2011   (10:00 am - 1:00 pm)
Plant California Native Trees & Understorey Species
City: Stanford
Description:  Join us to plant California native trees and understorey species on the "dish" hill. It's a chance to add trees and shrubs along a recreational route enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Volunteers make new friends, learn about local eco-systems, enjoy the out-of-doors, exercise, and work for common good.

If you want to plant with us, we ask that you commit to at least one watering session. These take place one weekday evening per week from May through October. Only by caring for young trees until they become established do we make planting a meaningful act.

To register, email robin@ecomagic.org. I'll then provide you details about where to meet and what to bring.

Cost: free
Location: "dish" hill. map will be provided when you register.  
Contact: Robin, 650-323-7333, robin*ecomagic.org
Presented by: Magic
Websiteshttp://www.ecomagic.org
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