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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Opportunities: Winter 2013-14 at the Environmental Education Center (Alviso, California).

If you have an interest in wildlife and their conservation, enjoy working with people, and are enthusiastic and dependable, the Environmental Education Center’s Volunteer Program is for you! As a volunteer, you’ll receive on-the- job training from staff and other volunteers in the project area you choose.

Prior to volunteering at the Environmental Education Center, you must attend a Volunteer Orientation. You can also attend the orientation just to see what opportunities there are, and if it is the right fit for you.

Upcoming Volunteer Orientations

Volunteer orientations will meet in the auditorium of the Environmental Education Center in Alviso from 11 a.m. to noon:

• Tuesday, January 7
• Saturday, January 25
• Tuesday, February 4
• Saturday, February 22

Citizen scientists at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge. Courtesy USFWS.

Does science fascinate you? Do you want to make a difference and assist scientists, land managers and policy makers in decision making? Consider becoming a citizen scientist. The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge has three projects you can get involved with, ranging from recording bird use on a re-vegetated trail, uploading photographs of King Tide events, to helping document effects of climate change. These projects are ideal for individuals who come to the refuge regularly to hike, and for families and school groups who want to make a difference and take part in the scientific process. Join in one, or all of the projects listed below. No experience necessary.

Geographic Scope of the Tidal Marsh Ecosystem Recovery Plan that addresses endangered and threatened species of tidal marshes in California from Humboldt Bay to Morro Bay. Courtesy USFWS.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed today the largest ever tidal marsh recovery effort attempted on the west coast of the United States, a plan that could cost $1.24 billion over 50 years and involve multiple federal, state and non-profit agencies.

The plan aims to restore several endangered species to a healthy enough condition that they no longer need the protection of the Endangered Species Act. These species are found predominantly in the tidal marshes running along 500 plus miles of the California coastline.

Their populations are threatened by habitat loss, population fragmentation, altered hydrology and salinity, non-native invasive species, predator attacks, disturbance, contamination, and sea level rise due to climate change.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services employees returned to work on October 17, 2013 after a statement from Sylvia Burwell, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, officially signaling the end of the United States federal government shutdown.

Now that the bill has passed the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, the President plans to sign it tonight and employees should expect to return to work in the morning. Employees should be checking the news and OPM's website for further updates.

Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Department of Interior, greeted returning employees in person.

Managers at National Wildlife Refuges across the nation spread the word on social media.

So glad to be back! Your national wildlife refuges are open again and eager to serve you. Some previously scheduled special events may have been postponed or cancelled by the shutdown. Call or check ahead: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/ -- USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System