Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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Map of the DESFBNWR (2003)
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 Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Location in San Francisco Bay Area
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Location in California
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Alameda County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, California, United States |
| Nearest city | Fremont, California |
| Area | 30,000 acres (120 km2) |
| Established | 1974 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (often called DESFBANWR) is a very special place in the southern part of San Francisco Bay, California. It's a protected area for wild animals and plants. Think of it like a huge nature park just for wildlife!
The main office and a visitor center are in Fremont, right next to Coyote Hills Regional Park. You can find the visitor center on Marshlands Road. This important refuge was started in 1974.
It is one of six wildlife refuges in the whole San Francisco Bay Area. In 1995, it was given its current name to honor Congressman Don Edwards. He worked very hard to protect the sensitive wet areas, called wetlands, in the south San Francisco Bay.
Contents
What is a Wildlife Refuge?
A National Wildlife Refuge is a special area set aside by the United States government. Its main goal is to protect wild animals and their homes. These refuges help make sure that different kinds of birds, fish, and other creatures have safe places to live and raise their young.
The Don Edwards Refuge is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This group works to protect nature and wildlife across the country.
Why is This Refuge Important?
The Don Edwards Refuge protects about 30,000 acres of land and water. That's like 30,000 football fields! Much of this area is made up of wetlands. Wetlands are areas where the land is covered by water, either all the time or just part of the year.
Wetlands are super important because they:
- Provide homes for many different animals.
- Help clean the water.
- Protect the land from floods.
Many types of birds, fish, and other creatures depend on these wetlands to survive.
Animals You Might See
This refuge is a fantastic place for birdwatching. Many different kinds of birds live here, especially migratory birds. These are birds that travel long distances between their summer and winter homes.
Some birds you might spot include:
- Shorebirds: Like sandpipers and plovers, who search for food along the water's edge.
- Waterfowl: Such as ducks, geese, and swans, who love the ponds and marshes.
- Raptors: Birds of prey like hawks and falcons, who hunt in the open areas.
Besides birds, you might also see other animals like salt marsh harvest mouse and California clapper rail. These are special animals that are considered endangered, meaning they are at risk of disappearing forever. The refuge helps protect them.
Exploring the Refuge
The Don Edwards Refuge has trails where you can walk, bike, and enjoy nature. It's a great place to learn about the environment. The visitor center often has exhibits and programs that teach you about the local wildlife and the importance of protecting it.
You can also learn about the history of the area, including the salt ponds. These are large, shallow pools where salt is harvested from seawater. They also provide unique habitats for certain types of wildlife.
Gallery
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The sign at the entrance to the Refuge
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Ecotone at Don Edwards Refuge, 2005
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Freshwater slough and dry hill, summer 2005
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La Riviere Marsh
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Salt pond, with the Dumbarton Bridge in the background
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Salt pond
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View from across the salt pond
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Birds in the salt pond
Images for kids
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Near the Visitors' Center
