Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
This national wildlife refuge spans some 30,000 acres that are beloved by bird-watchers, who flock to see about 280 different species flying overhead and nesting each year. During the spring and fall migration seasons, there are literally millions of shorebirds and waterfowl here. The site is named for former U.S. Representative Don Edwards, a Democrat who worked to protect the wetlands in South San Francisco Bay.
There is a visitor center on site as well as an Environmental Education Center, which is meant to be a classroom and hosts school field trips and weekend interpretive programs for the public. Some of the programs include guided nature walks and tours led by naturalists and rangers, but you can also explore the refuge's trails with a map from the visitor center. If you bring your kayak or canoe, you can use one of the public launch ramps.
JUST FOR PARENTS
Waterfowl hunting is allowed at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge from mid-October until mid-January. Most of the hunting areas are accessible only by boat, and you will need a special-use permit before you start shooting. Details about hunting-accessible areas, as well as links for permits, are available at the refuge's Web site,
Check the refuge's Web site,
