Headquartered in Fremont, CA, the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is an oasis in a densely populated urban center – the San Francisco Bay. The NWR provides 30,000 acres of habitat for millions of migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway and endangered species, such as the California Clapper Rail and Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse, and recreation opportunities for people to enjoy the benefits of nature. Founded in 1974, as the first urban wildlife refuge in the U.S., it is one of six other refuges (Antioch Dunes, Ellicott Slough, Farallones, Marin Islands, and San Pablo Bay) that complete the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
On July 17, 2024, the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture (SFBJV) organized a site visit with Congressman Ro Khanna’s (CA-17) Washington D.C. and district staff at the Don Edwards NWR. After bagels and coffee, Congressional staff joined members from the Tamien Nation, San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society (Friends of the Refuge Group), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and SFBJV for a tour of the Environmental Education Center, the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project, and restored tidal marsh habitat.
The South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project is improving flood protection for Alviso, a historically excluded community, prone to flooding events, and other climate impacts. The National Wildlife Refuge’s outreach and education programs engage Alviso and other community members in conservation education and action. Summer camps at Don Edwards NWR ensure that local community members can learn about their natural resources and develop environmental leadership skills. The Tamien Nation, who have been stewarding this land since time immemorial, are critical partners for the refuge. Members of the Tamien Nation are working to achieve their vision for the future at the refuge as part of the comprehensive planning that USFWS staff are guiding.
Support Don Edwards NWR
As part of the comprehensive planning, the SF Bay Wildlife Society, Tamien Nation, and USFWS have developed a vision for a reimagined Alviso Environmental Education Center. However, due to severe budget cuts (which has caused a national funding and staffing crisis across our refuge systems) the USFWS does not have the capacity or funds to implement the new center. In fact, over the last ten years, the number of full-time Fish and Wildlife Service employees has decreased nationally by 27%, leaving refuges without capacity to fully engage with partners, complete critical maintenance, and ensure their mission – to protect habitat, wildlife, and waters.
Our refuges are critical assets to combat climate change and conserve biodiversity. They provide unique opportunities for communities to engage in conservation practices and receive the benefits of nature. You can help support the national wildlife refuge systems by volunteering your time with the SF Bay Wildlife Society, raising awareness about NWRs, and following the Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Management and National Wildlife Refuge Association campaign.