At Environmental Volunteers, our vision is to inspire children by connecting them with the natural world so they become responsible stewards of the Earth.
As children grow in awareness of environmental concerns and solutions, they become effective advocates in their community.
For 36 years, the EV has provided hands-on natural science education to thousands of schoolchildren, in classrooms and on field trips. This year, 10,000 young students will experience the fun and excitement of exploring their natural world, under the guidance of EV volunteers.
The new EcoCenter will further strengthen Environmental Volunteers' commitment to interactive education, conservation and environmental stewardship.
An EcoCenter for the 21st Century will...
 Increase science literacy for more children
Model sustainability and emerging green building practices with hands-on learning and demonstrations
Provide more opportunities for volunteerism
Create a new community gathering place while restoring a treasured historic landmark
Complete a key juncture of the 400-mile Bay Trail encircling the San Francisco Bay
Expand programs responsive to the needs of the community and changing environment
In 2004, the City of Palo Alto offered Environmental Volunteers the opportunity to renovate and use the historic boat-shaped building located inside the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve.
The building had been commissioned by Lucie Stern, one of the premier philanthropists in Northern California, and was designed by local renowned architect Birge Clark in 1941. Formerly the Sea Scout House, the iconic building is located at a key juncture along the 400-mile, nine-county Bay Trail that circles the entire San Francisco Bay.
The building has been vacant for 15 years, subject to flooding, and is on the verge of collapse. After extensive research and a comprehensive feasibility study, Environmental Volunteers accepted the City of Palo Alto's offer of a 40-year lease at $1 per year, in exchange for restoring the structure to create a new home for the EV and a community center for environmental education.
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