Come Visit the EcoCenter
 The EcoCenter is a nature center and community resource open to the public in the Palo Alto Baylands. The historic Birge Clark-designed “paddlewheel boat” building has come back to life as the home of the Environmental Volunteers, where visitors of all ages can gather to learn about and be inspired by nature.

The EcoCenter offers free environmental education through public learning programs, events, a digital touchscreen science exhibit, Marsh Cam, green building tour, and more. Visit the EcoCenter and experience nature learning up-close and hands-on. 

EcoCenter Open Hours:
Monday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
closed: Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday


To learn more about the EcoCenter, click here.

For event details, including map and directions, click here.

Explore the 2012 Annual Report website!

Want an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at the EV? We've developed a unique and vibrant Annual Report website designed to inspire, inform, and engage. In the 2012 Annual Report, you will discover:
  • A overview of the EV’s 40 years of education excellence
  • A timeline history of the EcoCenter renovation
  • Stories of impact from our dedicated volunteers
  • Facts, graphics, financials, and more!

Click here to visit the Annual Report website. A PDF version is available for download here.

A Video Documentary of the Environmental Volunteers: Wake Up to Nature

Want to see the video from Wake Up to Nature?

Watch the EV in action through this engaging video documentary. Join a group of kids on a field trip in the Baylands, go into the classroom during an EV program, and hear from volunteers, teachers, and kids first-hand how the EV is teaching a love of science and nature.

Click here to watch the video.

Get Ready for a Summer of Fun and Nature Learning with the EV

Online registration for Summer Programs is now OPEN!

SNAKE Camp (Grades 1-5):
Camp kids will embark on fun field trips, interact with the EV's hands-on learning stations, splash in the creek, climb trees, play with friends, swim at the pool, and make lots of cool crafts. This year's themes include Field & Forest; Beach & Bay; Earthquake!; and Sun, Soil, Water & Air.

Explore! (Grades 6-8):
This year, we'll have two sessions of Eco-Adventures, and one session of Eco-Explorations, our new in-depth format. Activities may include whale watching, a wilderness survival workshop, rock climbing, a day at the beach, birdwatching, canoeing, swimming at the pool, a ropes course, kayaking and more. Session 3 will include an overnight camping trip at Big Basin State Park!

Click here or contact SummerPrograms@EVols.org for more info. Financial assistance is available.

 

Nature at Your Fingertips: Check Out the Marsh Cam!


The Environmental Volunteers installed a webcam on the upper deck of the EcoCenter, with live feed of tidal marshes in the Palo Alto Baylands. The Marsh Cam is a state-of-the-art learning tool that provides a window onto the marshland ecosystem of the San Francisco Bay.

Click here to view the Marsh Cam and learn more about the creatures, plants, and changes that make the Palo Alto Baylands a unique and dynamic ecosystem.

The Marsh Cam is supported by a Whale Tail grant from the California Coastal Commission as well as funds donated to the EcoCenter Education Fund.

Give the Gift of Nature Learning: Donate to the Environmental Volunteers

The EV's hands-on science and nature learning programs are reaching new audiences in local schools, on field trips, at our fun summer camp, and at the newly restored EcoCenter. We couldn't do it without you.

Donate now and give the gift of nature learning to the community now and for years to come. 

You can help the EV bring science and nature learning to children, families, and adults. Give today. Your support will inspire a love of science and nature in people of all ages. Thank you!


Junior Naturalist Program Brings Students into Nature

The Junior Naturalist program is an afterschool education program at the EcoCenter for students in grades 3-5th.

The next round of the Junior Naturalist will begin in May. There are still a few spots left!

To receive information about Junior Naturalist, email Education@EVols.org.

Students in the Junior Naturalist program learned about Baylands ecology, bird science, marine science, early California Indians, and much more. For more information, click here.

 

Interpretive Signs Enhance the Understanding of Flora in the Palo Alto Baylands


Twelve interpretive signs have been installed in the EcoCenter’s Native Plant Garden along the Bay Trail, thanks to a generous grant from the Garden Club of Palo Alto.

The interpretive signs contain vivid illustrations, photographs, and bilingual Spanish-English descriptions, ensuring that the landscape surrounding the EcoCenter is a beautiful, educational, and engaging space for all visitors.

For more information, click here.

"Take This Walk With Me" by Dr. Barbara Callison: A Book for Inspiring a Love of Nature in Children!


"Take This Walk with Me" by Dr. Barbara Callison is a book that encourages parents and adults to bring children on meaningful walks outdoors to inspire a love of nature in young people.

The book includes useful tips, questions, and explorations activities designed to spark a child's curiosity and help them discover the wonders of the natural world. Barbara shares wisdom from her experience as a science instructor and longtime EV. Also included is music by Susan Mulcahy.

Click here to purchase your copy through Amazon. Proceeds benefit the Environmental Volunteers!





Fun Nature Facts


Did You Know? Large schools of sardines on exhibit tend to swim against the current during the day, but turn around to conserve energy at night when not feeding. If you have any fun facts to share with the EV community, email Communications@EVols.org or post it on our Facebook page.

Photo Credits:


Summer Camp: Vandy Shrader
EcoCenter: Nicolas Prade & John Armstrong
Give the Gift of Nature Learning: Nicolas Prade
Junior Naturalist Program: Rebecca Geraldi
Interpretive Signs: Kristi Moos




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