Junior Refuge Ranger

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay 

National Wildlife Refuge

Alviso

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

This Adventure Booklet 

belongs to

Yours 

to 

Explore!
1

How to Become a Junior Refuge Ranger

Part A: All ages complete pages 2-6

Part B: Starts on page 7

 Ages 7 and under complete 2 activities

 Ages 8-10 complete 3 activities

 Ages 10 and up complete 4 activities

Part C (optional): Just for Fun activities start on page 16.

When you are finished, bring your completed activity book to the front desk. 

Program Rewards

1) Upon completion of this activity booklet, you will receive a certificate of 

completion and a Junior Refuge Ranger badge. 

2) Wildlife Collector’s Cards: For each completed activity in Part B, you will 

receive a Junior Refuge Ranger Wildlife Collector’s Card that features one 

of the animals or plants on the refuge. Complete all the activities in Part B to 

collect all of the cards (optional). 

A Junior Refuge Ranger is a person who:

• Cares about the conservation of native wildlife and its habitat. 

• Is knowledgeable about the wildlife and plants that the refuge is protecting. 

• Recognizes the importance of refuges for both wildlife and the community.

• Is environmentally conscious—does “green” things.

• Is ready to share this information with others to make a difference!

Cover photo by Moose Peterson
The Don Edwards San 

Francisco Bay National Wildlife 

Refuge protects me, Salty, the salt 

marsh harvest mouse!

Fun Fact: Created in 1972, the 

Don Edwards San Francisco 

Bay National Wildlife Refuge 

was the first urban national 

wildlife refuge ever created on 

the West Coast!

2

I think a wildlife refuge is (hint: think about the word “refuge”) _______________

_______________________________________________________________. 

A wildlife refuge is a place for protecting plants, wildlife, and 

endangered species. We’ll talk more about endangered species on the 

next page. 

Another goal of the refuge is to promote nature study and education 

for people like you! Come and attend the refuge’s free programs and 

events which are listed in the Tideline, our quarterly newsletter. 

Photo by Pelican Media
Hello! 

I am Ricky the 

Ridgway’s Rail, an 

endangered species that is 

protected by Don Edwards 

National Wildlife Refuge. 

What is an endangered species? Well, 

an endangered species is a type of plant or animal that is so 

few in number that it is in danger of becoming extinct. If no one helps 

save an endangered species, it could vanish forever. 

We need to save the habitats, or homes of native plants and animals, 

so that they do not become extinct. A refuge protects the habitats of 

native plants and animals and restores land altered by humans. 

Think about the place where 

you live. What does it look 

like? Draw a picture of your 

home, or habitat, below. 

3
The Evil Invasive Species

Once upon a time there was a healthy marsh full of native plants and animals. One day a visitor 

arrived....a plant from another land...an invasive species. The invasive species had no natural 

predators, so it began to take over, destroying Salty’s home. Nothing could stop it. Can you help?

Nice job! 

You have 

arrived at 

the plant 

nursery.

The native species are 

looking for the refuge 

nursery, which is safe 

from the invasive 

species. Be careful 

to avoid the invasive 

species on your journey. 

Now, look for these native species on 

the refuge:

1. Pickleweed

2. Alkali Heath 

When you find them, you will also find 

Salty’s home! 

Hint: The picture below shows what 

you should be looking for. 

What else can 

you do?

4

? ?

You can help save 

native species by 

volunteering at the 

refuge. You can come 

to the refuge to plant 

native species or 

to remove invasive 

species.

Start

Photo by Lynnea Shuck
 The actions of humans have altered wildlife habitat. Pollution and 

development contributed to the loss of 85% of native marsh habitat. Now it is 

your turn to help!

 In the blank space below each conservation tip, write down one idea about 

how you will conserve and preserve. 

Conserve and Preserve!

I pledge to act upon the suggestions

that I created above.

Tip 1: Start a compost bin 

in your kitchen where you 

can put leftover fruit and 

vegetables.

I will __________________to 

decrease waste.

Tip 2: Plant native plants in 

your garden to make a home for 

native animals. The refuge has 

an annual native plant sale. 

I will ____________________to 

make native species welcome.

Tip 3: Do not throw trash or pollutants 

on the sidewalk. When these items are 

washed down the storm drain, they flow 

directly into the bay. This harms marine 

life, not to mention that we eat the fish 

that are eating our pollutants! Gross!

I will__________________to 

keep bay water clean.

Fun Fact: American 

Avocets are usually 

found in the salt 

pond, slough, and salt 

marsh. You can see 

their beautiful mating 

plumage (feathers) in 

spring and summer. 

X

Sign here

5

Photo by Bill Purcell
Plant Spotlight: Pickleweed

Hello again! 

I’m Salty, the salt marsh harvest mouse. I 

live in the salt marsh. My favorite place to hang out is in a plant 

called pickleweed. In fact, I’m surrounded by it now! Can you 

see the pickleweed? 

Color the pickleweed!

6

Pickleweed 

is my source of food, and I have 

to say, it is quite tasty. I spend almost all of 

my time among the pickleweed in the salt marsh, 

including sleeping! 

Photo by Pelican Media
Attend a program to learn more about my home!

Date of program: ____/____/____

Signature of program leader:

Name of the program that I attended:

One cool thing that I learned at the program:

From wetland walks to 

animal talks, the Refuge 

offers all kinds of fun 

programs. Want to 

learn more about where 

and when they are? 

Check our quarterly 

Tideline newsletter or 

ask the front desk. 

Fun Fact: There are over 560 

wildlife refuges spread across 

the entire United States! 

Note: Part B (Activites 1-7) starts here

 Ages 7 and under complete 2 activities in this section.

 Ages 8-10 complete 3 activities in this section 

 Ages 10 and up complete 4 activities in this section 

7

Photo by Pelican Media
Taking a walk is a great way to see the plants and animals that live on the 

refuge. There are lots of short trails nearby for you to try. 

1) Choose a trail from the maps at the back of this booklet. We suggest the 

New Chicago Marsh trail for young explorers.

2) You can check out binoculars and a bird list from the front desk before 

departing on your hike. Be sure to bring water!

Draw a picture of your 

favorite scene/view 

from your hike.

8

Name of trail: _________________

Date: ___/___/_____

Photo by Hal Geren
Habitat Mix and Match!

Draw lines to match each animal or 

plant below to its habitat. A clue is given 

next to each plant or animal. If you need 

help, a summary of the habitats can be 

found at the back of this booklet. 

A. Salt Marsh

B. Salt Pond 

C. Upland

D. Mudflats

E. Slough

1. Pickleweed—Salty’s habitat!

2. Jackrabbit—likes it high and 

dry!

3. Microscopic animals—like it 

damp and moist

4. Brine shrimp—like super 

salty water!

5. Challenge question: Blackcrowned Night-Heron

For this activity, you need to visit three 

different habitats at the refuge. Be sure to 

stop by and visit my habitat, the salt marsh! 

9
Over 280 species of birds visit our refuge each year. The refuge is located 

on the Pacific Flyway, which is a migration route. You can think of the 

Pacific Flyway as a highway for birds. 

The refuge acts as a rest stop for birds, where they can recharge on the 

way to and from South America and Alaska. 

If the refuge didn’t exist, the birds wouldn’t have a place to refill on food 

and water or to rest. It would be like taking a weeklong road trip without stopping for a break. This 

would make the trip impossible. So you can 

see, the refuge is essential for the survival 

of many migrating birds.

Count your birds here:

zzzzzzzz...Salty has 

fallen asleep. Nice job!

Parents: The next page 

provides information 

about some of the birds 

that are often seen at the 

refuge. Bird species and 

their appearances vary by 

season. The front desk can 

tell you which birds you 

will most likely see and 

can help you identify the 

birds you saw during the 

activity. Be sure to take 

note of its shape, habitat, 

and coloring. 

Help Salty fall asleep! Instead of counting sheep, 

Salty is counting birds. Can you help him? Pick a 

spot and stand there for 5 minutes and count all 

the birds you see. We suggest the back porch of 

the education center. Don’t forget to take 

binoculars! 1bird...2 birds...3 birds...

Part I: 

10
The Birds

Northern Shoveler

Ruddy Duck

Turkey Vulture

Great Blue 

Heron

American 

Avocet

Great 

Egret

Snowy Egret

Black-necked 

Stilt

I can be seen in the salt marsh, salt pond, and slough. Look for 

the male’s brown side: This will help you tell me apart from a 

Mallard. 

 I spend most of my time in the salt pond and 

slough. During mating season, my bill turns 

from grey to blue. Look for my white cheeks!

My red head and curved beak 

make me distinctive. I am 

usually seen soaring in the air 

looking for dead animals to eat. 

My wings form a shallow “V.” 

Other Birds to Look For:

Basic Bird Identification Activity: Choose one bird that you saw today.

Draw the shape of the bird in the box below.

2) Which habitat did you see it in? _____________________

Hint: You can review habitats in Activity 3. 

3) Coloring: What is the color of its beak?________

 Its legs?______

4)Any distinctive patterns or colors?_________________

5) Look at the pictures and descriptions above and see if your bird is a 

match. If not, the front desk can help you identify your bird based on 

the information you filled out above. 

Is the bird chunky/slim? 

Is its tail short/long?

Is its beak short/long?

Is its beak flat and dull/pointy 

and sharp?

Fun fact: Ducks usually have flat, 

rounded beaks and spend their 

time in the water, like the Ruddy 

duck at the top of this page. 

11

Part II: 

Photos by Jennifer Fraga, Lee Karney, Bill Purcell, Larry Wade
The uplands habitat is the higher and drier area that is directly around the visitor 

center. Walk slowly on an uplands trail such as the Marsh View Trail. Look all around 

and up and down! Record the animals and plants you see on the lines below. Then draw 

a line to the box on the right column that describes the animal or plant. You’ll be looking 

for butterflies, lizards, rabbits, and much more! 

Example: Turkey Vulture

1)__________________

2)__________________

3)__________________

4)__________________

5)__________________

6)__________________

Flying (birds, butterflies,)

Crawling (bugs and lizards)

Stationary (plants)

Hopping (jackrabbits)

Other (specify to the right of the blank)

The jackrabbit needs to 

get back to his habitat, 

the uplands. Can you 

help? 

Uplands

12

Photo by Jennifer Fraga
In 1926 Drawbridge was a bustling town in 

the southeast corner of the bay. Today, it is empty. 

What happened?

Three reasons why 

water is important: 

Water Troubles

1. 

2. 

3. 

 

There used to be lots of 

fresh water stored underground—below 

Drawbridge—in places called aquifers. People 

used this water and stored it in a water tower. 

Do you see the water tower in the picture? 

Hint: There is an arrow pointing to it.

13

Activity 6: Water and Drawbridge, the Refuge’s Ghost Town

Photo by Jennifer Fraga
Parents: How can I see Alviso’s Drawbridge?

Today, there is no public access to Drawbridge, however, families can safely view the ghost 

town from the end of the Drawbridge spur of the Mallard Slough Trail (4.5 miles round trip.)

It ’s sinking! That porch 

is way below the ground!

But the 

residents and nearby farms 

took so much water out of the aquifer, that 

soon the ground began to sink! Do you notice 

anything odd about the house below? 

How many water 

droplets do you see in 

this activity? _______

Before long, the freshwater 

began to run out! People could no longer live 

in Drawbridge since there was no water, and a 

ghost town was born. 

Water is essential for plants, animals, and humans. We only have 

a limited supply of freshwater, so we have to use it wisely! Tell us 

what you will do to save water by completing the pledge below. 

I will

to conserve water

X

14

Photo by Jennifer Fraga
Nature has inspired many famous artists and writers, including John Muir and 

Jack London. Now it’s your turn to create! Either write a poem/story or draw a picture 

inspired by the refuge. 

15

Activity 7: Nature Art

Photo by Jennifer Fraga
Talk to someone who works or volunteers at the refuge and ask him or her the 

following questions: 

1. What do you do for the refuge?

2. What do you like best about working at the refuge?

The Experience

The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a special place for 

plants, wildlife, and the community. We hope that it has become a special place for you too!

The most interesting 

thing I learned: The best part of my visit:

16

Interview a Ranger

Just for Fun! 

See the refuge by bike! Check the 

Tideline for docent-led bicycle tours 

of the refuge. 
Wildlife Spotlight!

Have you seen a small bird with a forked tail, orange/red 

throat, a pale underside, and dark blue feathers ? You have 

spotted a Barn Swallow!

These graceful birds enjoy nesting under cliff ledges and 

under the eaves of buildings. You may even be able to spot a 

nest here at the refuge! 

Did you know...

The oldest Barn Swallow 

lived to be 8 years old!

17
1. Uplands—The uplands are areas that are higher and drier than the rest of the 

habitats. That is, the uplands are at a higher elevation and therefore are drier in 

nature. Here you will see California poppies, jackrabbits, butterflies, lizards and 

foxes!

2. Slough—Sloughs are water channels that connect inland water to the ocean. 

Here you might see birds such as coots, black-crowned night herons (at dusk) 

and ruddy ducks. 

3. Mudflat—Mudflats are full of life—microscopic animals! There can be 40,000 

microscopic organisms in just one handful of mud. Zooplankton, diatoms, 

bacteria, and protozoans are just a few of the kinds of little critters you’ll find in 

this habitat.

4. Salt Marsh—This habitat is one of the most productive on earth. One special 

aspect is that it has the ability to filter out pollutants from the water before the 

water flows to the bay. 

5. Salt Pond—Salt ponds are man-made for the production of salt. Yes, the same 

salt that you and I eat! Through a process called evaporation, each pond 

becomes even more salty than the one before it. Brine shrimp live in the saltiest 

ponds, providing food for birds like phalaropes and black-necked stilts.

Habitat Glossary

Circle the numbers of the three habitats you visited. 

18
19
Congratulations! This certificate recognizes 

__________________ as a Junior Refuge 

Ranger at the Don Edwards San Francisco 

Bay National Wildlife Refuge 

Come visit me 

again soon!

20
The Junior Refuge Ranger program was established summer 2013 for the Don 

Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The goal of the program is 

to teach children the significance of wildlife refuges and the importance of being an 

environmentally aware citizen. 

I conceived of this plan in spring 2013 when I realized that educating young people 

is an important priority of the refuge. It will be these children that will go on to 

preserve and protect refuge lands in coming decades. It will be these children 

that will become our world’s leaders. It is my hope that this program inspires 

children to explore nature at refuges nationwide while having fun and learning a 

lot! This natural curiosity is what will bring creativity and success to the future of 

environmental sustainability and future of the world. 

Lynnea Shuck

Mission

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Environmental Education Center

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay

National Wildlife Refuge

1751 Grand Blvd

Alviso, CA 95002

408/262 5513

www.fws.gov/refuge/don_edwards_san_francisco_bay

February 2015

Special thanks to Lynnea Shuck, without 

whose energy and enthusiasm this booklet 

would not exist. 

Pledge

I, _____________, promise 

to protect native wildlife and their habitats, 

to continue learning about the importance of 

National Wildlife Refuges for both wildlife and the community, and

 to take action in my personal life to be environmentally conscious.

 I am ready to share this information 

with others and make a difference!