Escape to the Great Outdoors, Right Here in Newark

Need a peaceful break this weekend? The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay 
National Wildlife Refuge
 has two special events scheduled at its local visitor center — one for families with school-age children, one exclusively for adults.

Saturday, Oct. 29, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., join a family bird walk. "Let family walks become a shared time of nature learning," say refuge staff. "We’ll begin by helping kids create their personal bird watching field guides, and then head out onto the trails to find those birds. A limited number of binoculars are available to borrow." The walk is recommended for families with children ages 5-10.

On Sunday, Oct. 30, explore your artistic side from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with an introduction to nature drawing for adults. Travis Turner will teach the basics of sketching nature. Learn how to draw with negative shapes and shadows, and how to use light to add dimension. Discover how the changing horizon lines can offer depth. There will be opportunities to practice these techniques on the trail. Paper and pencils will be provided. Dress for the weather, and bring binoculars if you have them.


Both events are free but require reservations. Call 510-792-0222, ext. 363, to reserve your spot.

The activities both start at the refuge's visitor center, located near the Dumbarton Bridge toll plaza in Fremont — get driving directions here. (The refuge's official address is 9500 Thornton Ave., 
Newark.)

For a full schedule of activities at the refuge, see the Tideline newsletter online.