Fourth and fifth grade students from the East Palo Alto Charter School conducted predator studies and habitat restoration projects in 2005-2006. The students studied a salt marsh habitat in the South San Francisco Bay that is managed by the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

The students collected data to learn more about predators that might affect native animals on the refuge such as this endangered California Clapper Rail.

They entered wildlife tracking data using Cybertracker software that used PDA's equipped with GPS units.

They also used soot trays to identify animal tracks in the marsh. Data are given to refuge biologists to help manage and protect the endangered species.

Much of the habitat is dominated by the non-native plant, black mustard (Brassica nigra).

Seventh grade science class students helped to restore the habitat by removing the mustard. They also collected seeds of the native Gumplant (Grindelia stricta).