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).