Environmental Volunteers EcoCenter at Palo Alto Baylands

About this adventure

The EcoCenter is a free public nature center at the Palo Alto Baylands, across from the Duck Pond, run by the science-education nonprofit Environmental Volunteers. The 1941 building, commissioned by Lucie Stern for the Sea Scouts when a harbor still fronted it, was restored as 'the ultimate recycling project': look for round markers pointing out green-building features such as blue-jeans insulation and soda-bottle carpet. Inside, children can try touchscreen science displays and hands-on nature activities, browse nature-themed art exhibits and study a wall of bird taxidermy, and the EcoCenter on Wheels sets up at the Duck Pond. The deck and pathways are part of the 400-mile San Francisco Bay Trail, so a visit combines easily with a marsh walk and bird watching.