The Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center fosters the connection between people and the San Francisco Bay-Estuary, by providing environmental education and recreation programs. Our goal is to inspire a sense of appreciation, respect, and stewardship for the Estuary, its inhabitants, and the services they provide.

Description:
Restoration Projects most every second Sunday of the month from 1-4pm

Educational weekend programs are regularly held for the general public.

Student programs, catering to all age levels, are conducted throughout the week.

The San Francisco Bay-Estuary and its surrounding wetlands provide a rich educational resource right in our own backyards. Natural explorations await students and community members of all ages and backgrounds. Here at the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, we continually strive to improve the quality of both our school and weekend naturalist-led programs and the scope of our facilities. Over 2,500 students visit the Interpretive Center each year to learn about marsh and marine ecology.

History:
The Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center opened its doors on Friday, July 11, 1986. This was the culmination of more than a decade of planning. The Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency (HASPA) was formed in 1971 to prepare plans and programs for Hayward's eight miles of San Francisco Bay frontage. Given existing pressures for development, HASPA's initial responsibility was to evaluate the need for preserving the Shoreline's open space and natural resources as compared with the need for additional urbanization.

To ensure the consistency of future Shoreline plans, HASPA was established under the provisions of an intergovernmental, joint exercise of powers agreement. Members of HASPA included: East Bay Regional Park District, Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, City of Hayward, Hayward Unified School District and San Lorenzo School District. HASPA produced numerous reports examining the physical, social and economic conditions that established the framework within which decisions could be made about land use. Through their efforts, today, more than 1,800 acres are open for public use and for the protection of wildlife.

Contact person: Adrienne DePonte, Program Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: 510-670-7277

Address:

4901 Breakwater Ave Hayward, CA 94545 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.haywardrec.org

Directions:

Exit Clawiter Eden Landing off Highway 92. Follow Breakwater Ave (along highway 92) to its end; the Shoreline Interpretive Center is the only building around.