In 2026, we’re excited to share updates about the EcoCenter, the home of Environmental Volunteers located right here in the Palo Alto Baylands.
The EcoCenter has a long and colorful history spanning over eighty years. From its beginnings as a boathouse in a yacht harbor, to years of neglect and disrepair, to its current life as a public nature center, the building has gone through many transformations.
Today, thanks to the Million Reasons campaign, we have an exciting opportunity to take the EcoCenter into its next chapter: expanding it as a year-round hub for science learning, nature exploration, youth leadership, and community building.
In the months ahead, we’ll share more about what this revitalization will unlock. But first, here’s the story of how this special building came to be.
As I read through pages of EcoCenter history, one thing stands out above everything else: the people. EV is a labor of love and the EcoCenter is no different. I’m deeply grateful to those who gave their time and energy to restore this building and make it our home.
With gratitude,
Anu Ramamurty (Executive Director, Environmental Volunteers)
from sea scouts to environmental volunteers
Long before EV filled these rooms with owl pellets and microscopes, the EcoCenter had an entirely different life.
Back in 1941, this unique boat-shaped building was designed to honor its location near the Palo Alto yacht harbor. For more than 50 years, it served as a hub for the Sea Scouts and maritime activities, full of knots, compasses, and adventurous young people learning by doing.
Then came a turning point.
In 1986, Palo Alto residents voted to return the harbor to its natural marshland state. The Sea Scouts relocated, and the building eventually sat quiet, waiting for its next chapter.
In 2002, the City recognized its importance and designated it a historic landmark.
And in the early 2000s, when the City set out to find a partner to restore the building, EV raised our hand and went to work.
In 2008, EV began restoring the building and in 2012, it became EV’s home base in the Baylands: a public nature center built around one simple belief: nature is for everyone.
We are deeply grateful to the hundreds of volunteers, supporters, and donors whose generosity made this restoration possible. To each of you, thank you. You know who you are.
The Next Chapter: EcoCenter Revitalization
Thanks to the generous support of a longtime EV champion, the EcoCenter is stepping into its next chapter: becoming a year-round hub for science, conservation, and community connection.
This revitalization will:
- Expand weekend access and free programs.
- Deepen learning through hands-on science and volunteer-led field trips for kids and families.
- Create meaningful pathways for teens and college students to develop leadership skills.
- Offer volunteer opportunities for nature-loving youth and adults looking to build community and connection.
In essence, the EcoCenter will become a welcoming place, where local Bay Area kids, youth and families can gather to relax, connect with nature and each other.
Come visit. Bring a friend. Bring your curiosity.
We are open Fridays + Saturdays, 10:00am–1:00pm. Stay tuned for more on the horizon.
If you are a local youth or nature-based community organization, reach out. We’d love to collaborate.
Join the EcoCenter Ambassador Challenge?
Calling kids in grades K-6! If you are someone who loves playing outside, getting dirty, or simply noticing the tiny miracles of nature, you’re ready to be an EcoCenter Ambassador! With parent/guardian support, you’ll complete a few fun missions and help kids and families discover science in the wild at the EcoCenter in the Baylands.