By Amanda Liu (Sage) – Sprout Up Chapter Member
Through the Youth Community Service’s “Summer of Service” program, Bay Area high school students are brought together for an immersive six-week experience of learning and performing community service.
This year, Environmental Volunteers partnered with YCS in piloting our new youth program, the “Baylands Ambassadors.” For youth between the ages of 14-18, the program empowers them to engage the community about the natural wonders Palo Alto Baylands has to offer.
From June to July 2025, three groups of high school students joined us at the EV EcoCenter in Palo Alto for a nature outing. Led by knowledgeable EV docents, these youth learned about the Baylands’ rich history and ecology, preparing them one day for guiding future nature walks.
For many students, the experience led some to reflect on the importance of nature and appreciating the beauty of the Baylands:
“I think coming down on this field trip was very beneficial because a lot of nature right now isn’t really as preserved as, like, the Baylands. I’m glad to see that there’s still a bunch of plants and a bunch of animals that are thriving out here.“ – YCS Student One
Others were excited by the hands-on experience of trying pickleweed, a native herb that tends to grow in salty marshes:
“I really liked seeing all the plants and animals living in the area and learning about the Baylands and its history. I also really liked getting to taste the pickleweed, and also getting to look at all the birds and see their different distinctions.” – YCS Student Two
For those interested in staying involved, participants will have the opportunity to continue their Baylands Ambassador training in the coming months. They’ll gain additional skills by learning more about the Environmental Volunteers’ mission, and the EV EcoCenter (aka the historic Sea Scout building) in particular. From running hands-on nature based activities to guiding nature outings, they will learn to engage the public through our EcoCenter Open Hours.
Our hope is that these youth will foster deeper personal connections with this vital local ecosystem, and be able to help others appreciate the Baylands as life-long advocates of the environment.