Bay Area Community Event

NAI Sierra Pacific Region In-Person Bay Area Community Event
Friday, February 28, 2025
West Valley College, Saratoga, CA
Workshop Training: 9am-5pm

Optional Social Hour afterwards

Register here

Join us in Santa Clara County to learn from colleagues on how they are lighting the way in the field of interpretation. This event is hosted and sponsored by West Valley College’s Park Management Program.  

The day will consist of community building, a presentation about WVC’s Park Management program, two 45-minute sessions, and afternoon field trips. At the end of the day you are invited to an optional social hour. 

Maximum registration: 60 total

Thank you to our program sponsor: West Valley College’s Park Management Program

Schedule

9 – 9:30 am – Welcome and Community Building  

9:40 – 10 am – West Valley College’s Park Management Program

Presented by Heidi McFarland, Department Chair

10 – 10:15 am – Break

10:15 – 11:00 am – Session 1

Climate Hope: Optimism and Action Around Climate Change

Description: While the realities of climate change are real and serious, climate action is all around us. Not only is the pace of action unprecedented, but studies show that those who are more hopeful about climate change are more likely to act to address it. Adam will be joining virtually to share about the positive actions and policies that are providing the hope we need to create impactful climate conversations and climate action around the world. 

Presented by: Adam Ratner, Director of Conservation Engagement at The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito, CA

11 – 11:15 am – Break

11:15 – 12 pm – Session 2

The Art, Addictions, and Mental Health of Eugene O’Neill: Interpreting without Stigmatizing

Description: Eugene O’Neill, the prolific American playwright, plagued by personal demons and family dysfunction found solace and healing in the East Bay hills. Today, few are familiar with him but might know his works and so they come to visit Tao House at Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site in Danville, CA. How do we as interpreters ensure that visitors do not walk away equating his struggles with a prerequisite to be a great artist? 

Presented by: Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site and Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Monument National Memorial Supervisory Park Ranger Hilary Grabowska (she/her)

12 – 12:30 pm – Lunch (sponsored by West Valley College)

12:30 – 1pm Travel to field trips (no shuttle service, carpooling is encouraged)

1 – 4:30 pm – Afternoon field trips

All attendees will transport themselves via carpool and caravans to attend 2 afternoon field trips. Each field trip will be a 30-minute drive. Option one will be 1.5-hour long visits at two sites. Option two will be a 3-hour long visit at one site. To keep the group size manageable, a survey will go out before the workshop for field trip sign-ups on a first-come, first-served basis.

Field Trip 1:

1-2:30pm or 3-4:30pm

Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve, Morgan Hill, CA

Máyyan ‘Ooyákma (pronounced My-yahn Oiy-yahkmah) directly translates to Coyote Ridge in the Chochenyo language. The Open Space Authority is partnering with the Muwekma Ohlone to raise awareness about the importance of the protection of irreplaceable landscapes. The preserve consists of rare, sensitive serpentine grasslands, this unique landscape is a biodiversity hotspot for endangered plants and animals. Learn more about the free “Butterfly Pass” visitors need to download before hiking, biking or horseback riding on the trails located inside the Habitat Protection Area. 

AND

1-2:30pm or 3-4:30pm

Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, Santa Clara County Parks, San Jose, CA

The stately 1854 Casa Grande manor sets the stage for you to discover the significance of local mercury mining to the California gold rush, the evolution of processing cinnabar into mercury, and the lifestyles of mining communities at New Almaden. The interpretive staff will share their programs that highlight artifacts from Cornish, Mexican, and Chinese mining families, depicting the diversity of people that once lived and worked together on “the hill.” 

Field Trip, Option 2: 

1-4:30pm

Hidden Villa, Los Altos, CA

An education nonprofit stretching over 1600 acres of open space in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains, Hidden Villa offers unique Experience Education and Responsible Agriculture programs in a setting that promotes engagement, connection and understanding. Go on a guided tour of the farm followed by a hike on their beautiful trails.

4:30 – 5 pm – Thank you’s and good-byes, travel back to WVC as needed

5 pm – Social Hour (Optional)

Join us at an optional Social Hour in the area to network and socialize with local interpretive professionals. 

Register here for the Bay Area Community Event.