Juan Flores and his creation, "Salty the Mouse." (Photo: USFWS)

Karla Tanner, San Francisco Bay NWRC
"It adds a touch of class to this place and has been a big hit with the children, teachers, and parents. One child walked by the other day and shouted in delight, 'It's Salty the Mouse!'" With that statement, Environmental Education Center Director Genie Moore thanked Maintenance Worker Juan Flores for creating a beautiful piece of outdoor art, recently installed at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center in Alviso, Calif.

Flores' mosaic depicts the salt marsh harvest mouse, a Federally listed endangered species and a much-loved Refuge mascot, in a bed of native pickleweed. The mosaic overlooks Salty's salt marsh habitat from its sidewalk location at the top of the New Chicago Marsh boardwalk.

In addition to the school gropus that visit the Environmental Education Center and participate in field trip activities on weekdays, Refuge trails are open daily and the public is invited to enjoy the Center and join in learning activities on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information and directions, please visit the Refuge website: www.fws.gov/desfbay/