Learn about our programsLearn about our programsBay Area Action (BAA) is an environmental education and action organization located in midtown Palo Alto. It was founded in 1990 by a group of dedicated volunteers who initially came together to work on the 20th anniversary of Earth Day. Since that time BAA has been involved in a variety of different projects, with environmental protection their central focus. The "Action" part of our name was coined out of the interest to do more than just talk about what needs to be done, but really go out and Just Do It!
Read on, you'll see, we're succeeding!
Our Projects
The Headwaters Forest Project seeks to save the largest unprotected old growth redwood forest in the world!
BAA is currently sponsoring the following projects. If you'd like to launch a project on another environmental issue, please
Bay Area Habitat Restoration is one of our primary activities. Find out how you can get involved this summer!
East Palo Alto Garden Project is looking for volunteers every Saturday. Check out the latest update on this project.
EARTH DAY remains our star focus. The theme for Earth Day 95 was "Restoring Nature, Restoring Hope". A large Bay Area Coalition lead restoration works at 15 different natural sites on the Peninsula. Also included in the Earth Day festivities this year was Food For Thought, a celebration with food and music, highlighting the role our dietary habits play in the rate at which we use our natural resources.
BIKEWEEK is our new project this year. Bikeweek, May 15 - 21st, was a 7 day "out-of-auto" experience promoting the bike as a valuable form of alternative transportation. It included free activities and incentives to encourage folks to consider using their bike for city travel. We had participants in Bike to School Day, Bike to Breakfast Day, Bike to Health Club Day, Bike to Market Day, the Business Challenge, the Silicon Valley Cycle Rally or the Evening Lecture Series.
The SCHOOL'S GROUP is made up of students representing local high school environmental clubs. The group's focus is education and development of leadership skills for themselves and their peers. They participate in the regular BAA functions, as well as organize their own. The schools group meets every Wednesday night at BAA. Read about their trip to Ontario!
The ELECTRIC VEHICLE PROJECT has converted an MG Midget from gasoline power to electric power and are currently working on showing the viability of clean, quiet electric vehicles as a commute alternative. The project is also working with the Schools Group to help them with a conversion of their own. If you are interested in seeing this quiet clean evolution roll into place, join the electric vehicle team; send email to David Coale , project leader.
The ORGANIC GARDENING PROJECT brings community members down and dirty in our beautiful garden located behind the Coop in midtown Palo Alto. Peanuts, flowers, asparagus, herbs...you name it, we grow it! We also work with schools and groups locally and in East Palo Alto, helping them set up their own gardens. We have assisted the Women's Correctional Facility to do the same.
This year we plan to market our luscious produce. Stay tuned! The Garden Team meets once a month a BAA and every Sunday from 10 - 2.
The ACTION TEAM mobilizes members to participate in hands-on activities (from rallies and letter writing to human signs!) that raise public awareness about environmental issues. The Action Team meets once a month at BAA.
EEET! (Environmental Eating and Education Project) is also a new project at BAA this year. EEET! is dedicated to educating on the connection between food and the environment. The Decadent Dinner Parties are part of EEET! These BAA fundraisers are held monthly and offer guests an evening of savory, salubrious food and interesting conversation.
Lastly, the VIDIOTS, BAAs' video production team, focuses on preserving on tape, all the community service works that you have just read about. Want to learn about video? The Vidiots is looking for new members.
BAA is not only an educational organization but a social organization as well. Join us for our BAA Cafes, a monthlygathering of excellent environmental speakers (plus pizza and snacks!) Also, spend an evening at Club BAA, our monthly music fundraiser held at St. Michael's Alley in downtown Palo Alto.
Our Programs - Our Accomplishments - Our Goals