Wetlands

There are several wetlands along the Pt. San Pedro peninsula. Nearby are the vast salt marshes of the China Camp State Park estuary which are of great ecological importance. Wetlands are important because they provide natural water quality improvement, flood protection, shoreline erosion control, opportunities for recreation and aesthetic appreciation and natural products for our benefit and use. Protecting wetlands protects our safety and the ecological welfare of our region.

Our wetlands play an integral role in the ecology of our watershed.  A watershed is a geographic area in which water, sediments and dissolved materials drain from higher elevations to a common low-lying outlet; a stream, lake, underlying aquifer or estuary. The combination of shallow water and high nutrients is ideal for the development of organisms that form the base of the food web and feed many species of fish, amphibians, shellfish and insects. Many species of birds and mammals rely on wetlands for food, water and shelter, especially during migration and breeding. 

Wetlands provide great volumes of food that attract many animal species.  Wetlands store carbon within their plant communities and soil instead of releasing it to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Thus wetlands help moderate adverse global climate conditions.

Our Wetlands

Wetlands are the main focus and concern of the Wetlands Committee. However, all ecology-related issues are of interest also, including local birds (see Our Local Birdlife), sea level rise and human encroachment. On the topic of sea level rise, the Loma Prieta and other chapters of the Sierra Club presented a comprehensive, 3-part series in May 2021 about sea level rise. Eighteen excellent presentations (six per day – 20 minutes each) were given by scientists, academics, policy makers, conservationists, both coastal and wildlife, and others who specialize in matters related to sea level rise. Each presentation is very interesting and informative. The series was recorded and can be accessed at the Loma Prieta Sierra Club website. 

The primary wetlands in our community are described below. For more information about wetlands, see our Library/Archives. Included there is an excellent document from the EPA on Coastal Wetlands with guidelines on what we as individuals can do to help preserve them. With the health of wetlands linked directly with that of the local watershed, there is additional important information available through the Marin County Watershed Program, which is part of the Marin County Department of Public Works. This program is concerned with watersheds throughout the country, including the San Rafael Creek which runs through our area.