Perhaps the most popular asset of this 500-plus-acre preserve is the
adjacent wetlands, where thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl congregate
each fall and winter. Outside of the Point Reyes Peninsula, this is
one of the best birding locations in the North Bay; our conservative
list here shows 196 regularly occurring species. The broad, level
Pinheiro Fire Road follows the south edge of the preserve and offers
unimpeded views of a huge expanse of tidal wetland (managed by the
California Department of Fish and Game) to the north.
The preserve is composed of a relatively low ridge that runs from
Highway 101 to the northeast, where it drops off to a small wetland
known as Cemetery Marsh. This ridge is not traversed by any maintained
trails, so many species of wildlife flourish here in quiet solitude.
Further to the west is another low ridge covered with mixed broadleaf
forests, including the largest stand of blue oaks in the county. This
200-acre parcel was acquired by the District in 2003 after a major
fundraising effort spearheaded by the Marin Audubon Society. From
the eastern end of this preserve, visitors can look out across the
Petaluma River delta to Sonoma County and beyond.
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Featured Species at this preserve:
American Avocet
Northern Shoveler
Peregrine Falcon
Greater Yellowlegs
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