Redwood City - Bair Island tidal wetlands restoration

Silicon Valley Mercury News/Paul Rogers, 4/22/12.  "Restoration of huge bay wetland in Redwood City nearing completion"

Redwood City Bair Island marsh at sunset

"For hundreds of thousands of motorists driving along Highway 101 every day, it is a vast expanse of dirt and grass, framed on the north by Oracle's world headquarters and on the south by the Port of Redwood City. But to environmental groups and biologists, it is a crowning symbol of the ongoing restoration of San Francisco Bay, 2,635 acres that prove not everything has been diked, filled and paved.

Now a six-year effort to restore Bair Island in Redwood City to tidal wetlands -- bringing back conditions not seen since the late 1800s, along with a wide range of ducks, herons, egrets, salmon, even harbor seals to the heart of Silicon Valley -- is reaching its apex. Work crews with heavy machinery are hauling in up to 500 dump trucks of dirt a day, reshaping the landscape after decades of political battles.

Work began in 2006 and is set to be completed in December, with access for hikers, bicyclists and school groups expected by next year."  Read Article.

Reference -  City of Redwood City, Restoration of Bair Island project,  Bay Nature.
Mercury News 18 project photos. Living at a Bair Island address:  Zillow.

Posted by Kathy Meeh