Eden Landing Ecological Reserve is a pioneering effort to restore former commercial salt ponds on the edge of the San Francisco Bay back to wetlands and wildlife habitat. This spectacular 6,400-acre reserve is a mosaic of tidal marsh and mudflats that connect with the Bay and help buffer its shore against sea level rise. Enclosed ponds are managed for the avocets, snowy plovers and other shorebirds that have come to rely on the industrial salt ponds.
Other attractions include remnants of historical salt works, including a salt production area with a boardwalk overlook and gigantic wooden windmill pumps called Archimedes screws. The site also offers sweeping views across the Bay and respite from the bustle of the densely urbanized East Bay. Ongoing work to reclaim Eden Landing as wildlife habitat is part of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project, the largest tidal wetland restoration project on the West Coast.
NCSWANs will join Dave Halsing, Executive Project Manager of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project, for a 2-3 hour tour of the reserve. We’ll hear how tidal action is restored; how mudflats and marshes are recreated; and how the ponds are optimized for shorebirds. Land managers keep the water salty enough for the invertebrates shorebirds eat, shallow enough for the birds to forage, and maintain mounds and islands for roosting and nesting. There’s even a chance we’ll see and hear baby avocets!
Directions
From eastbound or westbound Highway 92, on the eastern side of the San Mateo Bridge, take the Clawiter Road/Eden Landing Road exit and turn south at the stop sign at the end of the exit. Follow Eden Landing Road south to the end, near the intersection with Arden Road. Shortly after passing Arden Road, you will enter the parking lot.
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