San Rafael, CA – In partnership with Marin County Parks, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore, the Bolinas Lagoon Advisory Council will host its second “State of Bolinas Lagoon” event on Thursday, January 22, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Stinson Beach Community Center, 32 Belvedere Ave., Stinson Beach.
The event will focus on the history and evolution of the lagoon. It will showcase a timeline highlighting the people, organizations, and changes (man-made and natural) that have influenced Bolinas Lagoon and that have shaped current and upcoming restoration efforts. The public will have an opportunity to interact with restoration project coordinators, scientist, management staff, and local community representatives.
One of the most pristine tidal lagoon systems in the state, the lagoon is a wondrous place to view herons and egrets in the morning light. Its habitats support a complex and globally rare web of life. The lagoon supports several endangered species including coho salmon, steelhead trout, and red-legged frogs, provides resting areas for migratory birds, and haul-out areas for harbor seals.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated Bolinas Lagoon as a Wetland of International Importance, but the habitat remains threatened by human activities, sea-level rise, and nonnative plant and animal invasions. Therefore, it is imperative that the community come learn more about this ecological gem and become involved in planning efforts.
“Understanding and caring for Bolinas Lagoon is an important collaboration among scientists and managers from public, nonprofit, and academic entities; and the Stinson/Bolinas community,” said Linda Dahl, Director and General Manager of Marin County Parks.
In addition to the timeline, the event will include a short film on the history of the lagoon followed by presentations by: Steve Kinsey, District 4 representative on the Marin County Board of Supervisors; Elia Haworth, Bolinas Museum; L. Martin Griffin, Audubon Canyon Ranch founder and Emeritus Director; Ronald Miska, Assistant Director Marin County Parks; Bruce Bowser, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Board; Maria Brown, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent; and Linda Dahl, Director, Marin County Parks. Ed Ueber, chair of the Bolinas Lagoon Advisory Council, will moderate the event.
“This event is a great opportunity to connect with the community about the history of Bolinas Lagoon and discuss the next restoration project,” Brown said. “We are looking forward to continuing to work with the community to further restore this beautiful place.”
For more about Bolinas Lagoon, visit the webpage devoted to its Ecosystem Restoration Project.