Bothin Marsh, Mill Valley

Leader: Eva Buxton

Please sign up for this field trip on Meetup.   Field trip attendee limit 14

The hike will take us along the Mill Valley – Sausalito Path through the tidal marsh complex along the Richardson Bay shoreline and across one of the primary creeks that connects Bothin Marsh to its watershed, Arroyo Corte Madera del Presidio. We will see a range of tidal marsh habitats from low marsh to high marsh and uplands, represented by different plant Associations, notably the Distichlis spicata–Limonium californicum Association, which is the typical habitat for the rare Chloropyron maritimum ssp. palustre (Point Reyes birds-beak). Chloropyron and Limonium californicum should be in bloom and readably visible from parts of the trail. Many types of shorebirds forage in the marsh, so binoculars can be handy.  We will hike along the flat trail at a slow pace with several stops to identify and discuss adaptation of plants living in a salty environment. The round-trip hike will be 2 to 2.5 miles

For background on restoration projects in Bothin Marsh see this Marin County Parks presentation.

Directions: The hike will start at the Mill Valley-Sausalito Pathway at Bayfront Park (498 Sycamore Ave.) near the Mill Valley Middle School.  From Camino Alto turn onto Sycamore Avenue, the trail starts at the end of the street.  Street parking is available along Sycamore Avenue. Public restrooms are also available nearby at the SASM treatment plant.  Biking or walking is highly encouraged. There is a picnic table and benches at the park near the meeting location for a picnic lunch beforehand.

Bring: Water, a snack and optional binoculars.   Dress in layers.

Email Eva with any questions.  Text for day-of-trip questions or issues: 415-215-1774

If you have not done so already, please sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2024.