Rush Creek Open Space Preserve on the northern border of Novato offers several hundred acres of public wetlands and woodlands, but is set alongside several thousand more acres of protected land together comprising the largest natural tidal brackish marsh in California,
Bahia Lagoon
Marin Audubon Society’s restoration project at the Bahia wetlands in northern Novato is an underappreciated site that escapes many birders’ notice due to its small size, out of the way location, and independence from more well-known park systems. But it’s a gem, with unique waterbirds that prefer this near-the-bay site above all others in our region.
Toyon
Toyon is one of the least assuming citizens in our woodland communities. It is not large, abundant, or imbued with any special grace or idiosyncrasy of form. But like even the humblest of persons, toyon has its moment when it swells with pride, puts forth an unexpected effort, and says I alone can do this. When?