The Story of the Marsh: From Salt to Sanctuary

By Guest Blogger Jesse Amital

Photo by Amanda Newlove

As part of our ongoing work to connect people with the Bay’s natural landscapes, we’re sharing a series that explores the story of San Francisco Bay’s tidal marshes — their history, science, and the community efforts that keep them thriving.

Once salt flats — now a living marsh.

For decades, the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project has been transforming former industrial salt ponds across the Bay into thriving tidal wetlands. These restorations turn salty, barren landscapes into dynamic ecosystems alive with water, vegetation, and the calls of nesting shorebirds.

Through this ongoing effort — the largest wetland restoration project on the West Coast — scientists, land managers, and volunteers are helping nature reclaim its rhythm. Each restored pond becomes a new refuge for wildlife and a buffer that protects nearby communities from rising tides.

Ravenswood salt flats prior to restoration in 2008

Restored habitat at Ravenswood Pond SF2 with nesting islands, 2015

To see more of this incredible transformation, visit southbayrestore.org — and learn more about SFBBO’s tidal marsh restoration and monitoring work at sfbbo.org/tidalmarsh.