Bothin Marsh

Bothin Marsh, Mill Valley
Friday, July 26, 1 to 3:30 pm
Leader: Eva Buxton

RSVP opens July 1!

Description: 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.

For background on restoration projects in Bothin Marsh see this video of presentation by Marin County Parks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dtwLCOVQns&list=PLjFJL54H_XL6BOHm7zr0DiXyMKQwNCk_&index=31

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.

Directions: The hike will start at the Mill Valley-Sausalito Pathway at Bayfront Park (498 Sycamore Ave) near the Mill Valley Middle School. Biking or walking is highly encouraged to get there; however, street parking is available along Sycamore Avenue. Public restrooms are
also available nearby at the SASM treatment plant.

If you are interested, there is a picnic table and benches at the park near the meeting location for a picnic lunch beforehand.

Bring: Water and a snack. Dress in layers.
Email Eva with any questions: evabuxton@sbcglobal.net
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.