News and Events
from One Tam

Hello!

Dear Friend,

The summer brings significant milestones for One Tam’s work to protect special places on the mountain. I'm thrilled to share updates on our restoration projects at Roy’s Redwoods, Bothin Marsh, Bolinas Lagoon, and Redwood Creek. These One Tam initiatives exemplify our thoughtful, multi-agency, science-based and community-informed efforts to ensure these places will be enjoyed for generations to come.

We hope you’ll join an event, become member, or just take a walk in the woods this summer and experience the magic we are working to protect. 

Best,

Rob LaPorte, Project Manager, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

Take a Walk in the Woods

The trail around Lake Lagunitas in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed is one place where you can see forest health work in action. Photo: Michela Gentile/Parks Conservancy

Forest and woodland comprise over a third of Marin County, and they’re essential: they hold cultural value, and provide clean air, drinking water, recreational opportunities, habitat for diverse species, and more. But forests face threats such as climate change, lack of beneficial fire, invasive plants, and diseases. How is One Tam working to protect forests?

One Tam will soon publish the Marin Regional Forest Health Strategy, a plan to increase the health and resilience of our forests. We invite you to learn more about this important collaborative effort and ways that you, too, can care for forests. During the months of June and July, you can catch the Tam Van at Lake Lagunitas, offering forest-themed activities and a self-guided walk around the lake that illustrates some of this work. 

• See the Tam Van schedule, join us for a free cup of coffee, and pick up a self-guided forest walk >> 
• Keep an eye on our forest health page for updates >> 
• Keep an eye on our calendar for opportunities to learn more >>

Breaking Ground at Roy’s Redwoods Preserve

Roy's Redwoods is a special old-growth redwood forest in need of restoration. Photo: Marin County Parks

On June 13, the Marin County Board of Supervisors approved the One Tam restoration project at Roy’s Redwoods Preserve, which will break ground this summer. Roy’s Redwoods is a magical old-growth redwood grove in San Geronimo, home to sensitive species like the Northern Spotted Owl and beloved by visitors for the immersive experience it offers. Breaking ground to restore this special place is an exciting milestone for One Tam, for Marin County, and for the community that loves this place.

This project will restore natural creek conditions and enhance the overall health of this ancient redwood forest. Restoration will include creating a new trail system that balances a sense of exploration with minimizing impact to sensitive areas. 

What’s more, the trail improvements have been designed with the principles of Universal Design, which aim to make visiting open spaces safer and more comfortable for users of all abilities. This project is funded in part by the County of Marin Disability Access Program, which is committed to maximizing accessibility of the County.

Learn more about the Roy’s Redwoods project >>

Marsh Milestone

One Tam's Evolving Shorelines project is working to help Bothin Marsh and the Bay Trail adapt to sea level rise. Photo: WRT

Tidal marshes like our beloved Bothin Marsh provide essential habitat for many species including migratory birds and provide a buffer between our communities and the tides. But climate change, which is causing more frequent and severe flooding, impacts the shoreline, plants, wildlife, and the much-loved Mill Valley-Sausalito Multi-use Pathway.

One Tam’s Evolving Shorelines project is helping Bothin Marsh adapt to sea level rise. It’s a shared community vision where innovative climate adaptations allow for thriving biodiversity, year-round recreation, and carbon-free transportation enjoyed by all! Years of studying the area and engaging with the community have enabled us all to fully envision a more resilient Bothin Marsh. Check out these opportunities to share the excitement and learn more:

• Learn more on onetam.org/bothin >>
• Take a marsh tour with the project managers on June 30 >>
• Grab a coffee with local leaders and project managers on June 30 >>
• Volunteer at Bothin Marsh to help promote biodiversity >>

Bolinas Lagoon Wye Wetlands Fully Funded

Bolinas Lagoon. Photo: Marin County Parks

Roads and culverts block fish migration, disconnect water and sediment moving between wetlands and streams, and prevent Bolinas Lagoon wetlands from moving inland with sea level rise. If these issues are not addressed, important natural habitats and the main road to the town of Bolinas could be lost. The Bolinas Wye Wetlands project will reduce flooding, improve roadway safety, restore the natural floodplain, enhance natural ecology, protect wildlife, and strengthen sea level rise resilience. Thanks to numerous grants this project is now fully funded. Work is expected to begin once the upcoming environmental review and public comment period have been completed.

Learn more about the Bolinas Lagoon Wye project >>

Redwood Creek Trail Realignment Completes First Phase 

The new alignment of the Redwood Creek Trail will meander through the beautiful forested hills above Redwood Creek. Photo: One Tam

Stretching between Muir Beach and Muir Woods, the Redwood Creek trail is a well-used thoroughfare for people visiting these popular sites, as well as an important part of the ecological corridor linking the ancient redwood forest and the floodplain by the sea. Redwood Creek is home to endangered coho salmon, threatened steelhead trout, and California red-legged frogs, as well as diverse plant and bird species.

The old trail alignment closely parallels the creek for about a mile and has ten horse fords. One Tam partners are working to realign 1.1 miles of trail and install two new bridges over the stream, providing passage for horses and pedestrians while protecting the creek and its inhabitants. We are excited to share that the first phase of this project is now complete, and the trail will be opening this summer – stay tuned! 

In addition to the trail realignment, One Tam planners are in the midst of developing approaches to improve habitat for juvenile coho salmon and steelhead and promote natural watershed processes. Designs are based on a robust analysis of years of hydrologic and salmonid data collected in the watershed. This project is intended to improve creek flows, enhance fish habitat complexity and diversity, and increase riparian habitat along Redwood Creek between Muir Woods and Muir Beach.

This restoration project is one of several One Tam efforts to improve the health of Redwood Creek and habitat for sensitive wildlife, while enhancing visitor experience. 

New Project to Protect the California Giant Salamander

The California Giant Salamander is s sensitive species in need of conservation, and the subject of a new project led by our Community Science team. Photo: Sara Leon Guerrero/Parks Conservancy

Have you ever seen the elusive California Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus)? One Tam Community Science staff recently had a lucky moment while working on the mountain and spotted the beauty pictured above. This California endemic amphibian is one of the largest terrestrial salamanders anywhere, reaching 6 to 12 inches. Beyond their size, they are also identified by their blotchy brown coloring, with white to yellow underside. Although not federally listed, the California Giant Salamander is considered a special status animal in need of conservation. They live year-round in headwater streams and adjacent riparian areas and are excellent indicators for the health of these habitats.

The Mt. Tamalpais region supports California Giant Salamander populations in various streams, and while we have some knowledge of their distribution, we need more information to understand and protect them. As a new focus species for our Peak Health program to understand and improve the health of Mt. Tam, we are embarking on a new effort using crowd-sourced observations from iNaturalist to help fill this knowledge gap. We recently welcomed two interns, Angel Meza (biology student at City College of San Francisco) and Bria Boose (biology master’s student at San Francisco State University), who will be learning about the power of community science and assisting with this exciting investigation this summer. 

You can contribute to this effort to help salamanders by joining the Peak Health project on iNaturalist. Click the join icon on the top right corner of the project page. When prompted with “Trust this project with hidden coordinates?”, select one of the “yes” options. If you already joined the project, please double check that you have selected yes “Trust this project with hidden coordinates?”  

Learn more about this new effort for salamanders >>

Youth Program News

IYEL program participants hike together during a backpacking trip. Photo: Parks Conservancy

Last year, we united our efforts with the Parks Conservancy's other youth programs to foster stronger connections between local youth and Marin's magnificent public lands. This allowed us to expand our outreach and offer diverse opportunities to young people. Let's take a look at some of the exciting events that have taken place!

This time of year marks both endings and beginnings for our youth programs, accompanied by a sprinkling of special events. Recently, we have: 

• Celebrated the end of our first year working with middle school youth from MLK Academy in Marin City.
• Celebrated families of our high school students participating through our partnership with Canal Alliance, based in San Rafael. 
• Brought our One Tam Community Science and Youth Programs together for a special City Nature Challenge bioblitz with the AVID program at San Rafael High School. 
• Wrapped up the first year of IYEL (Inspiring Young Environmental Leaders) in Marin, a program of the Parks Conservancy now serving Marin youth. Many participants will be continuing with us this summer,  deepening their connection to our public lands and building new skills. 

Exciting summer adventures and educational opportunities are beginning! See what's on deck: 

• For the first time ever, the Parks Conservancy’s Urban Trail Blazers middle school program will be serving youth from Marin County. Eight youth from MLK Academy will participate and get to know some special places in Marin including Tomales Bay and Muir Woods. 
• Our summer LINC (Linking Individuals to their Natural Community) program will include 12 Marin-based high school students. They will participate in a number of service learning programs in both Marin and San Francisco, and, in partnership with our One Tam partners agencies, will experience places such as Lake Lagunitas, Bothin Marsh, Redwood Creek, Ring Mountain, and China Camp.
• The Queer Belonging Backpacking Adventure launched last week and will be embarking on a five-day backpacking trip in Point Reyes. This program, specifically designed for queer youth of color, will help participants build their skills and confidence in the outdoors, celebrate and validate their identities, learn about local ecology, and find avenues to creatively express their voices. They will also be spending a night at the Audubon Canyon Ranch's Martin Griffin Preserve. 

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the supporters of One Tam and the Parks Conservancy who make these special experiences possible for Marin youth! Learn more about our offerings for youth >>

Make an Impact as a Watershed Steward

Watershed Steward Program (WSP) Corpsmembers Kalvin Joe, Katharine Major, and Emily Cox surveying a creek with Marin Water Aquatic Ecologist and WSP Mentor Eric Ettlinger. Photo: WSP

The Watershed Steward Program, a project of the California Conservation Corps, is a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking experience in the watershed protection and fisheries fields. The 10.5-month commitment to an environmental group or agency offers a living stipend while also providing critical, hands-on experience with environmental professionals. 

One exciting partnership within this program is with Marin Water – Watershed Stewards with Marin Water support initiatives such as fish counts at Lagunitas Creek, which helps Marin Water meet state and federal requirements and maintain the health of the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed.

The application window is open until June 30. Learn more >>

For questions, contact WSP.Recruiter@ccc.ca.gov.

Thank you for Springing Forward with One Tam! 

Spring Forward with One Tam was a celebration of our first ten years and lookahead to the next. You can still celebrate with us by getting involved or joining as a member! Photo: Kirke Wrench

We want to thank the One Tam members, supporters, and agency partners that came together for our Spring Forward celebration in May. Together, we reflected on nearly ten years of our partnership, and looked toward the future. The north star that emerged for our work, and for how we step into the next ten years, is the health of the mountain and of all communities that depend on it.

This important work is possible only with support from our members and donors. If you are among this generous group, thank you! If you want to become a part of the One Tam family of supporters, please consider becoming a member by making a gift! All memberships are tax-deductible and fund our cross-boundary work to protect, steward and make Mt. Tamalpais accessible for all. Reach out to Sarah Lincoln, slincoln@parksconservancy.org, with questions about making a gift, or make a gift online >>

We welcome all to join us as we spring forward into our next ten years! 

Special Event: Brewfest

Join us for the firest Parks4all Brewfest! Image: Parks Conservancy

You're invited to a special afternoon of brews and tunes! The Parks Conservancy and Headlands Brewing are excited to bring you the first ever Parks4All: Brewfest on Saturday, July 29 from 12:00-4:00 pm in the Presidio of San Francisco. Proceeds will benefit the Parks Conservancy, the non-profit partner of One Tam. 

Get tickets and see participating breweries and bands >>

Seasonal Sightings

Yellow mariposa lily (Calochortus luteus). Photo: Gina Galang/Parks Conservancy

Our One Tam Conservation Management team spotted this lovely native plant during their monitoring work – the yellow mariposa lily (Calochortus luteus). In addition to being a beautiful plant, the yellow mariposa lily plays an important role in our Mt. Tam ecosystems. It is considered a pollinator “generalist” and is an important food source for bees, beetles, and yes, butterflies! Pictured here, this skipper butterfly and yellow mariposa lily have an important mutualistic relationship – the skipper relies on this lily for sustenance, and the lily relies on this skipper for pollination. The yellow mariposa lily thrives in many grasslands of Mt. Tam. You can catch a glimpse of this wonderful native plant in late spring, including on the Cary Camp trail and the trails near Azalea Hill.