Bothin Marsh

At the edge of Richardson Bay in Mill Valley, the Bothin Marsh Open Space Preserve and a section of the Mill Valley-Sausalito Pathway (Bay Trail) are experiencing the effects of sea level rise. More frequent and severe flooding impacts the shoreline, plants, wildlife, and the pathway.

The Evolving Shorelines Project is responding to the challenge of sea level rise by developing nature-based approaches to adapt marsh habitat and the pathway to a changing climate. The shared community vision for Bothin Marsh is a place where innovative climate adaptations allow for thriving biodiversity, year-round recreation, and carbon-free transportation enjoyed by all. One Tam is embracing the shared responsibility of taking care of open spaces for current and future generations.

The easiest way to get informed about our work at Bothin Marsh is to visit the Evolving Shorelines Storymap. It provides a fast and engaging way to learn about the history of the marsh, how rising tides affect recreation and wildlife habitat, and ongoing efforts to find solutions.

We have been gathering feedback on draft designs and will be sharing opportunities to learn about project updates in the future.

Upcoming Events

Check back soon, or visit our calendar to see upcoming opportunities to learn more about this project.

Project Leadership

One Tam partners – the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and Marin County Parks – are working together on the Evolving Shorelines Project at Bothin Marsh.

The Parks Conservancy provides support through fundraising, community engagement, communications and co-project management for this project. Bothin Marsh lies within the jurisdiction of Marin County Parks, land managers of this Open Space Preserve.

Project Contacts

Rob LaPorte, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
rlaporte@parksconservancy.org

Veronica Pearson, Marin County Parks
vpearson@marincounty.org

Project Updates

October 2023: Thank you to everyone that provided feedback on the projects restoration approach, trail design, and options for a new trailhead near Tam Junction. Our team has completed a set of preliminary plans for enhancing Bothin Marsh’s wetlands and elevating the multiuse pathway which you can view here. Our next steps include finding some additional funding and then working with our engineers to refine the restoration and trail designs.
10/25/2022: In August about 70 community members joined us for a pop-up event at Bothin near Tam Junction where we explored a range of options for a potential new trailhead. These conversations continue to inform guiding principles for the design of marsh and pathway improvements.
8/26/2021: Project partners release the Evolving Shorelines Adaptation Concepts report. This report documents the adaptation planning and design process that will serve as the foundation for future detailed design development.
6/8/2021: Project partners held a recorded, online community presentation to share the favored approach for adapting Bothin Marsh to sea level rise which has the Mill Valley-Sausalito Multi-use Pathway ringing the marsh.
10/15/2020: Project partners held a recorded, online community presentation to present three concept options to enhance the tidal marsh and elevate the pathway. If you only have a few minutes, here are 2 ½ minute videos explaining each of the concepts: Concept 1: Raise Trail in Place, Concept 2: Span the South Marsh, Concept 3: Ring the South Marsh.
6/22/2020: Project planners presented "Evolving Shorelines, Initial Planning Memo." This memo is intended to provide a brief summary of historic and existing conditions at the Preserve, to highlight key physical processes affecting the habitats and trails, and to introduce potential project measures.
October, 2019: With input from the community, the One Tam partners put forth “Evolving Shorelines”, the shared vision for Bothin Marsh. This community vision and the scientific foundation documented in the Bothin Marsh Geomorphology, Ecology, and Conservation Options Report provided the basis for planning the Evolving Shorelines Project.

Project Funding

The Evolving Shorelines Project is a priority of the One Tam collaborative. The project is funded by Marin County Measure A and with philanthropic support from One Tam members.

The Evolving Shorelines Project received funding from 2016’s Measure AA, the clean and healthy bay measure, through the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, which is a regional agency that funds projects that restore, protect and enhance the wetlands and wildlife habitat in the San Francisco Bay and its shoreline.

Funding has also come from the California State Coastal Conservancy and the Marin Community Foundation through the Advancing Nature-Based Adaptation Solutions grant program. This program seeks to support nature-based approaches that address the risks and impacts of climate change and sea level rise to protect the Marin County bay and coastal shorelines and natural resources.