Eden Landing Ecological Reserve

Located on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, the reserve consists of levees of former salt ponds that are now being restored. A 2.75-mile stretch of the San Francisco Bay Trail runs along the reserve.

Recommended access point: Breakwater Avenue at the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

Information: http://rhorii.com/EdenLanding/BayTrail.html

Map: www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/er/region3/docs/EdenLandingER.pdf

Activities: Walking trail, bird watching

Fauna: Wetland birds such as egrets, herons, terns, curlews, cormorants, pelicans, avocets, the threatened Western snowy plover, and the endangered clapper rail can be seen here. Waterfowl, including mallards, scaups, and pintails can be found at the reserve. Even the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse has been spotted.

Insider insight: The restoration will tell biologists precisely which salinities, flow rates, and water depths are ideal for different species they are looking to reestablish, from invertebrates up to migratory birds. With this information, they’ll be able to dial in the precise habitat conditions needed and optimize former salt ponds for different uses throughout the year. If they simply let nature have its way, many species could be left out of the loop.

Photo: Save the Bay / Dan Sullivan Images