RAVENSWOOD OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
Ravenswood Open Space Preserve in East Palo Alto features a restored tidal salt marsh that serves as critical habitat for hundreds of species of shore birds, fish, and mammals, including the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse and Ridgway’s rail. The preserve is managed by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and its main trail is part of the Bay Trail network, which circumnavigates San Francisco Bay.
Our work at Ravenswood began in fall of 2022 to restore marsh-upland transition zone habitat along the Bay Trail.
OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS AT RAVENSWOOD
OUR RESTORATION WORK AT RAVENSWOOD
Our work at Ravenswood is the restoration of marsh-upland transition zone habitat along 2,400 feet of the Bay Trail by removing target invasive species and adding native plants that will provide forage and shelter for wildlife. The restored area will also provide cover for species like the salt marsh harvest mouse and Ridgway's rail when high tides inundate the marsh and they need to move to higher ground. Grassroots Ecology will lead the restoration effort and will be working closely with Climate Resilient Communities to bring local residents on as partners into the restoration project.
“Community leaders in East Palo Alto have echoed many times the need for more education and awareness on issues related to climate change and sea level rise. This project will provide these opportunities, foster a sense of ownership for local open space, and increase local knowledge of the many ecosystem benefits of marsh habitat,” -Violet Saena, Founder and Director of Climate Resilient Communities.
VISIT RAVENSWOOD
2100 Bay Rd., East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Ravenswood Preserve is open everyday from sunrise to sunset. The drive to Ravenswood is through a residential neighborhood along Bay Road. There is a small parking lot near the Ravenswood entrance as well as one at the end of Bay Road near the Cooley Landing Interpretive Center, both of which include two accessible spaces. Be sure to lock your car and take all valuables with you. No entrance or parking fees are required. The preserve is also accessible by bike with the closest bike racks located by the Cooley Landing parking lot. Bus routes 296 and 280 stop at the Bay/Pulgas stop, about a half mile from the preserve.
The preserve can be explored by the Bay Trail which is made with packed gravel or dirt depending on the section of the trail.
There are flush toilets near the Cooley Landing Interpretive Center, including two ADA compliant restrooms. Water fountains are also available there.
OUR TEAM AT RAVENSWOOD
Project Lead Paola Bueno manages our work at Ravenswood Preserve. Any questions about our work at Ravenswood Preserve can be sent to Project Lead Paola Bueno.
