Whispers of the Ohlone linger here at Crissy Marsh. Imagine their presence centuries ago harvesting food from the bay’s bounty. This 130-acre wetland a vital part of the San Francisco Peninsula. Crissy Marsh isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a testament to restoration. A place where brackish waters meet. A haven for birds along the Pacific Flyway.
For a long time this land wasn’t a marsh at all. Crissy Field an airfield during World Wars I and II dominated this area. The airfield was named after Major Dana Crissy a Presidio artilleryman. The Army used the land for something far less natural. They dumped hazardous materials here. This wasn’t just some small cleanup operation. The restoration of Crissy Marsh took significant effort. Nearly 90000 tons of hazardous waste was removed. This remarkable feat was part of a larger goal to restore the San Francisco Bay’s wetland acreage. Over 90% of the original wetlands had been lost.
The transformation began in 1997. It involved planting 100000 native plants representing 73 species. This wasn’t just about plants though. The project also involved extensive reshaping of the land. It included the removal of massive amounts of soil and rubble. A new shoreline promenade was created stretching for more than a mile. The end result was stunning. The reborn Crissy Marsh is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. It’s home to at least 17 fish species. Over 135 bird species have been observed here.
You can see evidence of this great work all around you. The boardwalk winding through the marsh allows you to see wildlife up close. The restored dunes provide habitat for many plants and animals. Some are rare or endangered. Species like the California Red Legged Frog thrive here. This restoration continues. A monitoring program is in place to track its progress and ensure the long-term success of this precious habitat. Today Crissy Marsh is more than a wetland. It’s a place where nature and history intertwine. It is a stunning example of environmental restoration in an urban setting. A place for people and wildlife to coexist and thrive. A true jewel of San Francisco.