Santa Venetia Marsh
Part of Las Gallinas Creek delta, the endpoint of a Terra Linda watershed
Rangers Recommend
- Local residents hike, bike, jog, or walk their dogs along the 1.2 mile trail atop the levee.
- As you travel the path across the 33-acre preserve, imagine the marsh diked and filled as it was in the early in the 1900's. When outer levees were breached, tidal flows resumed, reviving pickleweed and saltgrass habitat.
- Dogs welcome. Dogs must be leashed on trail, and under voice command on fire roads, with leash readily available.
Naturalist Notes
- This small salt marsh provides habitat for sensitive species like the Ridgeway's Rail and salt marsh harvest mouse.
- Northern harriers, white-tailed kites, and red-tailed Hawks search the levees for voles and other rodents.
- This is one of the few places in the county where the pygmy blue butterfly can be found.
- Check out the iNaturalist field guide [External]. Add your own observations.
Activities
Know Before You Go
- Stay on roads and trails to preserve sensitive ecosystems and to avoid trespassing on private property.
- Dress appropriately for the weather. Trails can be muddy during rainy season.
- Bring water.
- If launching a kayak, watch tides. Currents can be strong.
- There are no restrooms at this location.
- Steer clear of poison oak.
- After an outing, check for ticks.
Download Preserve Map