Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/716283
EXPLORE YOUR PARKS Your Guide to Marin County Parks & Programs FALL 2016 O ne of my favorite activities is hiking through the forest with my two-year-old son, Jasper. We practice being quiet, hoping to see animals. Usually his excitement gets the better of him. We spot a brush rabbit and he can't help but call out "Hi bunny!" and in an instant the rabbit dives into the brush. In Marin County we are lucky to live in close proximity to wild places where rabbits, coyotes, spotted owls, and even mountain lions make their homes. It's rare that we get to see these animal neighbors, but with the Wildlife Picture Index—a project of the One Tam initiative—we are getting rare glimpses into the lives of these shy creatures. What we have found is truly extraordinary. Our open space preserves are incredibly rich ecosystems just a few miles from our busy suburban communities. With funding provided by Measure A, we are able to address some of the challenges that wildlife face in our changing world. At McInnis Marsh, home to endangered Ridgway's rail, black rail, and salt marsh harvest mouse, we're designing a cutting edge sea level rise adapta- tion project in partnership with the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District and Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Another coastal preserve, Bolinas Lagoon, provides exceedingly rich intertidal habitat for millions of migrating birds and has been designated a Wetland of International Impor- tance under the Ramsar Convention. Thanks to Measure A and a Coastal Conservancy grant, we've partnered with the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, Point Reyes National Seashore, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to develop a sea level rise adaptation project for this important habitat. Protecting and restoring these special places is at the center of our work at Marin County Parks. Our goal is not just to set aside preserves for the rabbits and badgers today, but to invest in innovative projects that will ensure that wildlife will have a safe home in the future. Director's Corner COYOTE PHOTOBOMB! ROY'S REDWOODS Max Korten, Acting Director & General Manager Marin County Parks