Your CreekS
Bayview, Montalvin & Tara Hills
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR STORM DRAINS FLOW?
The primary waterway in the Bayview, Montalvin, and Tara Hills areas is Garrity Creek. It's a three-mile-long creek that flows into the San Pablo Bay, and it's a valued natural feature for residents. Locals want to improve the trail network along the shoreline to connect existing segments of the San Francisco Bay Trail near the creek. The area is part of the larger San Pablo Bay shoreline, which provides a habitat for various wildlife. Projects have been proposed to enhance the trail network and improve public access to the bay, though the historic Union Pacific Railroad creates some challenges for safe and convenient access.
Beyond providing a connection to the Bay Trail, Garrity Creek and the broader San Pablo Bay shoreline are important ecological areas. The region includes tidal marshes, sloughs, and mudflats, which serve as crucial feeding and nursery grounds for a variety of marine fish, birds, and mammals. Efforts are being made to restore and enhance these habitats. This includes projects aimed at restoring tidal wetlands to help with flood risk reduction, improve biodiversity, and support species like the California Ridgway's rail, salt marsh harvest mouse, and various migratory birds that use the Pacific Flyway. These ongoing projects highlight the community's interest in preserving and improving its natural resources for both recreation and environmental health.