San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge San Pablo Bay National the Tidal Wetlands

Home , San Pablo Bay, Tubbs Island

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge San Pablo Bay National the tidal wetlands. Wildlife Refuge can offer The refuge provides vital stretches of knee-high habitat for threatened and pickleweed, open bay endangered species, as well waters with rafts of as millions of migrating Canvasback ducks riding waterfowl, shorebirds and the currents, and the our local resident wildlife. timeless ebb and flow of

Pickleweed © Peter Baye Welcome

121 More than 300 species of By the 1950s, only 25 percent of the wildlife can be found in the historical tidal marshes remained in

Vallejo greater San Francisco Bay the estuary. Today, only 15 percent 37 estuary which includes of the bay’s historic tidal lands remain. San Pablo Bay NWR San Pablo Bay. Most use San Pablo Bay the estuary as a resting, Partnerships – Since the 1960s, conservation San feeding or wintering stop Our Roots agencies, non-profit organizations and Rafael 101 80 during their Pacific local grassroot efforts have worked to

580 Richmond Flyway migration. protect the Bay for its significance to migratory birds and resident wildlife. 580 San Pablo Bay National The northern Bay’s Napa-Sonoma Wildlife Refuge was Marshes are jointly managed with the 80 Oakland established in 1974 to California Department of Fish and Pacific 580 conserve, restore and Game. The Lower Tubbs Island Unit Ocean 101 San protect bay wetlands for was acquired with assistance from The Francisco San endangered species and Nature Conservancy. While the Solano AreaArea of 1 map Francisco Shown Bay migratory birds. County Farmlands and Open Space

CALIFORNIA Foundation and California State

USGS A variety of habitats can be found on Lower Tubbs Coastal Conservancy helped acquire the refuge along the north shore of the Cullinan Ranch/Napa Marsh Unit. Island Unit San Pablo Bay, including open bay waters, salt marsh, intertidal mudflats, Largely comprised of thousands of upland habitat and restored wetlands. acres of tidelands leased from the These habitats provide a multitude of Aerial view of the California State Lands Commission, microscopic creatures which support refuge showing the Refuge’s ultimate plans include the food chains that provide nutrients open bay, tidal protection and conservation of more for birds, mammals and fish. wetlands and than 20,000 acres of critical wildlife Mare Island habitat in northern San Pablo Bay. Historically Less than 150 years ago, the Napa- Wetland Marshes Sonoma marshes surrounding San Pablo Bay comprised one of the most extensive wetland systems along the Pacific Coast. This system provided habitat for millions of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds Rafts of as well as resident wildlife. Plants Canvasbacks dot specialized to live in aquatic habitats the bay during grew bountifully, sheltering and winter months. feeding a rich diversity of species.

Rapid development in the area began with the discovery of gold in the Sierra Nevada foothills in the 1850s. Hydraulic mining operations contributed

huge amounts of sediment to the rison San Francisco Bay Estuary. For the next one hundred years, the marshes were filled, diked or drained to support the bay’s development as a

USGC major center for commerce.

Caltrans, Lynn G. Har Wildlife Calendar

Fall, winter and spring offer the best Raptors, such as red-tailed hawks, opportunities to observe concentrations white-tailed kites, northern harriers of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and American kestrels, are abundant wading birds and raptors. One of from November through February. the best places to see wildlife is the They can be seen hunting over the

USFWS teal provides a spectacular view of agricultural fields. A sharp observer San Pablo Bay, its wildlife habitat White-tailed kite may spot a peregrine falcon pursuing and numerous tidal marsh species. a shorebird on the edge of the bay.

Fall & Winter Starting in September, waterbirds Spring & Summer By May, most of these migrants begin to arrive from their northern move north to nest, while residents breeding grounds. From November and visitors from the south nest on through January, peak numbers of the refuge. Nesting species on the refuge include black-necked stilt, Marbled Godwits mallard, and gadwall. Migrant and other © Anthony Battiste nesters from the south include shorebirds Barn swallows Caspian terns and barn swallows. A variety of resident gulls, herons, egrets and perching birds can be seen year-round nesting on or adjacent to the refuge. Non-breeding white pelicans are commonly observed during summer and stay into the fall. Established trails at the

canvasback, scaup, scoter, bufflehead, USFWS photography opportunities ruddy duck, goldeneyes, sandpipers, White pelican during these seasons. plovers, dowitchers, willets, godwits and curlews, can be seen using the Snowy egret and Great blue heron USFWS bay’s wetlands. Semi palmated Plovers

Dowitchers

USFWS

USFWS Watching Wildlife

Dawn and dusk are the best times Leave young animals alone. Even Spot a to see wildlife. Use binoculars or though you may think they are spotting scopes for a closer look and abandoned, a parent is probably

vey observe from the sidelines. close by waiting for you to leave.

Quick movements and loud noises Do not feed wildlife. It disrupts their will scare away most wildlife. digestive systems and compromises Staying quietly in one location will Roy Lowe, FWS their natural instinct for survival. let wildlife adjust to your presence. Avocet nest Many animals that have hidden will Always walk quietly in designated reappear once they think you areas. Other wildlife watchers will

SFSU/Richmond Bridge Harbor Seal Sur Harbor seal are gone. appreciate your consideration. Be aware of sounds and smells. Often you will hear more than you will see.

Look for traces of animals including tracks, scat, feathers and nests that tell interesting stories. Please leave this evidence for others to observe. Monarch butterfly or a stilt mother and chicks looking for a meal on the

tidal mudflat Mike Boylan, FWS

USFWS r. S C Skaggs Island uth ina loug a So Ch h m Naval Reservation o n Na o pa Slo Island No. 2 S ugh Russ Island Sears Lakeville Road Point uth Tubbs So Napa Island Island No. 1 River Slough Dutchman Knight

P e

t Cullinan Island a Railroad l Tolay Cr. u Ranch

a Unit R SloughVallejo

v Lower Tubbs San Pablo Bay NWR

e r Island Hunting and Fishing Area Midshipman Boat Point Mare Launch Island Petaluma Point Refuge San Pablo Bay Headquarters

Novato Cr. Complete hike: Area of map down, around and back = 8.15 miles

Sears California Point San San Pablo Bay Rafael National Wildlife Refuge

Headquarters Photography

Parking Area Hunting

Restrooms Fishing 2.75 Miles Miles Accessible Boat Launch 012 Lower Tubbs Wildlife 0 1.6 3.2 Viewing Trail Island Trail Kilometers Power Line Tolay Cr. Railroad Refuge Boundary Major Road Trail/Road Creek 2.65 Miles

Midshipman Long Point Tidal Seasonal Point Marsh Marsh San Pablo Bay Wildlife and Their Habitats

Open Bay San Pablo Bay’s open bay waters are a mix of fresh and salt waters. Winds and tidal current mix Pacific Ocean tidal flow and fresh waters from the Sacramento, San Joaquin, Petaluma and Napa rivers in the bay. Fresh water from California’s 60,000 square-mile Central Valley also

USFWS passes through the bay to the sea. Open waters serve as the home or migratory corridor for many species of fish and aquatic invertebrates including herring, anchovy, salmon, USFWS steelhead, crabs and shrimp. Open Salt marsh animals are eaten by tiny young fish harvest mouse waters also provide important resting that grow to reproduce, as well as by larger fish, birds and mammals. © Anthony Battiste and feeding habitat for millions of Canvasback male migratory birds each year. The refuge’s marshes also support Mudflats and Large expanses of fine-grained silt several rare and endangered animals Intertidal and clay mudflats are found around including the California clapper the bay. Twice daily, tides inundate rail, salt marsh harvest mouse, these mudflats, distributing California black rail and San Pablo enormous quantities of nutrients Bay song sparrow. which support an extensive community of diatoms, amphipods, Perennial worms, shellfish and algae. Many of Pickleweed these species are burrowers, which protects them from wave action, enemies and from drying out. At high tide, fish feed on the worms, snails,

USFWS Shorebirds clams and crabs that live in the mud. At low tide, shorebirds and waterbirds forage in the mud for their daily meal.

Tidal Marsh Tidal marshes occupy a transition USFWS zone between mudflat habitat and drier upland habitat. A variety of Uplands Mostly located on levees or land tidal marshes including salt marsh, adjacent to marshland, upland brackish marsh, fully tidal marsh and habitat is dry land not subject to managed marsh can be found on the tidal inundation. Species such as the USFWS refuge. They are some of the most jackrabbit, California vole, gopher productive habitat types on earth. snake, western meadowlark and golden-crowned sparrow inhabit the variety of grasses, shrubs and Vegetation adapted to living in salty FWS Ken Crowley, environments, like pickleweed and Jackrabbit herbaceous vegetation found in cordgrass, provide food for the the uplands. billions of microscopic animals in the marshes and open water of San Pablo Bay. These microscopic Refuge Management Environmental Education

Environmental education is an integral part of the refuge objectives. Teachers, youth group leaders, adult volunteers and students are invited to actively explore the diverse habitats and wildlife of the north San Pablo Bay through educator-led field trips along the marsh on Mare Island. Make arrangements with the refuge

USFWS in advance to participate in our environmental education programs.

Hands-on While at the refuge students Activities participate in a variety of activities designed to teach ecological concepts

USFWS that focus on endangered species, California Diminishing habitat and introduced migratory birds and habitat clapper rail non-native plants and animals are preservation. Refuge educators threatening the survival of marsh- use a multi- dependent species, including the disciplinary endangered California clapper rail, approach salt marsh harvest mouse and many to promote rare and endemic salt marsh plants. investigation, The refuge is engaged in tidal life-long restoration projects critical to the learning and long-term future of these species. environmental awareness. Refuge objectives include: protecting Students not

© Peter Baye © Peter threatened and endangered species; only learn about Dodder parasite providing wintering habitat for diving the importance of on pickleweed ducks; conserving migratory birds wetland habitats and other wildlife; and providing USFWS but also about compatible wildlife-dependent how their actions at home and at recreational opportunities. Local school can affect these habitats. support for habitat conservation and research contributes to our ability Interpretation All visitors are invited to enjoy to reach our objectives and restore interpretative activities at the refuge Rocket netting and enhance northern San Pablo Bay which include scheduled events and used in shorebird lands for the benefit of wildlife self-guided walks at Tolay Creek research program and people. and Cullinan Ranch. Walking trails are also being developed near the refuge office on Mare Island to provide more wildlife observation, interpretation and photography opportunities.

Mare Island trails are currently available only to participants enrolled in the refuge’s environmental education program.

Bryan FWS Winton, Refuge Activities

Hours The refuge is open year-round Wildlife Wildlife observation and during daylight hours. Check with Observation/ photography are encouraged on the refuge office for the latest Photography refuge trails during daylight hours. update on trail closures, wildlife Remember that the animals on the concerns, maintenance and refuge are wild and will flush if one management activities. gets too close. Please stay on the trails at all times. Use binoculars Boating Boat access to the open water and for a better view. intertidal areas of San Pablo Bay provide opportunities for fishing Hunting Hunting and fishing are allowed and hunting on the refuge. Boat on designated areas of the refuge ramps are available at the Vallejo during respective seasons subject to public marina near Brinkmans both State and Federal regulations. Marine and at Port Sonoma near Firearms are permitted only the Petaluma River. Boat launching while engaged in legal hunting is not available on the refuge. activities during these established open seasons. Volunteers Volunteers are an important component of the refuge’s success. Fishing Fishing by boat is allowed in the They work alongside refuge staff open bay and intertidal waters of the contributing to interpretive programs refuge. Fishing from shore is not and events, environmental education allowed. Please contact the refuge for programs, office assistance, wildlife additional information regarding management activities and a variety fishing and hunting. of maintenance duties. Please contact us for more information or to Special Use Special Use Permits are required for volunteer. Permits commercial tour groups, research activities, special events, commercial Facilities Restrooms and drinking water are photography and filming, or any available at the refuge office on activity not specifically permitted Mare Island during regular office in this brochure. Permits may be hours. No restrooms, picnic areas, obtained by contacting the refuge campgrounds, drinking water or office during business hours. other facilities are available at the Tolay Creek or Cullinan Ranch units. Please help keep our trails clean and Please respect take litter and trash home with you. wildlife, their habitat and Pets Due to the sensitive nature of the the nature wildlife living on the refuge, and for experience of protection of endangered species, others. Take pets are not allowed. only pictures and memories and leave only footprints.

Some Restrictions While you enjoy the refuge, please The Vallejo Convention Center are Necessary obey the following regulations which and Visitors Bureau has information are designed to protect both wildlife on local restaurants, lodging, RV parks and visitors. and other points of interest within commuting distance of the refuge. We do not allow any of the following They can be reached at (707) 642-3653. activities: off-trail driving or biking, personal watercraft, jet-skiing, Information on camping at California camping, horseback riding, fires, State Parks can be obtained by fireworks, overnight parking or calling (800)444-7275. weapons (except firearms used for hunting in permitted areas during legal hunting season). © Anthony Battiste Great egret 121

USFWS To ensure a quality refuge Vallejo experience to our visitors and 37 provide minimal disturbance to San Pablo Bay NWR

wildlife, collecting plants, natural San Pablo Bay features, wildlife or historic artifacts San Rafael is prohibited. 101 80

580 Richmond While on the trails, please do not litter, jog, run, use cell phones 580 (unless an emergency) or use sound equipment to attract wildlife. 80 Oakland Pacific 580 Ocean 101 Refuge Office The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife San Francisco Refuge office is located at Building 1 San Francisco 505 on Mare Island in Vallejo. If Bay 880 you have any questions regarding authorized activities on the refuge or

where you can go, it is best to check 101 with the refuge manager. Don Edwards 84 San Francisco Be Safe, Be The climate varies in San Francisco Bay NWR Prepared Bay throughout the year. Fog, rain or unexpected temperature drops can occur. Check the local weather San Pablo Bay National Wildlife forecast before your visit. Refuge Refuge is one of eight refuges trails are not paved so wear sturdy managed as part of the Don Edwards This emblem, designed by San Francisco Bay National Wildlife footwear. Be prepared to encounter conservationist J. N. "Ding" Darling, has become a symbol of the Refuge Complex. The National ticks and mosquitoes. We recommend National Wildlife Refuge System bringing insect repellent, water and Wildlife Refuge System includes more sunscreen. Do not hike in the marsh; than 520 refuges across the country. you may sink, become stuck or create This network of lands was established trails for predators. To protect for the conservation and management endangered species, some areas of fish, wildlife, and plant resources for the benefit of present and future © Anthony Battiste are closed to public access. California brown generations. pelican San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 2012 Cedar and “I” Street, Bldg. 505 Mare Island Vallejo, California 94592 (707) 562-3000 / (707) 562-WILD

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov

Refuge bird checklist http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov

For Refuge information 1 800/344 WILD

California Relay Service TTY 1 800/735 2929 Voice 1 800/735 2922

September 2001