Pillar Point Marsh
consists of two types of marshes. A fresh water stream marsh
that drains into a brackish water marsh (a mix of fresh and sea water)
where plants are salt tolerant.
The sponge-like soil controls flooding during heavy rainfall and the
plants in the marsh serve as a filter to purify polluted runoff water
-- providing a healthy environment for the many birds and animals who
live and visit the marsh.
This unique marsh may be small, but it is an important habitat for
local and migrating birds where bird watchers at Pillar Point Marsh have sighted
nearly 20% of all North American bird species.
Directions: From Hwy. 1, take Capistrano Road to
Pillar Point Harbor. Go through the harbor entrance to Prospect Way
and turn left on to Broadway. Take the immediate left on Harvard
and go to the end of road. Turn right on West Point Avenue and
continue to the Pillar Point Marsh parking lot.
Information:
Fitzgerald
Marine Reserve -- 650-728-3584.
