Bolinas Lagoon Restoration

Bolinas Lagoon is a world-renowned tidal estuary with unique habitats and ecosystem services that support wildlife and people. Due to historical impacts to the lagoon and worsening climate change impacts, there is a great need to support the natural resilience of the lagoon’s habitats through targeted conservation and restoration projects. Greater Farallones Association works in partnership with Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries to implement a holistic ecosystem approach to restoration of the Lagoon with a shared vision of sustainability and resilience. The 2008 Bolinas Lagoon Ecosystem Restoration Project: Recommendations for Restoration and Management (Locally Preferred Plan), developed through a working group of scientists, local stakeholders, environmental groups, and state and federal agencies, guides these efforts. Together, GFA and its partners prioritize and implement projects from the Locally Preferred Plan to protect the lagoon’s current resources and strengthen its resilience and adaptability to future changes.

For over ten years we have worked to implement projects and, thanks to support from local Stinson Beach, Seadrift, and Bolinas communities, we continue to achieve significant restoration success. Learn about our South End Living Shorelines Project and other Bolinas Lagoon and Stinson Beach Coastal Resilience Projects below.

South End Living Shorelines Project

Sea lavender removal at the South End – invasive purple blooms threaten rare native plants like salt marsh bird’s beak. Photo by Wendy Kordesch, GFA.

Restoring the edge of Bolinas Lagoon for wildlife, water, and the future

At the southern end of Bolinas Lagoon, a rare opportunity is taking shape: restoring natural shoreline habitats in one of the most sensitive and dynamic parts of the Lagoon. This is the last long stretch of undeveloped shoreline in the Lagoon, and it’s at risk.

Co-led by Greater Farallones Association and Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, and in partnership with Marin County and the Seadrift Association, the South End Restoration Project aims to protect and expand tidal wetlands, improve habitat for birds, and boost resilience to rising seas.

This shoreline has been heavily altered by development and overtaken by non-native plants. It now faces growing pressure from flooding and sea level rise. We’re drawing from historic natural features (like dunes, marshes, and tidal flats) to design a shoreline that works with nature: supporting wildlife, soaking up high tides, and creating a more stable edge for the future.

What We’re Doing

Removing invasive species like Algerian sea lavender before they spread further
Designing nature-based features, like gentle dunes, tidal wetlands, and marsh edges, to stabilize the shoreline and support wildlife
Incorporating community input and scientific research into project planning
Working closely with the Seadrift Association and Marin County to ensure the project is compatible with local priorities and stewardship goals

Where We Are Now

The project is in its feasibility and design phase. We’re evaluating current conditions, modeling how the shoreline may change in coming decades, and developing restoration options with input from local residents, scientists, and agency partners.

Next up: Finalizing designs, securing approvals, and preparing for environmental review.

Why It Matters

Habitat: The project supports migratory birds, native plants, and lagoon species that depend on healthy shoreline habitat.

Protection: This shoreline already acts as a natural buffer. By sustaining and restoring it, we help preserve the space both birds and people need – providing room for tides, habitat, and community access.

Resilience: As sea levels rise, this restoration helps Bolinas Lagoon adapt and remain vibrant for decades to come.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect a nationally significant estuary, and we’re working with the local community every step of the way.

Coastal Resilience Collaboration

Aligning local efforts for a more connected and resilient coast

Coastal resilience work in the Bolinas Lagoon area is guided by a strong, long-standing partnership among local, state, and federal agencies, nonprofits, and community groups.

To support this work, the Bolinas Lagoon Advisory Council (BLAC) and the Bolinas/Stinson Coastal Resilience Partners Group bring together agencies, landowners, scientists, and community members on a regular basis. These groups meet quarterly to align efforts across the watershed, share updates, and collaborate on habitat restoration, shoreline access, and nature-based climate adaptation.

Our shared goal is a healthy, connected, and resilient coastline, built through collaboration.