Since the Gold Rush San Francisco Bay has decreased in size by one third. At the same time, San Francisco’s once jagged bay shoreline was filled, curved and extended into the Bay to accommodate deep water ships and development. The only untouched section is China Beach and rocky shoreline to its west.
San Francisco Bay and the city’s bay shoreline have long suffered from the effects of development which gave rise to a global conservation movement centered in the Bay Area. San Francisco’s plans for restoration and sustainable development are well underway from Chrissy Field to Warm Water Cove, Heron’s Head Park, India Basin Open Space Preserve, Yosemite Slough and Candlestick Point.
The return of native salt marsh plants at Heron’s Head Park presaged the return of hundreds of species living on and under the water. Over 1oo varieties of birds visit Heron’s Head Park. The EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park for environmental education focuses on green building, renewable energy, greenhouse gas reduction, wastewater treatment and green economy.