About
SF Bay NERR Site Overview
The San Francisco Bay Estuary
The San Francisco Estuary is known as one of the most urbanized estuaries in the world. It is the heart of California’s economy and an estuary of international conservation significance. It is composed of two regions the upper-estuary and the lower-estuary. The upper estuary is more fresh-water flow-influenced and has two sub regions (Delta and Suisun). The lower estuary is dominated by salt-water tidal processes with three distinct sub regions (San Pablo Bay, Central Bay, and South Bay). The estuary as a whole is threatened and stressed by urbanization, invasive species, and rapid environmental change.
Our Reserve
The San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is located in the San Francisco Bay Estuary, it includes exemplary remnants of both the upper and lower estuarine landscapes and covers over 3,700 acres. China Camp and Rush Ranch, our two reserve sites, have been largely protected from development and alteration and are widely recognized for their expansive tidal marshes and undeveloped adjacent uplands. These sites have long been a focus of environmental and ecological research, providing important baseline data and serving as reference areas for the evaluation of restored, enhanced, or created wetlands around the estuary.
What We Do
The San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 29 National Estuarine Research Reserves established nationwide as field laboratories for scientific research and estuarine education.
Our mission is to improve understanding and stewardship of the San Francisco Bay estuary, with a broader relevance to the ecosystems beyond the Golden Gate.
Our two reserves at Rush Ranch and China Camp serve as research sites for scientists; classrooms for teachers, land managers and naturalists; and inspiring places for Bay Area residents to visit.