A Nature Conservancy Legacy: In and Around Marin County

A tour of TNC's role in helping to build the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and nearby protected lands in Marin County, California

The Nature Conservancy

Marin Headlands

In the 1960s, 70s and 80s, The Nature Conservancy partnered with public agencies, local activists and landowners in Marin County to protect ecologically-rich private properties from urban development. Today these areas are part of the Bay area's renowned urban parklands.

Marincello

In 1964, a new city, "Marincello", was to be built in the heart of the Marin headlands. In 1972, following a six year land-use battle and grassroots effort to protect the area, the Conservancy purchased the property and ultimately transferred it to what is now the Marin Headlands, visited annually by more than 13 million people and a jewel of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Kent Island

In 1964, a massive marina was being planned in Bolinas Lagoon. In coordination with partners, the Conservancy purchased Kent Island, the would-be epicenter of the marina, bringing an end to the development. Today the lagoon is part of a National Marine Sanctuary and is a UNESCO Wetland of International Importance.

St. Hilary's Preserve

In 1964, development threatened the native grasslands surrounding Old St. Hilary's Church near Tiburon. The Conservancy helped Tiburon Belvedere Landmark Society save these grasslands, now part of the Marin County Open Space District and refuge for some of California's rarest native plants.

Spindrift Point

In 1966, a small seaside headland, Spindrift Point, was given to the Conservancy to be protected. Due to its isolation and limited use, the site is a refuge for fragile succulents, grasslands and other species restricted to seaside ecosystems.

Bay Tidelands

In 1970, the Conservancy began acquiring wetlands bordering San Francisco Bay to save them from urban development. Today they are part of a vast system of protected bay lands. Currently, scientists are restoring native eelgrass and oyster beds on Conservancy-owned mudflats to increase shoreline stability in the face of rising sea level.

Green Gulch Farm

In the 1970s, many working ranches throughout the Bay Area were being sold to developers. The Conservancy partnered with a local family to protect their coastal ranch. Today the land includes important habitat, hiking trails, an organic farm, and a Zen center all within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Slide Ranch

In 1971, the Conservancy purchased a remote stretch of coast to safeguard it from residential development, then transferred the land to the National Park Service to help build the Marin Headlands. Today Slide Ranch is an education center promoting organic agriculture and environmental awareness to Bay Area schoolchildren and other visitors.

Bishop Pine Preserve

In 1973, the Conservancy along with local land owners protected a portion of California's rarest type of pine forest that was threatened by logging. This 300-acre ridge, abutting Point Reyes National Seashore and overlooking Tomales Bay, will now remain in its natural state. Because of its fragile nature and unique character, the preserve is closed to the public.

Tubbs Island

In 1978, The Conservancy purchased Tubbs Island, a former duck club, to help expand a growing network of protected wetlands. Today Tubbs Island is part of the vast San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, providing winter habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds, and hiking and bird-watching opportunities for people.

Ring Mountain Preserve

In 1983, the Conservancy purchased Ring Mountain, enabled by a strong grassroots effort to save this site from development. Today the preserve is renowned for its rare plants, spectacular spring wildflower displays, views and unique serpentine geology; it is a popular hiking area within the Marin County Open Space District.

Spirit Rock Ranch

In 1986, Spirit Rock Ranch with its oak woodlands and grasslands was given to the Conservancy, and at the donor's request was then sold to fund international programs. Today the ranch is a conservation-oriented Buddhist retreat center.

Marin Headlands

In the 1960s, 70s and 80s, The Nature Conservancy partnered with public agencies, local activists and landowners in Marin County to protect ecologically-rich private properties from urban development. Today these areas are part of the Bay area's renowned urban parklands.

Marincello

In 1964, a new city, "Marincello", was to be built in the heart of the Marin headlands. In 1972, following a six year land-use battle and grassroots effort to protect the area, the Conservancy purchased the property and ultimately transferred it to what is now the Marin Headlands, visited annually by more than 13 million people and a jewel of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Kent Island

In 1964, a massive marina was being planned in Bolinas Lagoon. In coordination with partners, the Conservancy purchased Kent Island, the would-be epicenter of the marina, bringing an end to the development. Today the lagoon is part of a National Marine Sanctuary and is a UNESCO Wetland of International Importance. 

St. Hilary's Preserve

In 1964, development threatened the native grasslands surrounding Old St. Hilary's Church near Tiburon. The Conservancy helped Tiburon Belvedere Landmark Society save these grasslands, now part of the Marin County Open Space District and refuge for some of California's rarest native plants.

Spindrift Point

In 1966, a small seaside headland, Spindrift Point, was given to the Conservancy to be protected. Due to its isolation and limited use, the site is a refuge for fragile succulents, grasslands and other species restricted to seaside ecosystems.

Bay Tidelands

In 1970, the Conservancy began acquiring wetlands bordering San Francisco Bay to save them from urban development. Today they are part of a vast system of protected bay lands. Currently, scientists are restoring native eelgrass and oyster beds on Conservancy-owned mudflats to increase shoreline stability in the face of rising sea level. 

Green Gulch Farm

In the 1970s, many working ranches throughout the Bay Area were being sold to developers. The Conservancy partnered with a local family to protect their coastal ranch. Today the land includes important habitat, hiking trails, an organic farm, and a Zen center all within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Slide Ranch

In 1971, the Conservancy purchased a remote stretch of coast to safeguard it from residential development, then transferred the land to the National Park Service to help build the Marin Headlands. Today Slide Ranch is an education center promoting organic agriculture and environmental awareness to Bay Area schoolchildren and other visitors.

Bishop Pine Preserve

In 1973, the Conservancy along with local land owners protected a portion of California's rarest type of pine forest that was threatened by logging. This 300-acre ridge, abutting Point Reyes National Seashore and overlooking Tomales Bay, will now remain in its natural state. Because of its fragile nature and unique character, the preserve is closed to the public.

Tubbs Island

In 1978, The Conservancy purchased Tubbs Island, a former duck club, to help expand a growing network of protected wetlands. Today Tubbs Island is part of the vast San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, providing winter habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds, and hiking and bird-watching opportunities for people.

Ring Mountain Preserve

In 1983, the Conservancy purchased Ring Mountain, enabled by a strong grassroots effort to save this site from development. Today the preserve is renowned for its rare plants, spectacular spring wildflower displays, views and unique serpentine geology; it is a popular hiking area within the Marin County Open Space District.

Spirit Rock Ranch

In 1986, Spirit Rock Ranch with its oak woodlands and grasslands was given to the Conservancy, and at the donor's request was then sold to fund international programs. Today the ranch is a conservation-oriented Buddhist retreat center.