Bay Area Region
Bay Area Region
The Bay Area region of California includes nine counties bordering the estuaries of San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, and Suisun Bay: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma. This iconic area, home to cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, features diverse ecosystems such as coastal redwoods, oak woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, and rivers that support wildlife, including salmon, bears, and mountain lions. Conservation efforts in the Bay Area are essential to protect these environments, maintain ecological balance, and preserve natural habitats for future generations.
San Francisco Bay is the largest estuary on the west coast of North America and is a natural epicenter for diversity. The Bay Area is home to almost 500 species making it a biodiversity hotspot and has the largest risk of species loss from a changing climate. Our coastal communities are facing the threats of a rising sea and our inland communities are vulnerable to wildfires from decades of drought.
Over a million shorebirds use the estuary during migration each year. San Francisco Bay has been designated a “Wetland of International Importance” under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. A wide range of habitats support 26 species protected by the federal or state Endangered Species Acts. We must protect the wild spaces that make the Bay Area special. Some iconic species found in the Bay Area include the San Francisco garter snake, Salt marsh harvest mouse, Bay checkerspot butterfly, Ridgway’s rail, Coast redwoods, Coho and steelhead, Mountain lion, Humpback whales, and manzanitas.
The Bay Area is known for having great outdoor access to places like the East Bay Regional Park District, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Mount Diablo State Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, and many urban parks and greenspaces. However, there is still disparity in access, and biodiversity, between high and low income areas, and historically redlined areas (Estein, et al). Increasing equitable outdoor access, creating and improving urban greenspaces, and transportation to natural areas in the Bay Area is critical to the success of 30×30.
As a coastal region, the Bay Area is threatened by the climate crisis in many ways including sea level rise, loss of habitat, increasing temperatures, and wildfire. A climate resilient Bay Area will have increased habitat connectivity and reestablished natural systems within the built environment; increased protections for wetlands and wetland migration; green infrastructure, such as living shorelines that include subtidal habitats and ecotone levees; and the use of locally native plants in urban greening.
Getting involved in Bay Area conservation work is crucial to protecting the land and its diverse ecosystems. Meeting the 30×30 goals requires collective action to preserve the remaining natural areas and prevent further environmental damage. By volunteering, supporting conservation efforts, and advocating for sustainable practices, you can help safeguard the region from the harmful effects of climate change and protect the homes and livelihoods of future generations. Contact us for more information.
Featured Projects
To explore the map, use the toggle on the left to select different layers for viewing specific information. Click on the dots on the map to view information about each project. Click the search icon in the upper right corner to find addresses or locations. You can zoom in or out using the map’s zoom controls and pan by clicking and dragging. To reset the view, simply click the home icon. Enjoy exploring!
Bay Area Highlights
Bay Area Videos
Bay Area News
For more news and upcoming events, visit Ag+ Open Space Press Releases and Upcoming Events.
