description Bair Island Overview
Bair Island is a group of former salt-marsh islands and restored wetlands beside Redwood City on the western shore of San Francisco Bay, California. Once altered by levees and considered for development, much of the area was protected and returned to tidal influence through a large ecological restoration program. It now provides habitat for fish, migratory birds, and other marsh wildlife, with public trails available in designated areas.
help Bair Island FAQ
Where is Bair Island?
Bair Island is beside Redwood City on the western shore of San Francisco Bay in California. It is a group of marsh islands separated by tidal sloughs, not an offshore ocean island.
What was Bair Island used for before wetland restoration?
Levees cut the historic tidal marsh off from the bay, and parts were used for farming, cattle grazing, and salt evaporation ponds. The Leslie Salt Company operated much of the salt-pond area before conservation and restoration efforts.
Why was Bair Island restored to tidal influence?
Restoration reopened former diked wetlands to natural tidal flow, helping rebuild marsh, mudflat, and channel habitat around Redwood City. The work followed decades of pressure to develop the site and a 1982 local rejection of a major development proposal.
Is Bair Island protected land?
Much of Bair Island is protected as wetland habitat connected with the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and California conservation lands. Its restoration is therefore a wildlife and floodplain project, not simply a real-estate redevelopment.
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