Chelsea Wetlands facts for kids
Chelsea Wetlands is a special natural area in Hercules, California. It is a type of marsh and wetland where Pinole Creek meets San Pablo Bay. This important natural space is located in Contra Costa County, within the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area.
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A Look Back: History of Chelsea Wetlands
Chelsea Wetlands was once part of a much larger natural area. This bigger area of marshland stretched all along the edge of San Pablo Bay. Today, the Chelsea Wetlands is about 12 acres. This is what remains of the original coastal marsh in Hercules.
Over time, parts of the marsh were changed by people. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, during the growth of the Pinole and Hercules areas, some of the marsh was "diked off." This means walls were built to keep water out. Then, large parts of it were filled with soil. More recently, soil from nearby building projects has also been dumped here, which has further changed the wetlands.
Wildlife and Nature at Chelsea Wetlands
The Chelsea Wetlands is a very important home for many animals. It provides a crucial habitat for wildlife, including some species that are in danger of disappearing forever.
Endangered Species
Two important endangered birds found here are the California clapper rail and the salt marsh common yellowthroat. These birds rely on the unique environment of the wetlands to survive. Long ago, other birds like egrets also lived here.
Protecting the Wetlands
In 2012, the city of Hercules worked to get money to help restore the lower part of Pinole Creek. This project aimed to do several things:
- Protect nearby neighborhoods from flooding.
- Bring back the natural tidal marsh areas.
- Restore the floodplain, which helps store water and provides habitat.
All these efforts help support the plants and animals that naturally live in the Chelsea Wetlands.
The San Francisco Bay Trail
The San Francisco Bay Trail is a path that goes through this area. It runs along San Pablo Bay, allowing people to enjoy the natural beauty of the wetlands.
