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Photo of birds in Burrow Ditch.

A segment of the approximately 1 mile long Borrow ditch before placement of sediments to create salt marsh wetland. View more photos.

Wetlands Restoration

Eden Landing Ecological Reserve

Wetlands provide habitat for numerous wildlife species, including endangered birds and mammals. The South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project is the largest wetland restoration project in the United States west of the Mississippi. For nearly 10 years, the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has been a significant partner in the evolution and development of the Eden Landing Ecological Reserve, Phase 1 of the Salt Pond Restoration Project.

The Eden Landing Ecological Reserve is over 800 acres of former salt ponds on the east shore of San Francisco Bay south of San Mateo Bridge in Alameda County. The former salt ponds purchased by the State Department of Fish and Game are being restored to a more natural state of wetlands and managed ponds.

How We're Doing It:

Sediment excavated from Flood Control District channels are used to build or create wetlands to provide vital wildlife habitat. Other components of the project will include:

  • constructing levees to protect properties from the effects of climate change and sea level rise
  • installing recreational trails on the tops of the levees
  • ongoing studies to understand the effects of climate change and sea level rise on the County.