Giacomini Wetlands
Terrain: marsh, wetlands
Restroom? No
Parking: roadside
Kid-friendly
Plant list by the Marin chapter of the California Native Plant Society
Favorite plants on this trail: Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius)
On October 25, 2008, 550 acres of dairy pasture were returned to marsh lands, named Giacomini Wetlands after the family who diked the land for farming in the 1940’s. A short walk from downtown Point Reyes Station, native grasses flourish and ducks bob where cows once roamed. Read more about the restoration project in the Point Reyes Light Giacomini Wetlands, 10 years in, sees quick rebirth and the Marin IJ West Marin wetlands project hits 10-year mark.
Park along C Street in Point Reyes Station. Walk to the trailhead at the intersection of C St & 3rd St. Hike the short Barn Loop and return to explore the wetlands on the loop near Lagunitas Creek. Finally, walk out and back on the Papermill Creek Trail along Lagunitas Creek.
An old white barn stands at the edge of the upper grassland and provides a home for barn swallows. A short walk from the barn, two pairs of park benches overlook Tomales Bay — a great place to rest and spot water birds such as egrets, herons, and possibly a bald eagle.
Volunteer Opportunity: Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore offers many volunteer opportunities, including:
Coho and Steelhead monitoring
Harbor Seal monitoring
Snowy Plover docent
Winter wildlife docent
Morgan Horse Ranch
Trail Patrol
Visitor Services