The Objective

Support planning, design, permitting, implementation, education, and/or community-based habitat restoration activities to address the risks and impacts of climate change and sea level rise; and to further advance nature-based adaptation solutions to protect and enhance the Marin County bay shoreline and natural resources.

The Issue

The impacts of climate change, specifically sea level rise, will be exacerbated in ecosystems that are less intact and functional, including subtidal environments and baylands habitats. Many low-income people and people of color reside in low-lying coastal areas that are susceptible to flooding, which will become more severe as storm surges increase and sea levels rise. The next 15 years are a critical time to test and implement new restoration practices to increase the ability of shoreline habitat to continue to serve as a critical asset in flood protection.

Our Approach

Nature-based adaptation, while an emerging field, is seen as having great potential to mitigate the effects of sea level rise. This initiative will support small to moderate, high priority restoration projects located within Marin that advance regional baylands ecosystem habitat goals, particularly ‘living shoreline’ concepts, including native oyster and eelgrass habitats, and tidal marshes.

At the same time, this innovative approach will support the education and engagement of the public, particularly under-served youth and directly-impacted communities, in restoration efforts, where possible. It will also support capacity building among critical partners in order to translate scientific data and analysis into practical solutions for broader implementation.

Current Grantees

From 2019-2021, MCF provided funding to the State Coastal Conservancy to re-grant to qualified projects. For more information about projects funded through our three-year partnership, visit https://scc.ca.gov/projects/san-francisco-bay/mcf/.

    Reports & Resources

    Reports

    Advancing Nature-Based Adaptation Solutions in Marin County

    Courtesy California State Coastal Conservancy and Marin Community Foundation, 2017

    View Resource

    Marin Shoreline Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment - Bay Waterfront Adaptation & Vulnerability Evaluation

    Prepared by BVB Consulting LLC for Marin County Department of Public Works, April 2017

    View Resource

    For questions regarding this initiative, please contact

    Juachon
    Patti D’Angelo Juachon

    Director for the Environment

    415.464.2547
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