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.
Grantmaking
This initiative is a partnership between the Buck Family Fund of MCF and the California State Coastal Conservancy. Funding for new projects is no longer available. For information about other potential resources available through the Coastal Conservancy, contact Marilyn Latta, Project Manager, State Coastal Conservancy, at Marilyn.Latta@scc.ca.gov or 510-286-4157.
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 ResourceMarin 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 ResourceRESOURCES
- Adapting to Rising Tides | Bridging The Gap: Funding Sea Level Rise Adaptation in the Bay Area
- Adapting to Rising Tides | Short Report: Summary of Regional Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Survey