Hamilton Wetland Restoration Project

The Hamilton Wetland Restoration Project is a 648-acre tidal marsh restoration along the northwestern shore of San Pablo Bay designed to support native wildlife and aquatic species. The site was engineered using materials from major port dredging to achieve proper wetland elevations and create diverse habitat zones.

The land transitioned from farmland in the early 1900s to an Army airfield in the 1920s before Congress approved restoration efforts in 1999. This shift marked a return from military use to natural wetland systems.

Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts use the adjacent Bay Trail to observe species and learn about local ecosystems, making this a place where visitors can experience wildlife in its natural setting.

The site is best explored from the adjacent Bay Trail, which offers direct views of the wetland areas. The best time to visit is during bird migration periods when the greatest variety of species are active in the region.

The project features specialized wind-wave berms that manage water energy while supporting both seasonal and tidal wetland environments, demonstrating an innovative engineering approach to habitat restoration.