Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
Map SatelliteApproximately two-thirds of the area lies in the San Pablo Bay and about half of this consists of mud tidal-flats.
On shore, there are salt marshes with cord grass, Spartina foliosa, pickleweed, Salicornia virginica, and salt grass, Distichlis spicata. Much of the bluff and upland area is a grassland rich in natives, with Danthonia sp., Stipa sp. and Elymus sp. The salt marsh to grassland ecotone found here is uncommon in the Bay Area. There is also a eucalyptus plantation in the upland portion.
The mudflats are important feeding grounds for migratory and resident shorebirds and waterfowl. The endangered California clapper rail, Rallus longirostris obsoletus, occurs here, as may the rare salt-marsh harvest mouse, Reithrodontomys raviventris.
Geologically, the Point is formed of nonmarine sedimentary rocks of the Pliocene Orinda Formation. The Hayward Fault passes into the Bay immediately to the west of the Point.
Integrity: Until the 1950's the area was used for manufacturing explosives, and there are various bunkers and magazines, rail lines, etc., present. As a result, the grasslands were not heavily disturbed.
Use: Educational, observational, present.
November 1979
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman