I’m excited to feature a freelance contributor’s project months in the making in this week’s newsletter. It’s all about the western snowy plover, a shorebird about the size of a soda can that nests on the Bay’s salt ponds. Following years of population decline due to loss of habitat, the plover was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Fortunately, plover numbers have been climbing, and it turns out that dried salt ponds are the perfect habitat for the birds, which prefer dry, sandy areas with little vegetation.
But some dried salt ponds are gradually being restored to wetlands as part of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. Of the total project area, which is slightly larger than the size of Manhattan, anywhere from 50%-90% of ponds will be reverted back to wetlands. Those remaining will be kept dry for plovers or turned into deep and shallow ponds for waterfowl.
The wetland restoration efforts will benefit endangered species like the salt marsh harvest mouse, and the tidal marshland will also act as a natural buffer to sea level rise. At the same time, the majority of Bay Area plovers nest on dried salt ponds, and experts worry the conversion of these ponds to wetlands will hamper the bird’s recovery. But there’s a dedicated team of biologists and volunteers doing their part to protect plovers and continue the species’ rebound. Magali Gauthier takes you inside the balancing act to keep plovers on the Peninsula.
“I’m like a bird, I’ll only fly away…”
Julia Brown
Six Fifty Editor
editor@thesixfifty.com
As the Bay Area’s salt pond restoration project moves forward, a tiny threatened shorebird remains under the watchful eye of biologists
The South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project is reverting thousands of acres of land once used for salt production to its historic tidal marsh state. But experts worry the gradual conversion of dried salt ponds to wetlands will hamper the recovery of the threatened western snowy plover.
From Mountain View High to the Olympics, this softball player is now pioneering a new pro league
Victoria Hayward went from Mountain View Bobby Sox to Olympic team captain and bronze medalist to playing softball in her final professional season in a new league that she helped found.
Sushirrito co-founder launches Colander Kitchens, a San Mateo restaurant primed to offer at least a dozen original concepts
Sushirrito’s co-founder is crafting a lot more than sushi burritos at his newest restaurant – he’s producing fresh pastas, milling wheat berries for French Riviera-inspired pizzas and making tortillas for seafood tacos.
Congrats to Luis O. from Sunnyvale, who was the first reader to correctly identify where last week’s photo was taken (it’s Bistro Vida in Menlo Park!).
The first person to reply to this email with the correct place where the below photo was taken will win a prize from The Six Fifty and a shoutout in our next newsletter!
Find more summer events in our July and August guide to things to do around Silicon Valley.
Menlo Park Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale: July 25-26 Find deals on tons of books in many genres and for all age groups, plus DVDs, CDs and more.
Pacifica History Walk: July 26 The Pacifica Historical Society leads a history walk through Pacifica’s Sharp Park district, followed by refreshments at the Pacifica Coastside Museum.
Jim Witzel Jazz Concert: July 26 Guitarist and composer Jim Witzel and his band perform an open-air concert in Pioneer Park.
Santa Clara County Fair: July 30-Aug. 3 It’s county fair time again! Find exhibitions, animals, carnival rides and games, foods, live entertainment and a parade Aug. 2.
Skate Night: Aug. 1 Skate Open Spaces and Domenico Winery present an evening of skating and music with a theme of “Flower Power,” celebrating the groovy tunes and vibes of the 1960s and ’70s.
Vintage Computer Festival: Aug. 1-2 Get hands-on demos of historical computer systems and check out all manner of vintage computers at this annual showcase.
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Birthday Party: Aug. 2 Celebrate 75 years of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA with games, gear, treats and adoption fees of only 75 cents.
Jane Austen is 250: Aug. 5 Kepler’s celebrates the genius of Jane Austen with an evening of trivia, treats, prizes and author talks. Regency costumes encouraged!
Maren Morris: Aug. 5 Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Maren Morris comes to the Mountain Winery.
Plan Ahead:
Victorian Days: Aug. 9 Learn about life during the 1800s at this celebration of the Victorian era, featuring a tea party, historical reenactors portraying wealthy Peninsula residents of the past, a fashion show and crafts.
KFJC Record Swap: Aug. 10 Foothill College’s dining hall is home to the legendary campus radio station’s record swap. Find vinyl, CDs, cassette tapes, posters and other musical memorabilia and merch.
Fine Art in the Park: Aug. 9-10 More than 150 artists showcase their work at this annual festival at Lincoln Park. Food and beverages from local favorites will be available to purchase.
Shakespeare in the Park: Aug. 9-24 San Francisco Shakespeare Festival brings its free Shakespeare in the Park production of the romantic comedy “Two Gentlemen of Verona” to Redwood City for three August weekends of open-air theater.
Weird Al Yankovic: Aug. 22 The one and only Weird Al plays at Shoreline Amphitheatre, along with the “saddest clowns in town,” Puddles Pity Party.
Dog Days of Summer Maker Market: Aug. 23 Find treasures from local artisans and small businesses, refreshments and live music at Little Green’s August maker market.
Kings Mountain Art Fair: Aug. 30-Sept. 1 The Labor Day weekend favorite features arts, crafts, activities and treats under the redwoods, with all proceeds going to the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade and elementary school.
The 12 best views on the SF Peninsula and how to see them
From parks to preserves to neighborhood perches, there are plenty of vantage points to take in the best sights of the 650
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