Corte Madera Wilds
Lagoon Enhancement
Creating essential habitat for waterfowl and songbirds in the heart of Town Park, Corte Madera
Fostering a wildlife haven
Pixley Lagoon is more than just a body of water. It’s a sanctuary for wildlife and a gateway to the San Francisco Bay.​​​
​
We’ve launched a habitat enhancement project to increase natural beauty, and create a healthier watershed with a more diverse habitat.
By choosing native plants that are well-suited to this unique brackish environment, this work will support a variety of wildlife such as waterfowl, songbirds, pollinators, as well as insects and small mammals, that rely on it for food and shelter. ​​
​Providing essential food & shelter
Native plants are the backbone of a healthy habitat. For example, elderberry and buckwheat provide nectar and berries for birds and butterflies, while deer grass offers nesting space for waterfowl.
Every plant we add is a step toward a more sustainable future for wildlife.
A transformation in progress
Over the years, invasive plants and altered landscapes have reduced the lagoon's natural ability to support thriving ecosystems, filter pollutants, and sustain waterfowl and migratory birds.
​
Since late 2024, a team of specialized ecologists from Habitat Potential has been carefully removing invasive species that have spread widely.
Uncovering invasives
Annual, waist-high Harding grass, once planted for agriculture, has spread aggressively along the Bay, while Bermuda grass remains a persistent challenge requiring ongoing management.​
​
Significant green waste has been collected, revealing the vast network of invasive roots beneath the surface. With ongoing care we expect minimal regrowth allowing native plants to flourish.
Strengthening the lagoon’s future
The new native wetland and upland plants do more than support wildlife. They also stabilize the lagoon’s banks, reducing erosion and helping filter the water naturally.
​
By making room for a diverse mix of plants, we are creating a greater variety of plant species, enriching the habitat. Once established, these plants will naturally outcompete the unwanted species.
Protecting new growth
A layer of locally sourced wood chips from downed trees after winter storms, now covers the ground.
This natural mulch enriches the soil, suppresses weeds and prepares the area for long-term ecological improvement.​
What's next?
More than 150 native plants are now in place, poised to create new wildlife habitat this year. And, we’re just getting started!
​
Special educational signage, designed by local naturalist, illustrator, and author Obi Kaufmann, will soon be installed.
These signs will feature QR codes linking to translated content, making native plant education and habitat protection accessible to even more visitors.
Join our mission
This project has been made possible by generous donors and partners including the Marin County Fish and Wildlife Commission and the amazing team at Habitat Potential.
​​
With your support, we can extend this work around the entire lagoon to expand habitat and ensure this sanctuary thrives for generations to come.
​
Be part of the story.
Enjoy a stroll around the lagoon​
Pixley Lagoon, Town Park
Corte Madera, CA​
While you're there visit the adjacent Native Habitat Garden, a demonstration garden with over 80 species of beautiful, resilient California native plants to inspire your own landscaping ideas.
