This 373-acre preserve is comprised of two noncontiguous areas located south of the Dumbarton Bridge and adjacent to San Francisco Bay. The larger area is located near Cooley Landing in East Palo Alto. The marsh attracts a variety of migrating birds including sandpipers, dowitchers, and avocets. Great blue herons, white pelicans, and egrets are also common.

Public access improvements include a bicycle and pedestrian trail along the levee surrounding the marsh, a 12-car parking lot, and two observation decks. The trail and observation decks are wheelchair accessible. These improvements are the result of a joint effort between San Mateo County and the District, funded by the Coastal Conservancy.

HOW TO GET THERE

To reach the southern portion of the preserve, take the University Avenue exit off of Highway 101, and travel north to Bay Road. Turn right on Bay Road. The Preserve is located at the end of Bay Road adjacent to Cooley Landing.

The northern bayland area lies adjacent to and south of the Dumbarton Bridge approach. This area includes about l00 acres of wetlands and an adjacent levee. Visitors can hike along the levee for about 1/2 mile. Parking is available off of Highway 84 near the Dumbarton Bridge Fishing Pier.

Download a map of Ravenswood Open Space Preserve

For an easy interactive location map, click Google local directions.