Restoring the Wetlands

Youth volunteers working in the wetlands

Francis Ng

Mori Point was once considered for a major development deal that included a seven-story conference center, golf course and housing. During this time, Mori was a popular destination for motorcyclists. The now managed grassland was once severely rutted from unregulated off-road vehicle use, paving the way for the introduction of disturbance-loving invasive species.

The local community's stalwart resistance to the development proposals over two decades led to Mori Point's permanent protection. When the land was transferred to the National Park Service in 2002, major efforts to restore the land to a healthy open space began. In collaboration with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, hundreds of community volunteers turned the vision into a reality. Mori now has improved trails, interpretive signage, a restored wetland and breeding ponds for the California red-legged frog.

Frog ponds: Creating habitat for frogs & snakes
Mori's freshwater frog ponds are home to our threatened amphibious friends, the California red-legged frog. The ponds are ideal habitat for these cute lil' leapers, and a scenic location for humans to enjoy as well. The ponds are the result of extensive habitat restoration in the 32-acre wetlands.

The red-legged frog is threatened by habitat loss and predation from invasive species such as bullfrogs. Habitat like these ponds gives their numbers a chance to recover. Funnily enough, the San Francisco garter snake, which is critically endangered, finds red-legged frogs delicious and in fact prefers them over just about everything else. Which means, the colorful snakes hang out near the ponds, too. Keep your eyes peeled!