Last updated: May 17, 2022
Place
Endangered Gem Interpretive wayside
Linda Coldiron
Quick Facts
Amenities
1 listed
Trash/Litter Receptacles
This estuary provides a home or stopover for wildlife. But higher seas will submerge the narrow beach strip that makes this special place possible. Earth’s warming temperatures—mostly caused by human actions like burning fossil fuels—are melting glaciers and making ocean waters expand.
Endangered Gem AD
WAYSIDE TITLE: Endangered Gem
VIEW FROM WAYSIDE: You are observing the entryway of a coastal lagoon. You are standing on an open wooden deck. A series of trash receptacles and recycling bins line the left side of the deck. A wooden boardwalk constructed with wooden railings begins at the end of the open deck. The boardwalk spans the mouth of incoming Rodeo Lagoon. At the end of the approximately 30-yard foot bridge is Rodeo Beach.
To your left, Rodeo Lagoon broadens. A loop trail borders the lagoon, giving visitors an opportunity to explore this fragile ecosystem. A low fenced area surrounds the lagoon, providing habitat protection for migrating birds, plants, and animals. Hill formations and precipitous cliffs can be seen in the distance. To your immediate right is a row of handicapped parking lots located next to Mitchell Road.
Directly behind you is Fort Cronkite, a series of two-story buildings that were formerly used by the United States Army but are now maintained by the National Park Service.
TEXT: Just minutes from bustling city life, Rodeo Beach is a grand outdoor gateway. Locals and travelers alike seek quiet and play along this patch of coast. The estuary also provides a home or stopover for wildlife. But higher seas will submerge the narrow beach strip that makes this special place possible. Earth’s warming temperatures—mostly caused by human actions like burning fossil fuels—are melting glaciers and making ocean waters expand. What is our responsibility to protect this sanctuary for people and wildlife? The Rodeo Lagoon, wetland and dune system is home to numerous sensitive, threatened, and endangered species.
IMAGE LAYOUT: This wayside displays an expansive aerial view of Fort Cronkite and Rodeo Beach, along with a view of Rodeo Lagoon and a series of hills and precipitous cliffs in the background. Further away is a view of the Golden Gate Bridge along and the San Francisco cityscape.
DESCRIPTION OF IMAGE: An image of a red-legged frog is displayed.
CAPTION: This freshwater pond makes great habitat for the red-legged frog, a threatened species.
DESCRIPTION OF IMAGE: An image of a tidewater goby is displayed.
CAPTION: The endangered tidewater goby lives in these brackish waters, a mix of salt water and fresh water.
DESCRIPTION OF IMAGE: An image of a pole marking projected sea levels and storm surges.
CAPTION: Measure for Sea Level: This pole marks projected sea levels and storm surges. Rising water will wipe out the protective barrier beach and drown this valuable estuary. Projected high tide in 2300 plus storm surge, projections from IPCC 2013 Elevation of barrier beach, projected high tide in 2300, projected high ride in 2100 plus storm surge, Elevation of freshwater pond, projected high tide in 2100, Average high tide in 2000.
See how sea level rise threatens wildlife here and what you can do to slow the change. Scan the code or visit go. Nps.gov/seas13
Endangered Gem AD
WAYSIDE TITLE: Endangered Gem
VIEW FROM WAYSIDE: You are observing the entryway of a coastal lagoon. You are standing on an open wooden deck. A series of trash receptacles and recycling bins line the left side of the deck. A wooden boardwalk constructed with wooden railings begins at the end of the open deck. The boardwalk spans the mouth of incoming Rodeo Lagoon. At the end of the approximately 30-yard foot bridge is Rodeo Beach.
To your left, Rodeo Lagoon broadens. A loop trail borders the lagoon, giving visitors an opportunity to explore this fragile ecosystem. A low fenced area surrounds the lagoon, providing habitat protection for migrating birds, plants, and animals. Hill formations and precipitous cliffs can be seen in the distance. To your immediate right is a row of handicapped parking lots located next to Mitchell Road.
Directly behind you is Fort Cronkite, a series of two-story buildings that were formerly used by the United States Army but are now maintained by the National Park Service.
TEXT: Just minutes from bustling city life, Rodeo Beach is a grand outdoor gateway. Locals and travelers alike seek quiet and play along this patch of coast. The estuary also provides a home or stopover for wildlife. But higher seas will submerge the narrow beach strip that makes this special place possible. Earth’s warming temperatures—mostly caused by human actions like burning fossil fuels—are melting glaciers and making ocean waters expand. What is our responsibility to protect this sanctuary for people and wildlife? The Rodeo Lagoon, wetland and dune system is home to numerous sensitive, threatened, and endangered species.
IMAGE LAYOUT: This wayside displays an expansive aerial view of Fort Cronkite and Rodeo Beach, along with a view of Rodeo Lagoon and a series of hills and precipitous cliffs in the background. Further away is a view of the Golden Gate Bridge along and the San Francisco cityscape.
DESCRIPTION OF IMAGE: An image of a red-legged frog is displayed.
CAPTION: This freshwater pond makes great habitat for the red-legged frog, a threatened species.
DESCRIPTION OF IMAGE: An image of a tidewater goby is displayed.
CAPTION: The endangered tidewater goby lives in these brackish waters, a mix of salt water and fresh water.
DESCRIPTION OF IMAGE: An image of a pole marking projected sea levels and storm surges.
CAPTION: Measure for Sea Level: This pole marks projected sea levels and storm surges. Rising water will wipe out the protective barrier beach and drown this valuable estuary. Projected high tide in 2300 plus storm surge, projections from IPCC 2013 Elevation of barrier beach, projected high tide in 2300, projected high ride in 2100 plus storm surge, Elevation of freshwater pond, projected high tide in 2100, Average high tide in 2000.
See how sea level rise threatens wildlife here and what you can do to slow the change. Scan the code or visit go. Nps.gov/seas13