Because I’m currently on a 6 week stay in the San Francisco Bay Area I have been on the hunt for new and different walking experiences. I believe that if you look for it, every community has unique offerings. This morning a friend of mine took me to….wait for it….the Las Gallinas Valley’s Sanitary District’s Reclamation Ponds. Yes, I’m serious. Don’t knock it until you try it.

When the site’s infrastructure was built in 1985 on its 385 acres, clearly someone with vision and a great understanding of wildlife biology designed the ponds and their associated environment. The site is fantastic! The walking, running and bicycle path is flat and very accessible for most abilities. Free on-site parking and a port-a potty is available. There is a security check at the entrance so the site is very safe. Easy to social distance when using and surrounded by farms and great scenery including an estuary attached to San Pablo Bay. It’s a birders paradise.

We spent an hour at the site, walking 2.5 miles and spotting Jack rabbits, a California Kingsnake and a multitude of birds. Because this is May, there were lots of Canada Geese and other species of ducklings to be seen. The Jack rabbits are also building their families in the nearby brush in neighboring fields; there were many to be seen. Fun for me; I haven’t seen a live Jack rabbit since 1980.

The Las Gallinas Valley’s Sanitary District’s Reclamation Ponds are located off of Smith Ranch Road, which is reached via exit 456 off HWY 101 just north of San Rafael, CA. If your in the area, consider checking it out! Bring a hat because there is no shade. Enjoy my pics! #iluvtowalk #sanrafael #bayarea

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•