We used iNaturalist, a citizen science platform, to understand species distribution and species richness in San Rafael. The platform collects geographically specific wildlife sightings by the public. With this information we may observe wildlife activity along with movement of people. Some vulnerable wildlife reported through iNaturalist include the federally threatened California Red Legged Frog, the endangered Ridgway’s Rail and endangered Saltmarsh Harvest mouse. These species have been sighted in San Rafael, though we can only speculate about the extent of their populations along this particular shoreline. Along with these species, common wildlife found in the area include many water birds such as the Great Blue Heron, racoons, coyotes and foxes, and deer. Our considerations attempt to balance the needs of the three vulnerable species, while also taking into account the common urban wildlife who inhabit the space. Thus, a combination of these species’ needs have informed our revegetation and crossing strategies in our plant selection and sizing of infrastructure. 

Community SCIENCE: INATURALIST SIGHTINGS

target species

Ecosystem's habitats are at the core of Urban Rewilding. One key goal of rewilding is to target particularly vulnerable species. Some of these may be specialists who are not able to adapt to the threat of sprawl or urbanization as readily as generalist species. As such, we aim to create for them a space where they could be autonomous and able to feed, grow, reproduce and move within and through the broader ecosystem. 

It is also important to have in mind that ancillary species may come to inhabit the spaces intended for target species. It is necessary to plan and design with this mind in mind, as there is potential for unintended species to have both positive and negative impacts on target species and resources.

Below is a list of both target species, as well as potential ancillary species.

Ancillary species