Speculative Design

We identify three key strategies to create effective stepping stone corridors along the Southeast segment of the shoreline in San Rafael:

• Restoration of existing, and creation of new, wildlife-friendly urban ponds

• Green infrastructure including revegetation of parking lots

• Culvert connectors creating movement pathways for amphibians and other wildlife as well to convey surface runoff 

These designs take into account a set of key considerations for wildlife: 

• Proximity to other habitat patches or “stepping stones”, facilitating wildlife movement patterns 

• Quality of habitat, informed by studies of vegetative cover and water quality

• Target species needs, including size/shape of amphibian crossings and types of native vegetation

The proposed designs also address climate change and human benefits:

• Placement of stepping stones habitats to maximize community access and reduce green space inequities

• Consideration of health benefits (including areas that may require additional filtration of upland runoff water delivered to sites such as ponds)

• Sites addressing climate vulnerabilities, such as susceptibility to sea level rise and flood risk