The 329-acre Marin Islands Ecological Reserve was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1993. It includes West Marin Island and tidelands adjacent to this and the nearby East Marin Island. West Marin Island supports one of the largest egret and heron colonies on the west coast. Species observed include snowy egret, black-crowned night heron, great egret, and great blue heron. The adjacent tidelands provide critical foraging and resting habitat for many species of birds including diving ducks and other water birds. Shore birds also utilize the surrounding mud flats.
For more information, call the Bay Delta Region Fairfield office at (707) 428-2002.