Cemetery Marsh, a beautiful and peaceful spot in the Rush Creek Open Space Preserve, is one of the best birding locations in Marin County. Thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl gather in this area each fall and winter. We will follow the nearly level Pinheiro Fire Road, which offers unimpeded views of the tidal wetlands to the north, and hope to see many waterbirds along the way.

Note: this outing is in-person. We’re excited to see you on the trail!

COVID-19 protocol: If you are fully vaccinated, feel free to come mask-free. If not, please plan to wear your mask for the duration of this outing.

TOTAL DISTANCE

This is an easy to moderate 3-1/2 to 4 miles round trip hike with virtually no elevation gain.

LEADER

Suzanne Weakley

WEATHER POLICY

Rain cancels

COST

Free; Reservations Required. We have very limited capacity, only 15 spots, so please let us know in advance if you won’t be able to make it.

WHERE TO MEET

We will meet at the Binford Road entrance to the preserve. From Highway 101 in Novato, take Exit 463 for Atherton Ave. East. Turn right (east), then make an immediate left turn onto Binford Road. Look for the preserve entrance gate on the right, and park along Binford Road. We will meet at the entrance gate. Here are the coordinates: [38.118634, -122.564267]

Please note: There are no restrooms on the preserve. Suzanne suggests stopping at the Starbucks on Redwood Road in Novato for restroom facilities. [Directions]

NOTES

Bring lunch, water, a bird book, and binoculars. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. If you have any questions about this outing, email Ken Lavin or phone him at 415-543-6771 x321.

photo: Suzanne Weakley

About the Leader

Suzanne Weakley has been leading Greenbelt Alliance outings since 2012. She was born in San Francisco but nature runs in her blood. Her parents met on a Sierra Club pack trip in Kings Canyon National Park in the 1940’s, and she grew up hiking and horseback riding on a ranch in Sonoma County. She works in continuing legal education for the University of California.