Silver Strand Coastal Wetland & Wildlife Preservation

In 2010, the City of Coronado, in close partnership with California State Parks and the United States Navy, finalized a comprehensive multi-agency ecological preservation agreement protecting the delicate coastal dune and marsh habitats of the Silver Strand. Stretching for seven miles between Coronado and Imperial Beach, the Silver Strand is a rare, fragile coastal ecosystem hosting endangered species.

The protected corridors provide crucial nesting grounds for the endangered western snowy plover and the California least tern, while salt marshes harbor the rare light-footed Ridgwa’ rail and unique native dune plants including coastal sand verbena. The conservation initiative established seasonal protected buffer zones and educational nature trails along the Bayshore Bikeway.

This historic agreement balanced critical military training needs with ecological stewardship, ensuring that future generations can witness the pristine natural beauty of the barrier spit that has sheltered San Diego Bay for millennia.