By Julie Groves
Day on the Bay in Alviso brought together a wonderful mix of people of all ages and backgrounds. Both visiting the Bay Alive table to learn about sea level rise, and behind the table explaining how Bay Alive is educating the public and local politicians about the need to plan ahead and work WITH nature to achieve the most cost-effective, sustainable strategies for adapting to sea level rise.
College students and longtime experts alike helped explain the science behind preparing for up to 6.6 feet of sea level rise and the many ways our Bay ecosystems naturally protect us from climate change and pollution. For example, how oysters, which each filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, help keep the Bay clean and healthy while their habitats reduce wave energy. And how tidal wetlands and marshes sequester carbon, reduce storm surge, and soak up floodwaters. Protecting these vital habitats, and giving them space to migrate upland as the Bay expands, helps nature help US!
The team collected contact information from many new potential volunteers and connected with several county programs interested in coordinating on shared resilience and education goals, making this a truly productive and inspiring day on the Bay.
Then, at the Loma Prieta 2025 Guardians of Nature Benefit, Eileen displayed one of our most effective interactive resources that asks probing questions about a healthy bay - with answers and explanation provided.
Finally, Martial Cottle Sustainable Garden brought people who were so interested in how their habits influenced The Bay's health and how they could help, that they filled over two pages of sign up sheets listing a wide range of skills!