| Greco Island | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
 Viewed across theWestpoint Slough | |
  Greco Island  Greco Island  Greco Island | |
| Location | Redwood City, California |
| Coordinates | 37°31′04″N122°10′59″W / 37.5177146°N 122.1830205°W /37.5177146; -122.1830205[1] |
| Area | 817 acres (331 ha)[2] |
| Designated | 1972; 53 years ago (1972) |
| Governing body | Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge |
Greco Island[1] is awetland island inRedwood City, California. Greco Island is part of the largerDon Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.Westpoint Slough follows the South side of the island whileRedwood Creek is along the West. TheSan Francisco Bay bounds the North and East sides of the island.
Greco Island was named after a longtime resident of the island who lived there until he died of a stroke. TheBank of Italy, to whom the land had been mortgaged, then sold it to theLeslie Salt Company.[3]
San Mateo County plans from 1969 called for continued development of thePort of Redwood City area with recreational facilities by acquiring the land on Greco Island.[4]
Greco Island was one of the first areas along with Fremont,Mowry Slough, and Alviso to be included in a proposal for The San Francsico Bay National Wildlife Refuge in 1972.[5]
In 2007 a report on the shoreline of the island determined that it was composed of fine sediment forming extensive mudflats that are submerged during high tide. This shore is sensitive to erosion from waves and nearby marine traffic and of concern if traffic were to increase.[6] The waters bordering Greco are frequently traveled by vessels from both thePort of Redwood City andWestpoint Harbor.
In more recent years concerns over sea level rising have encouraged more active recovery of marshland in the bay including the areas surrounding the island.[7]
TheendangeredSalt marsh harvest mouse is one of many species that lives upon Greco Island.[5]
A pair ofShort-eared owls was confirmed living on the island in 1994.[8]
Harbor seals in the bay visit the island for theirhauling-out.[9]
Another endangered animal, theCalifornia clapper rail uses Greco Island and nearbyWestpoint Slough as a habitat.[10]
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San Mateo County,California, United States | ||
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Map: Islands of theSan Francisco Bay Area | |
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