Tiburon Audubon Center (1958)
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Tiburon Audubon Sanctuary
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One of the more dramatic chapters in MCL history began in 1949 when
Reedport Properties proposed bulldozing the Tiburon hills into the
Bay to develop a housing project that would resemble Newport Beach.
It was going to fill 879 acres of the bay from Strawberry Point
to the edge of Belvedere Island. MCL established the Richardson
Bay Foundation, which raised funds from residents of the Tiburon
Peninsula to acquire the threatened tidelands. Then, MCL persuaded
the owner of the upland property next to the tideland site to donate
her lands in return for a lifetime estate and care. The League also
had the yellow Victorian known as the Lyford House moved from its
original location on Strawberry Point to its present site overlooking
the Bay. Ultimately the land and house were given to the National
Audubon Society. Through the efforts of MCL, the City of Belvedere,
National Audubon and many other entities and individuals the entire
site – now about 800 acres in size, including marsh and tidelands
- was purchased for about $250,000.
MCL continues to work on preserving important natural features
of Marin. Projects have included the San Rafael Shoreline, Corte
Madera marshes, Bahia, Rush Creek in Novato, Bel Marin Keys and
other creeks, wetlands and ridges.
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