Marin Ecology

Ecological Services

In Kentfield there are a few different land formations that offer an environmental benefits.  The Corte Madera Creek offers a runoff for rainwater coming from the surrounding hills and mountains of Marin.  It is a place for fish and other organisms to thrive (when not polluted), and offers Kentfield a whole new ecosystem.  It is a place home to many different types of birds, which feed of the creek’s insects and small fish.  The creek also provides a runoff for pollution.  When chemicals are used in things like fertilizers and laundry detergent, they find their way to the Corte Madera Creek and then travel down to the San Francisco Bay.  While the pollution ends up in the creek and bay, it is removed from homes and other private properties. 

There are also many dense forest lands in Kentfield and Marin.  They play a key role in the carbon cycle by removing CO₂ from the air.  This offsets some human pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide we emit from our cars, but is not near enough, especially as we continue to cut down trees for urban development.  The forests also act as a preserver of soil and prevents erosion.  The intricate roots from the trees hold the ground together and keep it healthy.  The forest ecosystem also provides a home to many critters that can’t survive in Marin’s urban areas, like owls, wildcats, monkeys, flying squirrels and the dangerous poisonous Brown-throated Three-toed sloth. 

There is one major wetland area in Kentfield, located by the Marin General Hospital along the Corte Madera Creek.  This wetland is a safeguard against floods, as it can absorb large quantities of water in the case of a large rainfall.  Wetlands are also a breeding ground for many plants and animals.  They provide a safe place that is less affected by human life.  The wetland is also a filter for water in the Corte Madera Creek.