Historical Ecology

Historical Ecology synthesizes diverse historical records to learn how habitats were distributed and ecological functions were maintained within the native California landscape. Understanding how streams, wetlands, and woodlands were organized along physical gradients helps scientists and managers develop new strategies for more integrated and functional landscape management. more >

Program Manager: Robin Grossinger

Meetings and Events

Featured Projects

Alameda Creek Historical Ecology Study

This study will assess watershed conditions prior to significant Euro-American modification, as a basis for understanding subsequent changes in watershed structure and function, and potential options for future environmental management.
Historical Tidal-Terrestrial Transition Zone in South SF Bay

The tidal-terrestrial transition zone has been recognized as an important component of the San Francisco Bay, and has been identified as a high priority for restoration in the South Bay and for the Bay as a whole. This project reconstructs the approximate extent of the South Bay T-zone and characterizes it in terms of the adjoining terrestrial and intertidal habitat types and features that were historically prevalent in the region.
Tijuana River Valley Historical Ecology Study

The study area encompasses the estuarine and alluvial portions of the Tijuana River watershed from the river mouth in southern San Diego County to the U.S.-Mexico international border. Limited research will also be conducted on an approximately 10 mile stretch of the river extending through Tijuana, Mexico.
North San Diego County Lagoons Historical Ecology Study

Six coastal wetland systems in north San Diego County: Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, Batiquitos, San Elijo, San Dieguito, and Los Peñasquitos lagoons
Delta Landscapes

Management Tools for Landscape-Scale Restoration of Ecological Functions
Re-Oaking

Bringing Native Trees Back into the Bay Area’s Suburban Landscapes.
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Historical Ecology Study

This historical reconstruction documents habitat types throughout the Delta to better understand the native landscape. Knowing how different parts of the vast historical Delta looked and functioned provides information for future restoration.
Napa Valley Historical Ecology Atlas

a richly illustrated tour of the iconic Napa Valley landscape from 200 years ago to the present and future. Now available from University of California Press
Historical Wetlands of the Southern California Coast: An Atlas of US Coast Survey T-Sheets 1851-1889

This project is the first regional assessment of the relative distribution and abundance of different wetland habitat types along the historical Southern California coastline.
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Related Projects

News and Notables

More Videos

The Bay Institute: Lost Marshlands of SF Bay
KQED Quest: Wetlands Time Machine
The Application of Historical Ecology
Apr-22-11
Saving The Bay goes national in prime time on PBS

The award-winning documentary featuring SFEI scientists will air nationally.

Apr-20-11
SFEI Historical Ecologists Present Seminar at the Delta Science Program Brownbag Series

Alison Whipple and Robin Grossinger presented a seminar "Habitat Characteristics that Made Delta Landscapes Unique: Perspectives for Ecosystem Restoration" at the Delta Science Program brownbag series.

Apr-06-11
SFEI historical ecologists co-chair session at International Association of Landscape Ecologists (IALE) conference

Erin Beller and Robin Grossinger, along with Jeanine Rhemtulla of McGill University, convened a day-long symposium on the use of historical ecology in highly developed landscapes at the International Association for Landscape Ecology annual conference.

Apr-01-11
SFEI and UC Berkeley Cultural Landscape Study at Quiroste

This is the most recent piece on Quiroste by Eric Simons, author of the recent book "Darwin slept here."

Mar-30-11
Subtidal Habitat Goals Project Report

SFEI working with Dr. Christine Werme, Eric Polson, P.E., and NOAA fisheries contributed to this report with an assessment of artificial structures in the Bay.