Nature and Wildlife

The Marconi property has a variety of walking trails for our guests to enjoy. A trail atop the hill (Lower Tower Hill Trail) takes you into a California Bay forest – a plant community dominated by dense, wind-pruned Bay Laurel, Toyon, Elderberry and Live Oak trees.  Another trail along our southern boundary (Meadow Trail) climbs through grasslands and coyote brush, with spectacular views across the bay to Inverness Ridge.  Shorter trails loop through the stately forest in the central part of the property or follow the old highway grade that parallels the bayshore. 

Nature abounds; shorebirds, songbirds, and birds of prey can be seen at all seasons.  Guests spot waterfowl, herons, egrets, pelicans, gulls, and osprey from the trails above Tomales Bay; woodpeckers, owls, and songbirds in the forest; quails, swallows, hawks, and bluebirds on the grasslands; and always hummingbirds among the garden flowers. 

Colorful wildflowers border our trails and blanket the springtime hillsides; ferns line the streambeds.  We regularly see several beautiful types of butterflies, including the spectacular Monarchs on their annual migration; as well as moths at night.  You are also likely to encounter the Jack Rabbits, Western Gray Squirrels, Ravens, and Mule Deer that make their homes here.