On February 10, 2024, over 75 participants gathered for “King Tide Day” to measure and document the impact of rising waters on San Rafael. The City of San Rafael, Canal Alliance, Canal Arts, the University of California Berkeley, the Multicultural Center of Marin, The Marin Auburn Society, and the County of Marin co-hosted the family-friendly event. San Rafael is one of the Bay Area’s most vulnerable cities concerning sea level rise, which becomes evident during the highest tides of the year, or King Tides.
During the event, volunteers worked alongside scientists to gather data using the citizen science kits and photograph the flooding. Canal Arts organized engaging art activities for kids centered around climate change. They displayed beautiful paintings from a lead-up event focused on rising sea levels. These creative approaches served as an opportunity to raise awareness among the younger generation about the environmental challenges impacting their community.
The event’s highlight was the interactive data collection as teams fanned out to low-lying spots along the waterfront with their citizen science kits to measure the flooding. They utilized a digital, location-based survey to record and share their findings. This hands-on approach allowed community members to contribute essential information that will shape the neighborhood’s response to rising sea levels.
After the King Tide Day, attendees shared their insights, experiences, and surprise at the impacts. Many attendees also joined an informative walking tour about the Tiscornia Marsh project, an example of how we can adapt to sea level rise by working with nature rather than against it.
This collaborative learning experience will be integral in ongoing initiatives to prepare for the impacts of rising sea levels.
The collaborative spirit displayed during this initiative sets a positive tone for this community-driven project and highlights the power of collective action. Project partners are beginning a planning study to explore feasible ways to respond to rising waters and are encouraging interested residents to get involved and share their ideas. To learn more about this planning project, visit our webpage.
The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research supported this project with an Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program Adaptation Planning Grant.