An angled sign stands in front of some bushes overlooking the marshes and tidal creeks of Limantour Estero. The bridge to Limantour Beach crosses over a tidal creek, and a 12-foot measuring pole is attached to the side of the bridge.
The title appears over a view of the California coastline, and an illustration of a measuring pole.
Text in English and Spanish:
"Coastal wetlands and estuaries — where fresh and salt waters mix — are nature's shock absorbers for extreme tides and storm surges. Left to function naturally, they make homes for wildlife and playgrounds for us. This bridge replaced a dam that blocked the waters' flow. Today Limantour Estero (estuary) waters freely mix again.
Now, add the reality of sea level rise. Earth's warming temperatures — mostly caused by human actions like burning fossil fuels — melt glaciers and make sea water expand. The result: Higher sea level and storm surges make restored natural systems like this ever more critical and beneficial."
On the photo of the coastline, a "You Are Here arrow" points to a bridge on the path to the beach, on the south side of the estuary. A double-ended arrow indicates water flow. The estuary Limantour Estero flows north around a sandy spit and into the Pacific Ocean. The estuary waters also flow south into a brackish lake, fed by several streams. Inland are hilly agricultural lands.
Caption:
"Because coastal estuaries freely exchange sea water and fresh water, they can take up extra water as sea level rises. This reduces the shock of escalating storm surges."
The image of a red-sided fish with a green head and back appears over the estuary.
Caption:
"Coho salmon and steelhead return from the ocean to spawn. Their survival depends on access to streams where they deposit and fertilize their eggs."
An illustration shows rising tides along a tall pole over time. "This pole marks projected sea level and storm surge — showing how rising waters could affect this coastal estuary system." From bottom to top:
-Average high tide in 2000: zero.
-Projected sea level in 2100: 3 feet.
-Storm surge at current sea level: 9 feet.
-Elevation of bridge deck: about 10 and a half feet.
-Projected sea level in 2300: 12 feet.