For outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, photographers and artists, the southern "original" hill and shoreline of Mare Island is an unique attraction. On behalf of the Mare Island Heritage Trust and Arc Ecology, I invite you to hike, bike, explore, paint, contemplate, picnic and participate in tours, outings and events during our monthly free Second Saturday Public Access Day. March 13, 2010 take a guided hike on the Historic Southshore at 9:30am. At 1pm take a naturalist led wildflower walk. The Sierra Club-Solano Group guides the morning hike. Guided access is through arrangements with the U.S. Navy and the City of Vallejo.

The Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve is a 215 acre parcel located at the south end of Mare Island on land that formerly served as the U.S. Navy's first Naval Ammunition Depot, founded in 1857. Until now, the property has been off-limits to the public due to past sensitive Navy munitions production and storage operations and more recent environmental cleanup. The property was granted by the California Legislature through the State Lands Commission to the City of Vallejo for development as a historic and nature focused park for all Californians in 2002. Although it still remains closed except for regular guided outings and tours given by local non-profit groups, planning is underway to open the first phase of the regional park that includes the oldest naval cemetery in the Pacific, founded in 1858 and the 98 acres leading to the hilltop vista point.

Our annual summer gathering at The Preserve, the Mare Faire, is coming up Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15, 2010. We will commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Port Chicago Mutiny, an important event in American history which took place in Vallejo just across the Strait while the men were under the command of the Mare Island Naval Ammunition Depot. We invite you to view Sue Wilson’s 3-part series featuring the Commemoration on Youtube. [Click here Part 1;

Click here Part 2; and here for Part 3]

It takes a host of individuals, non-profit groups, agencies, local and regional businesses, corporations and foundations working together to realize the reuse of abandoned military property like this site as parkland. Click here to meet the people and supporters who are working in a true labor of love to make our dream of a park of regional, state and national importance, a reality–sooner than later.

To subscribe to our e-newsletter, email us or call 707-649-9464 or 707-557-9816.

Myrna Hayes

Mare Island Heritage Trust 

a project of Arc Ecology