Reversing the damage and restoring the ecosystem
Starting in 2013, the Presidio Trust started dredging the lake to remove contaminated soil. This massive 2-year effort removed nearly 17 tons of potentially toxic sediments from the lake. Systems to catch potentially toxic runoff from the nearby road and golf course were installed to ensure that the water will stay clean.
Along with the lake bed remediation, invasive species had to be cleared out. Teams of scientists, graduate students, and volunteers helped catch non-native carp, crayfish, large-mouthed bass, and turtles.
Once the lake was clean and safe from non-native predators, scientists planted carefully chosen native aquatic plants to establish safe habitats and food at the base of the ecosystem. Starting in 2015, native species of freshwater mussels, fish, frogs, newts and turtles are being reintroduced. Each step of the restoration plan is carefully calibrated to build a thriving natural ecosystem that has not been seen here since the last century. The effort to restore Mountain Lake is providing lessons for habitat restoration in urban environments that will guide similar efforts in cities around the globe.
Mountain Lake Today
Mountain Lake and the parklands around it are a treasured favorite of Richmond neighborhood residents. Birders come here to spot native and migratory bird species. Locals visit to picnic, jog, walk their dogs, and play with their kids at the new playground. Hiking trails connect Mountain Lake to the network of trails throughout the Presidio and the GGNRA. It is about 1.5 miles away from the Inn at the Presidio via the Mountain Lake trail.
