What did San Francisco look like before European arrival and growth of a city? Vast sand dunes, grasslands and creeks covered much of the city. This rich coastal landscape supported Ohlone villages and abundant wildlife. The original shoreline featured extensive marshlands that were filled over time as urban development expanded into San Francisco Bay. I led the creation of these historic ecology maps using local data sources, old maps and early firsthand accounts. The maps pay homage to our ecological heritage and provide a tool for living more consciously with the land; however urban it may feel today. The Natural History Map below was designed for a "Biodiversity Summit" held at the California Academy of Sciences.
Map design: Gary Chen & Mike Webster
Illustrations: Liam O'Brien
Illustrations: Liam O'Brien
