KENTFIELD, Marin County — October 28, 2026. A section of Corte Madera Creek behind the College of Marin has undergone a major transformation. On October 8, Marin County officials and community partners celebrated the completion of the Lower College of Marin Restoration Project, a roughly $3.8 million investment designed to improve wetland habitat, make more room for creek flows and create a more welcoming public space along the water.
What changed along the creek?
The project removed parts of the concrete flood-control channel walls originally built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1960s and 1970s. Workers restored adjacent creek banks and wetlands, planted native vegetation and added seating, landscaping and other public amenities alongside the Corte Madera pathway south of Stadium Way. County Public Works says the work provides space for creek flow and increases resilience to sea-level rise while benefiting birds, fish and other wildlife.
How was the project financed?
According to Marin County, approximately $3.8 million covered the project’s design and construction, drawing on local, state and federal sources. The county identified $1.86 million from the California Coastal Conservancy, $750,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding for sea-level-rise work, $555,000 from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wetlands grant and $515,000 from California Department of Water Resources Proposition 1E funds. The Flood Control District also contributed project oversight, and an additional $156,000 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant supported native planting and revegetation.
The different grant amounts serve different functions and should not all be mistaken for additional work yet to be completed.
Why Kentfield residents should care
In places where paved flood channels pass close to homes, campuses and trails, local infrastructure decisions have long-term consequences for flood risk and habitat. This project tries to deliver several benefits at once: more room for creek water, ecological restoration and better opportunities to enjoy the creek corridor. It is not a guarantee against flooding, and residents should continue to monitor official storm forecasts and flood warnings.
Marin County credits the Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed, College of Marin, Marin County Parks and County Service Area 17 among the organizations that helped with the work. Future project updates or maintenance notices should be checked with the county.
Official source
Marin County Public Works: Flood Control Channel Restored and Enhanced (October 8, 2026). The article reports a completed project, not a new construction start.
Help this community newspaper grow
Your support helps build coverage for the people and places this local newspaper serves.
Donate once by card ↗Support Kentfield News
Choose how to support Kentfield News:
Credit / Debit Card via StripeChoose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.
Continue with PayPal Continue with ZelleZelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.
Optional reader support. When possible, add “Kentfield News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.
COMMUNITY
Comments
Join the California58 conversation. You must be signed in to comment.
Create a free California58 account or sign in with an available social provider.