In March 2018, at the end of the winter rainy season, an unusual tropical storm passed through northern California, dropping torrential rainfall on our Reserve. Momentarily, the tributary creeks flowed like raging rivers, wreaking havoc on our hillsides and trails. One of the casualties was a fallen redwood tree that had been serving as a bridge to cross the Tannery Creek proper.
That summer, a small group of avid Tannery Creek Reserve hikers gathered together to discuss options for establishing a crossing which would be needed during the upcoming winter rains. One of those hikers was Will Beilharz, the founder of ArtisTree, a treehouse design studio and construction company that specializes in sustainable architecture (artistreehomes.com).
After much discussion it was decided that a suspension bridge would provide a practical crossing (and a less terrifying one than walking across a fallen redwood tree!) that would not be vulnerable to unpredictable climate conditions and the changing course of the creek. Will had experience building suspension bridges and the others committed to raising the necessary funds to build the bridge.
And that’s how it happened. After receiving approval from Bodega Land Trust, funds were gathered from generous local donors and in December, 2018, the bridge was built.
Will Beilharz and Nick Early.
Tommy Moorman and Mike Heffernon carrying heavy loads of materials to the job site, accompanied by Quin and Barnabas.
Today we have a beautiful new suspension bridge that blends well with its environment, is easy to use and allows hikers to complete the three-mile circle around Tannery Creek Reserve.
