The Novato Creek Estuary is a dynamic tidal wetland system located in Marin County, California, where Novato Creek meets San Pablo Bay. This estuarine area plays a vital ecological role, serving as a transitional zone between freshwater from the creek and the saltwater of the bay. The estuary supports a diverse range of habitats, including mudflats, marshes, and riparian zones that provide critical feeding and breeding grounds for fish, birds, and other wildlife.

The estuary is highly influenced by tidal action, which causes daily fluctuations in water levels and salinity, creating a brackish environment that supports species adapted to these changing conditions. It serves as an important habitat for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway and is home to native fish such as the endangered steelhead trout and the threatened Chinook salmon. These tidal wetlands also help filter pollutants, improve water quality, and provide natural flood control by absorbing excess stormwater.

Human activities, such as dredging, urban encroachment, and historical land reclamation for agriculture, have significantly impacted the Novato Creek Estuary, altering its natural hydrology and reducing the extent of its wetlands. Restoration projects are currently underway to enhance tidal flow, restore native vegetation, and improve habitat connectivity to support wildlife and protect against sea level rise. Real-time monitoring of water levels in the Novato Creek Estuary is essential for managing these restoration efforts, predicting flood events, and maintaining the ecological health of this vital coastal resource.