Robin M. Grossinger

Robin M. Grossinger
Environmental Scientist
Historical Ecology Program Manager
robin sfei.org
510-746-7380
Robin Grossinger is a scientist at the San Francisco Estuary Institute, where he directs SFEI’s Historical Ecology Program, studying how California landscapes have changed since European contact. Robin and his colleagues have developed an array of innovative approaches that synthesize history and science to help understand the opportunities and challenges facing the state's ecosystems. SFEI’s work has influenced restoration projects throughout the Bay Area and coastal California and has been profiled by New Scientist magazine, KQED’s QUEST program, and the recent Saving the Bay documentary. Current areas of focus include the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Southern California coastal wetlands, Alameda Creek, east Contra Costa County, and the Napa Valley Historical Ecology Atlas, to be published by University of California Press.
Publication List
Curriculum Vitae

News and Notables:

KQED QUEST Highlights Delta Historical Ecology Study
May-11-12 | Media | Featured

Knowing how the ecosystem once worked could improve the habitat restoration efforts that are happening

"Today’s Vineyards, Yesterday’s Tall Oaks" - Napa Historical Ecology Atlas in the New York Times
Apr-21-12 | Archive

On a recent sunny day in the Napa Valley, Robin Grossinger cupped his hands around his eyes and surveyed the landscape. He said the scene gave him “a feeling of grandeur.”

Bringing Back the Napa Valley shade: Leah Garchik on the Napa Historical Ecology Atlas
Mar-30-12 | Media

On lands where mighty oaks once grew, mighty oaks may grow again.

Press for the Napa Valley Historical Ecology Atlas
Mar-15-12 | Media

"a community project that can serve as a guide for future restoration"

Historically smart land design: Robin Grossinger interviewed on KALW
Mar-12-12 | Media

"You get this feeling of being in a cathedral of oaks, these incredibly big trees – a whole world of bird life up above"

Bay Nature: Robin Grossinger Environmental Educator of the year
Jan-01-12 | Archive

Robin is being honored for his work unearthing and deciphering the historical landscapes and watersheds of the Bay Area.

Valley Oaks: An Ecological Journey Through Time
Dec-08-11 | Events and Appearances

Robin Grossinger MCs "an immersive tour from the canopy to the cosmos inside the Morrison Planetarium. We'll explore the history and ecology of one of California’s most iconic and threatened tree species, the Valley oak."

Historical ecology team presents findings at Contra Costa County Watershed forum
Nov-22-11 | Events and Appearances

"Askevold and other representatives from the group spoke on the 117-page oversized document filled with historic and current maps...Several of the maps inside the study date back to the mid-1800s giving the picture of a much different landscape than the one residents are familiar with today."

Historical Ecology and Designing the Future Bay: SF Chronicle Story
Nov-20-11 | Media

Senior Scientist Robin Grossinger discusses how historical ecology provides an "ecological pallette" for creatively designing future landscapes.

East Contra Costa County Historical Ecology report completed
Nov-17-11 | Publications and Reports

We are excited to announce the completion of the The East Contra Costa County Historical Ecology Study. The report documents the historical land cover and stream patterns of East Contra Costa County in the mid-1800s.