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:

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.

Historical ecologists inform restoration strategies in Ventura County
Sep-09-11 | Events and Appearances

Robin Grossinger and Erin Beller presented the findings of SFEI's recently completed study to Ventura County conservation groups at the Ventura County Government Center

SFEI Presents at First International Conference on Historical Ecology
Aug-30-11 | Events and Appearances

This seminal event held in Zürich, Switzerland, brought together international researchers in historical ecology for the first time to discuss methods and applications of historical ecological research.

Ventura County Historical Ecology report completed
Aug-29-11 | Publications and Reports

We are pleased to announce the release of our latest historical ecology report, Historical ecology of the lower Santa Clara River, Ventura River, and Oxnard Plain: an analysis of terrestrial, riverine, and coastal habitats. This report is the culmination of four years of research funded by the State Coastal Conservancy and conducted by a broad project team including the San Francisco Estuary Institute, the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, CSU Northridge, Stillwater Sciences, and other researchers.

Saving The Bay goes national in prime time on PBS
Apr-22-11 | Media

The award-winning documentary featuring SFEI scientists will air nationally.

SFEI Historical Ecologists Present Seminar at the Delta Science Program Brownbag Series
Apr-20-11 | Events and Appearances

Alison Whipple and Robin Grossinger presented a seminar "Habitat Characteristics that Made Delta Landscapes Unique: Perspectives for Ecosystem Restoration" at the Delta Science Program brownbag series.