The Silver Strand Nature's Bridge to Discovery

The Silver Strand is a narrow, eight-mile long environmentally significant stretch of land where the Scenic State Highway SR 75 and bike path links the cities of Coronado and Imperial Beach just southwest of downtown San Diego. Recognizing that the potential for the Silver Strand was under-served, Schmidt Design Group, Inc. presented a new vision, proposing an environmental education theme, “Nature’s Bridge to Discovery.” Traditional interpretive panels combine with more subtle gestures: relief sculptures that emerge along the pathway; laser etched tiles; engraved messages in railings; and granite sculptures. Eelgrass, marshlands, and the ever-present wind that sweeps over the Silver Strand inspired organic shapes throughout the project. Discovery points along the trail provide opportunities to educate and inspire visitors with the ecological riches of the Strand; including a wood deck in the shape of a wing, which overlooks a California Least Tern preserve.