We are thrilled to share that the city of Novato has officially recognized Marcia Basalla. The Novato Volunteer Award was presented to Marcia on February 24, 2026, to celebrate her incredible dedication. Turning a simple traffic island on Alameda del Prado into a thriving sanctuary for nature is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
Who Is Marcia Basalla?
Marcia is a long-time Novato resident with a simple but powerful idea: what if a boring traffic island could become a home for local wildlife? Back in 2009, Marcia joined the “Adopt an Island” program and took responsibility for a small patch of land on Alameda del Prado. What started as a dusty spot near Highway 101 has been transformed into the Pacheco Valle Biodiversity project.
Like the thriving plants on the traffic island, this biodiversity project has already sprouted “new growth” nearby. Three new pollinator gardens situated in a meadow right across the street are sponsored by the Marin County Parks and Open Space. These gardens are maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers from the local Rotary, Marin Master Gardeners, and the Pacheco Valle neighborhood. The most recent garden was planted in January 2026, and more “expansion” is already in the works.
In fact, Marcia’s Biodiversity project was always designed to be more than just one island. Her goal from the start was to create a template — a model that other communities could copy and use on their own traffic islands. What started as one person with a vision slowly grew into something bigger. With the help of volunteers and neighbors who believed in the project, that island was transformed into a real biodiversity habitat — a living, breathing home for native plants and animals right in the middle of the city.
“I could not have done it without all of your support that helped me keep the faith during that bumpy ride!”
— Marcia Basalla
Why This Matters to Our Community
- Nature at Home: Marcia proved that even a small traffic island can support local plants and animals.
- Community Spirit: This project was supported by local volunteers who helped “keep the faith” through the years.
