In recent years, storms have battered the California coast, flooding vulnerable communities, as the threat of sea level rise puts more infrastructure including homes and businesses at risk. A project in Santa Cruz County is trying to address the impact of levee breaches and flooding. Barry Baker grew up in Santa Cruz County, with a love for its natural beauty. The non-profit he works for, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County just purchased 247 acres at Beach Ranch, where the Pajaro River meets the Pacific Ocean. “Within Santa Cruz County, coastal wetland habitat is just so rare,” said Baker. The idea is to transform marginal farmland into wetlands, restoring it to its natural habitat, creating living shorelines that improve water quality and protect inland areas.