A secret place is tucked between the Carneros vineyards and the San Francisco Bay.

It is home to beautiful vistas, a dazzling array of bird life, and colors not seen anywhere else in Napa County.

The Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area, also known as Huichica Creek wetlands, is one of the best places in the North Bay to observe wildlife.

The wonder of the Huichica Creek wetlands is that it is always evolving. Whether I photograph at sunrise or sunset, fall or spring, I can anticipate that the beauty and experience will be varied and sometimes quite surprising.

I've gloried in the incredible pastels of the salt ponds in late summer, enjoyed gorgeous sunsets with Mount Tamalpais in the distance, and photographed many birds.

My most amusing visit began with a barn owl driving me away from her catch, and ended with a van of politicians in suits and heels tromping around the mud. The politicians were investigating the mental and physical health benefits of open space for the public. As I was then shaking off the cabin fever of the very wet winter of 2005-06, I heartily agreed with their assessment of its regenerative value.

Huichica Creek encompasses more than 13,000 acres of tidal, diked and seasonally flooded wetlands, sloughs, rivers and salt ponds. The area includes extensive habitat for endangered species such as the California clapper, salt marsh harvest mouse and California freshwater shrimp. It is one of the few remaining habitats for some of these species, and one of the most likely to sustain their survival. Huichica Creek is also a home for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and fish such as the steelhead trout and Chinook salmon.

The marsh is also home to a creepy abandoned building, which state wildlife officials say was the Press Wirecast facility used for private communications. Despite warnings to stay out of the dilapidated concrete structure, there is evidence that taggers and others occasionally take their chances.

Once owned and used for salt production by the Cargill Salt Company, Huichica Creek was sold to the state of California in 1994, when Cargill ceased production. The California Department of Fish and Game administers the wetlands with the dual objectives of habitat restoration and creating open space for public recreation and education.

Large parcels of salt and brackish water tidal marsh are being revitalized. The depths of the remaining ponds are being monitored to better suit diverse wildlife.

Visitors include nature lovers, hunters, photographers, dog walkers, school groups, bird watchers, boaters and bicyclists.

Schools have become involved with service learning projects at Huichica Creek. Thanks to the students and teachers at Redwood Middle School, more than 330 oak and black walnut trees have been planted since May of 1998, and selected areas have been cleared of exotic thistle. Napa Valley College biology teacher Nick Anast and intern Carolyn D'Almeida have filled the NVC greenhouse with native seedlings and helped with much of the planning for the restoration sites.

The increasing health of Huichica Creek wetlands appears assured, and safeguards its availability for future generations. Should you venture out to its environs you will most likely experience what draws me to the area again and again.

Christine Hansen is a retired Napa Valley Unified School District teacher who lives in Sonoma. She is thrilled to be returning to her love of the outdoors and photographing all the beauty within it.