Cosumnes River Preserve

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The Cosumnes River Preserve is home to California's largest remaining valley oak riparian forest, and is one of the few protected wetland habitat areas in the state. The Cosumnes River is the only free-flowing river left in California's Central Valley. Only minutes from California's capital, this is a critical stop on the Pacific Flyway for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Over 200 species of birds have been sighted on or near the Preserve, including the State-listed threatened Swainson hawk, greater and lesser sandhill cranes, Canada geese and numerous ducks. The Preserve includes 40,000 acres of central valley grasslands, vernal pools, wetlands and valley oak forests.

Mission of the Cosumnes River Preserve is:

• Safeguarding and restoring the finest remaining example of California Valley oak riparian (stream side) ecosystem and its surrounding habitats.
• Restoring and creating freshwater wetlands to increase the Pacific Flyway´s populations of migratory waterfowl.
• Demonstrating the compatibility of human uses-- particularly agriculture, recreation, and education-- with the natural environment.

The land owning partners working cooperatively are:

Mailing Address:
Cosumnes River Preserve
13501 Franklin Boulevard
Galt, California 95632

Phone Number: (916) 684-2816 
Fax Number:(916)683-1702

Directions:
From Sacramento, take Interstate 5 south, and exit at Twin Cities Road. Head east on Twin Cities Road to Franklin Boulevard, and then turn south. Continue on Franklin Blvd. and go past Desmond Road, then proceed two-tenths of a mile to the Willow Slough Nature Trail on the left. The Willow Slough Trail, a three mile loop, is open during daylight hours with parking on the west side of Franklin Blvd. at Lost Slough Boardwalk.

From the Willow Slough Trailhead, you can continue south on the new trail. for 0.2 miles to the Lost Slough Wetlands Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is on the right (west) side and continues south to the Visitor Center. . The trail is one mile and is wheelchair accessible. The Lost Slough Wetlands Boardwalk is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center, rebuilt after a disastrous fire in 1995, is another four-tenths of a mile south along Franklin Blvd on the left (east) side. The Visitor Center is open most weekends from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, closed on all holiday weekends.

Visitor Activities:
Hiking, nature study, and birdwatching. NO dogs are allowed. 

Permits, Fees, Limitations:
Camping is not permitted on-site. Visitors are asked to stay on the trails.

Accessibility:
The Visitor Center and the Lost Slough Wetlands Boardwalk is wheelchair accessible.

Camping and Lodging facilities:
No camping is available on-site. Commercial facilities offer lodging in Sacramento, Galt, and Lodi

Food and Supplies:
Food and supplies are not available on-site. The nearest sources are in Sacramento, Galt, and Lodi.

First Aid:
No first aid is available on-site. The nearest hospital is located in Sacramento.

Additional Information:
The best time to observe waterfowl is during the winter months. Waterfowl, cranes, wading birds, and shore birds are seen from October to March; birds of prey from November to April. Songbirds are common in the fall and spring. Small boat access to Lost Slough from Delta Meadows Park. Bring mosquito repellent.

Visit the Cosumnes River Preserve's Homepage

Cosumnes River Preserve 2004 Water hyacinth cleanup day