Cosumnes River Preserve
The Cosumnes River Preserve in Galt, California, is comprised of more than 50,000 acres of agricultural land and wildlife habitat. The land is jointly owned by several state and county agencies along with The Nature Conservancy, and Ducks Unlimited. The Nature Conservancy is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of biodiversity, and its initial purchase of 85 acres, and acquisition of an additional 1400+ more, established the Cosumnes River Preserve. Ducks Unlimited is the leading non-profit wetlands conservation group in America.
The Preserve is located alongside the Cosumnes River. The area supports wildlife and provides many recreational activities to local residents. The Preserve Partnership has a vision statement that includes the permanent protection of wetlands, floodplains, forests, grasslands. It integrates restoration, environmental protection, and land management. The area sustains a myriad of habitats for animals and native plants.
The Visitor Center is located at 13501 Franklin Boulevard in Galt and is open weekends from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. all months other than July and August when it is open 8:00 a.m. to noon. These hours may vary since the center is staffed by volunteers, so you may want to call first. There are many recreational activities available within the Preserve, discussed below.
Hiking
River Walk Trail
This trail is often inaccessible in the winter, as the flood cycle usually results in a total inundation of the trail by floodwater. When it is accessible, the River Walk Trail is a bit over three miles out and back on elevated levees. The trail is comprised of several different types of habitats. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset, year-round.
Lost Slough Wetlands Walk
The Lost Slough Wetlands Walk is a one-mile trail with universal accessibility. The trail offers marshes, wetland flora, insects, amphibians, and water birds. It includes an ADA accessible wooden boardwalk, a 0.5-mile round trip that meanders through the wetlands and includes a platform for viewing at the terminus. There are also resting areas with seats along this trail. The Wetlands Walk is open from sunrise to sunset year-round.
Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail
The longest trail on the Preserve, the Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail is seven miles round trip. Things to see along this trail include vernal pools, riparian and marsh habitat, wetlands, and views of woodlands and the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountain range. The charge per vehicle is $12 and the trail is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Paddling
The Preserve has a dock to launch non-gas-powered watercraft, such as canoes and kayaks. The river is flat, and paddlers will enjoy the scenic glide along the riparian forest and oak woodlands, and across wetlands filled with wildlife. The boat dock is accessible by taking the concrete pathway that starts at the visitor parking.
A paddling map and guide to the Cosumnes river waterway can be found here: Paddling Brochure. Copies of the guide can also be found at the Visitor Center. The paddling put-in area is open year-round sunrise to sunset.
Nature Watching
Be sure to grab copies of the brochures which are available at the Visitor Center that list the animal species living within the Preserve. The guides also contain information on the animals’ migratory patterns. The brochures are helpful for bird watching or planning wildlife photography. Estimates of the species within the Preserve are more than 250 species of bird, 230 plant varieties, 40 species of fish, and countless amphibians and reptiles. A quiet binocular-assisted exploration of the preserve is an excellent way to view nature.
Other Things to Know
What to bring: Insect repellant, drinking water, sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, binoculars, snacks, and a bag to remove your trash. If you plan to photograph birds or other animals, bring a zoom lens, so it doesn’t scare the creatures.
Restrooms: There are flush toilets available at the Visitor Center during its open hours. Additional restrooms can be found at two of the parking lots.
Collecting: There is no collecting allowed on the Preserve. Please leave any plants, rocks, feathers, and animals that you find on the trail.
Pets: Please keep pets at home or in your vehicle at all times.
Watch the YouTube Video: Visit the Cosumnes River Preserve. In the video below, the Bureau of Land Management gives a brief tour of the Preserve.
Car Accident Lawyer in Galt
I’m Ed Smith, a Galt car accident lawyer. If an automobile collision resulted in you are someone you love sustaining injuries, please reach out for free, friendly advice. Our local number is (916) 921-6400 and we can be reached toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
My firm has assisted Galt residents in legal matters related to personal injury for over 38 years. Please take a look at some of my settlements and verdicts. The links below will take you to reviews from my former clients:
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