Cosumnes River Preserve

The Cosumnes River Preserve is a protected area featuring wetlands, grasslands, and oak forests along one of California's last free-flowing rivers in the Central Valley. The landscape contains several habitat types that together create a diverse environment supporting a wide range of wildlife.

The Miwok Native Americans managed these lands through sustainable practices before Spanish explorers arrived in the late 1700s and altered the population structure. This period of change reshaped the region and introduced new patterns of land use.

The preserve functions as a learning hub where knowledgeable staff share insights about local ecosystems and wildlife protection with visitors. People come here to understand how this landscape supports both nature and human communities.

The grounds can be explored on trails accessible to different mobility levels and offering views of various landscape types. The visitor center with exhibit areas remains open frequently and provides helpful orientation for exploring the property.

The preserve maintains approximately 160 specially built nesting boxes for wood ducks, making it a critical refuge for this species. This dedicated approach to species-specific conservation is evident in how carefully the resource is managed.