Twitchell Island

Twitchell Island is a river delta island in the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta region, located southwest of Sacramento and mostly composed of peat soil. The area is shaped by managed practices that balance farming with environmental goals.

Farmers began draining and reshaping marshlands in the 1870s to create farmland. These early changes set the foundation for how the island is used today.

The island is known for its experimental farming methods that use tules and cattails to improve soil quality. These practices connect traditional agriculture with modern conservation goals.

Access is controlled by local authorities and limited due to environmental protections in place. Visitors should check in advance whether and how the area can be visited.

Since 1996, scientists have been studying whether planting tules and cattails can reverse soil loss on the island. These long-term studies help explain how wetlands naturally store carbon.

GPS coordinates: 38.10964,-121.64857

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:43