Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, Nature reserve near Sacramento, United States

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is a nature reserve in California featuring seasonal wetlands and permanent water bodies that change throughout the year. The landscape includes dry upland sections as well, creating different habitats for birds and other animals.

The wildlife area opened to the public in 1997 after restoration work by Ducks Unlimited, funded through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 1999 the 3,700-acre project was named the Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area for congressman Vic Fazio, who lobbied for the funding. A 2001 expansion with the Glide and Los Rios properties brought it past 16,000 acres, including the 10,000-acre Tule Ranch, held by the Glide family for over 130 years.

The area draws school groups who explore the wetlands and learn why water and plants matter for birds passing through. Visitors see how people and wildlife coexist here, especially during migration season.

Visitors should know that guided tours happen only at specific times from fall through spring, and the area may be harder to access in summer months. The best time for birdwatching is when migrating birds arrive and depart.

The Yolo Causeway carries Interstate 80 over the wildlife area and holds one of California's largest bat colonies: thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats and two other species roost beneath the roadway. The Yolo Basin Foundation runs bat tours to watch them emerge.