Arcata Wastewater Treatment Plant and Wildlife Sanctuary

Arcata Wastewater Treatment Plant is a facility that cleans wastewater while creating habitats for wildlife across its grounds. The site encompasses salt and freshwater marshes, tidal channels, mudflats, and grassy areas along the northern shore of Humboldt Bay.

The plant began treating wastewater in 1949 as a basic sewage facility for the growing community. Over the following decades it transformed into a hybrid system that merges traditional treatment methods with engineered wetlands for environmental benefit.

The site draws birdwatchers from across the region who come to observe over 300 bird species moving through throughout the year. This has made it a gathering point for people interested in understanding local avian life and wetland ecosystems.

The grounds are accessible daily from sunrise until one hour after sunset for self-guided exploration. Free guided walks through the marshes are offered regularly to help visitors understand the different habitats and what lives in them.

The site shows how wastewater treatment and nature conservation work together, with cleaned water flowing into wetlands that support wildlife. This approach proves that infrastructure can serve ecological purposes rather than conflicting with them.

Location: California

Inception: 1949

GPS coordinates: 40.85830,-124.09100

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41