With oceans, lakes, rivers, deserts, forests and mountain ranges, California is undoubtedly diverse. Luckily for travelers, it's also easy to navigate and explore. Sacramento, nestled within California’s Central Valley, is at the heart of the state's golden charms with close proximity to numerous nature preserves and wildlife refuges.

The Sacramento and American Rivers also converge here, making the Sacramento Valley especially lush and rich with life. Two major freeways and an abundance of lodging options make it easy for you to start exploring the natural gems of the Sacramento region today.

ABOUT THE SACRAMENTO WILDLIFE REFUGE

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Willows, CA

SNWR is one of the State's premier waterfowl refuges, consisting of five national wildlife refuges and three wildlife management areas. It comprises over 35,000 acres of wetlands and uplands in the Sacramento Valley that serve as resting and feeding areas for nearly half the migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. Waterfowl are present from September through March, while many other birds and mammals provide year-round viewing.

Yolo Basin Foundation

Yolo Basin Foundation
Davis, CA

This refuge for birds and other wildlife fosters preservation and education, as well as dynamic and innovative partnerships. Both pedestrian and car-friendly, it yields a compassionate and literal perspective on man and nature.

Stone Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Elk Grove, CA

Located just 12 miles from the state's capitol, the Stone Lakes area has three permanent lakes, which serve as magnets for fish and wildlife in the northern Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

Nimbus Fish Hatchery

Nimbus Fish Hatchery
Rancho Cordova, CA

Fish hatcheries are used to cultivate and breed a large number of often-endangered fish in an enclosed environment. The Nimbus Fish Hatchery includes a fish weir and ladder entrance, sorting and spawning area, hatchery area and raceway ponds.

LOCAL NATURE PRESERVES

Cache Creek Nature Preserve

Cache Creek Nature Preserve
Woodland, CA

The Conservancy was created in 1996 as a vehicle to implement projects, provide environmental education, hold conservation easements and manage land for wildlife habitat in the lower Cache Creek Corridor.

Effie Yeaw Nature Center

Effie Yeaw Nature Center / ARP
Carmichael, CA

A cultural education center located within the American River Parkway, the EYNC is a 77-acre nature preserve featuring interpretive trails, riparian woodlands, and glimpses of deer, coyotes, migratory songbirds and wild turkeys.

Cosumnes River Preserve

Cosumnes River Preserve
Galt, CA

As the only remaining unregulated (free-flowing) river on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, the frequent flooding fosters growth of native vegetation and wildlife, including more than 250 bird species, 40 fish species and 230 plant species.

Davis Wetlands

Davis Wetlands
Davis, CA

The 400 acre Davis Wetlands Project is part of a growing effort throughout the Central Valley to preserve and restore native habitats and the wildlife they support. It provides wildlife habitat, flood control, wastewater and storm water treatment, recreation, and education.

MAP OF THE NATIONAL PARK

Sacramento's wildlife and nature areas are all within a short driving distance of each other. You can visit most all of these places in two days, or choose to explore one area each day. Just remember to bring your camera and binoculars.

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex - Willows, CA
Yolo Basin Foundation - Davis, CA
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Elk Grove, CA
Nimbus Fish Hatchery - Rancho Cordova, CA
Cache Creek Nature Preserve - Woodland, CA
Effie Yeaw Nature Center / ARP - Carmichael, CA
Cosumnes River Preserve - Galt, CA
Davis Wetlands - Davis, CA

DISCOVER GREAT SAVINGS WITH THE SACRAMENTO GOLD CARD!

Hotels are centrally located, so you're within a short stay of the wildlife refuges and nature preserves. You can even enhance your stay by choosing one of several hotels near the Sacramento River. Be sure to ask for your FREE Sacramento Gold Card to get exclusive savings and offers at restaurants and attractions. Simply ask for the Sacramento Gold Card when you check in to a participating hotel.

FREE SACRAMENTO VISITORS GUIDE

Get more information on all of Sacramento region's attractions, points of interest, kids' activities, plus where to stay, eat and shop.

CONTACT DISCOVER GOLD

Discover Gold is the official on-line travel and meeting planner for Sacramento, California. Sacramento is home to Gold Rush-era attractions, California State Capitol tours, outdoor adventures, and hotels, dining and cultural arts for every taste and budget. When you visit Sacramento, you're sure to "Discover Gold!"

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