Cosumnes River Preserve

Hiking

Within the 50,000+ acres of the preserve, we have over 11 miles of pristine trail for you to hike. Some days you can walk for hours without spotting another human being, enjoying in your solitude the serene majesty of nature.

Wildlife

The preserve is home to more than 250 bird species, more than 40 fish species, and some 400+ plant species have been verified. Keep an eye out for Greater and Lesser Sandhill Cranes, Northern Pintail, Swainson’s Hawks, and Black-necked Stilts. Within the preserve you can see for yourself the rich variety of American wildlife.

Field Trips

We welcome group visits and school field trips, and have a training program and teaching materials available for schoolteachers — or you can take one of our volunteer-guided tours!

Upcoming Events

Oct

Guided Nature Walk

This is a leisurely walk on a trail that is unpaved in sections and paved in others. Our route will take us approximately three and a half miles, but participants who do not wish to walk that far may turn around at any time. Good family activity.

Oct

River Walk Bird Survey – Tour

Join well-known Audubon Society member, Jim Rowoth, as he ventures out on the Cosumnes River Preserve River Walk. The walk takes you through wetlands, riparian forest, grasslands, and to the Cosumnes River.

Oct

Tall Forest Bird Survey – Open to the Public

This is a survey on foot lasting five to six hours, sometimes longer when the birding is exceptional. Because we start early, we have a good chance to see mammals as well, such as beaver, river otter, striped skunk, raccoon, coyote, squirrels and deer, plus ectothermic vertebrates on occasion. A good variety of local butterflies and odonates is found in season.

Oct

Habitat Restoration Workday

You won’t have to work alone and will probably meet someone your own age and; will definitely see parts of The Preserve not open to the general public. Wild places, beautiful places, and significant habitat from five or ten different ecosystems just waiting to be restored and expanded.

Oct

Guided Paddle Tour Along The Cosumnes River

We’ll likely see forest birds, perhaps an egret or heron, and maybe even a beaver and/or otter. Bring your own boat (canoe, kayak, SUP), paddle, and PFD. No experience necessary.

Oct