Chronolog Photo Monitoring Stations
Documenting seasonal change through community science at Cosumnes River Preserve
About Chronolog
Chronolog stations allow visitors to contribute to long-term environmental monitoring by taking photos at designated locations throughout the Preserve. These images help document seasonal water levels, vegetation changes, wildlife habitat conditions, and broader climate patterns over time.
By participating, you become part of a community science effort that supports research, education, and habitat management.
Station Locations & Logs
Managed Wetlands Lookoutt
Viewing of managed wetlands. In the fall and winter this area is seasonally filled with water to support migratory and resident birds and waterfowl, as well as roosting habitat for Sandhill cranes. In the springtime, this area transforms into a vibrant display of wildflowers, most notably the purple Downingia—commonly known as “calicoflower.” These delicate blossoms thrive in seasonal wetlands and add a striking splash of color to the landscape.
View Chronolog LogsWetlands from the Boardwalk
Wetlands from the Boardwalk Viewing Platform. From the boardwalk, visitors can observe the seasonal rhythm of the managed wetlands. In fall and winter, the ponds are intentionally flooded, creating habitat for swans, geese, ducks, a variety of shorebirds, and roosting Sandhill crane.
View Chronolog LogsValley Oak Restoration Area
The trees here are Valley oak, the first trees planted at the Preserve by volunteers in 1988. In 2024, forest thinning was completed to improve overall forest health, reduce competition for water, and increase resilience to drought and wildfire.
View Chronolog LogsMiddle Slough View
From this vantage point, you can almost see the confluence of Middle Slough and the Cosumnes River—a rare example of a largely undammed river system in California. Rivers and sloughs once flowed more naturally like this before widespread dam construction altered seasonal flood cycles.
View Chronolog LogsRiparian Habitat at the Point
This riparian corridor along the Cosumnes River is a favorite roosting and feeding area for great blue herons and egrets, offering tall trees for nesting and shallow waters for foraging.
View Chronolog LogsCosumnes River & Entrance to Tihuechemne Slough
From this point, visitors can observe the dynamic connection between the Cosumnes River and Tihuechemne Slough—where seasonal flows shape habitat and support diverse wildlife.
View Chronolog LogsGrassland Savannah along the River Walk
This open grassland savannah bordering the Cosumnes River provides habitat for grazing animals, ground-nesting birds, and small mammals.
View Chronolog LogsBoat Dock on Middle Slough
Boat Dock on Middle Slough. Middle Slough is tidally influenced by San Francisco Bay—nearly 80 miles away—causing daily water level fluctuations of 3–5 feet. The dock is a favorite resting and hunting spot for green herons and black-crowned night herons.
View Chronolog LogsHow to Participate
- Locate a Chronolog station during your visit.
- Place your phone in the mounted bracket.
- Take a photo following the on-site instructions.
- Your image is added to the time-lapse record for that location.
Thank you for contributing to community science at the Cosumnes River Preserve.