Location:13501 Franklin Blvd. Galt, CA
Phone:916-684-2816

From 99 or I-5, take the Twin Cities Road Exit. From 99, head West. From I-5 head East. Turn South on Franklin Blvd. Visitor Center will be on the East side of Franklin Blvd.

Upcoming events

  • 06/21/2025 8:00 am - 06/21/2025 11:00 am

    Join experienced naturalists for a leisurely paddle up the Cosumnes River and its peaceful sloughs.  We’ll likely see forest birds, raptors, egrets, herons, cormorants, and maybe deer, a beaver and/or an otter.  We’ll talk about the flora and fauna found in this riparian corridor, and about the first people to live here, the Plains Miwoks.

    Bring your own boat (canoe, kayak, SUP), paddle, and PFD.

    We will meet at the Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center Parking lot.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • 06/21/2025 9:00 am - 06/21/2025 12:00 pm

    Butterflies…we see them everywhere, fluttering and floating from one flower to the next. But how often do you stop and think about these funny insects? Did you know that monarch butterflies can migrate over 2,000 miles? How about that the top flight speed for a butterfly is 12 miles per hour? And that many butterflies can actually taste with their feet? Those are some interesting facts and there are plenty more to be discovered.

    Butterflies have a vital role in nature. As pollinators, they help to ensure that plants reproduce. They are key players in our regions food web; especially as caterpillars when they are eaten by a variety of birds. They are also fun to observe, whether you are in your backyard, local park or the wilderness.

    The Preserve needs your help in learning more about the butterflies that live in the Central Valley. Join the Cosumnes River Preserve for its annual Butterfly Count which covers all public trails around the Visitor Center. Help to capture (then release), identify and catalogue the numbers of more than twenty species that live in this area. In years past, volunteers were able to collect more than a thousand butterflies.

    The Cosumnes Butterfly Count takes place on Saturday, June 21st and starts at 9:00 a.m. Participants should meet at the Visitor Center deck, located at 13501 Franklin Blvd. (directions are available on the website). Collecting will continue until approximately 1:00 p.m. Participants should bring water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, dress appropriately for being outdoors and please bring binoculars if you have some. Insect repellant, identification charts and a limited number of butterfly nets will be provided. If you have your own butterfly net you are more than welcome to bring it!

    Register Here

  • 06/28/2025 10:00 am - 06/28/2025 10:00 am

    Family Friendly Nature Walk at the Cosumnes River Preserve

    Come join us for a fun and educational nature walk and guided scavenger hunt at the beautiful Cosumnes River Preserve! This in person event is perfect for families looking to explore the outdoors and learn about the local wildlife and habitats. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on a leisurely stroll through the preserve, while the group looks for interesting plants and animals along the way. This is a great opportunity to bond with your loved ones while enjoying the beauty of nature. We can't wait to see you there!

     

    Please register - Cosumnes River Preserve Events - 6 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

  • 07/05/2025 9:00 am - 07/05/2025 12:00 pm

    Join Cosumnes River Preserve docents on a guided hike along the River Walk Trail! This hike will take you back to the days when the Plains Miwok once inhabited the Cosumnes River's surrounding landscape.

    You'll learn about the plants and animals they interacted with and the unique ways in which they utilized the land as a part of their everyday lives.

    The route will cover approximately 3.5 miles, but participants that do not wish to walk that far may turn around at any time. This is a great family activity for all ages! This is an outdoor setting in nature, so please dress accordingly with sturdy shoes and layers. There is no potable water, so please bring all the water you'll need for the hike. Binoculars encouraged!

    Meet at 9:00 am on the Visitor Center deck.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

     

  • 07/12/2025 5:45 am - 07/12/2025 12:00 pm

    Join Jim Rowoth along the River Walk Trail and learn about the wonders of the birds that frequent the Cosumnes River Preserve. This bird survey will take place along the River Walk Trail stretching 4 miles round trip. The group will begin at the Visitor Center parking lot. It is recommended that you bring water, a snack, rubber boots and mosquito repellent. Of course, binoculars as well.

    To register please email:
    Jim Rowoth at rowoth@sbcglobal.net

Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center