We invite CNGA members to join Stephen Sheppard of River Partners on a tour of Dos Rios Ranch, the largest public-private floodplain restoration project in California. Dos Rios Ranch is a leading example of green infrastructure that lowers flood risk while bringing life back to the San Joaquin Valley. This site, located at the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin Rivers, came to fruition after more than a decade of fund raising and planning efforts. This large-scale riparian restoration project has transformed a former corn field into a thriving restored river system providing habitat for both common and rare species including the riparian brush rabbit, riparian woodrat, Swainson’s hawk, Central Valley Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, least Bell’s vireo, yellow warbler, sandhill crane, and the entire suite of neo-tropical migratory songbirds. Habitat conservation here has led to the de-listing of one endangered migrating species: the Aleutian Cackling Goose. The fieldtrip will showcase different phases of the restoration process that have occurred including some phases that are now more than 10 years old all the way through to future phases that are currently still in production agriculture. Of particular interest to CNGA members will be the robust understory of native herbaceous vegetation that has established including some areas that currently support 100% cover of native grass and forb and species.
In addition, the field tour will include a visit to a newly planted (fall 2021) 3-acre riparian restoration site that was designed to support vegetation dominated native plants of cultural importance to Native Americans. This site, which was planted with the help of local indigenous people, will employ Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into its long-term management including supporting and enhancing plant materials that are used in basket weaving. The field tour will occur from approximately mid-morning to mid-afternoon (10:00-2:00).
Hiking Level: Easy
Timing: 10 am to 2 pm
Age Requirement: 18+
Registration Fee: $25. This is a CNGA Members-Only Event. Become a member today!
Registration is limited to 25 people, so register today!
If you plan to attend, please read these before registering:
What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, water, and comfortable walking shoes or boots. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy on-site. Please leave pets at home.
Please fill out a waiver form and bring it with you. Available here: River Partners Liability Release Form.
CNGA COVID-19 Safety Policy: We ask that all attendees at in-person CNGA workshops be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots. Please do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms, even if you are vaccinated. We also ask that masks be worn when indoors or in vehicles while attending the workshops and events. These precautions will help us make these events as safe as possible for all to attend.
Photo Permission: By attending this event, you consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded, and to any use, by CNGA, of your likeness, voice, and name in any and all media including social media. If you do not want your name or photo to be used, please let us know in advance.
There are some access limitations, so carpooling is encouraged.
