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Davis Wetlands Access

Weather permitting, the Davis Wetlands are open to the public during the following times:

February 15 through August 31- daily, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

September 1 through February 15 - Mondays only, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Docent lead tours of the Wetlands occur on the first Sunday of the month. Please contact the Yolo Basin Foundation for tour times at 530-757-3780.
• Special group tours are available depending on access constraints. Please contact the Department of Public Works for more information at 530- 757-5686.
• In order to protect wildlife and water quality, DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED at the Wetlands.

The Davis Wetlands are located approximately 1 mile east of the City of Davis Wastewater Treatment Facility located at 45400 County Road 28H, 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. The Wetlands is one of the City's most valuable open space resources. It utilizes reclaimed wastewater to provide wildlife habitat, wildlife viewing and environmental learning opportunities.

Common Wildlife and Plants Found at the Davis Wetlands (PDF)

Until the turn of the century, this area was seasonally flooded by the rise of the Sacramento River and its tributaries. Low lying parts of Yolo County surrounding Davis were marshlands most of the year, and were a key wintering location for countless waterfowl migrating along the Pacific Flyway, one of four major migratory routes for North American birds.

In the Central Valley, about 95% of the original wetland habitats were lost as levees were built for flood control and lands were converted to urban and agricultural uses. The Yolo Basin is considered a prime location for wetlands restoration because of it's potential to recover some of the historical habitat and reestablish important wintering grounds for waterfowl and migratory birds.

The Davis Wetlands Project was envisioned, designed and built by a dedicated team of volunteers and professionals. Funding was possible via a grant from the US Army Corp of Engineers and loans from the State of California. 

How the Wetlands Work

The Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant treats water at the tertiary level which is completely compatible with the Wetlands environment. This high-quality treated wastewater is reused in the Wetlands to support habitat, in turn benefiting wildlife and humans alike.  

Water levels in the Wetlands change seasonally. In March and April, the water levels are drawn down for the summer to expose seasonal benches and mudflats. This creates foraging habitat for shorebirds. Also, by keeping water off the benches, mosquitoes are discouraged. In the fall and winter months, water levels are elevated. The higher levels inundate the benches, creating shallow habitat for waterfowl and wading birds. The vast areas of open water provide habitat for wintering waterfowl to raft and avoid terrestrial predators.

The Wetlands environment is monitored continuously to ensure its quality. Water and soil are frequently tested for potentially harmful constituents such as heavy metals. You can help keep local waterways healthy by making sure only clean rainwater goes into storm drains. More information about the city's Stormwater Program. 

The Davis Wetlands provides a mosaic of habitats that provide food and cover for numerous wildlife species. There are five types of habitat including permanent open water, seasonal wetland, native grassland, riparian woodland and mudflats. Open water habitat serves as refuge and brooding water for wintering and resident waterfowl. Seasonal wetlands and mudflats host shorebirds, migrant and resident songbirds and an array of mammals. The grasslands and riparian woodland are largely composed of native plants. Grasslands and woodlands are important habitat for birds-of-prey, song birds, mammals, reptiles and nesting waterfowl. As the trees in the riparian woodlands mature they will function as wind brakes to help reduce erosion in the Wetlands.

Common Wildlife and Plants Found at the Davis Wetlands (PDF)