Date: 10/17/25 4:52 pm From: Chris Conard via groups.io <conardc...> Subject: [centralvalleybirds] UPDATE: Bufferlands Open Trail Day on Saturday, October 18th
Hi folks,
Flooding from rain early in the week has left standing water on several
portions of the trail.
You are welcome to come and enjoy a beautiful (and dry) one-mile loop
through huge valley oaks, with lots of colorful leaves from grape and
poison oak (cut well back from the trail) without any problems from
flooding.
If you are the adventurous sort and don’t mind walking in rubber boots
(wellies) or wading ankle/shin-deep water for about 100 feet, miles more of
trails will be open to you.
As recently as yesterday, we thought we could offer a dry route, but by
this morning it was evident that the water was continually backing up.
If you didn’t already know this, the Bufferlands has a strange hydrology.
Portions of the property are below sea level. Water from Morrison and
Laguna Creeks must be pumped into the Sacramento River to get over the
levee. This takes time and energy and often leads to flooding. It can be
difficult and it can be frustrating. But if this portion of the Bufferlands
didn’t flood so often, it would not be the great nature and wildlife area
that it is.
The site is beautiful and we’ve been working over the past two weeks to
prepare the trails for you to enjoy. And now, we know, most people won’t
want to wade through a section of flood water. But the first mile is dry!
See below for directions and other details.
You’re welcome to join us!
-------------------
Bufferlands Open Trail Day
October 18, 2025 | 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Open Trail Day is a great opportunity to explore a large portion of the
Bufferlands. We will have up to 8 miles of trails open for you to hike at
your own pace. Our biologists and docents will be out on the trails to help
you find your way and to answer any nature-related questions. This is a
great time to see fall colors as our forests begin to change from green to
gold. The trails will pass through riparian forests with trees over 300
years old, oak woodlands, and seasonal wetlands. Many species of
songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds can be seen this time of year.
The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m. Event and parking
are free. Please sign in at the check-in table once you arrive and get your
trail map. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. There will be
no food vendors on-site, but feel free to pack a picnic or trail snacks.
*No pets please*--for the safety and comfort of other visitors and the
wildlife at the Bufferlands.
Directions:
From I-5 or Highway 99, south of Sacramento, exit at Cosumnes River Blvd.
Take Cosumnes River Blvd west to Freeport Blvd.
Take Freeport Blvd south, past the golf course and the small town of
Freeport.
Turn left at signs opposite Cliff’s Marina (8651 River Rd, Sacramento, CA
95832). Follow signs to the parking area.
