Group Visits at the Preserve
The Cosumnes River Preserve welcomes and encourages organized groups to come and enjoy its Visitor Center and public nature areas. Public nature areas of the Preserve are open year-round and accessible between sunrise and sunset. Sites open to the public include the trails, parking lots, deck/picnic area and boat launch.The Visitor Center is typically open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends and weekday hours vary.
There are currently NO FEES charged for visiting the Preserve. However, we request the courtesy of advanced notice of any group planning an excursion. Contacting Preserve staff prior to your visit lets you check on possible conflicts (i.e. Preserve events, school field trips, etc.) or other conditions that may affect your visit.
Tips for Group Visits
Plan Ahead
Review the website, pick up some brochures and communicate with our staff. A simple phone call to the information line, (916) 684-2816, could save your group a lot of headaches on the day of your visit.
Experiences are self-guided unless you join a Preserve-sponsored activity.
Schedule Your Visit
Contact the Preserve's Outreach Coordinator by calling (916) 683-1700 or send an e-mail to rhoadesj@saccounty.net. Doing so helps ensure there will be few, if any, conflicts with other activities at the Preserve.
Be Prepared
Every member of your group should come prepared for their outdoor adventure. They should bring lots of water and a snack or two, even for a short trip. Visitors should also dress appropriately for outdoor conditions; closed-toed shoes, layered clothing and wide-brimmed hats are highly recommended. Sunscreen and insect repellent are other warm weather essentials.
Carpool
The Preserve has three small parking lots that fill up very quickly--especially on weekends.
Stay on the Trails & Obey All Rules
Public use is concentrated around the Visitor Center and on the designated footpaths to reduce impacts on habitat and wildlife. Please manage your group and emphasize proper environmental ethics. Pets, including dogs, and bicycles are not allowed on the trails. Camp fires, or fires of any kind, and overnight stays are not allowed
Pack Out Your Trash
There are NO garbage cans at the Preserve. Bring a large trash bag for the group's waste or have members hold onto there own trash. Small bags are available in a box next to the Preserve's bulletin board. You may place recyclables in the appropriate cans on the east side of the Visitor Center.
Check Out the Preserve's Activities
There are a limited number of Preserve-sponsored guided experiences and volunteer activities. These events occur pretty regularly throughout each month and they are great opportunities to learn more about the Preserve directly from dedicated volunteers and staff. Check out the Activity Schedule for more information on dates and times.
Please let us know in advance if your group will be attending any Preserve activities.
See More of the Preserve...Come Out for HRT Workdays
Habitat Restoration Team (HRT) is a great way to get your group involved and BE hands-on with their environment. Make a difference by assisting the Preserve with new and on-going restoration projects. Training is provided and you will get to see parts of the Preserve that are rarely visited by humans. Check out the schedule.
Lastly...Enjoy Your Visit!!!
Cosumnes River Preserve * 13501 Franklin Blvd. Galt CA 95632
(916) 684-2816
info@cosumnes.org