Cosumnes River Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Cosumnes River Preserve is a protected wildlife area located in the state of California.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, as it is home to over 250 species of birds.

Some good reasons to visit the Cosumnes River Preserve include its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and educational opportunities. Visitors can explore the preserve by hiking along its trails, kayaking or canoeing on the river, or participating in one of its many guided tours.

Specific points of interest to see at the preserve include the Visitor Center, which offers interactive exhibits about the area's natural history, and the Lost Slough Wetlands, which is a prime location for bird watching.

Interesting facts about the Cosumnes River Preserve include that it is one of the largest remaining riparian forests in California and that it provides habitat for endangered species such as the Swainson's hawk and the giant garter snake.

The best time of year to visit the Cosumnes River Preserve is during the fall and winter months, when many migratory bird species can be seen on their journey south. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers different attractions depending on the season.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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