Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area
Rate this placeNearby: Gaylord Sports Park Jacobson Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area is a 1,458-acre nature reserve situated in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region of California.
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Summary
The wildlife area is a popular destination for those who enjoy birdwatching, fishing, and hiking. The area is home to over 200 species of birds, including herons, egrets, and sandhill cranes. Visitors can also spot a variety of mammals, such as otters, beavers, and raccoons.
One of the main points of interest in Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area is its extensive network of trails. These trails take visitors through marshland, wetlands, and grasslands, offering unique views of the wildlife in the area. The wildlife area is also a popular spot for fishing, with the Sacramento River and the Delta both nearby.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it is a critical habitat for migratory birds, with more than 20,000 waterfowl visiting the area each year. Additionally, the area is home to several endangered species, such as the Swainson's hawk and the California red-legged frog.
The best time of year to visit Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area is during the winter months, when the area is teeming with waterfowl and other migratory birds. However, the area is open year-round and offers different sights and experiences depending on the season.
Overall, Lower Sherman Island Wildlife Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse range of wildlife and beautiful trails, the area offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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