FT 6
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: Exploring the Heart of California

Sunday, August 10, 2014: 7:15 AM-3:30 PM
J Street Entrance, Sacramento Convention Center
Organizer:
Peter B. Moyle, University of California
Co-organizer:
Susan Ustin, Center for Spatial Technologies and Remote Sensing
This is a full-day field trip of about 200 miles traversing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, to learn why the Delta is a central focus of California controversies over water and endangered species, to look at highly altered ‘novel’ ecosystems, to see what conservation efforts are being made.  In the cool of the morning, we start by looking restored floodplain and wetland habitats at fringe of the Delta and then move to look at Delta Meadows State Park and the old Chinese town of Locke, windows of sorts into the past. We then follow levee roads through the Delta looking at vast islands (polders) of subsided farmland.  We will proceed to the State Water Project pumping plant and fish rescue facility at Banks, and look the conservation facility for the endangered Delta smelt. On the return trip, we will drive along the Sacramento River through orchards of pears and cherries, with a final stop (if time) at Clarksburg, where several wineries have set up tasting rooms in an old sugar mill.

 

 Biologically, August is one of the quietest times of year in the Delta, few birds are breeding and the huge flocks of waterfowl and runs of salmon present in the winter are not around.  The Delta’s Mediterranean climate means summers are hot and dry, so the surrounding hills are brown and crops rely on irrigation.

Registration Fee: $74

Equipment and Attire: We will be on and off the bus, taking short hikes, so please dress appropriately for hot weather, unless the Delta breezes blow and it will be cool. But expect it to be hot and dry. You will need to bring a picture ID to gain access to the State Pumping plant.

Itinerary: Itinerary This itinerary is subject to change, depending on accessibility of various sites. 0700: Assemble at Convention Center. Leave by 0715. Head south on Highway 5 (towards Stockton), about 30 minutes. Take Twin Cities Road exit, turn left. After 1 mile, turn right on Franklin Road (stop sign). Drive to Cosumnes River Preserve Park in lot by Visitor’s Center. 0800. This will be a 40 min stop to see the edge of the Delta and restored floodplain; includes a walk on a board walk through restored marshland. 0845 Depart Cosumnes River. Take Twin Cities Rd to River Rd (4 miles), turn left (S) on River Road, driving along the Sacramento River (1 mile) to Locke. 0900- 0920 Locke. A quick walk through this old Chinese labor village gives an interesting perspective on the history of the Delta (optional). Drive 0.5 mi River Rd to Delta Cross Channel 0925-1015 Delta Cross Channel & Delta Meadows State Park Delta Cross Channel diverts Sacramento River water into the central Delta to reach the pumps but is operated at times to protect migrating salmon. Note radio and TV towers in distance: how high are they? A short walk into the park will give you a glimpse into the Delta past (squint your eyes) and beds of Egeria densa. 1015-1140 Follow Highway 160 from Walnut Grove to Antioch (31 mi), through the heart of the Delta and heavily subsided Delta islands. Stop at Brannan Island State Recreation Area to discuss levees, subsidence, and the tidal Sacramento River. Continue on Rte 160 South; see Twitchell Island and Sherman Island levees and land subsidence as we drive by. These are key islands in the island flooding controversy because they are among the western most in the Delta. Imagine them under water and where the highway might be then. Cross San Joaquin River bridge to Antioch; look for ocean-going shops headed for Stockton, via the Stockton Ship Channel. Continue on Rte 160 South. Turn left on Rte. 4 to Byron Rd (go straight where 4 goes left). Drive south on Byron Rd, then right on Burns Avenue. 1140-1240. Lunch at Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area. Views of pumping plants, CA aqueduct, Coast Range. Discuss what we have seen so far. 1240 -1320 Drive back to Banks Pumping Plant and Skinner Fish Screen for tour of State Water Project Displays, overlook of pumping plant, fish screens. Walk to Fish Conservation and Culture Laboratory, run by UC Davis. Dr Joan Lindberg will meet us there to show you delta smelt rearing. 1325-1410- Drive North on Byron Road to Rte 4 East. To Rte 5 North, past Stockton Harbor, a major seaport. We are still in the Delta! Take Walnut Grove Road Exit. 1410- 1430. Drive North along channelized Sacramento River and view pear orchards below you, on Rte. 160-E9 to Clarksburg. 1430-1500. Visit Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg (wine tasting, etc.) 1500 take E-19 (2 mi) to Rte. 84. Note vineyards. For a short distance you will be along the Sacramento Ship Channel, where some whales cavorted a few years ago, then you drop down into a floodplain. Note houses. Would you feel safe there? Rte 84 becomes Jefferson Blvd which takes us back into Sacramento. 1530. Arrive at Convention Center.

See more of: Field Trips
<< Previous Field Trip | Next Field Trip >>