Visitors will get a chance to see what the Dutch Slough Restoration Project will look like at a special opening of one trail on Saturday.
River Partners, a conservation nonprofit, and the California Department of Water Resources will be stationed along the trail to answers questions about the multi-agency project. Anyone interested in seeing the slough, which is now under construction, should meet at Marsh Creek Trail where it mees Big Break Trail in Oakley.
The new trail will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Begun in 2018, the project is one of the first major tidal wetlands restoration sites in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to that the DWR will implement. It aims to transform 1,187 acres of land into tidal marsh to provide habitat for salmon and other native fish and wildlife.
In addition to the restored marsh, the project will provide more trails, a fishing pier, water access for non-motorized boating, and recreational and educational opportunities. Meanwhile, the city of Oakley plans to develop a 55-acre park abutting the wetlands for nature lovers to enjoy. Left intact are more than 13 acres of 150-year-old grapevines that originally were slated for removal.
Once completed, Dutch Slough will provide flood protection for surrounding neighborhoods and serve as a regional park, with Marsh Creek Trail rerouted through the new wetlands so visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching and fishing.
For more information, go to water.ca.gov