Wildlife Sanctuary
The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata’s innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, grassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately five miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. By integrating conventional wastewater treatment with the natural processes of constructed wetlands, Arcata has succeeded in turning wastewater into a resource.
Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California, Mexico and Central and South America. These wetlands provide homes and migratory resting places for over 270 species of birds. With seventy-three species here year-round along with numerous species of plants, mammals, insects and amphibians, there’s always something to see.
Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center
569 South G Street (707) 826-2359
The Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center has interactive exhibits, free maps and literature, a bookstore, bird checklists and a log of recent bird sightings. The center is open Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Monday 1-5 p.m. Closed on major holidays.
Free Guided Walks
Marsh volunteers lead tours of the wildlife sanctuary. No reservations are necessary for the following walks, which take place rain or shine:
- Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM): Every Saturday 2 p.m. – Meet at the Interpretive Center for guided walks on various topics.
- Redwood Region Audubon Society: Every Saturday 8:30 a.m. – Meet in the parking lot at the foot of South I Street for a guided birding walk.
Reserved Walk
Free docent led walks on various topics are available for groups and schools if requested two weeks in advance.
"Flush with Pride" video courtesy of "earthrise," Al Jazeera English, © 2011.