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2025 Winter Ecological & Environmental Internship applications are now being accepted!

Restoration, Conservation & Stewardship

Along the Lower Cache Creek Basin, Yolo County, CA

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Cache Creek Conservancy

The focus of the Conservancy’s work has been riparian restoration along a fourteen mile stretch of the Lower Cache Creek. We operate from and manage the Jan T. Lowrey Nature Preserve, which is often called the ‘Cache Creek Nature Preserve'.

The Cache Creek Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Cache Creek watershed in Northern California.

Watershed

Channel of water flowing under Oak trees at Cache Creek Nature Preserve

There's so much more to a creek than the water passing by. Read more...

Wildlife

A healthy watershed is habitat for plants, animals and microbes, past and present. Read more...

Cultures

Handmade grass basket sitting next to native grasses at Cache Creek Preserve

Several cultures in the Cache Creek watershed have interacted with and impacted the landscape. Read more...

Internship Programs

Ecological and Environmental

Volunteers planting trees at Cache Creek Nature Preserve
Volunteers planting trees at the Jan T. Lowry Nature Preserve

Ecological and Environmental Interns assist Conservancy staff with habitat restoration for native wildlife and plants within the nature preserve and other sites along the lower Cache Creek watershed.

Find out more…

Traditional Knowledge

Local Native Americans teaching basket weaving at Cache Creek Nature Preserve
Wintun tribe elders teaching basket weaving to students

This program is for students interested in learning the Cache Creek Wintun homeland ecology as well as how restoration and stewardship can re-create healthy water and soils.

Find out more…

Visit the Nature Preserve

The Cache Creek Nature Preserve is open to visitors for passive outdoor activities. Go birdwatching. Picnic near the old barn. Stroll along the wetlands boardwalk or hike the trails. Photograph wildlife and learn about ‘Detroit Riprap.’

Hours: Sunday thru Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed Saturdays.

Nature Preserve Info…
Download Trail Map
Blue Heron Cache Creek wetlands
Handwoven basket sitting in the grasses it was woven from

Tending & Gathering Garden (TGG)

A collaboration between the Native American community and the Conservancy, the TGG serves as a demonstration garden for traditional land stewardship practices of California’s Indigenous people, especially the Wintun. The TGG provides a safe and accessible area for Native Californians to gather key plant materials for basketry, medicine and other cultural needs.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)

The TGG committee advises and assists the Conservancy in building educational modules that teach students about the Cache Creek Wintun homeland ecology as well as how restoration and stewardship can recreate healthy water and soils that have supported the lives and art of the people that live here for generations.

Learn & Participate

Volunteer Opportunities

Are you interested in better health, less stress, and a sense of purpose? Volunteering can provide these health benefits and more.

Our volunteer community consists of Individuals and small groups who are passionate about nature, the Cache Creek Watershed and hands-on experiences.

Find Out How to Volunteer with Us

Health & Safety Guidelines

Collage of a bobcat in tall grass looking at the camera, two duck swimming and a young raccoon peeking from behind a tree

Remember, the Cache Creek Nature Preserve is a sanctuary for wildlife, water and plants, rather than a Park for people.

Wildlife Safety

  • Stay on the trails for your own and nature’s safety.
  • Don’t feed wild animals.
  • Dogs allowed are not allowed in the Nature Preserve. Learn about the impact of domestic dogs on wildlife.
  • Leave no Trace; a set of principles for minimizing impact on natural spaces.

People Safety

  • Use public spaces at your own risk.
  • Stay on the trails for your own and nature’s safety.
  • Don’t feed wild animals.
  • Look and listen for rattlesnakes.
  • Keep children with adults at all times.
  • Please do not visit Parks or the Preserve if you are sick or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

Help Us Keep the Cache Creek Nature Preserve Open by Staying Safe!