SITE INTRODUCTIONS AND OVERVIEW
The City s formal Open Space Program was established in 1990 to implement long-standing policies that called for the protection of the farmlands and wild areas that surround the community.
Program Goals Protect Open Space Secure long-term protection of open space lands around Davis, including maintaining the quality, quantity, and connectivity of agricultural lands and habitats Manage for the Long-Term Provide and improve long-term management and monitoring of natural habitat and other open space values on City-owned lands Foster Use of Public Lands Promote and support the enjoyment of public open space lands, both within the city limits and in the broader Davis Planning Area Engage Citizens Engage citizens in planning and caring for open space areas Work With Others Nurture productive partnerships with other organizations to achieve the above goals.
Open Space Sites Around Town
The Putah Creek South Fork Preserve is a small habitat preserve a couple miles southeast of Davis. The City restored the portion of the property north of Putah Creek in the mid-1990s. South Fork Preserve The south side of the creek was restored in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers between 1997-1999. The Preserve includes riparian, upper riparian and oak savanna habitats
South Fork Preserve The Nature Preserve includes protected land on both sides of Putah Creek. The north side is 20 acres. The 85 acre parcel on the south side is publicly accessible, with a small parking lot and welcome kiosk. In 2017 the City purchased an additional 10 acre parcel immediately adjacent to the current Preserve. The current management priorities for the Preserve are: Broadleaf weed control in grasslands - 3 year control plan already developed Management Plan development, including monitoring elements Grazing plan development Prevent or mitigate effects of trespass and vandalism Resource assessment of new property Location: 28875 County Road 104
Wildhorse Agricultural Buffer The Wildhorse Agricultural Buffer was created in 2000 as a buffer between the Wildhorse residential development and adjacent farmland. The site is 38 acres of open grasslands, oaks, native shrubs and a remnant walnut orchard.
Wildhorse Wildhorse is definitely the most popular Open Space site. The two mile gravel trail gets daily use by walkers and bikers of all ages. The Ag Buffer also includes a small, but very popular contingent of protected Burrowing Owls. The northeast corner of the property is actively managed for their resource needs. Current management priorities are: Broadleaf weed control in grasslands Burrowing Owl management Tree and shrub pruning for safety and visibility Fence maintenance Prevent or mitigate effects of trespass and vandalism Fire abatement near structures Location: West entrance at Pole Line Rd. approximately 600 feet north of Moore Blvd. Another entrance at Covell Blvd across from Monarch. Entrances in Wildhorse neighborhood at; Caravaggio Dr, Bellows Ct, Rockwell Ct.
Putah Creek Parkway The Putah Creek Parkway is a major bike thoroughfare in South Davis. The Parkway follows the historic channel of Putah Creek, meandering under remnant oaks and walnuts, and links up with the U.C. Davis Arboretum.
Putah Creek Parkway The Parkway habitat favors raptors due to the many perches provided by dead and dying walnut trees. Unfortunately, the habitat along the Parkway is threatened by the impacts of camping and trash dumping during warm months. Prevention and mitigation of these activities dominates our management of the Location: Multiple entrances in South Davis between Drummond Ct and the UC Davis Arboretum area. Current management priorities are: Tree pruning for safety Vegetation management for visibility and safety Prevent or mitigate effects of trespass and vandalism Plant protection and establishment Background research on land use and cultural significance Management Plan development
Old Lincoln Highway The City of Davis is home to a three mile stretch of the Historic Lincoln Highway. The site is now a well-used bike path lined with native trees and shrubs.
Old Lincoln Highway The Lincoln Highway is a long, narrow vegetated corridor that provides nesting bird and pollinator habitat. The location and setting, however, favor camping and trash dumping on a large scale. We are actively managing the vegetation to make the area less desirable for these activities. Current management priorities are: Tree pruning for safety Vegetation management for visibility and safety Prevent or mitigate effects of trespass and vandalism Enhance pollinator forage opportunities Coordinate with Stormwater and Tranportation Management Plan development Location: Entrances at Olive Dr, Mace Blvd and Road 32A at Road 105
Mace Ranch Park Passive Recreation Area. The Passive Recreation Area is a natural area located in the heart of a residential development. The one acre site is set within beautiful Mace Ranch Park in east Davis. It's a showcase of native trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs.
Mace Ranch Park Passive Recreation Area We manage the Passive Rec Area as a presentation of native plant species in a more landscaped setting. The area is used for environmental education and has hosted several successful volunteer events. Location: 3141 Fifth Street Current management priorities are: Tree pruning for health and safety Annual grass control using solarization method Native forb establishment Ground squirrel control to prevent site damage Management Plan development
Woodbridge Area A small site in south Davis adjacent to the Mace Channel, the Woodbridge area is high quality habitat for small animals and pollinators.
Woodbridge Area Our Woodbridge site gets its name from a small wooden bridge that crosses the Mace Channel. It is a beautiful collection of native grasses, trees and shrubs nestled into the surrounding neighborhood. Combined with the Mace Channel and Willowbank sites, the area has excellent habitat values for wildlife of all kinds. Current management priorities are: Broadleaf weed control in grasses Pruning for health and safety Fire abatement Management Plan development Location: At the corner of Eucalyptus St. and San Marino Dr.
El Macero Agricultural Buffer The El Macero Ag Buffer sits on the far east edge of town. With beautiful views of Sacramento and the Sierras, this small site is at the confluence of development, agriculture and habitat.
El Macero Agricultural Buffer Current management priorities are: Tree and shrub pruning for visibility and safety Broadleaf weed control in grasses Management plan development Location: Entrances from the El Macero Neighborhood at; Hoag Pl, Cowell Blvd, Guthrie Pl, Tufts St.
Willowbank 9 & 10 The Willowbank sites are small remnants of the original habitat of Putah Creek in southeast Davis. Look for seasonal closures to protect resident Sacramento Valley Red Foxes.
Willowbank 9 & 10 Current management priorities are: Broadleaf weed control in grasses Mulching along trail and around native plants Pruning for safety and visibility Management Plan development Willowbank 9 Location: Mace Blvd just north of Blue Oak Dr. Willowbank 10 Location: Corner of Montgomery and Cottonwood Ct.
F & Anderson Restoration Site The two acre site at the corner of F Street and Anderson Road in North Davis is currently being restored. This parcel is directly adjacent to the North Davis Pond and will compliment the wetland habitat with appropriate upland vegetation. A walking trail will be part of the final improvements.
Other Sites Managed or Co-Managed by Open Space Washoe Ct. Corner Russell Blvd - Hwy 113 west to City Limits John Jones Tank Site North Davis Meadows Hedgerow North Davis Channel