Wetland Habitat Restoration at Shiloh Ranch Regional Park

SANTA ROSA, CA – Sonoma County Regional Parks completed a wetland habitat restoration project at Shiloh Ranch Regional Park near Windsor. 

The project repaired significant erosion, restored riparian and wetland habitat for native plants and animals, and enhanced an old stock pond to create an improved refuge for wildlife and a more attractive destination for park visitors.  

Wildlife Benefit

Throughout construction, many species used the pond including herons, egrets, otters, racoons, deer, song birds, lizards, and mountain lions.  Rerouted trails will provide lasting benefit to wildlife including some areas of the pond where animals will no longer be disturbed.  

Drought, Climate, and Wildfire Resilience

Repairs to eroding gullies will increase groundwater storage to allow more water to infiltrate into the surrounding landscape and rehydrate parklands.  The project also removed and used Douglas fir trees from the park to promote the growth of more fire-resilient oaks.  

Trails Re-opened

The Pond Trail that was partially closed during construction is re-opened. A small segment of the Creekside was re-routed.

Work is Ongoing

More planting of native trees and shrubs will continue through the winter.

Check Out the Work

Are you wondering what happened to Shiloh’s “Grand Canyon”? Are you curious to know what wildlife our pond and creeks support? Sign up to attend a free guided hike to learn about habitat restoration to support native species in and around the pond at Shiloh Ranch. We’ll hike 2.5 to 3 miles round trip to the pond and see the work that was done. For more information, contact ParkPrograms@sonoma-county.org. Registration required for this free program.

Sept 26th link: https://secure.sonomacountyparks.org/registration/walk-and-talk-upper-watershed-restoration-at-shiloh-1

Sept 28th link: https://secure.sonomacountyparks.org/registration/walk-and-talk-upper-watershed-restoration-at-shiloh-2

This restoration project was funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Watershed Restoration grant program, Nature Based Solutions – Wetlands and Mountain Meadows, Sonoma County Parks Foundation, and MEASURE M. 

###

Contact Information:  
Ariana Reguzzoni, Marketing Specialist 
Sonoma County Regional Parks
Ariana.reguzzoni@sonoma-county.org 

Sonoma County Regional Parks provides essential opportunities for people to connect with nature. Regional Parks contributes to the vibrancy and well-being of our community by expanding access to recreation experiences, serving as responsible stewards of cultural and natural resources and ensuring that our parks are clean, safe and welcoming. Learn more at SonomaCountyParks.org.