Wetlands Oxidation Ponds Grand Opening!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Phil Johnson
570-7139
ptjptj@gmail.com

Wetlands Oxidation Ponds Grand Opening!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
10AM – 1PM

Come enjoy a supreme wildlife habitat area. In Chico!

The City of Chico has a recently re-engineered its wetlands/oxidation pond area. The Altacal Audubon Society and the Sacramento River Preservation Trust would like to invite you to celebrate this wonderful improvement for wildlife. The grand opening and dedication is on Saturday, February 19 from 10am to 1pm.

Altacal Audubon President Scott Huber says: “Chico’s wildlife refuge is within reach of our downtown. We used to have to travel to get a glimpse of the incredible diversity of bird species that are now thriving within our City limits.” When asked about the relationship of the ponds to the wastewater plant, located adjacent to the ponds, Scott continued, “The wildlife habitat is so well integrated you might not know the plant was there.” The ponds and surrounding trees are home to Great Horned Owls, Snowy Egrets, ducks, geese, turtle and much more - all have a renewed and expanded area in which to thrive and share.

The 32 acres of ponds (located at 4827 River Road) has seen veteran birders come for 40 years; its recent expansion and re-design’s main objective is to invite the public to experience the abundance of waterfowl for both education and recreation. The ponds have been re-vegetated with native plants that are typically found in original Sacramento Valley wetlands. New to the ponds is a bird blind, various water depths to attract a wider variety of shorebirds, waders and water birds. Loafing islands have been placed where waterfowl can socialize and nest with a reduced risk of predation. An easily accessed and expanded parking area includes an approved Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility trail going right up to the ponds.

From 10am to1pm, guided walks will commence every half hour and will be led by Altacal-Audubon President, Scott Huber and Altacal member, Phil Johnson. The morning festivities include a visit from Marilynn Gamette and her Bidwell wildlife rehabilitated owl, Checkers.

At 12:00PM there will be a Wetlands Oxidation Ponds dedication.

The ponds are located at 4827 River Road, 3.5 mile out W. 5th Street (toward the river) and behind the the Water Pollution Control Plant.

The hours of operation for the wetlands oxidation ponds are daily: 7am to 7pm, October thru March. Starting in April and through September, hours will expand from 7am to 9pm daily.