About yolo basin foundation
Our Vision
The leader in environmental education, outreach, and collaborative partnerships for wetlands and wildlife stewardship in the Central Valley.
Our Mission
Expanding public appreciation and stewardship of wetlands and wildlife in the Yolo Basin through education and innovative partnerships.
Our Impact
With the help of our members and supporters, we protect land, offer nationally recognized education programs, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors.
about Us
Yolo Basin Foundation was founded in 1990 as a community based organization to establish the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. We have a unique partnership with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife that makes the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area accessible to thousands of people each year.
We form collaborative partnerships with local farmers and private wetland managers, conservation organizations, elected officials at all levels, and local, state and federal government including wildlife, flood control, and water quality agencies.
What we do
Yolo Basin Foundation is focused on protecting and restoring resilient landscapes, providing inclusive and equitable access to nature, mobilizing to fight climate change, and protecting birds and wildlife. Yolo Basin Foundation offers environmental education programs for all ages, including school field trips for schools in the greater Sacramento area, related to wetlands and wildlife. Our work is made possible thanks to our members, supporters, partners, volunteers, and staff.
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, participating in educational programs, or supporting our initiatives through donations, there are countless ways to make a difference.
Our Story
In the early 1990s, a group of local environmental leaders had a vision for restoring the Yolo Basin wetlands, a missing link in the chain of wetlands making up the Pacific Flyway. This community vision became the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area and the Yolo Basin Foundation. Follow this story map to learn their story and discover the history and geography of this place. Why is there agriculture? What are the wetland habitats? Who lives here? How can you participate in Yolo Basin
Foundation programs? Most of all, enjoy this opportunity to learn about this inspiring
place.
Who we are
We are dedicated stewards of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area—engaging our community in learning about the 16,600 acres of restored wetlands that serve as a haven for fish, migratory birds, raptors, invertebrates, reptiles, and bats. Yolo Basin Foundation relies on our volunteers, supporters, and partners to carry out our mission. Get to know the people involved and click the links below!
Who we are
We are dedicated stewards of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area—engaging our community in learning about the 16,600 acres of restored wetlands that serve as a haven for fish, migratory birds, raptors, invertebrates, reptiles, and bats. Yolo Basin Foundation relies on our volunteers, supporters, and partners to carry out our mission. Get to know the people involved and click the links below!
students served to date
volunteer hours annually
tours each year
About the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
A short distance from Davis and downtown Sacramento, the wetlands and uplands of Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area are a natural haven for numerous species of birds, bats, and other Sacramento Valley wildlife. Popular activities here include wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hunting and nature education programs.
Where to Find Our Office
The Headquarters are approximately two miles west of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area.
From Davis take I-80 East and exit at Mace Blvd. Turn left at the end of the off-ramp (Chiles Road). Go straight through the next light and travel approximately 2 miles. Turn right into our parking lot, marked by a low cobblestone and wood sign saying “Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters”.
From Sacramento take I-80 West. At the west end of the Yolo Causeway bridge take the first exit (County Road 32A, East Chiles Road). Turn right at the end of the off-ramp and go under the freeway. Travel approximately two miles and turn left into our parking lot, marked by a low cobblestone and wood sign saying “Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters”.