The well at Lucich North fried itself. After asking our field services people to freshen up the marshes at Lucich North, I was aware we didn’t have surface water available, since the Natomas Water Company has shut down water service for the winter. I knew we’d need to use the well on site, and that the well hadn’t been used extensively after getting renovated. We turned the well pump on for night time service, since PG&E rates are lower at night. Upon arrival in the morning, the pump had siezed up. We believe the cause for the damage is mud from yellow jacket nests way up inside the motor housing. This will cost $5,000 to $6,000 to replace.
Big bird
Photo taken by Conservancy staff at a Conservancy preserve, 2025. With this article is a photo of a Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) in flight. It’s on one of the Conservancy’s marsh complexes. While the Conservancy has prepared the preserves mostly for the benefit of the Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni), …