The NBHCP encourages the Conservancy to conduct experiments on Conservancy mitigation land that could lead to benefits for the NBHCP’s Covered Species. We are gratified that experimentation being conducted on Conservancy preserves with rice is working out well (see photo). The Natomas Basin has unique qualities that influence rice production. These include cooler temperatures, less forgiving soils and very expensive water, among others. Trying to keep the production of rice viable in the Natomas Basin takes a lot of effort, and through these trials, the best techniques and capabilities can be found. These are beautiful test plots in the Conservancy’s North Basin Reserve Area. If they are successful in producing improvements for rice farming in the Natomas Basin, Conservancy efforts to keep the Giant Garter Snake in friendly habitat areas gets enhanced as well.
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), …