Huichica Creek Preserve

History of Huichica Creek

The Napa County Resource Conservation District (Napa RCD) owns approximately 21 acres of property in the lower Huichica Creek watershed in Napa County. Over the past century, the property’s use has shifted from a commercial dairy, to a demonstration vineyard, and now to its current role as an evolving habitat restoration site.

Early maps from the 1840s-1900s show Huichica Creek as a meandering stream flowing through a broad floodplain before reaching salt marsh and tidal sloughs. As the landscape was converted for grazing and later winegrape production, the creek channel was straightened and confined, which reduced habitat and altered natural floodplain processes.

Huichica Creek flows from the Mayacamas Mountains through the vineyards and into the tidal wetlands of San Pablo Bay, supporting diverse plant and wildlife species unique to the Bay Area.

Our Acquisition

Napa RCD and the Wildlife Conservation Board concurrently acquired 86 acres of the former Cabral Ranch. While Napa RCD stewards 21 acres along Huichica Creek, the remaining 65 acres were integrated into the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area.

Together, these lands create a unique opportunity to restore about

70 Acres

of one of Napa County’s important riparian corridors across both public and private lands.

Napa RCD’s Role

Napa RCD acquired the 21-acre Huichica Creek property in 1991 to establish a demonstration vineyard that balanced agriculture with natural resource protection. At the time, Napa County was experiencing rapid conversion of natural lands to vineyards, making a conservation-focused demonstration site a high priority.

For 25 years, the vineyard showcased practices such as reduced tillage, compost application, and sheep integration, while also restoring riparian vegetation and serving as a hub for youth and community education. It was home to the first viticultural carbon farm plan and a long-term soil health study, demonstrating that environmentally sensitive farming can also be economically viable. In recent years, frequent flooding and saltwater intrusion made winegrape production infeasible, and in 2022 Napa RCD removed the vineyard and related infrastructure.

Through a community visioning process, Napa RCD and local partners identified floodplain habitat restoration as the most promising long-term use of the site. Over the next two years, Napa RCD will advance the Huichica Creek Riparian and Salt Marsh Restoration Project, developing a comprehensive restoration plan and pursuing permits to establish habitat restoration, public access, and community engagement across 70 acres of the Huichica Creek floodplain.

The Huichica Creek Riparian and Salt Marsh Restoration Project aims to restore and enhance Huichica Creek and its connection to tidal wetlands, helping both people and nature adapt to a changing climate.

Working with the landowners, consultants (HANA Resources and Balance Hydrologics), and partners, Napa RCD is designing and planning a restoration effort that will reestablish natural creek functions, improve habitat, and strengthen connections between land and community. About 70 acres of tidal marsh, estuarine, freshwater, and riparian habitat will be restored. and upland areas will become vital to wetland species as seas begin to rise.

How to Get Involved

This project will include opportunities for community involvement through educational programming, volunteer events, and enhanced public access (including trails and outdoor learning spaces). An Advisory Committee, formed by the Napa RCD’s Board of Directors, is a crucial forum for providing input on restoration planning, design, public access, community engagement, and long-term considerations. Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public. The Advisory Committee includes Directors, Associate Directors, and members of the public. We currently have three openings for public members.

Apply Here