NSAS Field Trip to Las Gallinas WTP and Hamilton Wetlands – Sunday, February 22nd 8:00 a.m.
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Time: 8:00 am – ~3:30 PM
Leader: Mark Stephenson
The Las Gallinas are the birding community nickname for the treatment ponds and surrounding agricultural fields and tidal marsh at LGVSD’s Wastewater Treatment Reclamation Project. The area includes two wastewater treatment ponds, a freshwater pond with islands for nesting habitat, and several miles of flat levee trails. It attracts thousands of birds, including waterfowl such as ducks and geese; waders such as herons and egrets; Sora, Virginia, Black & Ridgway’s Rails, and Least and American Bitterns; songbirds; as well as varied raptors. This casual walk is on two miles of flat trails.
After Las Gallinas we will visit Hamilton Wetlands another portion of the North Bay Wetlands that hosts many water birds and is transforming its habitat with many native marsh plants to serve as protection from Sea Level Rise.
Directions:
From Hwy 101 exit at Smith Ranch Road. Drive east on Smith Ranch Road to McInnis Park. Turn left after immediately crossing the railroad tracks and drive about .5 mile through the LGVSD gates and into the parking lot at the end of the road. There is additional parking along the road to the parking lot if full. Please be sure to park off of the roadway.
Carpool from Napa:
Meet in front of Grocery Outlet on Imola Avenue. Leaves at 7:15.
What to bring: Binoculars, spotting scope, water, lunch, sturdy shoes, layered clothing.