The Dow Wetlands Preserve in Antioch is tucked away from most of the city, abutting the waters of the delta. It is a hidden gem, especially when compared with Antioch’s much more popular Black Diamond Mines.
The wetlands are a 470+ acre preserve that features hours worth of trails, observation decks for birding and wildlife viewing, and great views of both the Delta and the hill scape that surrounds the city of Antioch to the south. The fauna you can find include beavers, otters, and, because it’s located on the Pacific Flyway migration route, you’ll also see a variety of birds.
The flora here starts blooming in the spring, so now is the best time to head out the beautiful display!
Trails here are moderately easy, flat, and are mostly on compacted gravel surfaces. When you enter from the Antioch Marina, the trail starts with a short wooden boardwalk under the marshy forest canopy and emerges onto the vast wetland system. It is relatively easy to keep a 6-feet distance from other hikers and nature-goers.
As Earth Day approaches, we come to the 30th anniversary of Dow’s huge contribution to preservation. On Earth Day in 1990, which was on April 22 of that year, Dow Wetlands contributed 200 acres of its property to the preserve. This has helped protect the open space and ecological services that the marshland has provided, such as plant and animal habitats, and migration patterns.
When it is safe to do so, I highly recommend spending some time at the Dow Wetlands Preserve to appreciate nature and the healing benefits it provides.
