The 117-acre Peytonia Slough Ecological Reserve is composed of brackish and salt marsh grading up to low uplands that flood when high tides and high rainfall runoff coincide. The area is intersected by numerous small channels that are tributary to Peytonia Slough. The vegetation of the area is typical of that found in the Suisun Marsh. Large stands of tules and cattail line the sloughs and channels. Other common plants are baltic rush, coyotebush, and gumplant. The reserve provides habitat for many species of birds including marsh hawks, long-billed marsh wren, snowy egrets, pin-tail, and mallards. Mammals include striped skunks, raccoons, river otters, and various rodents. Estuarine fisheries include striped bass, catfish, and sturgeon.
The property was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1977. Objectives for acquiring the area were to preserve habitat for species dependent on coastal wetlands, provide for recreational and educational use, and preserve for scientific study a portion of the marsh that includes uplands in an undisturbed state.
Boat ramp, restrooms and parking lot are adjacent to the ecological reserve at Suisun City Boat Launch facility.
For more information, call the Grizzly Island Wildlife Area at (707) 425-3828 or the Bay Delta Region Fairfield office at (707) 428-2002.