Woodbridge Ecological Reserve (Isenberg Sandhill Crane Reserve)

Woodbridge Ecological Reserve is located within an agricultural wetland area. The Reserve, comprised of two separate properties known as the North Site and the South Site, is home to an array of local and migratory wildlife species. Sandhill cranes, Canada geese, snow geese, tundra swans, and many other birds use Woodbridge Ecological Reserve as their fall and winter home. Local residential birds that may be found here year-round include red-wing blackbirds, black-shouldered kites, American kestrel and ring-necked pheasant, as well as meadowlarks and other small songbirds.

Entry Passes

A CDFW Lands Pass must be in possession of anyone 16 years of age or older while visiting Woodbridge Ecological Reserve.

Visitors who are in possession of a valid California hunting or fishing license in their name are not required to purchase a Lands Pass, but this is true only for the license holder. Visitors age 16 or older accompanying the license holder must either show a valid California hunting or fishing license of their own, or a valid Lands Pass while visiting Woodbridge Ecological Reserve.

Lands Passes may be purchased online, by phone at (800) 565-1458, or in-person at locations wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

For tour participants, pre-registration is required as tour size is limited. Reservations open at 9:00 a.m. on the first working day of each month for registration for the following month. To register for a tour, visit the CDFW Bay Delta Region Events Page. For more information, email cranetours@wildlife.ca.gov or visit the Sandhill Crane Wetland Tour web page.

Facilities

Portable toilets, paved tour trails, a viewing mound at the South Site and a viewing shelter at the North Site are the primary improvements on this property.

Accessibility

There are two accessible parking spaces at the South Site pedestrian gate, and the South Site viewing mound is equipped with a concrete ramp. Accessible parking is located adjacent to the North Site viewing shelter and and a wheelchair-width portable toilet is available on the North Site for tour participants. All tour trails are wheelchair-accessible.

Connectivity

There is limited cellular phone service available on this property. There is no public Wi-Fi service available.

Maps and Guides

• Visitor Guide (PDF)

Learn more about Woodbridge Ecological Reserve and its history, wildlife and habitat.

History

The South Site of the Reserve was purchased by CDFW in October of 1985 from the El Dorado Duck Club. The 145-acre Duck Club site was one of the only destination points along Woodbridge Road following the early Delta reclamation efforts of the 1800s. In 1986, the property was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission.

Learning About the Land

In the spring and summer months, Woodbridge Ecological Reserve is drained and allowed to dry out. During the days of the El Dorado Duck Club, this land was used for cattle grazing. Today, CDFW allows the land to lay fallow and rest during this period. Large mowers pulled behind tractors are brought in during early summer to keep the height of the vegetation at a manageable level, creating an ideal upland grassland habitat.

One of CDFW's objectives is to maintain ecological reserves and marine protected areas intended to conserve unique, fragile habitats, which can function to protect and restore rare and threatened native species. The greater sandhill crane population has diminished in California to a point where they were listed as a threatened species in 1983. The Stockton Delta wetlands (inclusive of the 353-acre Woodbridge Ecological Reserve) provide the largest area of freshwater marsh wintering habitat in the state, not only for sandhill cranes but for other waterfowl, as well.

Links

• Sandhill Crane Wetlands Tour Information
• The Majestic Sandhill Crane

Photos and Media

Notice: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of CDFW-managed lands.

Refer to the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.

Hunting

There is no hunting permitted at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve.

Fishing

There is no fishing permitted at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve.

Rules and Visitor Use

Be aware of the following rules while visiting Woodbridge Ecological Reserve:

• No horses allowed
• Dogs must remain in owner's vehicle and are not otherwise allowed on the property
• No bikes or other vehicles allowed
• No drones allowed without a Special Use Permit (PDF)
• No camping allowed
• The North Site of the Reserve (including the crane viewing shelter) can only be visited on a docent-led tour
• Trespassing onto private property surrounding the Reserve is not allowed

In addition to the above, visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all Rules and Regulations in effect at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve.

For specific questions regarding use of this land, call the Ecological Reserve at (209) 234-3435.